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MEETING MINUTES

MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JANUARY 20, 2005

The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, January 20, 2005, in the Central Meeting Room pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:

Rebecca L. Pordum, Chair
Phyllis A. Horton, Vice Chair
Sharon A. Thomas, Secretary
W. Lawrence Buck
Frank Gist
Susan Maggiore
Elaine M. Panty
Daniel T. Roach
Judith K. Summer
Wayne D. Wisbaum
George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus

Excused:

William P. Brosnahan
Annette A. Juncewicz, ill
John B. Long, ill
Abdul H. Raoof
Raul Vazquez, conflict

Chair Rebecca L. Pordum called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.

Agenda Item B – Approval / Change to the Agenda. The agenda was approved as submitted.

Agenda Item C – Minutes of the December 16, 2004 meeting. On motion by Ms. Panty and a second by Ms. Horton, the Minutes were approved as mailed.

Agenda Item D – Report of the Nominating Committee.

Agenda Item D.1 – Election of Officers and Executive Committee. Chair Pordum called on Committee Chair Daniel Roach to make a report. Mr. Roach stated the Nominating Committee met and has nominated the following slate of officers and Executive Committee members for 2005:

Chair Rebecca L. Pordum

Vice Chair Phyllis A. Horton

Treasurer John B. Long

Secretary Frank Gist

In addition to the Chair and Vice Chair, proposed members of the Executive Committee are W. Lawrence Buck, Judith K. Summer and Elaine M. Panty. On motion by Ms. Summer, seconded by Mr. Roach, the slate was approved as presented.

Agenda Item E – Meeting Schedule for 2005. The meeting schedule for the year was included in Board packets for information.

Trustee Thomas arrived at approximately 4:05 p.m.

Agenda Item F – Report of the Chair. Ms. Pordum asked trustees to return committee preference forms. She stated she is looking forward to working with the B&ECPL Board and administration as well as the Library Foundation Board to bring forth a plan of action for the Library System. She expressed hope that everyone is willing to take the time and effort that will be required to allow this System to adequately serve the needs of the public as well as contain costs.

Agenda Item G – Committee Reports.

G.1. – Executive Committee. Ms. Horton reported the Committee met on January 13 th to approve the agenda, discuss proposed resolutions and review schedules for Board and Executive Committee meetings as well as the committee volunteer form.

Agenda Item G.2 – Budget and Finance Committee. Chair Pordum called on Deputy Director Kenneth Stone to report on budget and finance matters.

Agenda Item G.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. Mr. Stone stated the proposed transfers for the Amherst and Hamburg libraries are related to year-end ledger closings. On motion by Ms. Horton, seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved.

RESOLUTION 2005-1

WHEREAS, a request for budget transfers has been received from the Amherst Public Library and Hamburg Public Library, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $7,104 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library and $8,014 within the budget of the Hamburg Public Library.

Agenda Item G.2.b – Amend 2004 Budget: County Legislature Member Item. Mr. Stone reported Legislator Edward Kuwik designated $8,775 to benefit the Blasdell, Lackawanna and Lake Shore libraries, each receiving $2,925. Approval would direct funds to these libraries and suggest the monies be applied to the 2005 budget. This was, in fact, done since notification of this funding was received in time to help ameliorate 2005 budget cuts. Ms. Summer moved for approval. Mr. Roach made the second, and the resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2005-2

WHEREAS, on December 22 nd , the Erie County Legislature adopted a resolution sponsored by Legislator Edward Kuwik allocating monies from legislative accounts totaling $8,775 to the benefit of Blasdell, Lackawanna and Lakeshore libraries ($2,925 each), and

WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement entered into many years ago, Erie County is responsible for funding local libraries situated within localities throughout Erie County, and

WHEREAS, libraries within Erie County are routinely in need of additional funds to provide services and materials to local patrons, and

WHEREAS, Legislators' strong support for the community's public libraries is greatly appreciated and helps the libraries support a great deal of use, and

WHEREAS, given the fiscal challenges facing both Erie County and New York State (hence local and state library aid), authorizing the contract library to retain these funds until such time as they are needed to offset 2005 budget cuts and/ or future aid reductions is advisable (and strongly encouraged), now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully accept these funds from the County Legislature for the benefit of libraries, and be it further

RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves a budget amendment to the 2004 budget, increasing revenues and expense as follows:

, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the above contracting libraries to retain these funds until such time as they are needed to offset 2005 budget reductions or future state or local aid reductions, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library strongly suggests the contracting libraries retain these funds for the above purposes, and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution and a revised Exhibit A be transmitted to the above libraries to implement the change.

