Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of March12, 2008

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m. Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Gwen Becker, Lynda Burton, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends representative Miriam Hess and Library Director Jennifer Baker. Skip Lane and Suzanne Salvestrin were present for discussion of the first agenda item.

St. Helena Historical Society “ History Center.” Skip and Suzanne related to the trustees the progress to date on their proposal to acquire a portion of the city-owned Adams Street property for a History Center. The proximity to the library and central location are strong points in favor of the society’s projected facility. The trustees expressed support for the concept of a “campus” or community culture center on the site, thanked Skip and Suzanne for addressing the meeting, and asked to be kept abreast of developments.

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed. The minutes of the meetings of February 13 and March 3 were approved. Jennifer explained the new format of the statistical reports, which contain additional information, and reviewed some of the categories and figures. Considerable discussion addressed our popular and relatively new STARS collection: its concept, how materials are acquired, payment and accounting procedures, and alternative approaches employed by other libraries to offer new, popular books to local patrons.

Library Director’s Report. Jennifer was advised that a request to mount a banner from the interior rafters is denied. She announced that due to the age and condition of the current FAX machine and its location in the staff work area, the library will no longer offer FAX service to patrons. The trustees agreed that when the library’s circular “seal” logo is featured on stationery and publications, the full name of the library (which appears within the other “line drawing” logo) should be added.

Award of Contract for Architectural Phase of Remodel. Jennifer and Lynda reported that the City Council on Tuesday approved the trustees’ recommendation to enter into an agreement with MacCracken Architects to complete the architectural phase of the library interior remodel, with the necessary budget and contractual steps to follow. The trustees (and Kurt Becker) and Jennifer had met and analyzed the proposals prior to submission to the City Council.

Budget Submission. Jennifer has completed and submitted the library budget for the coming fiscal year. There are only slight changes, which will ultimately depend upon TBR reductions (the cuts are now expected to be 13 percent, not the 50 percent previously announced.) She asked for slight additions for professional membership dues, training, and materials.

Unscheduled Closures. Bert asked Jennifer to draft proposals addressing payment to staff when library closure is due to weather, power failure, etc. She researched policies of other libraries and submitted two options. It is now too late to consider this issue in the current employee union negotiations; the trustees directed Jennifer to submit the proposals in advance of the next cycle.

Staff Salaries and Training. Jennifer and the city continue to study compensation structure, ranges, etc. Jennifer was given approval to utilize funds earmarked for tuition reimbursement but not expended for in-house training. Trustees are asked to respond to Jennifer’s request re workable times for a combined trustee training session with Napa.

Maintenance report. Jennifer is asking for an electrical wiring check following a fire in the microwave in the staff room.

St. Helena Public Library Foundation. Lynda has begun the arduous task of drafting the IRS application for nonprofit status. She will seek guidance from the Seiberlich firm, and asks for agenda time in April for possible board discussion.

Friends of the Library. Miriam reported that Jennifer and Leslie will accept the Friends’ financial assistance to attend the ALA Conference in Anaheim in June. The Friends offer assistance to four, if two more staff members wish to attend. With excess funds previously allocated for the new LCD projector, 50 new chairs for adult programs will be acquired. The St. Helena Community Band will appear at the library June 11: this is proposed as a Friends fundraiser and arrangements for the sale of food and wine are being explored.

Wine Library Association. Julie reported that the reception celebrating the publication of the 2nd edition of the Charles Sullivan “Napa Wine” book will be Tuesday, May 13 at the Larkmead winery: invitations to follow.

St. Helena Historical Society. Gwen reported that the antique event was highly successful, thanks largely to Suzanne Salvestrin’s efforts. The popular “Museum for a Day” is scheduled for Sunday, April 27. She also reiterated that security controls in the California Room, with its unique and irreplaceable items, should be revisited.

The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary