Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of December 9, 2009

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5:05 p.m.   Trustee president Dr. Darter, Lynda Burton, Bonnie Long, Susan Swan and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends president Kelly Wheaton, and Library Director Jennifer Baker. 

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.  The minutes of the meeting of October 14 were approved. 

Library Director’s Report.  Jennifer first addressed three aspects of the Interior Remodel:  (1) Construction.  The contractor, Codding of Rohnert Park, will shortly have its notice to proceed to construction.  Following a meeting with Jennifer, the architects, the City Building Official, and Codding and its subcontractors, a preliminary schedule will be submitted.  Some construction could begin in January, with heavy construction not expected until February.  Construction is expected to take a minimum of four months.  (2) Furnishings.  The specifications need to be revised.  (3) Modular furniture for the staff room.  This will be addressed once a schedule is firmed up with Codding.

Library Service During Remodel.  Jennifer and trustees discussed at length the need for flexibility during the remodel process.  The goal is to do whatever makes the process smoother, faster, and cheaper without unduly sacrificing services.  The staff will need to pack up and be able to move.  Hours will be shifted as needed, with patrons advised via the website, newspaper, radio, and signs posted outside the library.  No meetings, donations, or non-essential deliveries will be accommodated after February 1.  Other sites will be utilized for events:  Rianda House (up to 35), NVC Upvalley Campus (up to 40), and the new Napa Valley Vintners facility across the street (up to 50).  Jennifer is seeking a site for several events likely to attract larger numbers.   

CLA Conference.  Jennifer, Leslie, and Robyn presented a “How To” on adult programming which was very well received at the conference in Pasadena.  They are being asked to present at other meetings.  Leslie also attended workshops on summer reading programs for teens and children.

Opportunity Online.  Jennifer will attend a two-day session in Sacramento next week sponsored by the Gates Foundation and the California State Library.  Although our library is not currently eligible for Gates grant funds to expand internet service, connectivity for public libraries will be emphasized and examined. 

St. Helena Public Library Foundation.  Dr. Darter and Jennifer reported that the court petition to approve the transfer of endowment funds from city control to the foundation is proceeding.  Bylaws are being amended to specify procedures should the foundation dissolve and to specify that the city will receive annual financial reports.  Tweed Trust funds will remain under city control for the present.  Two new foundation trustees have been named:  Don Fraser and Lowell Smith.  The foundation will accept donations earmarked for endowment to benefit special collections, such as the Wine Library Collection.

Friends of the Library.  Kelly distributed financial reports covering September 17 to November 11 and reported the resignation of one board member.  Jennifer and Lynda suggested that the draft MOU again be addressed. 

General Plan Update.  Bonnie reported that the review of all eleven of the working draft general plan elements has been completed.  Comments may be submitted until December 15, after which staff and consultants will prepare the Public Review Draft of the General Plan.  The release date for the draft is scheduled for February.

Trustees were reminded that the city has invited all board members to a holiday reception at Rianda House Friday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary