Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of May 14, 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, Bonnie Long, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends representative Miriam Hess and Library Director Jennifer Baker.

Napa Valley Vintners Association Building Plans. Before the business meeting began, Steve Tradewell and Peter McCrea, representing the NVVA, advised the board that their organization had obtained the Jacksye winery parcel across Library Lane from the library, and intends to rebuild the historic barn as its permanent office. Their plans will go before the Planning Commission on June 17. Provisions for parking and landscaping were discussed, and the board thanked Steve and Peter for making it aware of the project and asked for its own copy of the drawings to review.

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed. The minutes of the meeting of March 12 were approved (the trustees did not meet in April.)

Library Director’s Report. Jennifer reviewed the highlights of her Friday Reports since March, touching on considerations raised by her attendance at the Texas Library Association Conference . The grant application to LSTA has been submitted, and the board briefly addressed alternative local funding for such projects. A meeting with City Council on the budget proposal took place May 16. Jennifer introduced a form for the use of staff in documenting problems in patron behavior.

Library Closures. Inservice training will take place on Friday, May 23, and the Memorial Day closure will be May 25-26.

Architectural Phase of Remodel. Concerns on the part of the MacCracken attorney re indemnification language in the contract has delayed the process. The board briefly discussed selection of an alternative firm should the issue not be resolved.

Part-time Employment Provisions. Jennifer reviewed a schedule which resolves past inequities in job titles and wages for part-time employees.

The trustees congratulated her on devising the new schedule, which will be phased in.

Programs for Children and Adults. A kids’ afternoon movie has been introduced on Wednesdays. The St. Helena Community Band will perform at the “JuneFest” picnic in the parking lot on June 11; the Friends will obtain the necessary permits to sell food and beverages. Five authors have agreed to participate in the Wine Book Festival on June 25.

Composition of Board of Trustees. Lynda and Julie intend to apply for appointment for new three-year terms. Gwen will not re-apply. She and Bonnie are conferring on communicating with possible candidates to apply for her seat (deadline June 2.)

St. Helena Public Library Foundation. Lynda reported that the CPA recommends nonsubstantive bylaw revision (reintroduction of required IRS language) and that two or three foundation directors must be selected for purposes of submitting the IRS application. Dr. Darter will be the trustee representative (and as such will not be president of the foundation board.) He will contact several individuals identified by the board to assess their qualifications and interest in serving on the foundation board. The board agreed to conduct a retreat including the trustees, Friends’ representatives, and foundation directors to clarify the relationship of the entities. The tentative date of October 11 was set; inquiries will be made to potential facilitators.

Update on General Plan Process. Bonnie advised that the report on Phase One has gone to the Planning Commission. The steering committee will not continue with the same consultants, and has begun talks with firms interested in working on Phase Two.

Friends of the Library.Miriam reported expenditures of $1,000 for the new weekly e-mail newsletter and $500 for postage for the new postcards and acknowledgement notes designed by Jennifer. The book sale will coincide with the “JuneFest” (June 10-11) and the annual general membership meeting will be Wednesday evening, July 30.

Wine Library Association. Julie reported on the reception celebrating the publication of the 2nd edition of the Charles Sullivan “Napa Wine” book, reminded the trustees of the Varietal Seminar and tasting August 23 and 24, and announced two new NVWLA directors: Bob Pecota and Gary Jaffey.

St. Helena Historical Society. Gwen reported that the society has successfully completed its major annual events, and is in a regrouping phase vis-à-vis siting its proposed History Center. Strategic planning will recommence shortly. Gwen’s own project has been oral histories, and transcriptions have been received and are ready for editing. She proposes that Lynda, also a Historical Society member albeit not on its board, act as liaison with the trustees after Gwen leaves the board. The board stressed that it wished to stay apprised of society activities and plans. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary