MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees April 13, 2000
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, April 13, 2000 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present: Rebecca L. Mahoney, Chair; Elaine M. Panty, Vice Chair; Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary; James W. Burns, Treasurer; Phyllis A. Horton; Robert J. Plache; Casimiro D. Rodriguez; David J. Shenk; Judith K. Summer; Sharon A. Thomas; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Stanley H. Zagora
Excused: Frank Gist, conflict; Daniel T. Roach, conflict; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus; John P. Wickser, Trustee Emeritus; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Chair Mahoney called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. Ms. Mahoney recommended the removal of Agenda Item D.1 – Committee Assignments. When word is received regarding the mayoral appointment she will re-submit the committee assignments for Board approval. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty the Agenda was approved as amended.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of March 16, 2000. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton the minutes were approved as presented.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Ms. Mahoney introduced and welcomed new trustees Wayne D. Wisbaum and Reverend Casimiro D. Rodriguez. She reported that both Mr. Wisbaum and Reverend Rodriguez have shown their interest in the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library by attending recent community meetings.
Mr. Wisbaum is a senior partner in the law firm of Kavinoky and Cook. He has served on many local Boards including the Zoological Society of Buffalo, the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, Artpark, the Irish Classical Theatre and was Chairman of the Board of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and President of Jewish Family Services.
Mr. Wisbaum expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and indicated that he looks forward to working with board members.
Reverend Rodriguez is a senior supervisor at General Motors Power Train Tonawanda Engine. He serves as pastor of the Missionary Church of Christ in Buffalo and is President and co-founder of the Association of Hispanic Pentecostal Pastors of Western New York, Inc. His many activities include service on the Boards of Hispanics United of Buffalo, Buffalo Columbus Hospital and the Board of Governors of the Network of Religious Communities.
Reverend Rodriguez thanked Ms. Mahoney and indicated that it is a privilege to serve on the Library Board.
Ms. Mahoney also welcomed Library Foundation Board President W. Lawrence Buck and thanked him for his attendance at the meeting.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that the Executive Committee met on April 6th at 4 p.m. in the JBR Conference Room. Reports were received from Deputy Directors Mahaney and Stone and the agenda for the April 13th board meeting was approved.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Amend 2000 Budget, Appropriate State Legislature Member Aid. Deputy Director Stone reminded trustees that the New York State Legislature awarded $27,000 in State Member Aid to the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in late November of last year. Because of the lateness of the notification there was insufficient time to consult the recipient libraries, budget the proceeds and expend the funds in 1999. The Member Aid was included in the 1999 ending fund balance and is available for reappropriation in the 2000 budget. Allocations for the Clarence, Concord, Gowanda and Amherst libraries were made in February (Resolution 2000-9). Responses from Elma and West Seneca have been confirmed and will be allocated as indicated in the proposed resolution. There being no discussion, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Mr. Shenk the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-14
WHEREAS, the State Legislature has apportioned a total of $27,000 to the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System designated to benefit the Town of Concord Library ($2,000); Clarence Public Library ($5,000); Elma Public Library ($5,000); West Seneca Public Library ($5,000); Gowanda Free Library ($5,000) and the Amherst Public Library ($5,000), and
WHEREAS, libraries within Erie County routinely request funds for items such as office equipment, furniture and computer equipment and additional library materials that the county budget is unable to fund, and
WHEREAS, supplemental private and public grants are regularly sought to augment library equipment and materials needs, and
WHEREAS, these allocations were received so late in the year there was insufficient time to consult with the designated libraries, budget the proceeds, and expend the funds in 1999, and
WHEREAS, the proceeds, therefore, fell to 1999 ending fund balance and are available for re-appropriation in the 2000 budget for use by the designated libraries, and
WHEREAS, recommended allocations for the Town of Concord, Town of Clarence, Gowanda Free, and Town of Amherst libraries were adopted previously in Resolution 2000-9, and
WHEREAS the Elma and West Seneca libraries have now developed recommended uses of the remaining $10,000 of said funds as follows:
Library Amount Use
Elma $5,000 Two public access computers
West Seneca $5,000 Two public access computers
for the Children’s area
now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve an amendment to the 2000 budget to appropriate $10,000 of fund balance (SFG #820973420698) as follows:
For Elma $5,000 SFG #820973420933,
For West Seneca $5,000 SFG #820973420933.
Agenda Item E.3 – Planning Committee. Ms. Juncewicz reminded committee members that a meeting of the Planning Committee has been scheduled for Monday, April 17th at 5:30 p.m. in the JBR Conference Room. The agenda will include review of the final report of the Hub Services Task Force. Ms. Juncewicz reminded board members that there are three community meetings left on the schedule. She encouraged those who have not had the opportunity to attend one of the earlier meetings to go to Concord on May 2nd, East Delavan on May 3rd or Orchard Park on May 9th.
Ms. Mahoney reported that she has attended most of the meetings and the message is the same - "Please don’t close our library." She indicated that elected officials have offered their cooperation in improving building structures. Letters have been transmitted to those elected officials pointing out what has to be done to improve the facilities in their districts.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. In addition to her written report, Ms. Chrisman informed the Board that the Western New York Rare Book Consortium has submitted a grant application to the John R. Oishei Foundation to request funding for a feasibility study, a marketing plan and a business plan for the consortium project. The primary focus of that study is the restoration of the Historical Society. The feasibility study will also include identification of display space expansion at B&ECPL’s Central Library, evaluation of that space and the impact it may have on other service elements at the Central Library.
Ms. Chrisman called attention to the Milestones of Science video broadcast which was included in Deputy Director Mahaney’s report. Channel 17 will present the video on Wednesday, April 19th at 10:30 p.m. Channel 23 will re-broadcast it on Tuesday, April 25th at 9:30 p.m. Repeat presentations will occur during the month of May.
Ms. Chrisman further reported that B&ECPL will participate in a Child Fair and Expo at the Convention Center on Saturday, April 15th and Sunday, April 16th. She and Board Chair Mahoney will serve as "celebrity readers". Other staff members will take part in various activities during the extravaganza.
Ms. Chrisman shared with trustees an article written by librarian Kate Weeks which appeared in the April 10th edition of "Business First". Ms. Weeks, who is responsible for the Library’s patent collection, recently attended a Patent & Trademark Depository Library Program seminar in Washington, D.C. A copy of her report is included in the Board Correspondence book.
In response to Ms. Panty’s question regarding the memorial fund established in memory of librarian Erich Mayer, Ms. Chrisman indicated that a reception is planned for June 16th at 6 p.m. in the Central Library. This event will be a celebration of Erich’s life and a dedication of the items purchased in his memory.
The following report was submitted by the Director and trans- mitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
County Executive Giambra Meets with Library Representatives: On April 3rd, Board Chair Rebecca Mahoney, Deputy Director COO Michael Mahaney and the Director met with County Executive Joel Giambra, Carl Calabrese, Bruce Fisher and other top aides. In addition, Legislator Lynn Marinelli attended the session, which was designed to provide administration officials with a briefing about the Library’s strategic planning activities and outline the time frame for the process.
Public Meetings on Proposed Strategic Plan: To date, seventeen community meetings have been completed. While each has its unique character, the same message is heard throughout: "Don’t close my library." Public officials continue to express support for improvements to library buildings and endorsement of management changes, such as centralized human resources. The series concludes May 9th at Orchard Park.
Assistant Deputy Director for Community Relations Search Continues: Interviews with applicants for the position of Assistant Deputy Director for Community Relations were held on March 17th and April 4th. A second interview with selected candidates is scheduled for April 17th.
State of the Library Address: On April 5th, the Director presented her first State of the Library message to staff. Topics included an update on strategic planning, particularly a report on the community meetings conducted so far. She also presented the Library’s Goals and Objectives for 2000, which had been discussed with trustees at the February Board Meeting.
Presentations to School/Community Groups: On March 28th, the Director addressed students at the School of Information Studies on the challenges and opportunities confronting urban public libraries. She described B&ECPL’s strategic planning process at a luncheon meeting of the YMCA Equality Club on April 7th.
WNYLRC Conference: Numerous B&ECPL staff attended Building SMART Communities, the Western New York Library Resources Council’s conference March 24th at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. It provided an opportunity for libraries to network with representatives of the business and civic community in Western New York and to learn of progress in other areas (e.g., Arizona and Hamilton, Ontario).
Meetings: Deputy Directors Mahaney and Stone joined the Director at the ACT meeting held at the Elma Public Library on March 18th. Notes on that session are included in this Board packet. The Director attended the County Executive’s monthly meeting of Directors and Commissioners on March 21st. These regularly scheduled meetings present an excellent venue to interact with other department heads. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees met on April 6th to discuss matters of concern and prepare the agenda for the April 13th Board meeting.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Clarence Library Construction Project: The project will go to bid April 7th. Fundraising for library furnishings continues to proceed successfully. Groundbreaking is scheduled for May, with the new library expected to open in the second quarter of 2001.
Denio Memorial (Akron) Library Construction Project: B&ECPL staff met March 20th with the Building Committee of the Denio Memorial Library and Matt Meier and Ken Rider, the project architects from Hamilton, Houston and Lownie, to review preliminary designs. Revisions will be made, based on B&ECPL concerns, and returned for further evaluation. Project completion is projected for Spring 2001.
North Jefferson Construction Project: Review continues on the building program and the architect’s preliminary response for the proposed new library on Buffalo’s East Side. On March 28th, Deputy Director Mahaney, Assistant Deputy Director Miles, Sharon Holley and Peggy Skotnicki met to consider the project scope and various functional elements of the new library. A follow-up meeting is set for April 10th.
Milestones of Science Video Broadcast Set: Western New York Public Broadcasting Corporation has announced the premier broadcast of "Milestones of Science" on WNED-TV (Channel 17) at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19th. Sister station WNEQ-TV (Channel 23) will re-broadcast the program at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25th. It will repeat on WNEQ May 13th at 2 p.m., May 14th at 3:30 p.m., May 20th at 2 p.m. and May 21st at 3:30 p.m. The reason for the multiple broadcasts on WNEQ is to juxtapose the "Milestones" story with the live broadcast of "The Regents Review," a series designed to assist children with state-wide testing. Each day, a specific subject will be covered, providing an ideal link to inform young people of these scientific, historical and literary treasures at the Central Library. The 30-minute video was produced by Frank Frost Productions with the cooperation of the Library and the Library Foundation, with primary financial support from the John R. Oishei Foundation.
Barcode Conversion Schedule Set: The new barcode scanners have received such rave reviews from staff that there is a waiting list of libraries eager to start the conversion process. Due to the limited supply of conversion equipment available, only 12 additional libraries can be scheduled for conversion this year. Selection was based on various factors, including high circulation, plans to construct new buildings, or an attempt to coordinate the conversion within a cluster of libraries in a contracting town. Staff at the following libraries will be involved with the process this year: Audubon, Clarence, Hamburg, East Aurora, Reinstein, Orchard Park, Collins, Kenmore, Depew, North Jefferson, Clearfield, and Akron.
Just Buffalo & Central Library Team Up: Ed Taylor of Just Buffalo Literary Center is spearheading an "If All of Buffalo Read the Same Book" project and has invited B&ECPL to partner in this endeavor. Similar to a city-wide book discussion group in Seattle that was organized through the Washington Center for the Book, the featured author-facilitator is Ernest Gaines. At the kickoff in the Library’s Auditorium June 7th, Mr. Gaines will discuss his award-winning work, A Lesson Before Dying. Set in 1940s Louisiana, the novel relates the story of a retarded African-American youth who is wrongly accused of murder. Described by reviewers as a powerful exploration of race, injustice, heroism and resistance, A Lesson Before Dying was an Oprah Book Club selection and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. Program publicity will urge residents to read the book and attend one of six discussion sessions conducted over three days at various locations, including two city branch libraries and a final Friday evening program at Studio Arena Theater. Central Library Program Coordinator, Betsey Higgins will handle arrangements for the Library.
A. Philip Randolph Traveling Exhibit: B&ECPL and the Buffalo Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute are hosting a nationally acclaimed traveling panel exhibit that depicts Randolph’s legacy as a Civil Rights Activist and Trade Union Leader. The exhibit is intended to educate Western New York residents about Randolph’s quest for social and economic justice for all Americans. The panels and accompanying student artwork will be on display in the Central Library at the Ring of Knowledge through mid-May. The exhibit has been coordinated by Assistant Deputy Director William A. Miles with the assistance of Dawn Stanton of B&ECPL’s Graphics Department.
PLA Conference in Charlotte: Assistant Deputy Directors Patricia Angstadt and Ruth A. Collins represented the Library at the Eighth National Public Library Association Conference held in Charlotte, NC, March 29th through April 1st. With more than 100 programs directly related to public library issues and concerns and more than 500 vendor exhibits, PLA lived up to its reputation as the BEST conference for public librarians. Also in attendance were the following staff: Elaine Barone, Mary Jean Jakubowski, Mary Jane Kibby, Ann Kling, Pat Monahan, Ward Pautler, Jane Rosenfeld, Peggy Skotnicki, Rosemary Vazquez.
LIVE at the Library: In conjunction with the PLA conference, Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins attended an all-day workshop for libraries preparing grant applications for ALA’s Live at the Library 2000-2001 project. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and other grantors, the project is intended to bring arts and culture to local communities through libraries, where open access is guaranteed regardless of individuals’ economic constraints. Collaboration with other non-profit organizations for library programming that promotes the work of authors, artists and performers and "builds communities" is at the core of the project. B&ECPL has solicited numerous partners who will be integrated into future grant applications including: U.B., Hallwalls, Alleyway Theatre, BPO, and Just Buffalo Literary Center. The Live at the Library initiative requires a 50% cash match. Pending Board approval, the Library Foundation will be approached for assistance in securing a commitment for funds to proceed.
Technology Training: Public demand for B&ECPL technology training continues to surpass all expectations. 484 people attended the hands-on training in the Central Library Training Lab during the winter 2000 series -- representing an increase of 41.5% over the fall 1999 series. Waiting lists that were maintained for each of the classes would have accounted for an additional 400+ if all could have been accommodated. Trainers and monitors received an average evaluation of 3.8 on a scale of 1 to 4 (highest) attesting to the superior quality of the instruction.
Congratulations and thanks go to the following public and support services librarians and clerks who were instrumental in providing this much-requested service: Mary Ann Ozimek and Jennifer Childs (Training Coordinators); Meg Cheman, Carey Harmon, Darlene Lysarz, Glenn Luba, Tosca Miserendino, and Kelly Shepherd, (Trainers); Betsey Higgins, Nancy Bartkowiak, Sue Carson, Cathy Cich, Jim Cottrell, Gerri Cuddy, Kara Denecke, Alina Freeman, Nora Macy, Carol Pijacki, and Steve Sunshine (Monitors).
Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program (PTDLP): Librarian Kate Weeks assumed responsibility for the Central Library’s Patent Collection following the untimely demise of Erich Mayer last April. In her role as liaison to the PTDLP, Ms. Weeks attended the week-long conference in Washington, DC from March 19th through 24th. Changes in patent and trademark law that affect independent inventors, and extensive changes in the CD-ROM and online search systems at depository libraries -- both of which impact B&ECPL clientele who use the library’s 129-year-old patent/trademark collection -- were covered extensively in these sessions. Over the weeks ahead, Ms. Weeks will share the information acquired at these meetings with other Central Library staff. Her eight-page report of the conference is available for trustees to peruse in the Board’s Correspondence Book.
Retrospective Conversion (RECON) Hits the Road: Plans to add the holdings of the Lookie Bookie and RAM Van to the System’s database have been set. Beginning in May, under the direction of Records Conversion Manager, Elaine Barone, the Extension Services Staff will concentrate on converting the paper records of these collections to electronic form, thereby making them accessible online to all using BEACON.
B&ECPL Librarian Publishes Article: Extension Services Librarian Peter Lisker’s article, "The Ties that Bind: Creating Great Customer Service," is scheduled to appear in the July/August issue of Public Libraries. This article explores topics such as creating a positive environment for staff, delivering one-on-one service, maintaining an attractive building, evaluating service and creating a customer service plan.
6th Annual African American Writer’s Reception: This annual event will be held April 13th at the Martin Luther King Branch Library. Thirty local writers have been invited to participate in this increasingly popular program sponsored by B&ECPL and the African American Librarians of WNY.
Be Learning Wise BECPL: Ribbon cutting ceremonies to kick off the New York State LSTA grant, "Be Learning Wise - BECPL" (Because Everyone Caring Promotes Learning), will be held at 15 City branches and the Central Library Children’s Department during National Library Week. Each location will celebrate with refreshments, programs and handouts for participants.
Bookmobile Becomes Temporary Branch: The North Park Library will be closed for capital improvements beginning April 17th. Basic library service will be available from a Mobile unit parked in the library driveway. Hours of service are unchanged.
Presentation Promotes Reading: On March 8th, Librarian Dorinda Hayes, manager at King and Mead branch libraries, visited Saint Adalbert’s Head Start to conduct a parenting workshop that focused on the importance of reading to children at an early age. Her presentation featured elementary books on the alphabet and numbers, as well as picture books and readers geared to preschoolers. This is just one of many efforts B&ECPL librarians make to encourage children and families to explore and appreciate the wonders of reading together.
Encouraging New Librarians at the Source: At the end of February, Support Services librarian, Maureen McLaughlin, teamed with Central Library public service librarian Kelly Shepherd to make a presentation to the Introduction to Library and Information Services Class at SIS (formerly SILS). These two enthusiastic and energetic staff members appealed to potential recruits with their descriptions of the variety of tasks, the pleasant surroundings, the challenges and the rewards afforded those who pursue a career as a librarian in the Public Library.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Central Library Chiller (Air Conditioning System) Replacement Project Entering Final Stretch: The two main "chiller units" arrived this week and are being installed in the chiller room. Each unit, weighing 5 tons, was carefully lowered into position through the mobile garage. Digital photos of these activities are attached for your information.
To ensure safety during this installation, additional riggings were constructed in Stack Tier A above the chiller room. This required temporary relocation of materials located in that part of the tier. Circulation/stacks staff, lead by Mary Jean Jakubowski, did an outstanding job, promptly and efficiently moving that portion of the collection to accommodate the work while maintaining access to the displaced volumes during this period.
On Saturday April 15th, the rooftop "cooling towers", will be replaced. This will be done using a large crane to lift the new components from Clinton Street and remove the old components from the roof. Performing the work on Saturday should minimize disruption of downtown traffic. This activity should not impact normal library operations.
The project remains on schedule for substantial completion (air conditioning operational) by the third week in May.
Power, Data Lines & Security Systems in Place for "Temporary" North Park Library Access: Maintenance staff are completing arrangements to supply power, data lines, and security system services to a bookmobile trailer that will serve as a temporary library while the City of Buffalo renovates the ceiling and lighting of the North Park Library. This City Capital project will take place over the Easter Break (April 18-29).
Summary of City Branch Capital Project Requests Provided to Buffalo Common Council Members: At recent strategic planning public meetings held in City of Buffalo Branch Libraries, several Common Council members attended and expressed interest in the capital repair and replacement needs of branches in their districts.
Each year the library submits requests for these types of branch related capital projects to the Public Works Department as part of the City Capital Improvement process. Requests are identified by facility on the City’s Capital Project Request forms. Current cycle requests were submitted in December 1999 for consideration in the 2000-2001 budget. These requests emphasize projects to provide ADA accessibility and address structural and safety related issues in each library branch.
A summary of library facility improvements requested in the City Capital project process, by facility, was prepared for the Library Director, who provided this information to each Common Council member.
It is important to note that the above requests were developed prior to the strategic planning public meetings. In these meetings the public is providing input and valuable suggestions. Often these suggestions range beyond basic repairs to include retrofitting present facilities to provide modern library services, expansion of existing branches, and making provisions for more convenient or expanded parking. As part of the review and analysis of public comment that will take place this summer, staff will prepare a list of the public’s suggested improvements by facility, where further analysis would be needed, for the City’s consideration.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Electronic Resources Collection Expanded: The number of specialized electronic resources available to the residents of Buffalo & Erie County continues to grow.
The Wilson Social Sciences, Applied Science and Technology and General Science Abstracts are now available in the HSS and BS&T departments at the Central Library in a new format. Originally available on individual CD-ROMs, these databases are now accessed through the Internet and offer greater searching capabilities.
In addition, Extension Services staff now has access to the Ethnic Newswatch at all locations.
Distribution of 220 New Laser Bar Code Scanners Completed: All bar code scanners have now been installed.
Collection Agency Services Coming: Additional reports to provide statistical information for the Collection Agency RFP were produced.
Bill & Melinda Gates 2000 Grant Implementation Planned: Bill Miles, Sharon Holley and I visited the East Delavan and North Park libraries to begin planning and to identify the locations for the new computers to be installed with the funds from the new Bill & Melinda Gates 2000 Grant. Equipment for the new Training Lab, to be located at East Delavan, was ordered.
Peggy Brent, Library Information Systems Coordinator, will attend technical training at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle during the week of April 10.
North Park Library Circulation Desk Will Be Moved Temporarily: Network Support will work with Bob Gervan and his staff to set up temporary accommodations outside the North Park library during the future building closing. Extra equipment from Central and communication lines from the building necessary to continue circulating books on-line will be moved to the bookmobile.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. A written report including information on the status of grant applications to the John R. Oishei Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the Ethnic Newswatch publication, gifts to the North Park Branch, B&ECPL support provided by the Library Foundation, and the Grosvenor Concert Series was included in board members’ packets. Ms. Vedder invited board members to an African-American Writers reception at the Martin Luther King Branch and a presentation of Celtic Dancing at the North Cheektowaga Library, both events to be held this evening.
Agenda Item H. – Public Comment. No public comment.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
ACT President Mary Jo Ketchum reminded board members that an ACT meeting will be held at the Ewell Free Library in Alden on April 29th at 10 a.m.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – CLDA Grant Application. Mr. Mahaney informed the Board that Central Library Aid is an annual statutory grant funded by New York State. The Board must approve the application process prior to submittal of the grant request. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-15
WHEREAS, the Central Library Aid grant, composed of the Central Library Development Aid grant and the Central Library Book Aid grant, is an annual New York State statutory grant aimed at assisting central libraries in developing collections and providing services to their systems, and has provided funding for many years, and
WHEREAS, each year an application must be transmitted to the state to receive these funds, and
WHEREAS, the Governor has provided for full funding of Chapter 917, Library Aid, in his proposed budget, and
WHEREAS, the 2000 Budget adopted by the Library Board of Trustees anticipated $381,447 of the proposed 2000 Central Library Aid grant amount but could not at the time anticipate either the total amount of the 2000 grant or the amount of prior year funds remaining at the end of 1999, and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Library Board of Trustees desires to move forward with the 2000 Central Library Aid programs, including applying the $136,026 prior year balances to the CLDA grant, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees approves the application, including reallocating prior year balances, for the State funded Central Library Aid grant, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Library Director transmit the completed Central Library Aid grant application to the State Division of Library Development.
Agenda Item J.2 – Parent Child Grant Application. Mrs. Collins informed the Board that in 1999 the B&ECPL and Alleyway Theatre’s K!dSHowCo collaborated in several free two-hour workshops for children in Grades 1-4 and 5-8. The Library requests approval of an application to support an extension of this partnership with a focused series of lessons designed to stimulate adults and young people to the excitement and pleasure of reading through attained library skills, dramatic exercises and new approaches in learning. She requested that the proposed resolution be amended to read "application for either a Parent and Child Services Grant for FY 2000-01 or a Family Literacy Grant" as both are LSTA programs and one may be more desirable than the other in terms of potential dollars. Acceptance of the amendment was approved on motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Horton.
On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved as amended:
RESOLUTION 2000-16
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves application for either a Parent and Child Services Grant for FY 2000-01 or a Family Literacy Grant.
Agenda Item J.3 – Amendment to the Bylaws of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Ms. Chrisman reminded trustees that at last month’s meeting an amendment to the B&ECPL Bylaws relating to the designation of trustee emeritus status was introduced. Notice of the proposed amendment was mailed to board members on April 7th for action at today’s meeting. The amendment reads "Any trustee who has served at least one full term (including one term as Chairman) may, upon expiration of his term, be appointed a trustee emeritus by a vote of the majority of the entire Board of Trustees … ". Ms. Summer moved adoption of the amendment. Mr. Plache seconded the motion.
During discussion Ms. Horton stated that she was absent from the last meeting when the proposed amendment was introducedbrought up. As Chair of the Bylaws Committee she recalled that this topic was discussed at length during meetings of that Committee. Ms. Horton indicated that one of the proposals during those discussions was to delete the phrase "including one term as Chairman." She felt that the Bylaws should be broader and that the language should be changed so that appointment to trustee emeritus status could be made at the discretion of the Board. In that way trustees who have served long and diligently, but not as Chair, can also be appointed trustee emeritus.
During further discussion, Mr. Wisbaum agreed with Mr. Zagora,’s whose remarks that indicated that problems may arise if one board member receives appointment and another does not.
Following further discussion it was suggested that the proposed amendment be referred to the Bylaws Committee. Ms. Mahoney indicated that she would refer the matter to the Bylaws Committee for discussion after the meeting. appoint Ms. Horton to chair that committee and would appoint other members following this meeting.
Ms. Summer withdrew her motion to approve Proposed Resolution 2000-17 and Mr. Plache withdrew his second to the motion.
On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Mr. Burns, Proposed Resolution 2000-17 was referred to the Bylaws Committee.
Agenda Item J.4 – Orffeo Recognition. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-18
WHEREAS, REMY ORFFEO served on the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library from January 19, 1995 to March 23, 2000, and
WHEREAS, he served on the Board's Executive Committee, its ACT Liaison Committee, its Administrative Salary Review Committee, its Book Committee, its Budget and Finance Committee, its Buildings and Grounds Committee, its Bylaws Committee, its Community Relations Committee, and its Library Materials Policy Committee, and
WHEREAS, REMY ORFFEO executed all of these responsibilities with diligence and vigor, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that in recognition of the dedication which REMY ORFFEO so generously demonstrated in the service of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, the Board of Trustees expresses on behalf of the Library and the community at large our deepest thanks.
Agenda Item J.5 – Mitchell-Peterson Recognition. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-19
WHEREAS, SIMONE MITCHELL-PETERSON served on the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library from January 19, 1995 to March 23, 2000, and
WHEREAS, she served as Secretary of the Library Board from 1998 to 1999, and
WHEREAS, she chaired the Board’s Book Committee from 1996 to 1997 and its Budget and Finance Committee from 1998 to 1999, and
WHEREAS, she served on the Board's Executive Committee, its Community Relations Committee, its Foundation Review Committee, its Planning Committee and its Retreat Committee, and
WHEREAS, SIMONE MITCHELL-PETERSON executed all of these responsibilities with vision and integrity, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that in recognition of the dedication which SIMONE MITCHELL-PETERSON so generously demonstrated in the service of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, the Board of Trustees expresses on behalf of the Library and the community at large our deepest thanks.
Agenda Item J.6 – Martoche Recognition. On motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Panty the second Resolve in Proposed Resolution 2000-20 was removed. On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Mr. Zagora the following was approved as amended:
RESOLUTION 2000-20
WHEREAS, SALVATORE R. MARTOCHE served on the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library from December 20, 1990 to November 1999, and
WHEREAS, he served as Chairman of the Board from 1992 to 1994, and
WHEREAS, he served as Chairman of the Board’s Executive Committee, its Book Committee, and its Foundation Review Committee, and
WHEREAS, he served on the Board’s Bequest and Gift Committee, its Budget and Finance Committee, its Buildings and Grounds Committee, its Bylaws Committee, its Goals Committee, its Human Resources Committee and its Investment Subcommittee, and
WHEREAS, SALVATORE R. MARTOCHE was instrumental in the rescue of the missing portion of Mark Twain’s manuscript of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the acquisition of the "Milestones of Science" Collection, and the pursuit of B&ECPL independence to the New York State Court of Appeals, which affirmed the authority of the Board of Trustees in matters of Library governance, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that in recognition and appreciation of the leadership and skill which SALVATORE R. MARTOCHE so devotedly shared with this institution for nearly a decade, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees expresses on behalf of the Library and the community at large its profound gratitude and deepest respect.
In response to Mr. Wisbaum’s question regarding the " … pursuit of B&ECPL independence to the New York State Court of Appeals … " mentioned in the fifth Whereas clause, Ms. Chrisman indicated that she had prepared a packet of information for Mr. Wisbaum and Reverend Rodriguez which includes the court decision. She will meet with both trustees following the meeting and explain it at that time.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Panty the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary