LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD UNAPPROVED
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 5, 2009
Session 09-05 a Regular Meeting of
the Library Advisory Board was called to order on May 5, 2009 at 6:08 pm by
Chair Michael Hawfield at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located
at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.
PRESENT: BOARDMEMBERS WAGNER, SEAMAN, LARSON, AND HAWFIELD
ABSENT: BOARDMEMBER FAULKNER, BEATTY (EXCUSED)
STAFF: LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL
DEPUTY
CITY CLERK KRAUSE
Chair Hawfield relayed he spoke with
Boardmember Beatty and she has been out of town only arriving back recently. She
would be attending if able to locate childcare. She will definitely be at the
June meeting.
Chair Hawfield acknowledged
Representative Seaton in the audience.
Approval of the Agenda
Chair Hawfield requested a motion to approve the
agenda.
LARSON/SEAMAN – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
There was no discussion.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
Public Comments Regarding Items on the Agenda
Representative Seaman commented on the lack of
funding approved during the recent legislative session for Public Libraries.
The Legislature is seeking suggestions on alternative ways to assist and
support the Public Libraries in the State outside of monetary requirements.
Discussion on the Legislature supporting a
resolution that acknowledges and proclaims the value and importance of the
Public Library in the local community ensued. Representative Seaton was very
willing to work with the Library Advisory Board or The Library Association in
the construction of a resolution to assure its passage by the Legislature. He
explained that a resolution takes as much work as a law. It must work for
libraries large and small.
Representative Seaton then commented that the Homer
Public Library is being used as an example for the Seward and Moose Pass Public
Libraries. Chair Hawfield noted the Homer Library was modeled after Haines,
Alaska library.
It was noted that if the resolution could be ready
for next year during National Library Week would be wonderful. Comments were
offered that it might assist in obtaining funding allowing additional hours of
operation. Representative Seaton advised checking out the clearinghouse that
was established regarding the Stimulus Plan as pockets of money have been found
in various departments that can be used for different things. The person to
contact would be John Bittner. No one is sure what all can be covered regarding
operational monies.
There was no further discussion.
Reconsideration
There were no items for reconsideration.
Approval of the Minutes
A.
Regular
Meeting Minutes from April 7, 2009
Chair
Hawfield requested a motion to approve the minutes.
WAGNER/SEAMAN – moved to aPPROVE the minutes.
There
was a brief discussion on page four under Pending Business Item A, regarding
the sentence content and structure. There were no changes.
VOTE.
YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion
carried.
Visitors and Communications
A.
Friends
Report – Bette Seaman and Library Director Hill
She
reported on the Board’s activities but did not take notes on the Friends
activities and requested Library Director Hill who attended to update the
boardmembers.
Library
Director Hill reported that the budget for the second sign to be placed on the
building was approved; the goals for the fundraiser were reached; the food was
delicious; Finance Director Regina Harville’s Expresso cart was a big hit; the
Life Long Learner Award was bestowed on two recipients and the annual book sale
made the most money ever.
B. Visitors
There were no visitors scheduled.
Library Director’s Report
A. Director’s Report for May 2009
Boardmember
Larson requested an update on the time extension for the internet access. Library
Director Hill discussed this problem with the IT Department. After extensive
discussion, they will begin offering 4 hours of computer time soon.
There
was further discussion that included the effects of increased patronage on the
internet service; area Wi-Fi availability has not diminished the internet usage;
and the types of usage by residents and visitors.
She
distributed samples submitted by for recommendation and decision from the
Boardmembers on the font to be used for the sign. The recommended font was
Times New Roman and two variations, each slightly fancier than the previous.
By
consensus, the boardmembers agreed on the Times New Roman regular font for its
clear and understated appearance.
There
was no further discussion.
B.
Monthly
Statistics – April 2009
Library
Director Hill distributed the April Statistics and noted that the volunteer
hours are incomplete. The figures do not include the Friends volunteer hours.
She reported April was a very busy month and was very pleased about the
increased usage of the meeting rooms. The “weeding” of books from the
Children’s room is progressing nicely.
There
was no further discussion.
Committee Reports
A. Art Selection Committee Report – Eileen
Faulkner
There
was a brief recap of the newest exhibition being installed and available for
viewing. There was nothing more to report at this time. Chair Hawfield
explained the rotating art display program that was established at the library
for Representative Seaton’s benefit.
There
was no further discussion.
B. Landscape Committee Report – Kyra
Wagner
Boardmember Wagner reported that she
missed the meeting. Boardmember Seaman and Library Director Hill attended. Boardmember
Larson was out ill. Library Director Hill reported that Public Works Director
Meyer would be submitting a memorandum recommending that the landscaping
project be used to fund additional personnel hours to protect the investment of
the plants. This would be approximately 12 hours per week for summer hire
personnel.
The next meeting is scheduled for May
14, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room.
Boardmember
Larson reported that someone jumped the curb and drove through the Rotary
Garden. She would like to schedule an inspection of the plants to see if there
are survivors.
There
was no further discussion.
Public Hearing
None.
Pending Business
A.
Library
Improvement Plan
a.
Heat
Exchanger – Status Report
b.
Internet
and Computer Technology Issues – Status Report
Chair Hawfield gave a brief summary
regarding the report that was completed and submitted by Brian Hirsh with
Deerstone. Library Director Hill was concerned about what the next step would
be in the process.
Boardmember Wagner explained that
this report was included in the contract with the City. She further explained
that having a copy of the report would allow the Boardmembers to lobby Council
for support of the recommendations. She recommended using the chain of command
first before putting recommendations in front of Council.
There was further discussion that
some of the initial recommendations did not involve any funding. The second
stage did and some may be quite costly. It was noted that some of these changes
might fit into the pockets of money within the Stimulus package.
Chair Hawfield thanked Deerstone and
Mr. Smith for producing this report. He advised the Boardmembers to take this
document, review it, and be ready for discussion and recommendations to City
Council.
Chair Hawfield briefly explained the
LIB – Library Improvement – and the reason for creating this agenda item for
Representative Seaton.
He suggested inviting Mr. Bill Smith
to the next meeting scheduled for June 2, 2009. Staff will extend an invitation
to Mr. Smith.
Library Director Hill expounded on
the progress with new software and the ability to download to a flash drive or
jump drive.
There was no further discussion.
B.
Library
– Comments, Responses, Issues, and Challenges
Library
Director Hill wanted to extend a warm welcome to personnel at Public Works
regarding the ash fall and clean up. She expressed in detail some of the items
being used to counteract the ash.
C.
Review and recommendations for Bylaw Changes
Chair Hawfield reviewed the recommended changes to
the Bylaws as follows:
1.
In Article III Section 1 - Delete the role of
Secretary, they now have the Clerk’s office providing the service.
2.
In Article III Section 2 - Delete the restriction
regarding the number of successive terms a Chairperson may serve. This
restriction is not on other Commissions.
3.
Change the Elections from June to April. This will
coincide with expiration of terms and eliminate the possibility of having no
chair, vice chair or liaison to the Friends as is the current situation.
4.
In Article IV, Section 1 - Change from annual review
in February to “Review of policies, rules, and regulations shall be held at a
regular meeting each year.”
5.
Article IV, Section 2 - in the first line delete
“Library or”. In line two delete after the word “posted,” “in the Library and
at City Hall. A” and insert “for public information as.”
6.
Article IV, Section 5 - line three, delete “in the
Library and City Hall” and insert “as required by Homer City Code and Alaska
State Statutes.”
7.
Article IV, Section 9 - line one delete, “Library
Director” and insert “City Clerk’s Office.” In line two delete “upon request”
and insert “as required by Homer City Code and Alaska State Statutes.
8.
In Article VI, Section 3 - line two, delete
“mailed,” insert sent. In line three delete ten (10) insert five (5).
WAGNER/SEAMAN – MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDED
CHANGES TO THE BY LAWS AND SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE. YES. HAWFIELD, WAGNER, LARSON, SEAMAN.
Motion carried.
D.
Draft Ordinance to Amend Homer City Code regarding
Library Advisory Board membership.
Chair Hawfield gave a summary on the change in the
Homer City Code, Chapter 1.48, Public Library. He recommended changing 1.48.040
Board – Creation and Membership. Section a. Delete “six” and change to “five”
on the resident requirement. He explained that this minor change would allow
two non-resident members on the board.
Deputy City Clerk Krause confirmed that each Commission
had provisions in the Homer City Code allowing more than one non-city resident
members.
Library Director Hill wanted further changes, more
as a housekeeping measure. She explained that in the nineties the position of “Librarian”
was changed to “Library Director” so each instance where it was stated
“Librarian” she wanted it changed to Library Director. These changes were
requested throughout the chapter.
WAGNER/LARSON – RECOMMEND TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO
HOMER CITY CODE CHAPTER 1.48 TO CHANGE LIBRARIAN TO LIBRARY DIRECTOR AND TO CHANGE
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS FROM ONE NON-RESIDENT MEMBER TO TWO NO RESIDENT MEMBERS.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE. YES. LARSON, SEAMAN, WAGNER, HAWFIELD
Motion carried.
The discussion continued on recommended changes to
the draft ordinance regarding the language contained in the ordinance. Library
Director Hill recommended the following changes:
1. Line 10 - Change
Librarian to Library Director
2. Line 16 - Insert
Library Advisory Board before membership
3. Line 19 - Change
the word accommodate to reflect
4. Line 20 - Delete
the word increased
5. Line 29 - Change
Librarian to Library Director
LARSON/WAGNER – MOVED TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDED
CHANGES TO THE DRAFT ORDINANCE AND SUBMIT TO CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.
There was a brief discussion on the percentage of
patrons who were non-residents was probably over 50%. Library Director Hill
will run a report to include in her June staff report. Chair Hawfield
summarized the changes.
VOTE. YES. NON-OBJECTIONS. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion carried.
E. Youth Involvement (Postponed from
January meeting)
a. Promoting
Youth Involvement
b. Youth
Involvement Project – North Slope Borough
c. Speaking
Up for Library Services to Teens – A Guide to Advocacy
Chair Hawfield admitted to not getting
through all the materials contained. He explained to Representative Seaton that
there has been a vacancy on the Board for a Student member. He further
explained the Boardmember Wagner has been searching and working on getting
interest from the students for some time. Ideas have been discussed including
it in the jumpstart college program for high school seniors. Chair Hawfield
mentioned offering it as a credit course. Boardmember Larson recommended
inclusion of the high school and senior project aspect. They can work with teachers,
senior project coordinator and create a partnership with the high school, the college,
and the library. Connections and the Flex school would be included.
There
was discussion regarding a higher interest from advance placement students, and
government students. The Honor Society may be another source. The possibility
of having more than one student and creating a standing committee of the
advisory board was briefly discussed.
Chair
Hawfield will focus his energies on getting this started so they can have
something in place in the fall or sooner. Boardmember Wagner will continue her
endeavors in garnering the interest of youth. Boardmember Wagner asked if they
should create a standing committee on youth involvement. Chair Hawfield
volunteered to step down as chair and chair the committee if one was created.
Deputy
City Clerk Krause confirmed the item will be on the June agenda.
There was
no further discussion.
NEW BusinesS
A.
Welcome new Boardmember Julie Beatty
Chair Hawfield stated that they would carry this
over to the next agenda.
Informational Materials
There
was none.
Representative
Seaton commented that a better response might be gained if the bylaws and code
were changed to reflect a youth advisory committee. He expressed a favorable
opinion on the idea. He was not sure a youth committee could be appointed under
the current bylaws. He interpreted the bylaws allowing only committee created
of members.
He
then commented that on the report submitted by Deerstone regarding the heating
costs, there may or may not, be an error in the fuel rates and use of the
higher cost fuel. Library Director Hill responded there was an error made by
the vendor. His further comment was there are screwy things with fuel costs. He
noted that Homer pays $0.60 more per gallon for marine fuel than Kodiak and
$0.80 more per gallon than (inaudible due to multiple dialogues). The fuel is
barged from Nikiski to Kodiak to Homer.
Representative Seaton stated that the investigation
into price gouging is going nowhere. Reality is either institute price control
or ...; price gouging and establishing your own commercial price, based on cost
and level of profit margin wanted, are two different things. He explained it as
a business model. He gave further illustration by using imaginary Jean Business
A selling jeans for a 30% profit and Jean Business B selling jeans for a 50%
profit, that is not price gouging. It is a different business model. It would
be extremely difficult to prove someone made price changes for nefarious
reasons.
Representative
Seaton additionally informed the Boardmembers on the ground source heat pump
project at the Juneau Airport and that Seward is looking into utilizing
seawater to produce 30 % of the heating requirements for the Sealife Center.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF
Deputy City Clerk Krause clarified making additional
changes to the bylaws and requirement of approval from the Council. She had
additional sources for information on youth in government if needed.
Library Director Hill commented that there was a
mistake by Petro Marine regarding the type of heating fuel used. She was not
sure how many other departments had this same “oops!” She thanked everyone for
the meeting. They accomplished quite a bit tonight. She thanked Representative Seaton,
as she is the envy of many of the Library Directors in the state because Representative
Seaton is a member of the Friends and attendance of meetings and continued
support.
Comments from the Board
Boardmember Larson inquired about the State of
Alaska’s price gouging investigation on fuel prices. She commented that it was
strange since in Ben, Oregon where there are no refineries you can purchase gas
for $1.69 per gallon.
She is a bit more encouraged regarding the
landscaping issues at the Library. She commented on the initiative to get the
youth involved and the community interest in the Library and the overall interest
residents of Homer have in alternative things and ideas and that this could be
really something.
Boardmember Wagner commented that petitioning the
Board for a change to the Bylaws could be one of the youth committee’s first
tasks. She thanked Deputy City Clerk Krause for her work gathering the
information on the “how to” that it is a big help and believes a standing youth
committee will be a great thing with all these resources she has found for them.
The Chamber of Commerce would like to collaborate with the Library on the biz
idea. The Chamber has gotten a small business grant and Bryan Zack is now the Kenai
Peninsula Economic Development and of course is located in Homer now instead of
Kenai. We can check to see what resources are available through him. There will
be a Street Faire on August 22, 2009. It will be on Hazel starting at 6:00 p.m.
and may incorporate the Library parking lot.
Boardmember Seaman stated that the Friends will be
purchasing the book bins for the Children’s Library and she will not be at the
next meeting.
COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR
Chair Hawfield commented that additional changes to
the bylaws to cover appointment of a youth committee will be addressed at
another meeting.
He thanked Deputy Clerk Krause for gathering the information
on youth in government. He stated that she has been a boon to the Board, with the
amount of time she spends gathering information, on her vacation and even
working during her recovery from shoulder surgery at home.
He said that it was exciting to be leader in having
young people be involved with the library on a long-term basis. He extended
thanks to the Boardmembers for their work. He expressed his appreciation to Representative
Seaton for attending the meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Board,
Chair Hawfield adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The next Regular Meeting
is scheduled for June 2, 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: