LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD UNAPPROVED
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 5, 2010
Session 10-01 a Regular Meeting of
the Library Advisory Board was called to order on January 5, 2010 at 6:05 pm by
Chair Eileen Faulkner at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at
491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
PRESENT: BOARDMEMBERS FAULKNER, WAGNER, LARSON, HAWFIELD
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: HEATHER
SCHADE
ABSENT: BOARDMEMBERS SEAMAN (EXCUSED)
STAFF: LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL
DEPUTY
CITY CLERK KRAUSE
Boardmember Larson presented Library
Director Hill and the Homer Public Library a set of Nutcrackers from her
travels to China and Taiwan. It was noted that they could grace the fireplace
mantle and protect the Library at night.
Approval of the Agenda
Chair Faulkner requested the agenda to be amended
moving Pending Business Item B Library Improvement Plan after Approval of the
Minutes.
The agenda was approved by consensus of the Board.
Public Comments Regarding Items on the Agenda
None.
Reconsideration
There were no items for reconsideration.
Approval of the Minutes
A.
Regular
Meeting Minutes from November 3, 2009.
The
minutes were approved by consensus of the Board.
Visitors and Communications
A.
Student
Representative Report
Chair
Faulkner introduced Heather Schade the Board’s Student Representative.
Miss
Shade reported that she polled her peers and had a few requests or suggestions.
Suggestions were as follows:
1. More series for young adults such as
Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick
Riordan
3. Increase Sarah Dessen Books
4. Increase activities for young adults
such as book clubs – Mystery, Fantasy
5. Non-Alaskan authors as guest speakers
instead of always having Alaskan Authors
6. Have a Not Quiet Library Day like
Karaoke Night
Boardmember
Larson stated that was quite doable. When the writer’s conference occurs in
June they work in tandem and she believes it would be very doable. Library
Director Hill was very confident that some of the suggestions could be
accomplished.
B.
Friends
Report
Library
Director Hill gave a brief explanation of the Friends of the Library and what
their function is with regards to the Library. She briefly outlined the groups’
responsibilities. She reported that the Friends have a student member, Katie
Schmidt, who recommended having a Twilight party when the next movie comes out.
Discussions have included book clubs and teen advisory boards for the Library
but it comes down to the Adult Advisor volunteer to work with the young people.
Library
Director Hill reported on the success of the book sale. The idea is being considered
to conduct a sale during the Street Faire. She reported that her wish list was
pretty much fulfilled this year by the Friends. They do typically provide the
gas for the fireplace but have additionally agreed to fund the Library’s basic
landscaping expenses for 2010 and a few other wish list items.
The
membership drive is in full force and all boardmembers should be receiving
something in the mail shortly.
There
was no further discussion.
C.
Next
Friends Meeting
Boardmember
Larson volunteered to attend the next Friends meeting.
There
was no further discussion.
Library Director’s Report
A.
Director’s
Report for January 2010
Library
Director Hill asked for any questions or comments. She previously discussed
most portion of this report.
There
was no further discussion.
B. Monthly
Statistics – December 2009
Library Director Hill distributed the statistics for
December. She noted that this report included end of year and 2008 figures were
included on the opposite side.
The attendance for 2009 was over 101290 patrons.
This was an increase of 1749. However overall for 2009 participation in
programs, cards issued, materials loaned and borrowed, etc. were decreased from
the 2008 figures.
There was a brief discussion regarding attendance
starting 2009 were very slow but by July the Library was very busy and has kept
busy through the remainder of the year. Volunteer hours were up but tracked
more accurately also.
Attendance is tracked by an automatic clicker at the
security gate. This may not be all that accurate since people can come and go a
number of times and may come in the front door and leave via another door. The
tracking on the internet and other areas is more specific and accurate.
There was no further discussion.
Committee Reports
A. Art Selection Committee Report
Chair
Faulkner reported that they met in December and that Gaye Wolfe from the Public
Arts Committee attended. There were fewer submittals this year. Three were
received but one was non-compliant. Ms. Wolfe has volunteered to attend the
Emerging Artist Show and select one to be displayed during the July, August and
September quarter. The submittal that was non-compliant was comprised of
quilts. Chair Faulkner inquired if Boardmember Schade would check to see if any
students maybe interested in displaying on the Student bulletin board.
There
was no further discussion.
B. Landscape Committee Report – Flo Larson
Boardmember
Larsen reported that at the December meeting they met with Ms. Adams and
discussed what perennial plants to place in the center garden in the front of
the library. Many are native to Alaska. Variety of colors sizes and shapes. They
also discussed at length on how to rid the landscape of invasive plants. They
additionally discussed a yearly maintenance plan and Ms. Adams offered
suggestions and recommendations on how to organize the volunteers and when to
send out scheduled reminders to the volunteers.
Ms.
Adams feels invested in the community and wants to give back. She can provide
these services for a very reasonable price.
The
next meeting will be scheduled in February or March and Boardmember Larson will
notify when the date is selected.
There
was no further discussion.
Public Hearing
None.
Pending Business
A.
2010
Budget Discussion
City Manager Wrede briefly commented
on the results of the December 14th Council meeting where the budget
was approved.
Library Director Hill and City
Manager Wrede noted the effect of statements made by Deputy City Clerk Krause
regarding budgetary amendments proposed that affected employees on
Councilmembers. City Manager Wrede stated that there were a number of employees
that sent emails to council.
The Library staff will not be cut and
will stay open on Mondays.
It was determined that this topic did
not need to be on the agenda until July or August and to replace with Capital
Projects. Chair Faulkner reminded the Board to create a list of their wish list
items. A brief discourse on the capital projects currently on the list were
drainage issues, the entrance way, windows, and the smoke stack. Chair Faulkner
explained the recommendation from Mr. Smith regarding extending the smoke stack
so that fumes would not flow back into the building. Boardmember Wagner
suggested insulation of cinder blocks. This was mentioned in his report but not
elaborated on. Library Director Hill will send a memo to staff to solicit ideas
from them also.
There was no further discussion.
B.
Library
Improvement Plan
a. Review
library energy report.
b. Prioritize
a list of capital recommendations to solve the energy problems
City Manager Wrede addressed the
Board regarding prioritization of the recommendations for the energy problems.
Chair Faulkner explained that the only capital projects would be the windows,
entry way and smoke stack. He explained that the city was going to be making a
number of improvements on all buildings. He explained that there were two grant
programs that the repairs would fall under one was a stimulus grant the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
which is a pass through from the State. The top ten municipalities get funded
directly, Homer came in at number eleven so will be almost guaranteed to get
the money from the State, The Alaska Energy Authority. The second program
Public Facilities Contracting, which is run by the Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation. This is a loan program where a contractor is brought in and
guarantees that a savings percentage will be realized through the repairs. The
loan will be paid off in a short period of time through the savings realized by
increased efficiency. This is expected to be available in March. This would be
beneficial to use for minimal cost repairs or projects. The City does have the
depreciation reserves, which is what these funds are supposed to be used for.
He also noted that there were accounts with significant amounts of monies that
are being consolidated - a Library Expansion Fund, Library Consortium Fund, and
Library Building Fund plus two accounts with the AML entitled Library Donation
Fund and interest earnings from a Rasmussen donation. These funds are being
moved into the Library Construction Fund. This is all funds that were earmarked
for the Library. It is a substantial amount of money. There was a brief
discussion on the various periods of time when the Library was a hot topic.
City Manager Wrede reported that they
are in the process of obtaining a third party to review and make
recommendations on the computer system. He reported that many of the
recommendations made by Mr. Smith were rejected in the beginning for one reason
or another so they thought it would be best interest to get an outside third
party review.
He was going to bring an ordinance
before Council to approve expenditures but did not want to miss the opportunity
of using the grants and funding that is available.
He also commented on ridicule
received for leaving the lights on in the parking lot but this has deterred
vandalism and they are using energy efficient bulbs but it is a trade off
security versus conservation.
A brief discussion was entertained on
possible solutions for the windows. City Manager Wrede commented that since the
funding may be available it may be worth the time to revisit the possibility of
curtains or similar energy saving feature. Boardmember Larson described a
possible solution similar to rollup roman type shades. Chair Faulkner mentioned
exterior rollup/down shades such as Hurricane Shutters. Boardmember Larson
commented that it would be good to have someone with one of the infrared
cameras come and see where they really are losing the heat. City Manager Wrede
commented on the entranceway as a major concern.
City Manager Wrede stated that requesting
an appropriation would probably not happen until March. It was discussed that
the Board could work on prioritizing a list at the February meeting. City
Manager Wrede will try to have an update on the grants and what is available
and what can be done.
Chair Faulkner thanked the City
Manager for his support of the Library.
There was no further discussion.
C.
Library
– Comments, Responses, Issues, and Challenges
There was a brief discussion on the
continuing problem of pooling of water that creates a major problem of ice in
the parking lot. It was noted that there has been a bigger problem this past
month than previous times. Public Works has been doing more sanding. It was
commented that there may be a spring in the locale that is some of the root
cause of the ice problem even though they went down to bedrock. Library
Director Hill did recall that there was a big problem with ice on Hazel Street
which does not happen now that the Library has been built. City Manager Wrede
did recall the water table being very shallow.
Boardmember Larson stated that the important thing
is to reframe thinking there are not any sides, we are a City and should start
thinking as a whole City, not sides.
Chair Faulkner requested that Library Capital
Projects be on the agenda for the February meeting. If there is any other ideas
please make sure to keep a list. Vice Chair Hawfield recommended having a list
of current ideas being battered about or on the table available for review of
the Board before the next meeting. There
was a brief discussion regarding projects to be considered under the Library
Capital Project agenda item.
There was only one comment received
regarding the speed of the internet service.
A comment was made regarding the
tracking in of gravel from patron’s shoes and breaking maintenance vacuums,
etc. It was suggested that patrons could remove their shoes but it was decided
that would not be a good thing.
There was no further discussion.
NEW BusinesS
A. Welcome
New Student Member!
Chair Faulkner welcomed Heather Schade formally to
the Board.
B. Grants
– Where, When and How?
Chair Faulkner requested this topic be postponed to
a later date.
The Board agreed by consensus to postpone the topic.
C. Boardmember
Campaign
There was a brief discussion on getting some new
members. Vice Chair Hawfield reminded boardmembers that they can still have one
more member from outside City limits. Chair Faulkner asked the Clerk to apply;
she could perform a dual role since she had to be here anyway.
The board agreed to concentrate more effort on
recruitment of new members.
There was no further discussion.
D. Proposed
Bylaw Changes
1. Flexible Friends Liaison
2. Teleconferencing
LARSON/WAGNER – MOVED TO APPROVE ESTABLISHING A
FLEXIBLE FRIENDS LIASION AND TELECONFERENCING.
A dialogue on the benefits of allowing
teleconferencing was held. Library Director Hill noted a grammatical error to
the Clerk. The Clerk explained the teleconference requirement of having a
quorum present to conduct the meeting in the first place was required. It was
noted that the Clerk should receive at least five days notice of teleconference
request. The Clerk responding to an inquiry stated there was no limit on the
number of times a Boardmember could attend via teleconference at this time.
HAWFIELD/WAGNER - MOVED TO ACCEPT CHANGES AS AMENDED
AND PROPOSED TO THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD BYLAWS.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
E. Request
for Reconsideration
Reclassify
“War Is…” from Young Adult to Adult.
Chair
Faulkner turned the floor over to Library Director Hill.
Library
Director Hill stated that she will pass the book for review with the pages
denoted that contain the language reported as inappropriate for young readers.
Library Director Hill also noted that each Boardmember should consider updating
the policy. She added that this has never come before the Board that she knows
about. She then read the requirements to the boardmembers.
1. Upon receipt of form Library Director
shall read the material in its entirety.
2. Check the general acceptance of the
material by checking reviews and consulting recommended lists.
3. Materials should be judged for
strengths and values in whole not in part.
4. Provide written response to patron
which will include a full explanation of the decision and information of the
process to appeal.
5. Present written recommendation to the
Library Advisory Board at the next meeting.
Library
Director Hill believes these last two should be changed. She believes that it
was perfectly reasonable to give a professional opinion but felt that it would
be more appropriate that the Board give their opinion since they represent the
different segments of the public. She held the opinion that the Board is
qualified and represents the public interest and should be included in the
discussion process of the reclassification request.
Library
Director Hill stated that this book was written specifically for young people and
both editors felt there was not enough of this type of material available that
showed all the different aspects. She explained that the book contained a
variety of essays pertaining to war from recruitment tactics, Interview with a chaplain
on his counseling soldiers, how it feels to be in combat, Mark Twain, Bob
Dylan, to letters from soldiers from the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, what it
is to be a female soldier and harassment. The bibliography contains further
direction to the reader if they would like more information or materials.
There
are two editors representing both sides one understanding the purpose of war and
one against. She did research and the Anchorage School District has the book, many
public Libraries have it in the young adult section except Kenai has it in the
adult section. She was not sure about the Kenai School Districts since the
information was not available online.
The
Boardmembers offered their comments regarding the book and the consensus was
this book was not to be reclassified. They acknowledged that the language
contained maybe rough to some readers but did not feel that today’s young
people were not already exposed on a daily basis to the same language whether
at school with friends and in their own homes. The Boardmembers acknowledged that
the parents should be commended for wanting their children to understand the
war concept.
HAWFIELD/LARSON - MOVED TO KEEP THE
CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOOK, “WAR IS…” AS YOUNG ADULT.
There
was no discussion.
VOTE.
NO. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion
carried.
Boardmember
Larson shared her experience regarding a blog she has been following from a
young soldier. Boardmember Hawfield related a similar experience with an online
student who is currently a sergeant and on his second tour.
Library
director Hill thanked the Board for their input.
There
was no further discussion.
Informational Materials
A.
Funding
for Public Libraries – The National Picture October 2007
There was no discussion.
None.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF
None.
Library
Director Hill welcomed Heather wished everyone a Happy New Year and Thanked the
Board for the comments on the book.
Comments from the Board
Boardmember Larson brought gifts for each Boardmember
and Deputy City Clerk Krause from her travels to China and Taiwan. She highly
recommended visiting Taiwan and China and said Taiwan libraries are fully
funded by the government. She welcomed Heather.
Boardmember Hawfield welcomed Heather and thanked
Flo Larson for the gift.
COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR
Chair Faulkner welcomed Heather once more. She
thanked those that worked on the budget spoke to City Council and worked behind
the scenes. She knew before hand that it was going to pass. She noted that
Policy and Procedures would be on the agenda for February so it was perfect timing.
She apologized for the lengthy meeting and thanked everyone for their patience.
She thanked Flo Larson for the gift.
Boardmember Wagner had no comments.
There being no further business to come before the Board
Chair Faulkner adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. The next Regular Meeting
is scheduled for February 2, 2010 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: