Session 07-05 a Regular Meeting of the Library Advisory Board was called to order on May 8, 2007 at 6:05 pm by Chair Lord at the Homer City Hall Conference Room located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:                        BOARDMEMBERS:                         KEFFER, WAGNER, FAULKNER, MARTIN                                                           

ABSENT:                        BOARDMEMBERS HAWFIELD (EXCUSED), SEAMAN (EXCUSED)

 

STUDENT:                        LETTIS

 

STAFF:                        LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL

                        DEPUTY CITY CLERK KRAUSE

 

Chair Lord started the meeting by introducing the newest member, Eileen Faulkner, to the Board. Each Board member then introduced their self and related how long they have been on the Library Advisory Board. Boardmember Faulkner introduced herself; she was a retired Lt. Colonel from the Air Force, 25 years, a Homer Resident for five and one-half years, and a volunteer at the Library for five and one-half years. She has also volunteered for the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, the Auxiliary, Homer Animal Friends, and the Civil Air Patrol. She stated Library Director Hill was very persuasive in convincing her to join the Board. She is looking forward to an interesting term. Library Director Hill commented that Boardmember Faulkner was the Library’s top or senior volunteer and they were lucky to have her.

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

MARTIN/KEFFER- MOVED TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS WRITTEN.

No discussion.

VOTE:  YES.  NON-OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Motion carried.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

 

There were no comments from the public.

 

RECONSIDERATION

 

There was no reconsideration.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

           

A.         Minutes of the April 3, 2007 meeting

 

KEFFER/MARTIN - MOVED FOR APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES.

There was no discussion.

VOTE: YES. NON-OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Motion carried.

VISITORS & COMMUNICATIONS

 

A.                  Letter of Congratulations from the City of Soldotna

 

Discussion ensued regarding what triggered the congratulatory letter from the City of Soldotna. Library Director Hill stated she had received a phone call from Richard Hahn, Chair of the Soldotna Library Board, recently inquiring into the fund raising process. Mr. Hahn also apologized for being remiss in congratulating Library Director Hill and wanted to convey how happy the Soldotna Library Board and the city were about the success of the new Homer library. The Soldotna Library Board wanted to officially recognize the hard work of Library Director Hill, and all those involved, bringing such a major project to fruition.

 

STAFF & COUNCIL REPORT/COMMITTEE REPORTS/BOROUGH REPORTS

 

A.            Statistical Report for April 2007         

 

Chair Lord asked about the Friends of Homer Library (Friends or FHL) dinner and silent auction on May 5, 2007. Library Director Hill reported that the evening was lovely. However, the silent auction was not quite the success it was last year. Some items did not fetch the expected prices. Friends will be evaluating why the dollar amounts are much less than previous years. They do know that the tickets did not sell out, previous years they were always sold out. This might have been part of the problem. Boardmember Martin questioned whether it was the same time-period and Library Director Hill stated that it was. Boardmember Martin also brought up the Ski Team’s dinner at the same time and that may have affected the attendance somewhat. It was also suggested that repetition might have affected the results. Overall Library Director Hill stated it was an excellent evening and the estimated funds earned are nothing to sneeze at.

 

Library Director Hill reported that she finished interviewing candidates for the position of FHL Coordinator, there were four for consideration, a decision will be made soon so there will be a two week overlap for Claudia Haines, the current coordinator, to train the new hire.

 

Boardmember Keffer brought in an article entitled, “Leisure Reading and Competition for Young Minds,” she thought it may fit in with the summer reading program for Library Director Hill to look over and put on next month’s agenda. Library Director Hill will also forward a copy to the people involved with the summer reading program. Boardmember Keffer stated that the article addressed issues of less summer reading done by teens. Miss Lettis commented that with her schedule as busy as it is there is no time for reading.

 

Chair Lord asked about the article in the paper regarding the sale of the old library and the funds from the sale being used to pay down the loan on the new library. Library Director Hill confirmed this decision made by City Council at the last meeting. Boardmember Martin asked if there was a buyer and if an appraisal was done yet. Library Director Hill commented that at this time she did not think there was, it was just being listed. Boardmember Martin commented that it is sad to see any empty building on Pioneer Avenue.

 

A listener believed to be from the Anchorage area raved about Nancy Lord’s book, Beluga Days. That it was a book for the 21st century and he could not put it down. He has passed it around and recommended it to all his set-net friends. He called the radio show, Talk of Alaska. David Kipen, Director of Literature with the National Endowment for the Arts of Washington, D.C., was a guest speaker on the show promoting the National Big Read program. Radio Host, Steve Heimel asked the listeners to call in and give book suggestions. Library Director Hill reported that they did mention Homer briefly, however since Homer did not have representation on the show, it was very brief and no details. Library Director Hill was delighted the show mentioned the Big Read and that this program is conducted nationwide. Anchorage is the only other city in Alaska involved in the Big Read Program.

 

The Library currently has 11 copies of The Joy Luck Club, Homer’s choice for the Big Read and they have all been checked out. Boardmember Martin noted that she had seen a resident with the book. Library Director Hill commented that book marks, an audio version of the book’s readers guide and other materials related to the book were available from the Library partners. Boardmember Martin said she wanted to watch the movie but the video is not available anywhere in town. Boardmember Martin asked when the Friends of the Library meetings were; these meetings are at 6:00 pm on the second Wednesday of every month. Library Director Hill encouraged the board members to attend and it was open to the public.

 

Library Director Hill reported that even though circulation is down, comparing it to 2006 figures it still is 800 more. Internet use is way up, attendance is very high, and issuance of new library cards has finally leveled off. Volunteer hours are still not represented as accurately as she would like. Library Director Hill is still trying to come up with a good formula to combine the reports from separate people working on these numbers; it is more intensive than expected. Volunteer hours are always under reported. Boardmember Martin suggested that if computer logging is done maybe that may help. Library volunteer hours are easy to tally, but the Friends and LAB are harder and is where there are problems. Many hours are under reported. Materials being read are very low. The Director feels this is affected by new and old materials. Many customers could not find the new materials. She believes the “NEW” stickers for the materials that they have been using recently have helped considerably when filing. They highlight and make the new materials easier to locate and recognize. Book selection for the library is much easier with the additional help.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

None

 

PENDING BUSINESS

           

A.                  Planning for the Future: Survey

 

Chair Lord asked Library Director Hill what the status was, last information the Board had was that Sue Coble, a psychology instructor at the Kachemak Bay Campus was to meet with Library Director Hill. Since the school year is over now when is her class going to perform the survey to bring awareness of the new library and find out what the community wanted. Boardmember Keffer worked on creating the categories/questions. Library Director Hill will get an update and report at the next meeting. Comment was made that there was no immediate action required on this survey. A recommendation to wait and see what the status is with Sue and then add it to the agenda. A decision will have to be made if they want the summer residents opinion, or a random sampling of the person on the street; what or who is the targeted market for the survey. Library Director Hill will invite Sue to speak with the LAB at the next meeting.

 

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

 

Comments from Library Visitors - Library Director Hill reminded the board that these comments she shared dealt directly with policy or new services, etc. They are as follows:

 

“You should have a Notary Public.”  - No staff member is a notary public at this time. Boardmember Wagner asked what it would take to become a Notary. Discussion ensued about having a Notary on staff, costs, and benefits if any. It was agreed that there are enough sources throughout town such as banks and the City Hall. It was pointed out that these places may and do charge a nominal fee for the service.  It was commented that maybe it could be an added source of income for the Library.

 

“Perhaps staff could experience winter weather conditions in the Public Parking Lot to understand the problems that the Public has had all winter. It needs to be totally re-vamped.”  Library Director Hill stated that the problems consisted of ice, as there is no drainage. The handicapped parking area was a big puddle, a sheet of ice all winter. She pointed out that there was a previous glaciation problem before the Library was built, but that the French drains installed have helped considerably. Library Director Hill spoke with Public Works a number of times and worked on a solution for the problem. It was noted that it was an exceptionally cold winter this year, which may have exacerbated the situation. A contract with someone close by for snow removal and sanding helped considerably, not so much the snow removal, but the sanding. The heated walkway worked great. Library Director Hill commented that once patrons of the Library made it there she knew they were safe from falling. There are three handicap parking spaces and only one sign, so there was liberties taken on the spaces that do not have a sign. Library Director Hill has spoken with Public Works and it has been discussed that additional signage is required. During the winter, they used marking or upside down paint to paint the ice. They even had a few problems with parking on the Plaza. It was agreed upon that when residents are aware of the areas for parking and walking, there should not be as many problems next winter.

 

“Just wanted to say thanks so much, you all are great!”  - Library Director Hill stated it was nice to receive a comment like this, it seems that the Comment Box is more a Complaint Box at times and this was a great change.

 

Comments requesting books are usually accommodated as much as possible. If a patron leaves their phone number a volunteer or staff member will contact them and let them know that the Library already has the material or if and when the material is expected.

 

Chair Lord commented that publicity has been great with the news articles on the library. Mr. Hawfield previously offered to work up protocol on internal communications. She will check on the status of this for the next meeting. Boardmember Martin mentioned that the ladies night out at the library for teens seemed to be very popular and even heard comments that some patrons were disappointed because this is an event geared for teens and they were too old. It was noted that maybe a similar event with no age restrictions could be arranged.

 

Library Director Hill stated that the young people are still being a challenge, but that they are learning to co-exist. Library Director Hill speaks to them and feels they listen at the time; she is confident that the skateboarding issue at the entryway has been conquered for the most part. She believes it to be an educational process. Proposals received for the Video Surveillance will be reviewed this week and submitted to City Council on May 14, 2007. The entrance area is still an issue. The benches were removed. The Donor Book Display was moved to in front of the desk and this stopped any further vandalism. The glass top has not been repaired, but it is not noticeable unless you are looking for it and dim lighting in the area helps. A question was brought up regarding Library Director Hill’s opinion on the adequacy of the parking lot. Her only concern would be parking for RV’s; she is hoping that they do not try to park in the lot as that would take up the majority of the parking lot. So far RV parking on Hazel has been very effective. An inquiry was made on the status of the garden project and it is unknown. Library Director Hill did comment that as far as landscaping the irises are starting to come up although some are being walked on.

 

NEW BUSINESS

           

A.         LEED Plaque and Certificate Ceremony

 

Library Director Hill said the plaque was too large to bring to the meeting, but she did bring copies of the letter and the actual certificate that was received from the US Green Building Council. Additional certificates were also sent and discussion about distribution to the Architects, Contractors, etc. involved with the project ensued. Library Director Hill spoke to Rachel Livingston, with the City of Homer regarding a ceremony to install the plaque and it was discussed that a ceremony should be postponed until it greens up more. Invitees could be local dignitaries, the news media, the Mayor and the companies involved could be invited and recognized; followed by a tour of the building with a LEED education brochure to be handed out. Discussion encompassed conducting LEED specific tours, highliting the recycled materials used, lighting, focus more on aspects of the building that you cannot see, the less noticeable qualities. June was discussed as the month for holding a ceremony. Library Director Hill was asked to check with the Architects to see if they would be willing to create or submit a brochure on the building that could be used. There was a brief discussion regarding volunteers as tour guides. Library Director Hill will confirm a date with Rachel Livingston and getting details in order regarding the ceremony.

 

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

A.                  ADN Article: Libraries Face the Financial Ax by 2011

B.                  Memorandum 07-56 from Mayor Hornaday Re: Reappointment of Michael Hawfield and Appointment of Eileen Faulkner to the Library Advisory Board

C.         Mayor Proclamation Re: The Big Read May 2007

D.            Resolution 06-160(A) Establishing the 2007 Regular Meeting Schedule for City Council, Economic Development Commission, Library Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Advisory Planning Commission, Port/Harbor Advisory Commission and the Public Arts and Transportation Advisory Committees

E.            Resolution 07-05 Deleting the Project Joint Use Library Addition from the City of Homer 2007-2012 Capital Improvement Plan

F.                   Resolution 07-11 Amending the Library Advisory Board Bylaws Regarding Agenda Format and Time Limits for Public Comments

G.            Memorandum 07-05 from Mary Calhoun, former City Clerk, Re: Setting the Land Allocation Joint Worksession with Council’s Advisory Bodies

H.            Memorandum from Melissa Jacobsen, Deputy City Clerk Re: Making a Motion

I.          News Article October 21, 2006, Re: More Open Street Design is Not Wise, Opinion from Frank McQueary, Chairman of the Anchorage Road Coalition

J.          City Directory Updated April 2007 (Separate handout)

K.                  Issues and Goals Report April 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update (Separate Handout)

 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF

 

Library Director Hill welcomed Boardmember Faulkner and Deputy City Clerk Krause. She also commented that she would not be  at the next meeting or at the August meeting. She will make sure that she has everything in order so the meetings can be conducted without her.

 

COMMENTS OF THE COUNCILMEMBER (If one is assigned)

 

None.

 

COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR

 

Chair Lord wanted to get comments from the board members on dates they would or would not be available this summer. It was agreed after a brief discussion that they would take it month to month.

 

COMMENTS OF THE BOARD

 

BOARDMEMBER KEFFER – Welcomed the newest board member.

 

BOARDMEMBER WAGNER – She apologized for being late, but had a good excuse, it was the last day of school. Lots of tests. Boardmember Wagner welcomed the newest Boardmember and staff.

 

BOARDMEMBER FAULKNER – Thank you and she looks forward to working on the Board.

 

BOARDMEMBER MARTIN – Welcomed Eileen Faulkner.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting was adjourned at 7:33 pm.  The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for June 5, 2007 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: