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HomeMy WebLinkAbout062292�w • PORT TOWNSEND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 22, 1992 Attending: Gwen Howard, Chair Lars Watson Sue Sidle Mike Mortenson Anne Steurer Cheryl Silverblatt, Donn Ring, President Library Director P. T. P. L. F. 0. L. Librarian's Report Question from Lars Watson: Can we contract with the local schools to keep school libraries open 12 months of the year. This would be a good way to serve the community by providing library service to school children (and others) year round. Pursue -- who would use the library during summer months; a possible agenda for a joint Board (library and school) meeting; the possibility of involving home schoolers. Might provide a good opportunity for increasing library revenues. Friends' of the Library Newsletter deadline = 7/10/92 Anne Steurer handed out the current Friends' Treasurer report and the proposed Friends budget with % of Friends $$ spent in specific areas. Anne also provided typed minutes (prepared by Friends' treasurer Valerie Parker) of the joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library Boards. Public Comment Orabelle Conley, a resident of Port Townsend, passed out a letter she prepared for the Mayor, John Clise, re: the mid -year library budget reductions. The letter will also be distributed to the Finance Committee of the City Council which will be meeting on Tuesday, 6/23/92. Old Business Budget Priorities: Board members discussed the establishment of a maintenance fund which will carry over from year to year. (Currently, any $$ left over is placed in the general fund of the city to become part of the budget for the following year.) Process: Attempt to establish a fund which will allow the library, and other departments, to "save" $$ from year to year. These $$ would be used for building maintenance and repairs such as painting, cleaning, etc. Currently, there is no fund for reserves to be established for expensive building maint. such as a new roof. Sue Sidle asked re: budget priorities if the library wants to try for something major in terms of new equipment, etc. This is a strategy question, i.e. should we remain status quoor attempt to make a stab at getting major needs filled such as new personnel. What does the library really need? Is this the time to go after increases in personnel, books, etc. Sue's advice, the budget committee should think real. _,-v Cheryl Silverblatt raised and with the library boars The School of Library and would be a good source of an intern to stay, unless to house an intern. Annual Report Moved to July meeting. K the idea of a Library Internship to serve at the library i much in the way that the intern for the newspaper does. Info. Science at the Univ. of Washington in Seattle candidates. It would be difficult to find a place for the Pink House could be converted and one room used Committee Reports Budget Committee Discussion re: reductions to the current budget. It is important to let the Finance Committee know that cutting the book budget essentially cuts 10% from what remains (other than personnel) in the budget. That is, this represents a 10% reduction in our ability to buy books for the balance of 1992. Gwen Howard said it is important to lobby council members re: budget cuts. A good idea was proposed to investigate having those people sentenced to community service serve at the library to do weeding, outd000r cleanup, etc. Building Committee Letter from Les Tonkin was read and discussed. Question from Sue Sidle: Is the suggested plan from Mr. Tonkin according to what The representative from Baum has recommended? Also, the person composing the return letter should say that the library needs drawings of what Mr. Tonkin is proposing. The Board needs all drawings and then the Board can provide an educated decision regarding whether this proposal is acceptable. Cost will not be an issue until the Board better understands what it would be getting. It would be possible to use the building fund balance (held by the Friends) to solve the current heating problems. It is important to mention the $1300 repair on the elevator and the necessary changes to the heating system when talking to Mr. Tonkin. John Barr came to the Building Committee meeting to discuss his concern regarding a new landscaping plan and changes made in the plan drawn up by him originally. Ad Ho Automation group will travel to Bellingham to consult with the new landscape architect in the morning and to tour the Bellingham Public Library in the after- noon to ask questions about the automated system in place there. Cheryl Silverblatt was asked to prepare a scheme for a field trip to Friday Harbor. Investigate flying versus traveling by ferry. Public Relations The committee will be analyzing the survey which appeared in the Port Townsend Leader in May. The committee chair, Anne Steurer expressed concern over the organizing of the books sale at the County Fair. Personnel The committee continues its discussion regarding the staff's accumulation of is compensatory time. Mike Mortenson moved for approval of Carol Baker's request for an unpaid leave of absence to complete her M.L.S. degree. Lars Watson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.