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Port Townsend Library Board - Minutes of March 23, 1992
Present: Gwen Howard, Lars Watson, Sue Sidle, Anne Steurer,
Cheryl Silverblatt, Beth deJarnette, Friends
Representative Alta Diment;
Guests from Jefferson County Library: Joan Linderoth,
Margaret Kint, Judy Gunter; Public: Garth and Marilyn
Richards
Meeting was called to order at 7:10; Minutes of Feb. 29 were
approved with the addition of author's name: Bill Howard.
Gwen welcomed the guests from Jefferson County Library.
Alta Diment presented the new policy for the treasurer of the
Friends.It was prepared to clarify the responsibility for funds
donated to the library (as discussed in the RCW) by Alta, Valerie
Parker and Bev Lown. Moved by Lars, sec. by Anne and passed
unanimously, with thanks to the Friends for their work.
Beth deJarnette discussed her three month exchange with an
English Librarian, telling of her experiences as a part time
. Librarian for the select school for girls in Folkestone.
There was discussion of the March 18 meeting on automation at the
County Library; everyone felt that it was very successful. The
next step will be to ask for support and committment from the
individual boards and to look for grants. A countywide levy or
sales tax to help fund the project was also discussed.
A Short Break was taken for refreshments and the meeting then
reconvened at 8:15 without the County Representatives.
Cheryl presented the Librarian's Report with the additonal
information that the City Council Budget Committee had approved
the adjustments requested so that our 1992 budget will be
balanced and that current expenses are right on target.
After discussion of the complaint filed by Del Graham with the
WAshington State Human Rights Commission, the Board made the
following Motion: According to its policies, the library does not
discriminate regarding age, sex, race, or religion; the Board has
received Mr. Graham's complaint and after evaluating the hiring
process we totally support the way in which it was handled by our
Director, Cheryl Silverblatt. Motion made by Lars, sec by Sue,
and passed unanimously; Cheryl reported that 60 applications had
been received, and 8 people were interviewed.
Cheryl advised the board that she will be out of town on April
30 and May 1 to help with her father's move into a retirement
home:.
Alta gave a report on the Friends annual meeting plans; a catered
lunch will be served by Silverwater in the Carnegie Room on April
25, the new exchange librarian from England and his family will
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be introduced, and the following slate of officers will be
pitbented for election: President, Don Ring; V Pres, Theresa
Gibson; Sec., Marilyn Richards; Treas., Valerie Parker. Alta also
presented a financial statement and budget for the Friends for
th@ inEOEfflatiOn 01 thCt b0af ; TiILR 5aI65 will c-OntinU@ fO ;55,
Beth discussed the large number of school contacts, and a new
project for a Home Schooling group of 35 students.
Gwen reported on her follow up of pledges to the building fund; a
check was received from one of the three, and she will continue
to pursue the Soroptomists and the Elks.
Anne presented the problems that are being created by the use of
the Carnegie /Meeting room and discussion was held about possible
solutions. There was agreement that any new policies would need
to be reviewed regularly and be flexible. Also, there was
agreement that there should not be fees charged for the use of
the space, but that we could promote membership and donations to
the Friends. After much discussion about the way the use of the
room reflected library priorities, space needs and staff time, it
was decided to adjourn the discussion and the rest of the agenda
to a continued meeting on Monday, March 30, at 9:00am.
9:15 am, Monday, March 30 - meeting reconvened by Gwen Howard:
Mike Mortenson, Lars Watson, Sue Sidle, Anne Steurer, Cheryl
Silverblatt, and Alta Diment in attendance;
The discussion of the Carnegie room policy was reviewed and Anne
stated her goal of coming up with a conclusions today, even if it
is temporary. She presented a letter from Sue with some ideas
that had come from the previous discussion, and Mike presented a
financial analysis of the investement in the room and its use as
library space. Alta pointed out the need for the support of the
groups that use the room. After further discussion of the
priorities the board agreed on the following:
1. LIbrary Programs and Events
2. Programs co- sponsored by the Library or the Friends
3. Community programs of broad public interest
4. Use by library patrons for study or reading
The board also wanted a statement added to the policy that would
state that any exceptions would need board approval. The board
asked that the Carnegie Room committee put together a general
draft policy for review in April and adoption in May; in the
meantime, patrons would be advised that some changes would be
happening and should be prepared. The board suggested that the
information sheet contain a statement about costs and suggest
that contributions could be made to the Friends.
The Draft Policy on Volunteers was submitted for approval and was
unanimously approved. (moved by Sue, sec by Lars)
The budget committee was asked to work on the problems of
compensatory tax and money for conferences in the preparation of
the 1993 budget. Alta stated that the Friends had budgeted some
money for board expenses.
After discussion of the upcoming WLA conference and the need for
voting rights and faster information, it was decided that the
Chairman of the Board should be a member. This was approved
unanimously. (Moved by Sue, sec by Mike)
Discussion of the automation committee followed, and the need for
more information and exposure through field trips came up; the
members will continue to be Mike, Cheryl, and Carol Baker, with
the possible addition of a member of the Friends such as Ron
Parker who is experienced in this area.
The Personnel Committee presented its recommendation that the
city grant an exempt status to Cheryl, so that she would be on a
salary rather than an hourly rate. This was passed unanimously;
(moved by Sue, sec by Anne) A letter will be sent to Mayor Clise
requesting this change.
0 The official meetings of the Budget Committee (11:00) and the
Building Committee (10:00) were set for the Friday before the
Board Meeting each month. Personnel and Community Relations are
still meeting on an irregular schedule. The Budget Committee will
review and sign vouchers at their meeting to speed up the Board
meetings. Also, staff reports to the board will be reviewed in
light of the length of the meetings.
The building committee has sent a letter to Les Tonkin requesting
that the problems relating to the heating system by resolved by
his mechanical advisor since they are due to a flawed design. The
problem of the noisy lights is being addressed, and other areas
of concern were mentioned: stucco, condensation, leakage, etc.
The landscaping committee should be considered part of the
building committee, and will coordinate with the gardening
committee of the Friends.
Community Relations committee will work with the Carnegie Room
policy and will update the information pamphlet. Anne stated
that there is nothing happening with the Pink House committee;
she has been attending the Friends board meetings and after their
new budget is approved we will discuss the items relating to our
board expenses.
. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Sidle, acting secretary