MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
March 17, 2005
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, February 17, 2005, in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Rebecca L. Pordum, Chair
Phyllis A. Horton, Vice Chair
Frank Gist, Secretary
Hormoz Mansouri
Elaine M. Panty
Abdul H. Raoof
Judith K. Summer
Sharon A. Thomas
Wayne D. Wisbaum
George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused:
W. Lawrence Buck, out of town
Jack Connors, out of town
Annette A. Juncewicz, ill
John B. Long, ill
Susan Maggiore, out of town
Daniel T. Roach, out of town
Chair Rebecca L. Pordum called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room. As a quorum was not present, she began the meeting with Agenda Item D - Report of the Chair. Although no meetings with County officials have been held recently, she anticipates meetings will be scheduled in coming months. Committee assignments were discussed. Sharon Thomas arrived, and a quorum was in attendance.
Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. The agenda was approved as submitted.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the February 17, 2005 Meeting. On motion by Ms. Horton and a second by Ms. Panty, the Minutes were approved as mailed.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Horton reported the Committee discussed resolutions being presented at the meeting and said Director Michael Mahaney provided a budget update, which is included in the Board packet.
At approximately 4:05 p.m. , Trustee Hormoz Mansouri arrived at the meeting. Chair Pordum introduced Dr. Mansouri. He is President of NPTS, Inc., EI Team and EPIC, Inc. and has a wealth of expertise in corporate management, engineering design work and architectural services. Ms. Pordum welcomed Dr. Mansouri to the Board.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget and Finance Committee. The Chair called on Deputy Director Kenneth Stone to introduce budget and finance matters in Dr. Long's absence.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. This resolution approves transfers for the Amherst and Angola Public Libraries. Ms. Horton moved for approval and was seconded by Dr. Raoof, whereupon approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2005-12
WHEREAS, a request for budget transfers has been received from the Amherst Public Library and Angola Public Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $11,988 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library and $1,200 within the budget of the Angola Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – Amend 2005 Budget: County Member Aid. Mr. Stone explained that $8,775 had been received from Legislator Edward Kuwik in late December for the Blasdell, Lackawanna and Lake Shore Libraries. It is necessary to re-budget the appropriation to the 2005 budget. Ms. Summer recommended approval and was seconded by Ms. Horton. Approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2005-13
WHEREAS, on January 20 th , the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approved Resolution 2005-5 amending the 2004 budget to reflect that 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 the Blasdell, Lackawanna and Lake Shore libraries ($2,925 each), and
WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement entered into many years ago, Erie County is responsible for funding local branch 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 libraries 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), and
WHEREAS, those funds were not actually received until late February, 2005 and booked to 2004 as part of the 2004 year-end closing process, and
WHEREAS, to allow these funds to be disbursed as intended, the 2005 budget must be amended to incorporate this expenditure from Library fund balance, now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves a budget amendment to the 2005 budget, increasing revenues and expense as follows:
SAP Commitment Item # |
||
Revenue#402190 |
Expense#516010 |
|
Fund Center |
Use of Fund Balance |
Contractual Payments |
Blasdell Library #4205310 |
$2,925 |
$2,925 |
Lackawanna Library #4204055 |
$2,925 |
$2,925 |
Lakeshore Library #4205330 |
$2,925 |
$2,925 |
TOTAL: |
$8,775 |
$8,775 |
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 urges the contracting libraries to 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 E.2.c – Amend 2005 Grants Budget. Mr. Stone informed trustees that New York State is moving quickly on allocating funds for the 2005 Summer Reading Program. This resolution accepts $12,200 in funding for the program. Also, final calculations for the State Library Construction grant, accepted at the February meeting in the amount of $37,853, allocated an additional $86. The funds will be applied toward equipment and furnishing purchases at the new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library. Ms. Horton moved for approval and was seconded by Dr. Raoof. The resolution to accept the grant funds was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2005-14
WHEREAS, the Library recently received two grant award notifications , and
WHEREAS, the first is from New York State, providing $12,200 for promotional materials and support for the 2005 New York State Summer Reading program, and
WHEREAS, the second increases the amount of the recently awarded State Library Construction grant, added to the Grants budget in Resolution 2005-09, to partially fund purchase and installation of initial equipment and furnishings for the new Merriweather Library from $37,767 to $37,853 (an increase of $86) , and
WHEREAS, the construction award's $86 increase corrects the award to the actual reduction in library aid enacted in the 2004-2005 New York State budget to 4.7855%, vs. 5.0% contained in the original award , now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees amends the 2005 Grants Budget by appropriating grant revenues and expenditures as shown below.
2005 Grants Budget
NYS Summer Reading Grant | $12,200 |
|
Revenue Increase from State Construction Grant | $ 86 |
|
Subtotal Revenues |
$12,286 |
|
Grant Expenditures |
||
NYS Summer Reading Program Support |
$12,200 |
|
Frank E. Merriweather Library, Jr. |
$ 86 |
|
Subtotal Expense |
$12,286 |
Agenda Item E.2.d – Authorize Participation in Online Booksellers Programs. This action will authorize the B&ECPL to participate in an online booksellers incentive program in conjunction with Amazon/Borders and Barnes & Noble. The Library's website will offer an option for patrons to link to online booksellers and purchase items for sale. In return, a share of those proceeds would be returned to the Library.
RESOLUTION 2005-15
WHEREAS, the Library seeks to expand revenue generating opportunities , and
WHEREAS, one such opportunity involves establishing links from the B&ECPL website and/or catalog to major online booksellers to take advantage of their incentive programs offering percentage and volume-based referral fees for sales generated to customers linking to the bookseller from independent websites, and
WHEREAS, such links can be applied on a non-exclusive basis, and
WHEREAS, this opportunity is viewed as a win-win, providing a complementary service on the Library website and/or catalog, and generating a modest amount of revenue to the Library , now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees authorizes the Library Director or his designee to undertake the necessary steps to participate .
Mr. Stone stated the Library is looking at any opportunity to enhance the revenue side of the ledger. Ms. Pordum commended the Administrative Team for its diligence in continually working to supplement the budget. This program is something that will help the public and the Library at the same time.
Agenda Item E.2.e – Monthly Financial Reports. The Library's financial reports through February were distributed to trustees. Mr. Stone noted the County's capital budget has not been established for 2005. The capital budget was expected to provide $5 million for library materials and $600,000 for the Merriweather project. Due to the County's financial crisis, those funds are not available at this time. This situation is being closely monitored.
Agenda Item E.3 – Policy Committee.
Agenda Item E.3.a – Adopt Revised Circulation Policy. Trustee Summer reported on recommended changes to the B&ECPL Circulation Policy. In response to speculation in the media, she stated that user fees for Erie County residents cannot be instituted as that is contrary to the State Education Law as it is currently written. Last month, the Policy Committee proposed the idea of charging a user fee to non-residents of Erie County . Non-residents who own property, work or attend school in Erie County would be exempt. All proposed policy changes were sent to contracting libraries for their review and comment, and suggestions were taken under advisement. The resolution being proposed recommends that the B&ECPL charge out-of-county borrowers who do not qualify for an exemption an annual charge of $40, payable in six- month installments of $20 each, for a library card. Some minor technical language changes are also recommended to conform to the new Sirsi automation system. Ms. Horton motioned for approval. Ms. Panty made the second, and approval was unanimous. Chair Pordum thanked the Policy Committee for researching this issue and bringing it to the Board.
RESOLUTION 2005-16
WHEREAS, recent reductions in B&ECPL operating revenues, generated primarily through Erie County's equalized property tax, necessitate a re-examination of the tradition of providing free access to non-residents who do not contribute to the financial support of the B&ECPL, and
WHEREAS, the Board's Policy Committee proposes a fixed charge per annum for each non-resident to avail him/herself of borrowing privileges with the B&ECPL, and
WHEREAS, this amount should be equivalent (at least) to the per capita support provided by Erie County residents, and
WHEREAS, making this change requires an amendment to B&ECPL Circulation Policy, deleting all language that refers to non-resident borrowing privileges, and
WHEREAS, recent migration from the DRA library automation system to the Sirsi Unicorn system requires minor changes in terminology within the text of the Circulation Policy, and
WHEREAS, these latter modifications are purely technical and do not change any terms or conditions of existing policy, and
WHEREAS, Contracting Libraries have been notified of the proposed changes pursuant to Paragraph Second of B&ECPL's annual agreement with all Contracting Libraries, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the amended Circulation Policy be adopted, effective April 18, 2005 .
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Mr. Mahaney welcomed Dr. Mansouri and said he is looking forward to working with him. Mr. Mahaney went on to say that various County officials have made statements recently that they do not intend to fund 52 libraries in 2006. The B&ECPL has a long history of strategic planning. In the 1990s, the Board made a sweeping review of the System's infrastructure, governance and finances a high priority. In 1997, the Library contracted with Aaron Cohen Associates to conduct an independent review. In October 1998, The B&ECPL in the Third Millennium was issued. This report made many recommendations for the future of the Library System. Many of the recommendations were implemented.
However, the one recommendation that attracted the most attention and controversy was the suggestion that the B&ECPL, with 52 libraries, was operating with a service model that was overextended, antiquated and outmoded. This issue was brought to the community in 22 public meetings conducted in 2000, where it received unanimous resistance both from the public and elected officials. The Board listened and came out with a revised plan, Expanding Horizons, that essentially said the Board would support retention of 52 libraries subject to certain provisions. In 2004, the Board issued a subsequent strategic plan, Breaking New Ground , which stated the Board was willing and eager to work with communities that are interested in pursuing collaborations for consolidation purposes.
The original Cohen study has not been ignored or forgotten. The plan is available on the Library's website. In the wake of the County's financial crisis, many public officials have asked the Library to take another look at the consolidation study. This is a new day, it's not 2000 anymore, and circumstances have changed. The Administrative Team has begun the process of collecting data the Board can use in its deliberations to make an objective evaluation of this Library System and its 52 locations to determine the sustainability of each location in light of potential budget reductions. Foremost, the B&ECPL must manage revenues responsibly, explore every opportunity to generate new revenues, control costs and, above all, deliver high quality library services with whatever resources are available. Trustees will be given the tools needed to help them in developing the library system of the future, and it may not be anything close to the library system of 2005.
Mr. Gist asked if the original Cohen report could be made available to Board members who were not on the Board in 1998 because it is so comprehensive and evaluates a broad spectrum of the entire Library System. Mr. Mahaney replied that the full report will be made available and reiterated the 70-page summary volume is on the website and contains the most essential aspects of the study. Ms. Pordum suggested that an informal review session be arranged for any Board members who might like to familiarize themselves with the lengthy document or have a refresher. The Director will arrange a convenient date and time for any Board members who are interested. Some of the issues brought up in that study are still quite valid today.
The following was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.
Erie County Budget Crisis Strikes B&ECPL: The 2005 Erie County budget cuts have resulted in the layoff of between 1,000 and 2,000 Erie County employees. Under terms of the labor agreement with AFSCME, the union representing Erie County's blue collar workers, layoffs trigger a county-wide “bumping” process in which individuals in non-competitive positions (entry-level titles not subject to Civil Service examination) laid off from a position in one department or agency may displace or “bump” another individual with less seniority in the same or another department. Approximately 10 full-time and eight part-time B&ECPL employees are being displaced by the latest bumping process. Most recently, the Library's Maintenance Department has been struck by bumping and resulting layoffs. All staff are saddened and disappointed by this turn of events. County Comptroller Nancy Naples describes the 2005 budget as: “a mess,” claiming the 2004 budget deficit now appears to be $106 million, $46 million more than projected. The recently adopted/amended 2005 County budget relied on $32 million in “use of fund balance” that no longer exists. This is yet another indication of the extremely challenging financial situation the County faces and a portent of what is likely to be an even greater challenge as the Library moves through 2005 and prepares for the 2006 budget.
Patrons Offered E-Mail or Telephone Notification: As part of its continuing effort to control costs, the B&ECPL has initiated a process that will eliminate postal notification for overdue and request materials. Now, patrons have the option to select either e-mail or automated telephone notification. A System-wide campaign has begun to collect valid e-mail addresses and updated telephone numbers. The suspension of mailings through the U.S. Postal Service will result in significant postage cost savings.
So Many Books…So Little Time! On March 9 th , author, book reviewer and public librarian Nancy Pearl addressed a lunchtime audience of 125 with her presentation, “The Perils/Pearls of Reading ,” at the Central Library . Ms. Pearl is the author of Book Lust and More Book Lust and is a leading expert in reader's advisory. She is the founder of “If All Seattle Read the Same Book,” which spawned similar events across the country, and is also the model for the Librarian “Action Figure” produced by Archie McPhee & Co. The program was co-sponsored by University Libraries - University at Buffalo , UB's School of Informatics and WBFO-FM.
CDs Find New Homes through Great CD Sale: As the result of a settlement in a 43-state antitrust case related to a price-fixing lawsuit against major record labelers and retailers, the B&ECPL received more than 11,000 music CDs . There were 1,900 different titles in 11 music genres. Recipient library systems were required to use the CDs only to further music-related collections, programs or purposes. All B&ECPL locations were afforded an opportunity to select titles for their local collections. Remaining copies were offered for public sale. The CDs were “priced to sell” at $2 each because many of them were performed by lesser-known or virtually unknown artists and hundreds of copies of some titles were available. More than 500 people browsed the collection and shopped the first day alone. To date almost $13,000 has been raised and less than 100 CDs remain to be sold. At a time when the fate of the Library's materials budget remains unclear, all proceeds will supplement the purchase of new music CDs for the B&ECPL collection. Thanks to Carol Batt (Office of System Public Services) and her staff for organizing the sale and to everyone who helped control traffic and manage cash registers the days of the actual sale.
B&ECPL Gets Ready for Summer Reading Programs: This will be a banner year for children's summer programs. The Library Foundation has received funds from Linda Newman to sponsor the 2005 Battle of the Books program in memory of her mother, Beverly Worth Janish . The Foundation also received funding from Bank of America for the 2005 Summer Reading Program to be used for programming and incentives. Due to the large number of Erie County children who participated in 2004, the B&ECPL will receive a mini-grant from New York State for the statewide 2005 summer reading program that is more than double last year's allocation. On a related note, the staff of the Children's Department prepared the reading list for Senator Byron Brown's summer program.
Lift Off at the Lackawanna Public Library : At 1:33 p.m. on Sunday, February 27 th , the Lackawanna Public Library hosted a reception for the opening of a national traveling exhibit, entitled NASA @ your library . Sponsored by the American Library Association, NASA and Apple, the exhibit consists of six interactive computer workstations as well as two audio domes and a large screen plasma television airing a DVD highlighting health, home/transportation, agriculture/environment and commerce. The program encourages children ages five to 12 to pursue science careers. Throughout the month of March, the library will feature speakers on related subjects. The exhibit runs through April 20 th .
Harlem Book Fair : On February 17 th , Assistant Deputy Director Ami Patrick and Popular Materials Manager Meg Cheman met with lead organizers of this summer's Harlem Book Fair, Jennifer Parker , Lori Torrell and Mike Kelleher , to discuss the B&ECPL's involvement in this nationally known event. The Harlem Book Fair will debut in Buffalo on July 9 th as part of Buffalo 's Niagara Movement Centennial Celebration. The festival features exhibit booths, panel discussions, book selling, storytelling, readings, a children's forum, spoken word poets, music and opportunities to meet and greet celebrity authors.
James Joyce: From Dublin to ... East Aurora: On February 13 th , hundreds of friends, trustees and staff gathered at the historic Aurora Theatre for a gala fundraiser to benefit the Aurora Town Public Library. The afternoon was a celebration of film, music and drama focusing on the works of the Irish-born writer, James Joyce . This event featured the internationally acclaimed film, Following James Joyce...Dublin to Buffalo , produced, co-written and directed by longtime East Aurora resident and B&ECPL legal counsel, Patrick E. Martin. In addition, the Celtic music duo Kindred and actors from the Irish Classical Theatre performed. The Roycroft Inn, the Hampton Inn and Aurora Liquor provided food and beverages for the post-film reception. The event raised more than $8,000 for the Aurora Town Public Library and ? more importantly ? raised awareness of the library's current needs.
Fine Revenue Declines: System-wide receipts for February totaled $93,084.42, compared to a total of $109,954.13 for February 2004, or a decrease of 15.34%. Year-to-date fine revenue, at $187,823.32, decreased 15.61% from $222,573.64 collected during the same period in 2004. This decrease can be attributed to budget turmoil and uncertainty that resulted in the temporary suspension of the request system, reduced open hours across the System and the limited availability of new library materials. CFO Ken Stone continues to monitor this situation closely. Library fee schedules and other direct revenue options are being examined for future Board consideration to help offset these losses.
Library's Position Concerning State Retirement Charges Upheld: Erie County's 2005 budget, as adopted on December 8, 2004, assumed that New York State Retirement charges, expected to be due in December when the 2004 budget was adopted, would be paid in February 2005 and charged to the 2005 budget, as a result of a recent change in State Law. Had the full payment been delayed, approximately $1.7 million would have remained in the Library's 2004 fund balance. That amount would then be available to pay the bill to cover estimated obligations for the period April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005 . In fall 2004, however, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued a draft technical bulletin indicating the proper accounting procedure to charge the portion representing April 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 back to the 2004 budget. This represents approximately three-quarters of the 2004 amount for regular retirement charges, leaving a balance of approximately $380,381 available for use in 2005 instead of the $1,690,858 assumed in the County's December 8 th adopted budget. As part of the 2004 year-end closing process, the County Comptroller has booked retirement expenses against the 2004 budget in accordance with GASB standards. Anticipating the GASB interpretation, the Library Board's 2005 adopted budget already incorporated the additional $1,310,477 in expenditure reductions, so no further action is required to address this issue.
Popular Materials Department Relocates: As part of the ongoing Central Library renovation project, which includes asbestos abatement and supports the consolidation of service points, the Popular Materials Department (POP) has been temporarily relocated from the First Floor ( Washington Street entrance) to the Ground Floor. To prepare for Phase 2, System Public Services librarian Glenn Luba and Stacks Department Senior Library Clerk Susan Carson coordinated and supervised the massive collection move. Full reference service and all materials housed in the department (including Adult and Young Adult Fiction, circulating magazines, graphic novels, DVDs, VHS tapes and audio books) are now available on the Ground Floor. A convenient “check out only” station is located in the area. The department will remain on the Ground Floor until project completion, scheduled for October 2005. The grand re-opening of Phase 1 of the renovation project (which includes redesigned Borrower's Services and Security areas, a transformed Encore Editions/Novel Ideas store and a brand new café) is tentatively scheduled to coincide with the start of National Library Week. Staff from various areas, including Network Support and the Maintenance Department, have assisted with renovation relocations and service support since the beginning of the project in 2004.
Central Library's Washington Street Entrance to Close Briefly: Asbestos abatement in the Phase 2 renovation area is scheduled to begin March 15 th . With Phase 1 renovation completion targeted for early April, both projects will run concurrently for a brief time. This necessitates the closing of the Washington Street entrance. Patrons will be directed temporarily to Ellicott Street .
Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library Project Advances: While construction continues, B&ECPL staff has been busy finalizing shelving and furniture selections as well as layouts for the new building. Although the City of Buffalo is responsible for construction related costs, the Library is responsible for furnishings and collections purchases. The costs associated with the library are included in the 2005 Erie County capital budget. It remains to be seen what impact the continuing budget crisis will have on the issuance of bonds to fund the completion of this project.
Librarians Invited to Read Aloud: On February 25 th , East Delavan Branch Manager Dorinda Hayes participated in the National African American “Read-In Chain” at Build Academy . Thirty participants from local organizations, as well as B&ECPL librarians Sandra Williams Bush , Sandra Blackman and Andrew Maines , read stories to the children. North Jefferson Branch Manager Sandra Williams Bush was a celebrity reader at a McKinley High School program on February 22 nd , and also staffed a Library information table at the Makowski Early Childhood Center 's “Family Read Night.” Chief Operating Officer Ruth Collins participated in the Dr. Seuss 101 st Birthday Celebration at School 6.
Library Hosts 28 th Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Program : Held at the North Jefferson Library on February 26 th for a small but enthusiastic crowd of students, family, friends and educators, the program honored the winners of this annual essay contest. All prize winners received cash and certificates for their creative efforts. Extension Services administrator Sharon Y. Holley served as the contest chairperson.
Extension Services Administrator Is Also Known as “The Story Lady:” Extension Services Administrator Sharon Y. Holley was a guest storyteller for several schools and groups in February, including the Universal School, Buffalo Public Schools #54 and #45, the Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center, McKinley High School, the Cantalician Center for Learning and the African American Cultural Center. She also presented “The African American Experience in Western New York ” for the Landmark Society lunchtime event on February 22 nd .
B&ECPL Connects with Potential Staff: On February 23 rd , part-time librarians Sandra Blackman and Judy Coyle represented the B&ECPL at the Masten District Job Fair at the Delavan-Grider Community Center . Although the Library is unable to hire new employees at this time, the Office of Human Resources accepted Council Member Antoine Thompson's invitation to participate in this Job Fair in the interest of ongoing efforts to create and sustain a more diverse Library workforce.
Sirsi Migration Continues; Staff Attend Annual Automation Conference: CIO Shirley Whelan , Support Services Administrator Ann Kling and Catalog Department Manager Dawn Peters attended the annual Sirsi Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, from February 26 th through March 2 nd . In addition to workshops on the new Java Workflows Client and WEB2 (cataloging), they attended sessions on Sirsi Voice Automation (SVA), the utility that will allow B&ECPL to notify patrons of reserves and overdues by telephone. The conference also provided a venue for meetings with Mike Casale and Aaron Hammond on Client Care issues and with Laurie Chase and Kate Duval on future plans. Among the issues/projects demanding time and attention are: year-end reporting, collection agency functions, problems with patron indices, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and database corrections needed for SVA. The team also has begun work on several new projects including SVA, modifications for non-resident borrowers and Workflows 2004 installation and testing.
2005-06 E-rate Applications Filed: CFO Ken Stone and CIO Shirley Whelan worked late hours to complete the filing of E-rate applications for “Year 8” of this important federal program. In addition to the Form 470 filed for more than $118,000 in discounts from AT&T for the T1s and T3s in B&ECPL's Wide Area Network, additional applications, representing more than $200,000, were submitted for Internet access, telecommunications support for the new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, a new e-mail system, hardware to upgrade the Central Library infrastructure and other critical technology needs.
Network Support Assists with Website Continuity : When the B&ECPL webmaster departed Library service in late January, Network Support stepped in to offer interim assistance for Assistant Deputy Director Ami Patrick's Office of Community Relations to maintain the Library's website, staff intranet and online catalog. In particular, part-time technical support specialist Chris Mancini and senior systems engineer Toni Naumovski have provided outstanding service.
Miscellaneous Meetings and Appearances: On February 17 th , librarians Ward Pautler and Jennifer Childs attended a Disaster Planning Workshop sponsored by the New York State Archives at the Williamsville Town Hall . On March 4 th , the Director and Mary Jean Jakubowski (Assistant Deputy Director, Human Resources) addressed members of the B&ECPL Librarians Association regarding the Centralized Human Resources Program and assorted 2005 budget issues. On March 9 th , the Director met with County Executive Giambra and County commissioners and department heads to review current budget issues, later joining B&ECPL administrative staff for a budget update with contract library directors and senior managers.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. Executive Director Anne Leary distributed a report to trustees with detailed information on the Annual Campaign, Grosvenor Society, planned giving, Library program support, sponsorships, ongoing Library support, future collaborations and partnerships and office equipment.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. Jeffrey Gauthier of 189 Cazenovia Street is disappointed because the Cazenovia Library lost service hours in 2005. He uses the library frequently for school projects and urged the Board to retain all 52 libraries.
ElizaBeth Berry of the Save our Libraries Coalition feels it would be unfair to close neighborhood libraries while keeping the Central Library open. She opposes higher taxes and fewer services. Children are key clients and users of neighborhood libraries.
John Klukowski, Sr. of 189 Cazenovia Street believes the public still supports library use based on recent budget hearings. He hopes to hear from the Board regarding suggestions on how the Cazenovia Friends group can raise funds for Cazenovia.
Valerie Niederhoffer of Buffalo feels a user fee of $40 per year for non-residents is too high. Collection weeding should be done judiciously in light of a reduced materials budget. She thinks the plan to link patrons to booksellers is a good idea and would like to know if local book dealers could become involved in the program.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item D.1 – Committee Appointments, taken out of order. On motion by Ms. Horton, seconded by Ms. Summer, committee assignments were approved as indicated on the list distributed to trustees in attendance at the Board meeting.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – 2005 Goals and Objectives. Mr. Mahaney informed trustees that each year the Library develops goals and objectives to measure achievements. The 2005 Goals and Objectives were presented for Board consideration and approval. Ms. Panty moved for approval and was seconded by Ms. Horton. Approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2005-17
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL administrative team has compiled Goals and Objectives that reflect the Library's Strategic Plan, its 5-year Plan of Service, its 3-year Technology Plan, ongoing programs, major projects and other issues that demand attention , and WHEREAS, these Goals and Objectives are criteria by which the Library evaluates success in achieving its mission of service to the community , and WHEREAS, the staff has compiled these Goals and Objectives and presented them to the Board of Trustees for information and action , now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Board adopts the attached Goals and Objectives for 2005.
Agenda Item J.2 – LSTA Summer Reading Program. This action allows the B&ECPL to apply for a grant to fund the Summer Reading Program, which has already been awarded per Resolution 2005-14. This resolution provides formal approval of the application process. On motion by Ms. Horton, seconded by Ms. Panty, approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2005-18
WHEREAS, more than 35,000 children participated in the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) 2004 Summer Reading Program, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL is thereby eligible to apply for a $12,200 grant to purchase incentives, supplies and materials in support of the Statewide 2005 Summer Reading Program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library approves the proposed LSTA application for a $12,200 mini-grant for the 2005 Statewide Summer Reading Program.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Horton, seconded by Ms. Panty, the meeting was adjourned at 4:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Gist
Secretary