Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of June 10, 2009

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5:10 p.m., after trustees visited the newly refurbished, very colorful, teen room.  Trustee president Dr. Darter, Lynda Burton, Bonnie Long, Susan Swan, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends representative Bob Brownscombe and Library Director Jennifer Baker. 

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

Library Director’s Report.  Jennifer reported that in response to its $287K shortfall, the city required that an additional $43K be taken from the CLSA reserve to pay for general operating expenses of the library.  Discussion ensued, and trustees determined to carefully monitor future budget deliberations to prevent exhaustion of the reserve. 

California Library Association Conference.  Jennifer reported that our library’s proposal to present a workshop entitled “Zero to Sixty in Thirteen Months” (concerning adult programming) was approved, and that she and Robyn and Leslie will travel to Pasadena for the conference October 30 to November 2 and present the workshop.  Trustees were encouraged to attend as well.

June Fest Wednesday, June 17.  The second annual June Fest will run from 6:30 p.m. until dark, featuring the St. Helena Community Band, picnic fare, and beverages.  Trustees encouraged Jennifer to deliver a short, snappy library report (e.g. new teen room, interior remodel, space for expansion in the approved Adams Street plan.)

Architectural Design/Remodel.   The city is reviewing the first set of final specification documents in preparation for completing the bid documents.  Rather than full closure of the library during construction, the bid documents will specify that the library will be flexible (partial closure, shorter hours, one-day closures, etc.)  Trustees discussed the role of the McCracken architectural firm in management of construction and the expectation that they will supervise the project without charges additional to those already established. 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  Frank Toller is drafting a request for submission to the court for a binding declaration that all interested parties (the library trustees, the foundation, and the original trustee) are in agreement that Wood Trust funds shall be transferred to the foundation. City representatives have agreed that they will not contest this based on the involvement of and authorization from the original trustee.

 Friends of the Library.  Bob reported that the annual meeting will be June 26.  The FOL board has begun to review the draft MOU and will complete its review when new officers are elected.

 Napa Valley Wine Library Association. Julie reported that the Saturday Varietal Seminar (August 15) will be conducted at CIA in St. Helena, followed by a tasting reception at the Oxbow Market in Napa.  The annual tasting for members on Sunday (August 16) will be in the Grove at Silverado and trustees will receive invitations.

General Plan Update/Adams Street.  Bonnie reported that meetings on the General Plan elements continue:  on June 24 Open Space Conservation and Historical Resources; on July 27 Economic Stability and Public Facilities. 

Trustees joined Bonnie in celebrating the approval by the City Council on May 26 of the Adams Street plan which provides 8,000 square feet for library expansion, preserves all of the existing vineyard from behind the library back to the property line, and proposes an outdoor amphitheater contiguous to the area reserved for library expansion.  

St. Helena Historical Society.  Jennifer reported that the society continues its series of meetings to develop its plan for the Adams Street parcel.  Some concern has been expressed regarding the extent of activities envisioned and the sustainability of such projects even if construction funds are raised.

The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary