Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

 

Minutes of the Meeting of March 11, 2009

 

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.  Acting trustee Chair Bonnie Long, Lynda Burton, Susan Swan, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends representative Miriam Hess and Library Director Jennifer Baker. 

 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of February 11 were approved. 

 

Library Director’s Report.  Jennifer reported that the library’s annual report was well received by the City Council on March 10 and thanked the trustees who attended.  She explained that the budget is not yet ready for review.

 

Dr. Wood Day.  It was decided that rather than an observation during National Library Week in April, a special display honoring Dr. Wood will figure prominently in the celebration of the refurbished library.

 

Change to circulation policy.  It was MOVED, seconded, and passed, pursuant to Jennifer’s recommendation, that this language be deleted from the policy: “You must be at least 18 years old to check out videos and DVDs.  If you are under 18 years old, you may check out videos and DVDs if your parent is present and gives his/her consent.”  This brings us into compliance with ALA standards, and with the onset of self-check enforcement of the prior policy is not possible.  Supervision of minors’ library choices is the responsibility of parents.  Susan will make an appropriate announcement in the high school newsletter.  Jennifer will review the entire policy and bring further refinements back to the trustees.

 

Architectural Design/Remodel.   Trustees reviewed Jennifer’s staff report and recommendation concerning extension of the scope of work on the remodel to address HVAC and lighting needs.  Extensive discussion of the evaluation and recommendations of MacCracken Architects and their subcontractor, Guttmann & Blaevoet, ensued.  HVAC partial replacement and specified lighting improvements were deemed appropriate at this time.  It was MOVED, seconded and passed to ask City Council to approve the appropriation of an additional $33,900. from the Wood Trust Fund to extend the scope of work as indicated.   Jennifer reiterated that there would be flexibility to choose only essential elements later in the process as funding was assessed.

 

A second addition to the scope of work is pocket doors, to be used to separate the Wine Library area during programs.  Issues of light and sound have arisen as evening programs have increased in frequency and numbers of participants in recent months.  The Friends agreed to advance $3,000. for architectural specifications for the pocket doors; trustees approved the Friends’ written request to draw additional reserve funds for this purpose.  The trustees also approved the Friends’ request to expend additional reserve funds for six units of shelving in the Children’s area (this acquisition is independent of the remodel.)

 

Regarding the timeline for approval and release of the RFP and commencement of the remodel, Jennifer opined that a contract could be awarded by July.  Construction is expected to take nine to thirteen weeks.

 

 

Discussions with Friends re fiscal year funding.  The Friends’ budget committee has begun to specify its funding for Children’s, Teen, and Adult programs and staff and volunteer education.  The full Friends board will address this budget at its March 19 meeting.

 

 

MOU for Library, Friends, and Foundation.  A memo of understanding explicating the relationship of the three entities is in draft form, and will be circulated after further refinement by the subcommittee of Jennifer, Lynda, and Julie.

 

 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  The foundation had an informational meeting earlier today.  Further discussion is necessary between Jennifer and city staff concerning the transfer of Wood Trust funds from city control to the foundation.  At this time, the foundation’s request for transfer is on the agenda of the City Council on April 14. 

 

Friends of the Library.   Miriam reported that the Friends will be putting at PayPal account in place to facilitate collection of dues via its website.  The Friends donated $1800 to process the recent donation of numerous audio educational courses.

 

General Plan Update/Adams Street.   Bonnie distributed a newsletter citing the upcoming meeting before the City Council March 24 and a Community Workshop March 28.  Library interests appear to be protected in the current proposal.

 

St. Helena Historical Society.  Lynda reported that the society is organizing its presentation before the City Council March 24, seeking approval of its request for a history center to be a part of the proposed Adams Street complex.

 

No report was given by the NVWLA.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m., after which Jennifer showed trustees the site and proposed function of the pocket doors.

 

Julie Dickson, recording secretary