Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

 

Minutes of the Meeting of March 14, 2007

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Dr. Darter at 5 p.m.  Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Gwen Becker, Lynda Burton, Julie Dickson, and Bonnie Long were present, as were Friends of the Library president Dolores Torrigino and Library Director Larry Hlavsa. 

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of February 14th were approved as submitted.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Maintenance issues. Continuing concerns about serious delays/lapses in basic maintenance of the library were extensively discussed.  While recognizing that there may indeed be manpower shortages in the city Public Works Department, the trustees observe that the deteriorating situation contributes to declining staff morale and possible health and safety problems, and exposes the city and the trustees to potential liability. After weighing numerous immediate courses of action, the trustees resolved that Chairman Darter write to the City Manager to elucidate the problem and request a meeting of himself, Larry, the City Manager and members of his Public Works staff he deems appropriate.

 

Interior re-design project.  The Page + Moris final scheme dated February, 2007 was reviewed and discussed.  This design will be enlarged and mounted for display in the library.  It is expected that it will be adopted by the board at its May meeting.

 

FY 2007-2008 Submitted Budget.  Larry briefly reviewed and commented upon the budget and its supporting documents. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-01 – Budget Allocations Detail for Expenditure of Wood Trust Enhancement Funds for FY 2007/2008 -- was moved, seconded and passed, with the caveat that Larry investigate further the necessity of nonprofit entities paying real estate taxes.   

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  Bonnie reported that a meeting of the subcommittee (herself, Lynda, and Larry) with local attorney Frank Toller is scheduled for Monday, March 26th at 10 a.m.  A representative of the Friends is welcome to participate as well.  The subcommittee will address initial organizational decisions and consider retaining Toller, whose background and qualifications are appropriate to the task of organizing and incorporating a foundation. Trustees suggested that the following topics be among those raised at this preliminary meeting:  Toller’s fees, composition of a foundation board and its relationship to the trustees and the Friends, potential third party and fiduciary liability of the trustees.

 

2007 Summer Reading Program.  Larry reported that Leslie expects the “Get a Clue @ the Library” to be well received, and that she has booked her four summer performers.

 

Friends of the Library.   Dolores reported that funds donated in memory of Clara Wilson will enhance the knitting/needlepoint collection which reflects her particular interest, and that her daughter Joan is donating Clara’s own books as well.  The Summer Reading Program will be financed by the $4000 Carpy Foundation gift. 

 

Wine Library Association.  Julie reported that response to the association’s reception at the library Tuesday evening, March 20th, to honor the high school students who have completed video interviews of members of pioneer local winemaking families has been light. She will forward the invitation document to Dolores and Gwen so that they may send it to interested members of the Friends and the Historical Society.

 

Historical Society.  Gwen described upcoming monthly events -- textile Workshop March 26th, April meeting at the Bale Mill, May annual meeting at the White Barn – and a May 5th oral history training for six new volunteers on that project.  Strategic planning will resume soon, and the group is still seeking storage space. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

 

                                           Julie Dickson, recording secretary