LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD UNAPPROVED
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2009
Session 09-09 a Regular Meeting of
the Library Advisory Board was called to order on October 6, 2009 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 LARSON, SEAMAN, WAGNER, FAULKNER
ABSENT: BOARDMEMBER BEATTY, HAWFIELD (EXCUSED)
STAFF: LIBRARY DIRECTOR HILL
DEPUTY
CITY CLERK KRAUSE
Approval of the Agenda
WAGNER/LARSON – MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
There was no discussion.
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 August 4, 2009.
B.
Regular
Meeting Minutes from September 1, 2009.
Library
Director Hill made a clarification on downloadable books to iPods and MP3
players not jump drives.
LARSON/SEAMAN
- MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.
There
was no further discussion.
VOTE.
YES. NON-OBJECTION. UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Motion
carried.
Visitors and Communications
A.
Friends
Report
There
was no report.
B. Visitors
Beth
Cumming, city resident, commented on the Library landscaping. She offered free native
plants such as currants and cranberry bushes for the library. She recommended
several locations. She stated she was interested in the east side in
particular. She would be willing to attend the landscaping committee meetings
but could not commit at this time.
She
commented on placement of windows on the building and suggested using thermal
curtains.
Boardmember
Larson stated she received a call from Ms. Cumming and they spoke at length on
the phone and she invited her to attend the meeting tonight. She also noted for
the Board that Ms. Cumming is instrumental in the Pratt gardens and the WKFL
gardens.
There was no
further discussion.
Library Director’s Report
A.
Director’s
Report for October 2009
Library
Director Hill elaborated on the Imaginarium, “Starlab” held the last week in
September. The attendance was approximately 160 people. They actually removed
all the furniture from the conference room and set up an inflatable bouncy
house. You had to enter through a tunnel, 30 kids were allowed to enter at a
time to view the planetarium show. There were arts and crafts projects, books,
etc. It turned out really well. The Imaginarium is held once a year. It is
coordinated with area schools so the costs are split between everyone.
There
was a brief discussion on the article, Libraries
– At the Heart of Our Communities, that was published in an issue of
Planning Journal. Library Director Hill felt that this was an excellent article
from a totally different perspective and profession. She also felt it was
timely since it did touch on the economic times. Boardmember Larson wanted to
perform a similar study that was that was mentioned in the article and
conducted at the library Ohio. She would like to do a ratio proportion
comparison with Homer. She felt it would be interesting to compile these stats.
Chair Faulkner agreed and stated they notified the City Council the numbers at
the September meeting and they were very surprised to hear that there were 441
visitors each day to the library. A discussion regarding the amount of money
spent by various states like Ohio spending $40.06 per person compared to the
national average of $3.21 per person. This was compared to what Alaska and the
city pay. Boardmember Larson recommended approaching Representative Seaton
since he is such a supporter of the Library to assist in getting more funds and
she then related a new program regarding the State paying college tuition
percentages based on grades maintained throughout High School. She stated that Representative
Seaton must be their voice in Juneau.
There
was no further discussion.
B. Monthly
Statistics – September 2009
Library
Director Hill distributed the statistics. In comparison the numbers are
increase this year compared to last September. Increase in attendance related
to school starting with the increase in interlibrary loan, study rooms and
meeting rooms. There has been visitation by classes from area schools. The
first week of October is Banned Book Week.
Chair
Faulkner asked if she has noticed an increase in the attendance of high school
students since the new principal is enforcing the rule that students with a
free period must leave school grounds. She responded that she had not noticed
and increase.
A
brief discussion ensued regarding the problems that could result from such an
action and why this policy was implemented. It was noted that Wi-Fi was
recently installed and the students could use the time for study hall and
research, but not any more. The parents did protest this move but the new
principal did state that he was not a babysitter.
Library
Director Hill will ask her staff to keep an eye on things. Chair Faulkner will
put it on her list to check with the City Manager to see if he has met with the
new principal over this matter.
Committee Reports
A. Art Selection Committee Report
a. Artists
Exhibit Proposal Request
Chair
Faulkner stated that the latest artist has been displayed at the Library and recommended
everyone to come down and see the exhibit. She confirmed that the request for
entries has been distributed. Ms. Gaye Wolfe is the new liaison from the Public
Arts Committee. The Friends have not appointed a representative as yet.
There
was a brief dialog regarding the quilts designed by a local math teacher. Chair
Faulkner commented that she can apply. Beth Cumming stated she is a neighbor
and she has a note to contact her regarding the students so she can talk to her
about this.
Elections
will be postponed until full Board is present.
There
was no further discussion.
B. Landscape Committee Report – Kyra
Wagner
Boardmember
Wagner reported she spread more fireweed seed.
Library
Director Hill reported having Brenda Adams and her crew come back to perform
further eradication of weeds. She had a discussion with Ms. Adams regarding the
perennial garden in front of the Library. This was planted with the remnants of
the annuals the City grew, which will not be funded for next year. Ms. Adams
stated she could donate her time to design a perennial garden but could not
donate the time required of the crew. She could also design and purchase
supplies this fall and then implement in the spring. The drawback is there
would be no further funds available for next year and none budgeted.
She
further suggested that notice for volunteers should be done in the early spring
or late winter with notices in the papers, radio, etc. Ms. Adams could lead one
group for one full day early in the spring and then the maintenance could be
performed two hours every other week. This is existing gardens only. If they
find the funding with donations, grants, etc. they needed would be
approximately $2000.00 for the initial attack then a cost of $400.00 per month.
The labor and design for the patio garden would be approximately $3100.00
unless her time is donated for design. The proposed design is using native
plants and materials. Anything to be done with the landscaping must be received
from outside sources. There will be no funding
or staffing really for maintenance is even up in the air for 2010.
Boardmember
Wagner wanted to keep a budget for the dandelion pulling since it does not seem
likely to get funding from outside sources. It would be better to seek funding
for the Perennial Garden which if the full amount is not found she can work
with us on the contents.
Good
news was the steps removing the red clover and relocating some of the plants
has made such a difference. Boardmember Larson will contact Ms. Adams and copy
Library Director Hill and Boardmember Wagner.
Chair
Faulkner summarized the decision to save the funds for dandelion pulling for
2010; accept the offer from Ms. Adams to create the perennial garden design and
apply for grants for the plants and materials to create the center perennial
garden. There was a brief discussion regarding possible grants sources.
There
was no further discussion.
a. Election of Landscaping Committee Chair
Chair
Faulkner opened the floor for nominations of chair.
Boardmember
Wagner nominated Flo Larson.
There
was a brief discussion regarding the committee being open to the public.
Boardmember
Larson accepted and Boardmember Wagner will act as Vice Chair as needed.
There
was no further discussion.
Public Hearing
None.
Pending Business
A.
Library
Improvement Plan (LIP)
a. Follow-up on meeting/discussion with
City Manager
Chair Faulkner will revisit the issue
with City Manager Wrede. The energy audit was on peer review to see if any
suggestions offered could be implemented. There has been no action at this time
since the main focus has been the budget.
There was no further discussion.
B.
Library
– Comments, Responses, Issues, and Challenges
A
discussion ensued on baffling of noise in the entrance hallway. A suggestion from
Boardmember Larson was to drape cloth in a wave like pattern along the ceiling.
A discussion ensued regarding possible art request for donated sound proofing,
solicit donations of materials from Ulmer’s, Seems To Be, etc. A suggestion to
approach interior designers or theater folks was offered.
There
was no further discussion.
NEW BusinesS
A. Resolution 09-88,
Amending the Library Advisory Board, Economic Development Advisory Commission, Port & Harbor Advisory
Commission and Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission
Bylaws to Hold Every Other Month Meetings.
Chair Faulkner conveyed that she spoke before City Council and related
that if she was aware that the Library Advisory Board (LAB) could have
responded, “NO” that would have been their answer. The LAB was not in favor of
cutting the regular monthly meetings. City Council did not pass the Ordinance
or resolution before them. Only the Committee meetings were changed to
quarterly.
There was no further discussion.
B. Budget
Library Director Hill distributed a copy of the
Budget she presented to the City Manager and the Finance Director for 2010. She
pointed out where she cut the budget in subsistence, transportation, new books,
two relief/substitute librarians and the part time employees’ hours will be cut
starting in January. The library will also be closed on Mondays. This will
offer a savings in fuel and electricity. She commented on the other positions
in each department that were cut or vacancies that will not be filled. The loss
of positions not being funded will put an additional burden on the remaining
employees. Although the workforce will be less, the amount work will stay the
same, if not greater, and have to be accomplished by the remaining employees.
