Board of Trustees of the
Minutes of the Meeting of August 11, 2010
The
regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m.
Trustee president Dr. Darter, Bonnie
Long, Susan Swan and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends representative
Kelly Wheaton and Library Director Jennifer Baker.
Tricia Westbrook attended, representing
the St. Helena Historical Society.
A
motion to approve the consent items a. through c. was seconded and passed.
The minutes of the meeting of July 14 were approved.
Library Director’s Report.
Jennifer briefly filmed trustees for a
video she has been asked to prepare by the California State Libraries.
We are one of four libraries chosen to prepare materials for training for
library personnel from 12 states.
Remodel.
Jennifer reports that the portable screen is in use and well received.
All aspects of the remodel are complete except trim on the circulation
desk and minor carpet installation issues.
Contract completion is expected to go before the City Council on August
24.
Agreement with St. Helena Historical Society.
Jennifer and Tricia introduced a draft license agreement which is to be
reviewed/revised by trustees and the SHHS board.
The prior agreement, formalized in 2006, addressed collection issues but
not use of space and access to library facilities by SHHS volunteers, visitors,
and donors. Tricia expressed SHHS’s
appreciation for use of the library’s space upstairs and its facilities and
equipment during its early years.
SHHS is now seeking a transition site while they plan their ultimate history
center. The agreement being
developed will address space, access, and equipment issues which have arisen as
the library has additional needs for its upstairs area and SHHS grows.
Artist Installation Proposal.
Trustees were intrigued by the concept of a proposal to temporarily install
literary text on exterior library walls.
Concerns were expressed as to balancing artistic license with patron
sensibilities concerning a public building, and trustees decided not to pursue
such a project at this time.
Discussion among FOL, Foundation, Trustees.
A
meeting is scheduled for next week of representatives of the Friends,
Foundation, and Trustees to explore and define the entities’ purposes,
activities, and interrelationships, with a goal of stating same in written form.
Parking.
Jennifer advised that as of 9 a.m. this morning there were 22 cars parked on
Library Lane and not a single spot available up to Adams for patrons expected to
arrive for the library’s 10 a.m. opening. Today
this was due to a meeting at the Napa Valley Vintners Association office across
the street, but it is an increasing problem.
Elderly patrons and parents tell her that they simply go home when they
cannot park. Dr. Darter suggested
exploring the grading of a portion of the Adams Street property for library
parking, at least as a temporary measure.
St.
Helena Public Library Foundation.
Trustees considered a MOU between the St. Helena Public Library
Foundation and Robyn Brode Orsini as Consultant for Adult Programming July 1 –
December 31, 2010. It was MOVED,
SECONDED, and PASSED to amend the second sentence under “Reporting” to read “The
library director will report to
the
library board of trustees and
the SHPLF board on performance and deliverables as requested with a formal
report made within 60 days of the conclusion of the grant.”
Trustees suggested that this be a regular agenda item at its monthly
meetings. It was MOVED, SECONDED,
and PASSED to approve the MOU as amended.
Trustees reviewed a proposed flow chart for the procedure for proposing and
approving grants. Jennifer was
asked to reword the explanation concerning grants being awarded and completed
within one year to make it a positive statement.
Trustees were asked to consider a request for a $10,000 grant for the consulting
services of Joan Frye Williams and George Needham.
Although some material concerning the qualifications of the consultants
had been provided in advance, trustees had not seen the Description of Tasks nor
heard the intent of their work with St. Helena and its expected value until this
meeting. Jennifer was asked to
summarize same and obtain statements from other library directors who have
retained these consultants and supply this in advance of the next meeting of
trustees, when the grant will be addressed again.
Friends of the Library.
Kelly
distributed for review the FOL Year End Report July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 and
Treasurer’s Report June 15, 2010 – June 30, 2010.
She explained recent changes in book sale pricing and procedure and
reported a healthy increase in revenue.
The
meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Julie Dickson, recording secretary