Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

 

Minutes of the Meeting of July 11, 2007

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.  Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Lynda Burton, Julie Dickson, and Bonnie Long were present, as were Library Director Larry Hlavsa, Interim Library Director Leslie Stanton, and Friends representative Miriam Hess. 

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of June 13 were approved as submitted.

 

Library Director’s Report

 

Recruitment process.  Leslie was thanked for her acceptance of the interim library director position, and the trustees reviewed the position prospectus prepared by Larry.  Bonnie, who participated in the interview panel at the time of Larry’s hire, reviewed the probable composition of the panel which is scheduled to begin interviewing in late August.  Lynda circulated an article on San Mateo County’s offer of home loans to prospective department heads daunted by real estate values. 

 

Status of library projects.  The interior re-design process will be on hold until a new director is on board.  The foundation subcommittee will continue to deliberate (see below.)  Organizations whose websites have been administered by Larry have been notified that no updates will occur after July 20 (SHHS, Silverado Museum, NVWLA.)

 

Maintenance issues.  We still await the final report from the inspection firm concerning mold.  HVAC leaks and maintenance have occurred.  Julie reported that Allen Price is concerned because water for Barney’s Backyard has been turned off and he has been unable to speak with Jim Haller.  Leslie agreed to coordinate between Allen and Jim.

 

“Goodbye Larry! Party.”  The gathering is scheduled for Thursday, July 12 at 5 p.m. in the library.

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  The subcommittee has progressed to the second draft of bylaws, which will be finalized by Robyn and submitted for review to attorney Frank Toller.  This draft will then be submitted to the trustees, probably at their September meeting.  The trustees thanked Bonnie and Lynda for their dedication to this tedious but very important task. 

 

ALA conference in Washington, D.C.  Lynda attended this gathering last month, and briefly reviewed it and distributed materials to fellow trustees.  It was agreed that trustees can gain perspective and new energy by availing themselves of these resources. 

 

Friends of the Library.   Miriam reported that Dolores Torrigino faces a long recuperation from the injury to her heel she sustained while visiting in Oregon; the trustees expressed their wishes for her complete recovery and return.  The Friends have a light meeting schedule during the summer.  Their one project will be securing a computer to assist with Spanish literacy and Leslie will provide them with the necessary information.

 

Wine Library Association.  Julie reiterated that the 17^th annual Varietal Seminar is scheduled for Saturday, August 11 and the 45^th annual Tasting for Members will be Sunday, August 12.  Both events will occur at Silverado (the experiment of moving the seminar to Copia was not a success.)

 

Historical Society.  There was no report in Gwen’s absence. 

 

After an informal discussion of Larry’s return to Minnesota, the meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

 

                                                            Julie Dickson, recording secretary