Chair Pordum informed the Board she had spoken with Legislator Kuwik to thank him for the funds, and she encouraged trustees to speak to elected officials if they have an opportunity and let them know the Library will gratefully accept any member item money. The Chair and Director plan to meet with legislators to be sure they are aware the Library experienced an 11% decrease in spending that forces libraries to reduce hours, services and staff.

Agenda Item G.2.c – Amend 2004 Budget: State Member Item. Deputy Director Stone informed trustees that State Senator Mary Lou Rath designated member aid money to benefit libraries in her district as follows: Amherst Public Library - $20,000, Clarence Public Library - $10,000, Newstead Public Library - $10,000, City of Tonawanda Public Library - $10,000 and the Town of Tonawanda Public Library - $20,000. Notification was received in late December. The funds were used to offset 2005 budget reductions. On motion by Ms. Thomas, seconded by Ms. Horton, approval was unanimous.

RESOLUTION 2005-3

WHEREAS, on December 20 th the Library received notification from the State Department of Education that “A grant-in-aid in the amount of $70,000 has been apportioned to your library system,” and

WHEREAS, this member aid item was sponsored by New York State Senator Mary Lou Rath to assist libraries in her district in light of the “severe financial constraints facing our libraries,” and

WHEREAS, these proceeds are designated for the benefit of the Amherst Public Library ($20,000), Clarence Public Library ($10,000), Newstead Public Library ($10,000), City of Tonawanda Public Library ($10,000) and the Town of Tonawanda Public Library ($20,000), and

WHEREAS, supplemental private and public grants are regularly sought to augment library equipment, materials and other needs, and

WHEREAS, given the fiscal challenges facing both Erie County and New York State (hence local and State library aid), authorizing the contract library to retain these funds until such time as they are needed to offset 2005 budget cuts and/or future aid reductions is advisable (and strongly encouraged), now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully accepts the $70,000 in State aid, and be it further

RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves a budget amendment to the 2004 budget, increasing revenues and expenses as follows:

, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the above contracting libraries to retain these funds until such time as they are needed to offset 2005 budget reductions or future State or local aid reductions, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library strongly suggests the contracting libraries retain these funds for the above purposes, and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution and a revised Exhibit A be transmitted to the above libraries to implement the change.

Agenda Item G.2.d – Regional Bibliographic Database (RBDB) Grant. This amends the 2005 budget to accept an RBDB grant of $7,000. This State grant supports the develop­ment of regional databases of bibliographic information. Ms. Summer moved for approval. Ms. Panty made the second, and approval was unanimous.

RESOLUTION 2005-4

WHEREAS, the Library has been awarded a New York State Regional Bibliographic Database grant in the amount of $7,000 and

WHEREAS, grant proceeds will support conversion of approximately 5,000 ubiquitous and 200 unique titles from the Library's collection of closed stacks materials, including titles such as Writings of Washington , Expositions of Holy Scripture , and Canada and Its Provinces , and

WHEREAS, a grant budget needs to be established to undertake the program, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library establish a Regional Bibliographic Database grant budget in the following amounts:

Revenue $7,000

Grant Program Expenditures $7,000

Mr. Buck arrived at approximately 4:15 p.m.

Ms. Panty inquired about possible uses of the RBDB grant funds. Mr. Stone stated this is a project-based grant as opposed to a grant that provides operating support. The funds can be used only for the prescribed purpose of records conversion. He informed trustees that Governor Pataki's proposed budget maintains the 5% cut in aid that was approved for 2004. This will decrease the 2005 budget by almost $100,000. He also stated the County is currently having cash flow problems and will no longer advance the money from anticipated bond issues. This creates a problem for the B&ECPL because the $5 million library materials budget is derived from bonds that have yet to be issued. Due to this funding delay, a notice has been posted on the Library's website (and elsewhere) informing patrons that it may take longer to receive requests and indicating why the disruption in service may occur.

Agenda Item G.2.e – Monthly Financial Report. The financial report for the period ending November 30, 2004 was provided for information. Mr. Stone brought to trustees' attention the large increase in health insurance. The average increase for 2005 exceeded 27%. Budget projections anticipated an increase in the 12-16% range.

Agenda Item H – Report of the Director. Michael Mahaney expressed his and the staff's gratitude to the Board for its support over the past few months, and he thanked staff members, who worked very well together. He said Chair Pordum provided excellent leadership in 2004 and is pleased that she will continue as Chair in 2005.

The following was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.

2005 Budget Keeps B&ECPL in Business -- but Not at 2004 Levels: December 2004 began with preparations for a potential System shutdown under the County Executive 's proposed “Red Budget” and ended with personnel downgrades, reassignments and, sadly, some layoffs under the adopted “Green Budget,” which sustains library services but at reduced levels.  On December 1 st , administrative staff met with Contract Library Directors and again with their Trustees on Saturday, December 11 th .  B&ECPL Chair Rebecca Pordum attended the latter meeting and addressed attendees, expressing her gratitude for their invaluable advocacy efforts.  The need to absorb a $4.2 million shortfall in the 2005 operating budget forces personnel and service reductions throughout the System, and contracting libraries are bearing their share of the burden.

Merriweather Library Project Shows Progress: Construction continues at the Jefferson/Utica site.  Relatively mild December weather helped keep the project on schedule for a late summer/early fall 2005 completion.  Carol Batt and Glenn Luba , both of the Office of System Public Services, prepared the New York State Construc­tion Grant Application (approved by the Board in December) requesting a financial award to help supplement shelving costs for the new facility.  Various staff continue to participate in regular project meetings with the architect, contractors and officials from the City of Buffalo 's Department of Public Works.  On January 10 th , the Director met with Erie County Legislator Demone Smith to discuss various aspects of the project.

B&ECPL Requests Early Issuance of 2005 County Capital Budget Funds for Library Materials and for Merriweather Library Project:  The 2005 County Budget includes $5 million for library materials and $600,000 to purchase library materials, equipment and furnishings for the new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library as “bonded projects.”  This means the funds are not available to the Library until the County Legislature approves the issuance of bonds.  Given that issues surrounding the 2005 Budget implementation are still being addressed, the proposed date for bonding authorization has not yet been determined.  In a typical year, this might occur later in the spring.   Unfortunately, the normal bond authorization schedule would not provide access to these funds in time to avoid a major disruption in the flow and availability of new library books/materials and possible delays in opening the Merriweather Library.    Recognizing the negative impacts of a lengthy delay, a written request has been transmitted to the County Director of Budget, Management & Finance requesting early bonding authorization.  Copies of this request were provided to the County Comptroller and the Chairman of the Legislature's Finance and Management Committee as well as each member of the B&ECPL's Board of Trustees. The Director and CFO Stone will pursue this matter further and report new developments as they occur.

Extension Services Staff Present Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute: On the evening of January 13 th , the Department of Extension Services presented the 27 th annual program celebrating the life, works and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Central Library's Mason O. Damon Auditorium.  The Director introduced emcee Claudine Ewing of WGRZ-TV, who welcomed many community participants, including the Westminster Community School Chorus, Metropolitan Praise Dancers and others.  North Jefferson Branch Library Manager Sandra Williams Bush chaired the 2005 event.

County 2005 Budget Data Entry Delayed: Availability of 2005 budget accounts in the SAP financial system has been delayed. County budget staff delayed entering the information while the major legal challenges to the 2005 budget adoption process were considered. They have prepared the necessary computer file, but have postponed implementing the change pending resolution of the last lawsuit concern­ing the budget.  If resolved soon, the result would be only minor delays in payments for goods and services received in January. The Business Office is able to pay invoices for goods and services received in December 2004 or earlier as they are charged to the 2004 budget.  If the delay persists more than an additional week or two, the Library will begin to experience problems with vendors. Further, those contracting libraries that do not participate in the Centralized Human Resources Program need their first quarter payments in order to meet bi-monthly payrolls.  Fortunately, changes in New York State Retirement System billing deadlines have delayed the 2004 billing to contract libraries, so the cash set aside for that payment is available to serve their cash flow needs until quarterly checks are issued.  Each library has been contacted and all responses to date indicate they have sufficient cash on hand to cover their first bimonthly payroll in January.   CFO Ken Stone will keep the Board advised as the situation develops.

Even in Trying Times, B&ECPL Presents Engaging Children's Programs: On December 11 th , Central Library staff hosted a viewing of the film How a Book Becomes a Movie , which explains the new technology used in the motion picture The Polar Express , based on the Caldecott Award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg .  Along with movie clips, the film includes interviews with actor Tom Hanks as well as the author.  Afterward, children designed their own Polar Express book cover and took home a replica bell from the book.  On December 29 th , nearly 50 children participated in “Winter Fun at the Library.”  Attendees made a snowman thermometer, played winter bingo and were “tattooed” with a snowman.  On December 28 th , the North Park Branch hosted the K-9 Unit from the Sheriff's Department. Officers presented a program, and “ Nina ” the Labrador drug dog demonstrated her canine detection skills for the 31 people who attended the event.

Staff Continues Transition to New Sirsi Automation System:  Acquisitions staff began using Sirsi's EDI Software to process purchase orders for B&ECPL's two largest vendors.  Support Services Administrator Ann Kling reports that telephone “help” calls to Support Services have decreased dramatically as staff in the contract libraries and Buffalo branches become more familiar and more comfortable with the circulation side of the Sirsi software. CIO Shirley Whelan and Network Support personnel reported to work on New Year's Day to finalize the design of the Year-End Circulation and Collection reports required for the annual State Reports submitted to the New York State Division of Library Development.  In addition to processing year-end reports, the Sirsi Unicorn Migration team continues to work on problem resolution. Sirsi Implementation Project Manager Jane Ervin is addressing lingering data problems and will work with B&ECPL staff to re-install Sirsi Voice Automation (SVA) software.  Many problems have been solved but, unfortunately, new ones have been identified.  SIP2 connectivity has stabilized, and self-charge machines are now working well.  The most serious of the Collection Agency issues have been corrected.  Officials at the highest levels of the Sirsi organization are monitoring B&ECPL's needs and have assured the Library of their commitment to a successful transition and follow-up support.

Fine Revenue Results for 2004:  System-wide receipts for December totaled $90,356.32, a decrease of $13,160.43, or 12.71% less than the $103,516.75 collected in December 2003. This decrease can be attributed to late-year budget turmoil that resulted in the temporary suspension of the request system and related circulation functions.  Total 2004 collections, including adjustments, total $1,295,074.55, an increase of $29,826.63, or 2.36% above the $1,265,247.92 received in 2003.

2005-2006 e-Rate Application Process Initiated:  CFO Ken Stone and CIO Shirley Whelan have begun work on the latest round of applications for telecommunication discounts under the Federal e-Rate Program. Final Form 471 e-Rate applications for 2005-2006 must be submitted by February 17 th .  To that end, several Form 470s, which must be posted for 28 days prior to the submission of the Form 471, have been submitted online.  The most important of these is for T1 data lines to each of the 51 branch and contract libraries.  In addition, bids are being sought for replacement of Cisco switch equipment in the wiring closets at the Central Library and the planned e-mail system.  One additional application might be submitted to offset costs of the telephone system for the new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library.

Self-Charge Machines Under Evaluation:   On January 5 th , Flash Scan installed a demonstration self-charge unit — the third that has been installed on a trial basis — in the Central Library's Popular Materials Department. This machine will be evaluated, along with the i-Circ and Vernon equipment, at the end of a two-week period. 
 
B&ECPL Joins Partners in Education:   On December 11 th , Children's Department Manager Beverly Federspiel attended a meeting of the Erie County Association of School Boards to review the preliminary findings of a project on collaboration and shared services.  An ambitious plan, whose goal is to have all children in Erie County succeed in school, was unveiled.  Various groups that have a stake in the future of children were asked to provide input.  Librarians Sandra Blackman and Alicia DiFranco of the Children's Department assisted Pat Jensen of the Buffalo Alliance for Education in information gathering for the 2004 “Kids' Choice” Award selections. The B&ECPL co-sponsors this award with the Alliance for Education.

Librarian Shares Expertise: “How to Research Your House in 45 Minutes or Less” was the topic of a noontime talk delivered by Librarian Cynthia Van Ness at the Buffalo Architecture Center .  Ms. Van Ness is a reference librarian in the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, a published author and an active citizen in efforts to preserve Buffalo 's historical and architectural heritage. Approximately 20 people attended the lecture sponsored by the Landmark Society.

Erie County Home Recognizes Library Contributor:   On December 21 st , officials held a reception for volunteers and staff at the Erie County Home and Infirmary.  Senior Library Clerk Mary Ann Trainer of the Department of Extension Services received the Employee of the Quarter award for her “extraordinary work and dedication to the residents of the Erie County Home.”  She earned a citation, lunch and her own parking spot for the quarter.

Secure Remote Access through VPN Now Available:  Portions of this monthly report were delivered using a laptop computer configured with the Cisco Virtual Private Network (VPN) client and a Verizon wireless network connection.  Easy access to B&ECPL's Eudora e-mail, using the VPN, made it possible to transmit the report wirelessly from a remote location to the Director's office.  While the VPN and wireless connection were originally developed to provide remote access for B&ECPL's mobile libraries, authorized staff can now use it for off-site network access.

Meeting and Special Appearances:   The Library continues to attract media attention subsequent to the adoption of the 2005 Erie County budget, with multiple columns and articles in The Buffalo News and local community weeklies, a ten-minute segment on Adelphia Channel 13's Crossroads program and recurring coverage on many local TV and radio newscasts.  On January 11 th , the Director joined County Commis­sioners and Department Heads to bid farewell to Deputy County Executive Carl J. Calabrese as he leaves County government. Shortly thereafter, the Director met with County Executive Joel Giambra and Deputy County Executive Bruce Fisher to discuss the status of the South Buffalo Library Construction project and other library-related matters.

A Few Last Words on 2004

Even in the darkest days of the “Red Budget” threat, B&ECPL staff continued to perform with integrity, spirit and uncompromising professionalism. Meanwhile, the public rallied to the Library's aid in such unprecedented numbers that no one could question their commitment or doubt their cause.  These were inspiring aspects of an otherwise horrific experience.

As the year drew to a close and Library staff shifted their attention from budget woes to the ledger of their accomplishments over the preceding twelve months, they noted with pride that 2004 was the most successful, most productive year in B&ECPL history .  With roots that can be traced back to 1836, never has there been such a year!  For the first time, annual circulation of library materials surpassed 9 million transactions, with a grand total of 9,175,635 — a 3.4% increase over 2003 — the year that set the previous record.  Circulation was not the only record-breaking performance measure.  Other indicators —including computer use with a 20.2% increase — illustrate the value and vitality of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library.

There are challenges ahead, but in 2004, the B&ECPL and the library users of Buffalo and Erie County proved that libraries not only contribute to the quality of life in our community, they confirm it.

Agenda Item I – Report of the Foundation Director. Executive Director Anne Leary was not in attendance at the meeting.

Agenda Item J – Public Comment. ElizaBeth Berry of Save Our Libraries (SOL) Coalition is concerned that library consolidation would take free access of information away from two neighborhoods. She does not believe library consolidation will save money. The System runs efficiently and should remain as is.

John Klukowski, 189 Cazenovia Street , Buffalo , stated library supporters need to keep pressure on legislators to ensure libraries are not ignored. Taxes are going up, and library services are being cut back at a time when usage is increasing. Parents prefer to keep children in their own neighborhoods. A library doesn't have to be big in order to provide excellent service.

Jeffrey Gauthier, 189 Cazenovia Street , Buffalo , thanked the Board for giving the SOL group an advocacy award last month. He hopes all 52 libraries will remain open. City branches are losing a total of over 100 service hours. Many students need to use public libraries for school projects because school libraries are not open everyday.

Valerie Niederhoffer said libraries are sources of information and communication for the community, and every library is needed. She believes there should be more evening hours.

Carol May, 203 Lockwood, Buffalo, stated that the Dudley Branch lost one full day of service plus Sunday, so it is now closed three days per week. Libraries are not busi­nesses and shouldn't be treated that way—bottom line should not be an issue. Money should not be taken from libraries to pay for Medicaid. Please do not consolidate.

K. Unfinished Business.

K.1 – Librarians Association Contract. Mr. Mahaney reminded trustees that three months ago, as the Board was about to take action on a new labor agreement with librarians, the “Red Budget” crisis began. In light of fiscally grave conditions that might have closed every library in Erie County , the matter was delayed. The Director is grateful to the librarians for their patience and recent advocacy efforts. He asked Assistant Deputy Director Mary Jean Jakubowski to present the resolution as she was directly involved in contract negotiations.

Ms. Jakubowski expressed her appreciation to the Librarians Association for its dili­gence in working through contract issues. The key factors are 2% wage increases for 2005 and 2006. This percentage increase is equal to other County bargaining unions. Ms. Jakubowski believes the contract is fair and will bring librarians in line with other unions.

Mr. Buck asked whether the contract is retroactive to January 1, 2005, and Ms. Jakubowski replied in the affirmative.

Mr. Mahaney stated the librarians, as well as other bargaining units in Erie County , received no wage increase in 2004.

Mr. Buck asked whether any other cost increases are included in the new contract. Ms. Jakubowski stated some minimal increases are included that pertain to stipend allowances and the minimum daily mileage reimbursement rate.

On motion by Mr. Buck with a second by Ms. Thomas, the contract was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2005-5

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has statutory authority to manage its budget and has sole authority to negotiate fair settlement of labor agreements with its employees, and

WHEREAS, librarians employed by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library are represented by the Librarians Association of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and

WHEREAS, the current labor agreement between the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and the Librarians Association expired December 31, 2003, and

WHEREAS, representatives of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and the Librarians Association have been negotiating terms of a contract for the years 2005 and 2006, the year 2004 contract having been executed on September 18, 2003, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees and Erie County officials have indicated their desire to attain relative parity in compensation and benefits between employees represented by the Librarians Association and other Erie County public employee bargaining units, and

WHEREAS, Erie County employees covered by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) have negotiated salary increases for 2005 and 2006 at 2% and 2% respectively, and

WHEREAS, the proposed contract includes salary increases for librarians at 2% for 2005 and 2% for 2006 and provides for various other benefits and work rules comparable to those afforded CSEA members, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library endorses the proposed settlement and authorizes the Chair to execute the agreement, with terms being retroactive to January 1, 2005.

Agenda Item L – New Business. No new business.

Prior to adjournment, Chair Pordum made a clarification regarding her previous statement about keeping “all 52 libraries open.” She stated this was said in regard to the budget crisis when there was a very real possibility that the entire Library System would be shut down. The purpose of asking that all 52 libraries remained open was because the Board did not want to be forced to close branches in a crisis situation due to a funding shortfall. The Board would prefer to study the situation and determine the best way for the System to move forward after deliberating the matter and deciding what is best for the future. The Board's preference has always been not to close any library without first having something to replace it. She reiterated the need for library patrons to lobby elected officials for member aid dollars that can be used to restore deleted hours. Trustees intend to make the B&ECPL an efficient library system for all patrons.

There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Summer, seconded by Ms. Horton, the meeting was adjourned at 4:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Frank Gist

Secretary

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