Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of April 8, 2009

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.   Trustee Chair Robert Darter, Lynda Burton, Bonnie Long, 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 March 11 were approved. 

Library Director’s Report.  Jennifer announced the pending consolidation involving the North Bay Cooperative Library System to which we belong.  Reserve funds will be drawn to assure that members will not be assessed extra during the reorganization year.

Budget.  The budget is completed and will go to City Council next month.  Jennifer was asked to keep the general fund total flat: because of cost of living increases for staff, it will be necessary to draw $20K out of reserve funds (state, not city.) Approval to approve the budget as presented was  MOVED, seconded and passed, including the capital request for the remodel, consuming the 20 percent now available to draw from the Wood Trust for this purpose.

HelpNow! and JobNow! funding.   BrainFuse.com has provided the on-line tutoring program since November; a $4K renewal fee is due in July, of which the state will pay over half.  The board supported Jennifer’s plan to add BrainFuse’s one-on-one career assistance program, which will cost $1,750.  She will seek school or service group funding for these two programs; but has capability within the budget to cover them if needed.

Architectural Design/Remodel.   Jennifer distributed the timeline indicating the possibility for award of the final contract in mid-July, which includes the six-week period for submission of bids. 

MOU for Library, Friends, and Foundation.  Trustees reviewed the draft MOU and were in general agreement with the content.  Several areas were identified which require further discussion and possible modification.  Julie recommended that the subcommittee meet again.

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  The foundation’s request for transfer to the foundation of the funds held by the city for the benefit of the library is on the agenda of the City Council this coming Tuesday, April 14.  The components of the submission in support and objections to be raised by certain members of city staff were addressed by the trustees.  Trustees urged Dr. Darter, who will speak in support of the transfer, to explicate his lengthy and intimate knowledge of the history of library funding, the intent of the donors of the funds currently held by the city, and the logic and correctness of the transfer now that the appropriate entity for library support and protection has been created. 

Friends of the Library.  Miriam distributed and the trustees discussed the Friends’ committee report and recommendations adopted March 19, the 2009 FOL Operating Budget, and the current FOL Treasurer’s Report.   There is currently $41K+ available without restriction, and $52K reserve funds with restrictions. 

General Plan Update/Adams Street.  Bonnie and Lynda reported that 70 people participated in the March 28 workshop, and that the next steering committee meeting is April 29.  The City Council has given conceptual approval to the Adams Street proposal. 

St. Helena Historical Society.  Active promotion of the history center proposed to be located on the Adams Street parcel is under way.  Supporters wish to form a working committee consisting of several City Council members, library representatives, and others.  Trustees directed Jennifer to attend initial meetings and report back, with the intent to ensure that the plans of the society, as they progress, are compatible with library needs and interests.

No report was given by the NVWLA.

The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary