HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Library Board - 09/14/2010 RECEIVED
NOV 0 4 2010
Minutes
Library Board Meeting CRYSECRETARy'S°RICE
September 14,2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Michael Flores Laura Garcia,Branch Services Manager
Dr. Mary Jane Garza Sylvia Sanchez, Recording Secretary
Barbara Head
Larry Jordan
John B. Keys
James Martin
Lucy McCracken
Natalie Rogen
Dr. Stuart Elovitz
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
CALL TO ORDER
Michael Flores called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion for approval of the minutes of July 13, 2010 was made by Natalie Rogen and seconded by Dr.
Stuart Elovitz. Motion passed unanimously.
Friends of the Library
Mrs. Rogen reported that the Friends Centennial Newsletter has been mailed to all members with renewal
envelopes. There has been very positive response on membership renewals; approximately $4000 has
been received. Mrs. Rogen added that Douglas Brinkley, Rice University Professor and Renowned
Presidential Historian, will speak at the Janet F. Harte Public Library in commemoration of its 10'"
Anniversary. The program will be on Saturday, October 2nd, at 3:00 p.m. The library will only be open
for program attendees.
Director's Report
Mr. Canales distributed the fiscal year budget comparison and reported that in this fiscal year there was a
5.8% reduction compared to last fiscal year. Additional funds were added to the book budget. In the
number of full time equivalence employees there was a decrease of 9.8%. Changes have been done due
to decrease in staff, instead of having 3 public service desks at Central Public Library all patrons are
directed to one public service desk. The Children's Librarian at Central is working her 40 hour work
week at 3 libraries (Central, Greenwood and Northwest Library). Guard service has also been reduced;
there is not a guard at Central in the mornings. Mrs. Rogen inquired if Central Library is the only library
that requires guard services. Mr. Canales stated that Greenwood Library and Harte Library are the other
two libraries that have guard services. Mr.Canales added that when it comes time to negotiate the library
budget for next fiscal year,staff will work on getting the security services reinstated.
Mr. Jordan inquired if the current reductions had any effect on the library's maintenance of effort. Mr.
Canales stated that for the current fiscal year the maintenance of effort is fine. The state accreditation and
the state grants' maintenance of effort is based on what has been spent at the conclusion of the fiscal year
not what was budgeted. The library's adopted budget for the current year is 3.904 million.
The architect will complete their work on the Greenwood Project in January or February. The
construction will probably be in April. Approximately 60%of the public space will be the new children's
SCANNED
area. The children's area will be separated by a wall similar to the other library facilities. Staff is looking
into leasing space in the Port Ayers Shopping Center to operate during the renovation. This will assist us
in the maintenance of effort for the current year. Mrs. Head inquired if staff looked at the Shopping
Center on Greenwood and SPID, across Sam's Wholesale. Mr. Canales stated that staff will verify if
there are any vacant spaces there. Mr. Canales reported that the library had applied for a grant with The
Charity League and unfortunately was not awarded the grant; the library placed second. An additional
grant was submitted to the Coastal Bend Community Foundation.
Mr. Canales distributed the handout How libraries stack up: 2010, this will assist the Planning Process
Committee. There are several databases that the library does not subscribe to that would he helpful to
students, children, and the general public. It might appear to be unrealistic to include this in the planning
process during a lime of economic hardship but specifying and setting goals is beneficial to the future of
the library, even it it seems funds will not be available.
Mr. Canales gave an example of the library's planning process in the early 1990s, during that process a
priority was a new facility for Flour Bluff. Language was included for a joint venture with the school
district. The plan was in place when Mr.Harte approached Mr.Canales to inform him of the donation.
Mr. Canales stated that he was approached by a Texas A&M Corpus Christi graduate student who would
like to volunteer her services. The young lady is from South America and is a lawyer. She would like to
assist with the planning process, perhaps with surveys and statistical analysis.
Mr. Keys reported that he spoke with someone that might like to join the Library Planning Committee.
Mr. Keys added that he prefers not to reveal the name until there is a full commitment. Members agreed
to meet for the planning process on Monday,September 20th,at 3:30 p.m. in the Board Room.
New Business
Motion to excuse Dr. Mary Jane Garza from last month's meeting was made by Mrs. Rogen and second
by Dr. Elovitz. Motion passed unanimously.
Board approved to leave the meeting date on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:15 p.m. Members
decided that during the budget process in June and July board members will reconsider moving the
meeting dates,since Mr. Canales has to attend the City Council meetings during this process.
Mr. Canales reported that next month's agenda will include any reappointment and/or appointments of
members that their term will expired.
Public Comment
None.
Motion was made for meeting adjournment at 2:03 p.m.
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