This will of course depend on what City Council finally approves. She
summarized the narrative for the Boardmembers. She imparted that she went by
the Survey results for her narrative. Discussion included comments made on talk
radio show, Coffee Table, regarding the Library being a self-service business
and what services are provided by the employees. Comments made were the Library
was compared to the DMV and if that can be done with two employees why do they
need seven. Library Director Hill has created a spreadsheet and will be happy
to share. She related that using an expression that the Library is like a duck,
on the surface it seems as if nothing is happening but under the water the feet
are just paddling like mad.
Chair Faulkner suggested a collective strategy was
needed to change the public and council perspective so they could get back some
things – such as not closing on Mondays and the part-time hours and at least
one substitute. Library Director Hill believes coordination with the Friends
would be beneficial. Boardmember Larson opined that a monthly report on the
Library in the local papers would be very beneficial. The Friends have a great
newspaper person. Boardmember Larson read aloud a paragraph from the article in
the packet. Suggestions offered were each article should start with a wow fact
such as there were 12,394 visitors this month or that 17 invasive species of
weeds were found. It’s not just grass!
Chair Faulkner stated that Boardmember Hawfield will
be speaking before the Council and she will speak in November. She would like
to present facts and figures and show comparison between the old and new
library.
There was a brief discussion regarding the square
footage and daily maintenance such as dusting, vacuuming, attending to patrons
passing out, etc. are performed by staff, and additional duties that are
performed by staff and volunteers alike.
Boardmember Larson suggested better use of the
conference room and approaching persons to volunteer holding financial classes.
Library Director Hill stated that the Friends next project or theme for 2010 is
Economic Literacy and having classes, better resources, entrepreneurial
component, and personal finance classes. It was suggested to have a class with
“How to Live with an Entrepreneur.”
Boardmember Wagner suggested including Mr. Bryan Zak
regarding small business. Additional suggestions included offering instruments
such as a piano, music and practice, but rooms are not sound proofed, although
it would be great location around the fireplace for chamber performances or
children’s group performances.
There was no further discussion.
C. Appointment of a Friends
Liaison
Chair Faulkner reported that in discussions with Library Director Hill
that instead of the Friends Liaison attending each meeting that they attend a
meeting quarterly. They could then report on what the LAB has been doing and is
planning. She then noted that there was only one person present who was not on
a committee.
Boardmember Seaman voiced her concern with not always knowing her
schedule in time to know if she can attend the meeting. She inquired if it
could be on a “round robin” schedule. It could then be an item on the agenda
where everyone can check their schedule and it would be easier on everyone with
no permanent commitment. Boardmember Seaman stated she would be able to attend
the Friends meeting next week.
Boardmember Larson reported she would not be at the November meeting as
she will be in Taiwan.
Boardmember Seaman stated she will have to leave early from the November
meeting as she has a class to teach. It was noted that there still should be a
quorum with the remaining members attending and the two absent tonight.
There was no further discussion.
Informational Materials
A. Memorandum from Library Advisory Board
to City Council Re: Recommendations
for the 2010-2015 Capital Improvement Plan
B. Memorandum dated September 2, 2009 to
Mayor, City Council and City Manager
Re: Resolution
09-88 Changing the Bylaws to Hold Every Other Month Meetings
There was no discussion.
Ms.
Cumming commented that the perennial garden looked very good this year and
advised not planting anything new until all weeds were eradicated. She also
stated that she was planning to leave at 7:00 p.m. but could not leave. She had
to stay to the end to hear everything. She suggested approaching Mr. Michael
Neece since he was at the Library frequently.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY STAFF
Deputy City
Clerk Krause commented that she finally visited the Library. She also said that
the students at the college are not answering the Question of the week. She
commented that having a couple members at watch council meeting will show the
Council that they business.
Library
Director Hill offered to give her a proper tour. Thanked everyone for coming.
It may be a difficult fall with the budget issues. She will be sending
Boardmember Seaman as a guinea pig with the responsibilities of staff
spreadsheet.
Comments from the Board
Boardmember Wagner did not have any comments. She commented
that people are being very cautious. She stated that third person information
the sales at Northwind Collections were very good this summer.
Boardmember Larson commented that they need more
male input on the board and it would be nice to recruit a male boardmember. It
was noted that people will be very cautious in their spending which she doesn’t
consider a bad thing.
Boardmember Seaman did not have any comments.
COMMENTS OF THE CHAIR
Chair Faulkner will address Council regarding the
Budget on November 23, 2009. City Council meetings will be October 12, 26,
November 9th and 23rd. She requested the Clerk to email
her the meeting dates.
There being no further business to come before the Board
Chair Faulkner adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The next Regular Meeting
is scheduled for November 3, 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: