LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD UNAPPROVED

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

APRIL 7, 2009

Session 09-04 a Regular Meeting of the Library Advisory Board was called to order on April 7, 2009 at 6:08 pm by Vice Chair Eileen Faulkner at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

PRESENT: BOARDMEMBERS WAGNER, SEAMAN, LARSON AND FAULKNER

ABSENT: BOARDMEMBER HAWFIELD (EXCUSED)

STAFF: LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL

DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

Vice Chair Faulkner reminded Boardmembers that Chair Hawfield might arrive late to the meeting.

Approval of the Agenda

Vice Chair Faulkner requested changes to the agenda or a motion to approve.

SEAMAN/WAGNER – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Public Comments Regarding Items on the Agenda

None.

Reconsideration

There were no items for reconsideration.

Approval of the Minutes

A. Regular Meeting Minutes from March 3, 2009

Vice Chair Faulkner requested any changes or corrections or a motion to approve the minutes.

The Board noted an error on page 7, paragraph three, line two, abdicate should be advocate.

WAGNER/SEAMAN – moved to aPPROVE the minutes AS AMENDED.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Visitors and Communications

A. Friends Report – Eileen Faulkner

Vice Chair Faulkner did attend the last Friends meeting but due to prior commitments was only able to stay for 30 minutes. She did inform them about the Library sign.

Library Director Hill attended the entire meeting and reported that there were two events coming up; National Library Week and the fundraiser for the year is Life Long Learner Award, a person who embodies the zest for knowledge; a number of restaurants will be donating food items; local actors portraying life long learners and music. There will also be an auction and Expresso cart. Tickets are available from the Friends or the Library.

The next Friends meeting will be April 8, 2009. Boardmember Seaman will attend the meeting.

B. Visitors

There were none scheduled.

Library Director’s Report

A. Director’s Report for March 2009

B. Monthly Statistics – February 2009

Library Director Hill distributed the statistics and commented that the annual conference in Kodiak went well and gained valuable information regarding different programs. She was able to pick up materials on several programs that she would like to implement at the Library.

She went on to explain a program called Internet Circle of Safety. This program is funded by the IMLS, the Alaska State Library and the Alaska Library Association. It is a program designed for Public Libraries to use to educate parents on the benefits and risks of Internet use by their children. Computer use is a drop in the bucket; children have access at friend’s houses and even cell phones. There are many positive features about the Internet but many dangerous aspects too. The Library would like to work with different groups within the community as well to be on the same page.

She reported to the Boardmembers that she received a complaint form from a patron regarding the time limit on the internet access. She read the complaint, which regarded the limitation on internet access of two hours and requesting free access of the internet. Library Director Hill did speak with the patron, Miranda Weiss, who was unable to attend the meeting, to discuss the complaint. She was under the impression that when a patron used up the two hours on their personal laptop it was supposed to change over to the service provider. Apparently this is not working. She reported that in previous discussions with the System Administrator it was an issue with bandwidth availability. Discussion followed regarding why they cannot have free access like many airports, city buildings, cafés, etc. Most times, there is no issue the two-hour time limit for patrons. Wintertime does offer more problems with the time limit.

Library Director Hill stated she would address the problem with Steve Bambakidis, System Administrator. She will have to ask if it is bandwidth or monetary. She will also check if time can be increased on an “as needed basis.”

Many examples of free access to the internet were offered by the Boardmembers. They agreed that access was a service provided by the Library. Boardmembers expressed the desire to increase or offer free access if the hardware or technology is available and there is no monetary implications to the City or Library.

A short review and discussion was held regarding the March statistics. It was noted that the number of new cards issued was still up even after all this time, the number of volunteers and hours were up from February, revenues were down somewhat and attendance was on the increase.

There was no further discussion.

Committee Reports

A. Art Selection Committee Report – Eileen Faulkner

There was no meeting but the spring exhibition of Kaleidoscope Quilts is hung and available for viewing through the end of June. Some of the materials used were hand dyed by the creator. Information about each piece is on the back of the selection.

There was no further discussion.

B. Landscape Committee Report – Kyra Wagner

Attendance was slim. Boardmember Wagner, Library Director Hill, and Linda Martin were there. Boardmember Wagner began by stating that it was ugly and she did not realize they had so much latent anger going on; it was the first meeting that Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty attended since the very beginning when she asked for the Landscaping Committeemembers ideas. There was a brief statement on the work and requests performed, and submitted by the Landscaping Committee and the actions and comments received from City personnel.

Library Director Hill continued by adding her apologies for not attending at these meetings and feels that added to the miscommunication issues. She feels that miscommunication was the cause of the problems. However, she feels that more understanding has been garnered over what is wanted by the Landscaping Committee to maintain the gardens. She believes it was understood that it was a waste of money spent on the new landscaping if it was not scheduled to be maintained. Library Director Hill also believes that Public Works Director Meyer and Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty fully understand the intentions of the Landscaping Committee to have continued maintenance until the landscaping is fully established. She will meet with the City Manager to approve the additional time on the gardens this summer.

Boardmember Wagner explained that her understanding was that all volunteer work must go through Ms. Hagerty and Director of Public Works. The only reason the work was accomplished was that the volunteers went and got it done.

Discussion ensued regarding what happens next; concerns expressed by Parks Maintenance Coordinator Hagerty regarding the experience of the volunteers; and establishing a process to work with the City to accomplish the Landscaping Committee’s goals. They further discussed setting up regular meeting dates for the Landscaping Committee. A recommendation that a member of the Library Advisory Board should chair the committee to oversee processes and report to the full Board was made by Vice Chair Faulkner. She further commented that the Advisory Board can then address any requests or complaints.

Library Director Hill will work on the dates and send invitation to the Friends.

There was no further discussion.

C. Library Sign Task Force

Boardmember Wagner did speak to Mr. Hughes on the approximate cost of the planter and his response was dependent on what was decided upon and what was used to construct it, etc. It sounded expensive so she told him he should maybe speak with the Friends. Library Director Hill reported that Mr. Hughes would like to meet with all concerned parties to discuss the actual location for placement of the sign. He would like to do a full size mock-up to make sure the size is appropriate; he would also like to meet with Mr. Meyer regarding installation. Mr. Hughes reported that the project should be complete no later than June 30, 2009. He would like to have community participation and include a display of the materials requested at the Library and even schedule a couple of days when these items can be collected. The meeting date is Monday, April 13, 2009 between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. Library Director Hill will confirm this time with Mr. Meyer.

Vice Chair Faulkner thanked Boardmember Wagner for her efforts and hard work on the Task Force and since it appeared all work has been completed recommended taking the item off future agendas.

WAGNER/SEAMAN - MOVED TO DISSOLVE THE LIBRARY EXTERIOR SIGN TASK FORCE.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Public Hearing

None.

Pending Business

A. Library Improvement Plan (LIP)

a. Library Entrance Seating Funding Status Report

Library Director Hill did have two funding sources for the entrance seating. She felt that until the exterior sign has been fully completed that any capital funds should not be expended. The Friends do have a pot of money in their budget for library improvements. They are discussing stripped down seating that is durable and can be cleaned. She will discuss this at the next Friends meeting to get the ball rolling on it. Discussion followed that included the previous seating that was used and the status of that seating. Green seating which besides being made out of recycled plastic was durable and aesthetically pleasing.

b. Heat Exchanger - There was no update at meeting time on the status of the heat exchanger report from Bill Smith. Deputy City Clerk Krause will follow up and have it for the May meeting.

There was a brief discussion on the effects of the ash fall to the library and personal reactions to Mt. Redoubt.

c. IT issues

Library Director Hill addressed these issues in the Director’s report and she will have any updates at the next meeting.

There was no further discussion.

B. Library – Comments, Responses, Issues and Challenges.

Parking lot glaciations are being resolved slowly with the warmer temperatures. Library Director Hill did state that after the Landscape Committee she did bring Public Works Director Meyer to the problem areas to show him the problems.

The Boardmembers reviewed the application from Julie Beatty who is scheduled to be appointed at the Council meeting on Monday April 13, 2008. Vice Chair Faulkner commented she may have someone interested in becoming a boardmember. Deputy City Clerk Krause stated that the Data Sheet is available online.

There was no further discussion.

C. Review and recommendations for Bylaw Changes

a. Elections

b. Increasing the number of non-resident members

Boardmember Wagner stated that Chair Hawfield will review the bylaws. Library Director Hill commented that in conversation with Chair Hawfield and Deputy City Clerk Krause all boardmembers should participate in changes to the bylaws.

Boardmember Wagner stated that what Chair Hawfield worked on was code related. The membership to the Board must be changed in the City Code. Discussion ensued regarding the reasons for changing the membership to allow for more than one non-resident.

WAGNER/LARSON – MOVED TO HAVE STAFF DRAFT AN ORDINANCE REGARDING CHANGES TO HOMER CITY CODE 1.48.040 LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD CREATION AND MEMBERSHIP.

There was no discussion.

VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

Vice Chair Faulkner recommended changing the section of bylaws establishing when elections are held. She reasoned that it did not make sense to hold elections in June when terms expired in April. This could cause the Board to have no Chair or Vice Chair if those positions declined renewing their commissions. It was noted new members do not volunteer to chair or vice chair. It was agreed to postpone further decisions until the May meeting allowing all boardmembers to review the bylaws.

Further discussion covered when the ordinance could be submitted to Council.

There was no further discussion.

NEW BusinesS

A. National Library Week April 13-18, 2009

Library Director Hill stated when the National Library Week will be and that normally the Chair or Vice Chair will attend the Council meeting to let Council and the Mayor know what will be happening. She will contact Chair Hawfield via email to let him know and if he is unable to attend, Vice Chair Faulkner will attend. It was noted that it would be a good opportunity to talk about the community involvement requested for the Library Sign.

There was no further discussion.

Informational Materials

A. Memorandum dated February 3, 2009 to Planning Commission

B. Memorandum dated March 16, 2009 to Mayor and Council

C. Resolution 09-34 Awarding Exterior Library Sign to Compass

Comments from the PUBLIC

None.

COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF

Deputy City Clerk Krause commented that Anchor Point Library is fundraising for a new building.

Library Director Hill commented that she had a nice conversation with Ms. Nancy Lord. She did speak with other libraries regarding their youth advisory groups and forwarded some ideas that can be discussed when it is back on the agenda. She also mentioned that on PBS, at 7:00 p.m. and airing of Beluga Days which Ms. Lord was instrumental in getting Jean-Michel Cousteau to do this documentary and was interviewed on the program too.

Chair Hawfield arrived at 7:26 p.m.

Comments from the Board

Boardmember Larson wanted to host a dinner to honor Nancy Lord and Linda Martin. Further dialog came up with Boardmember Larson residence, 6:30 p.m. hor'derves with dinner at 7:30 p.m. on April 28, 2009. Boardmember Larson will provide main dish and vegetables. Each Boardmember will bring other dishes such as dessert, salad, or wine. Library Director Hill will contact Nancy Lord and Linda Martin to make sure that day and time is okay.

Deputy City Clerk commented that it could be done but that business of the Board could not be discussed but stated she would double check with the City Clerk.

City Clerk Johnson advised advertising it as a worksession to cover all aspects of the evening just to make sure all discussion would be in compliance.

Vice Chair Faulkner stated she received a thank you from the Friends of the Anchor Point Library for all the work the Homer Library has accomplished. She is not sure if she will be able to attend the planned evening.

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

Chair Hawfield commented that when elections are held a new chair will have to be elected since he cannot serve more than two years in a row as outlined in the bylaws.

It was commented that the bylaws could be changed.

adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Board, Vice Chair Faulkner adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 Renee Krause, Deputy City Clerk I

Approved: