MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES December 14, 2000
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, December 14, 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; Frank Gist; Phyllis A. Horton; Robert J. Plache; Daniel T. Roach; David J. Shenk; Judith K. Summer; Stanley H. Zagora; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: James W. Burns, ill; Casimiro D. Rodriguez, out of town; Sharon A. Thomas, conflict; Wayne D. Wisbaum, out of town; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Salvatore R. Martoche, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, 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. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Mr. Gist, the Agenda was approved as submitted.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of November 16, 2000. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty, the Minutes of the meeting of November 16, 2000 were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Ms. Mahoney reported on her "overnight experience" at the Central Library during the November 20th snowstorm. She expressed her appreciation to staff for their hospitality to all those who were stranded at the Library.
Ms. Mahoney informed the Board that Trustee Burns is recuperating from a bout with pneumonia. She offered her best wishes to Mr. Burns for a speedy recovery.
Chair Mahoney expressed her enthusiasm about the Urban Libraries Council Partners Conference she and Director Chrisman attended in Chicago on December 8th and 9th. ULC plans to produce a video that will include highlights from the conference. This video will be shared with trustees.
Director Chrisman agreed that the conference was a wonderful opportunity to learn how the cities of Chicago, Houston, Nashville and Pittsburgh are approaching the idea of revitalizing themselves through library expansion.
Continuing her report, Ms. Mahoney reminded trustees that in May 1998 the Board adopted the Administrative Salary Review Committee’s recommendation to establish a salary scale for administrators to be in effect through the year 2000. In order to revisit administrators’ compensation, Ms. Mahoney indicated that she will reenact that Committee. Mr. Wisbaum has agreed to join committee members Panty, Horton, Zimmermann, Mahoney and Plache, who will serve as Chairman. The Committee’s charge will be to present recommendations to the Executive Committee and the full Board regarding the compensation of the administrative team.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that due to the snow emergency on December 6th, the Executive Committee meeting was postponed to Monday, December 11th. Discussion at the meeting included items on today’s agenda, along with circulation policy and collection agency issues.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee.
Agenda Item E.2.a. – Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-57
WHEREAS, requests for budget transfers have been received from the Lancaster Public Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers of $15,103 within the budget of the Lancaster Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – 2001 Budget Approval. Deputy Director Stone reported that on November 21st, the Erie County Legislature adopted the 2001 Library Budget as recommended by the County Executive. The adopted "County Share" budget maintains all current services and includes additions of $500,000 for library materials; $375,000 for furniture, fixtures and office equipment; and $375,000 for technical equipment. The next step in the process is for the Board of Trustees to adopt the Library’s 2001 budget.
Following some discussion, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Mr. Gist the following was approved unanimously:
Resolution 2000-58
WHEREAS, the Erie County Legislature has recently adopted a 2001 budget for the Library totaling $26,494,881 for operating, $5,467,516 for library materials and
equipment purchases in the Erie County Capital budget, and $805,619 in estimated grants, and
WHEREAS, that amount sustains current operations and provides significant additions in library materials and capital items, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopts a 2001 Operating Budget in the amount of $26,494,881, consisting of a County share of $22,969,980, Library Revenues of $3,124,901, and use of available fund balance of $400,000, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopts a 2001 Capital Outlay Budget for library materials, furniture, fixtures, & office equipment, and technical equipment in the amount of $5,467,516, consisting of County capital funds, resulting in a combined operating and capital budget of $31,962,397, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library adopts a 2001 Grants Budget in the amount of $805,619, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Library Director be instructed to transmit this adopted budget to the appropriate Erie County Office for input into the County Solutions for Government Financial System.
Agenda Item E.2.c – County Legislative Member Aid. Mr. Stone informed the Board that at its meeting on November 30th the Erie County Legislature adopted resolutions sponsored by Legislators Kuwik, Marinelli, Marshall and Swanick allocating legislative contractual expense funds to benefit several libraries. The proposed resolution amends the 2000 budget to allocate the revenues. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-59
WHEREAS, Legislators Kuwik, Marinelli, Marshall and Swanick have designated a total of $40,100 in legislative contractual expense funds to benefit the City of Tonawanda ($2,000), Town of Tonawanda ($28,900), Town of Grand Island ($2,000), City of Lackawanna ($2,200) and Town of Collins ($5,000) Libraries, 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 communities’ public libraries is greatly appreciated and helps the libraries support a great deal of use, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library accept the $40,100 in legislative contractual expense funds for the above mentioned libraries, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve a budget amendment to the 2000 budget to allocate revenues of $40,100 into SFG# 8209734206863200 (Inter-fund Subsidy) and expenditures into SFG accounts 820973420932, 820973420933, and 820973420830162 in these amounts:
Legislator Library
Amount Use
Library SFG# Swanick & Marinelli City of Tonawanda $2,000 Tech. Equipment 933 Grand Island $2,000 Tech. Equipment 933 Town of Tonawanda $28,900 Furniture, Fixtures & Office Equipment 932 Kuwik Lackawanna $2,200 Tech. Equipment 933 Marshall Collins $5,000 Collins Library for telephone system 830-162
TOTAL: $40,100, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Board Chair to execute a contract amendment with the Town of Collins Library Board to transfer this funding to the Town of Collins Library, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Town of Collins Library to retain the $5,000 into the year 2001 in order to apply the funds towards the costs of the new Collins Library building project.
Agenda Item E.2.d – State Member Aid – Gowanda. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that on July 1, 2000 the Gowanda Free Library joined the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. As part of the transition contract, B&ECPL agreed to serve as a conduit for any State aid that Gowanda might receive. Gowanda was recently awarded State Legislative Member Aid. The proposed resolution accepts the grant and authorizes the Board to execute a contract amendment with the Gowanda Free Library to implement the $2,500 allocation. On motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-60
WHEREAS, on November 27th the Library received notification from the State Department of Education that a grant-in-aid in the amount of $2,500 has been apportioned to the system for the Gowanda Free Library, and
WHEREAS, supplemental private and public grants are regularly sought to augment library equipment and materials needs, and
WHEREAS, the Gowanda Free Library Board has requested that the $2,500 be transmitted to them, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library accepts the $2,500 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 2000 budget increasing revenue account SFG #8209736390107 (state aid special) and expenditure account SFG #820973420830166 (Gowanda Free Library) by $2,500, and be if further.
RESOLVED, that the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library is authorized to execute a contract amendment with the Gowanda Free Library to implement the $2,500 allocation specified herein.
Agenda Item E.2.e – Rebudgeting 2001 Budget Amendment. Mr. Stone informed trustees that as the end of the 2000 budget year approaches, a number of projects and activities funded in 2000 will carry over into 2001. Normally, as part of the year-end closing process, final totals and balances available are brought forward for Board consideration and action in the spring of the following year. This year, the size and scope of some of these ongoing projects and activities are of such magnitude that waiting until final figures are available would result in disrupting and delaying these projects, which include the Educational Technology Initiative, Central Library major building component replacement/augmentation and library materials purchasing. On motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-61
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting of December 14, 2000, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library adopted Resolution 2000-58 adopting the Library’s 2001 Budget, and
WHEREAS, subsequent to adopting the 2001 budget a number of 2000 projects and activities not completed or implemented in 2000 are desired to be completed or implemented in 2001, and
WHEREAS, normally, as part of the year-end closing process, final totals and balances available are brought forward for Library Board consideration and action in the Spring of the following year, and
WHEREAS, this year the size and scope of some of these ongoing projects and activities is of such magnitude that waiting until final figures are available would result in disrupting and delaying these projects, and
WHEREAS, these projects include the Educational Technology Initiative, Central Library major building component replacement and augmentation and Library Materials purchasing, and
WHEREAS, sufficient 2000 ending fund balance is estimated to be available to meet these objectives, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amend the 2001 Operating Budget revenue and expenditures as shown on the attached Exhibit One.
Resolution 2000-61: Exhibit One
Estimated 2000 Balances Available for Immediate Rebudgeting in
2001 to Avoid Disrupting Ongoing Projects
Source of Funds, Use of Estimated Available Fund Balance Projects & Activities Continued from 2000 $1,862,432 Rebudget Unencumbered Balance in Educational Technology Initiative Funds (SFG Account 933) $912,432 Rebudget $300,000 placed in 2000 Repair & Maintenance Account for Central Library Building Two projects: 1) Replace 37 year old emergency generator and add data center and tier emergency lighting and 2) add Standpipe water system, both projects in preliminary design phase in cooperation with Erie County Dept. Of Public Works (SFG Account 823) 300,000 Rebudget Available 2000 Materials Budget (includes approximately $130,000 allocated by legislature in Fall 1999 for the new Clarence Library – purchases are ongoing as the library is scheduled to open in 2001 (SFG Account 938) 650,000 Total Uses:
$1,862,432
Agenda Item E.2.f. – Monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending 10/31/00. The Monthly Financial Report for the period ending October 31, 2000 was included for information only.
Agenda Item E.3 – Planning Committee. Planning Committee Chair Juncewicz indicated that the Committee’s request for Board approval of the adoption of Expanding Horizons appears as Agenda Item J.1. She noted that the strategic plan developed by the Board of Trustees will serve as a blueprint for the Library’s evolution, reinforcing the principles of open and equal access to information for all Erie County residents. Ms. Juncewicz reminded trustees that during public meetings, residents of the City of Buffalo expressed their desire for more clearly defined representation in library governance. To meet this request, the plan proposes the creation of a Library Services Committee of the B&ECPL Board to improve communication and institute advocacy for City branch libraries. In order to guarantee a successful and vital future for the Library System, the Board must turn to the owners of each library building and their patrons for commitment and support. In order to grow and meet its many challenges, the Library must make internal changes. Ms. Juncewicz stressed that the Centralized Human Resources concept will not be imposed upon contract libraries, but rather individual boards will be invited to participate in a pilot project to objectively test the concept. A vote on the adoption of Expanding Horizons will occur as it appears on the agenda.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. In addition to her written report, Ms. Chrisman reported briefly on meetings held on December 13th. The Managers’ meeting, organized by Coordinator of System Public Services Carol A. Batt, addressed the topic of Services to Young People and the work of the Youth Services Committee. The children’s librarians are very enthusiastic about Expanding Horizons and the directions that have been set for improving services to young people. After a brief visit to the Library’s annual holiday party was a meeting with contract library directors regarding proposed new policies related to circulation, materials selection and gifts. Director Chrisman and Deputy Directors Mahaney and Stone ended the day by joining Assistant Deputy Director Miles and his staff at their annual holiday party
Ms. Chrisman informed the Board that for many years it has been her dream to have B&ECPL involved in "Leadership Buffalo." With the encouragement of Chair Mahoney, the Library submitted an application and recently learned that Deputy Director Michael C. Mahaney has been selected to become a member of the Leadership Buffalo Class of 2001. Trustees joined the Director in offering congratulations to Mr. Mahaney on this great honor.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
The "City of Good Neighbors:" On November 20th, Buffalo was hit by an intense lake-effect snow storm that blanketed the City with more than two feet of snow, leaving the city and surrounding areas completely paralyzed. All Central Library staff were dismissed at 3:30 p.m. due to the severe weather conditions. The mass exodus from the City combined with gusts of wind and swirling snow resulted in massive traffic gridlock, leaving unprepared motorists completely stranded, running out of gas, stuck in drifts and with no food or water.
More than 40 Central Library employees remained or returned to the Library after hours spent in their cars. Quickly, the Central Library turned into a makeshift emergency shelter to provide more comfortable surroundings to those stuck in the vicinity. In addition to Library employees, more than 250 downtown workers, students, area residents, children, families, pregnant women and senior citizens crowded into the staff lounge for the night. Served by B&ECPL staff, the group was treated to a feast of chicken, pasta, potatoes and salad graciously donated by Rosalind’s Catering, whose employees were unable to make it to their original destination. The food and warmth lifted the spirits of many feeling dismayed and frustrated. With Tuesday morning’s sunshine, most of the stranded community members ventured out, hoping to be successful on their journey home.
This difficult situation illustrated Buffalo’s strong community spirit and the B&ECPL’s dedication to the public. Buffalo is known for its extreme winter weather, but certainly lived up to its "City of Good Neighbors" nickname as well!
PULISDO Meets with Commissioner Mills: While staff struggled with snow at home, the Director joined other members of the Public Library System Directors Organization (PULISDO) at a meeting with Education Commissioner Richard Mills in Albany. The purpose of the session was to explore strategies to enlist strong advocacy efforts for the $95 million Board of Regents 2002 budget proposal. One initiative discussed at the meeting was preparation of supporting resolutions from the boards of public library systems across the state. Such a resolution is on the agenda for the December 14th meeting of the B&ECPL Board.
Leadership Buffalo: Deputy Director, COO, Michael Mahaney has been selected to become a member of the Leadership Buffalo Class of 2001. Since the selection process is highly competitive, it is an honor for the Library to be represented in this leadership training organization.
Making a Stop at Your Local Library: The B&ECPL is embarking on a new hands-on technology training program for staff and patrons called Cyber Train. Cyber Train is a traveling classroom consisting of eight laptop computers connected to a wireless network. This system allows eight individuals the opportunity to be trained at libraries where a formal training lab does not exist. Patrons from across Erie County will be able to access this free technology training.
Preliminary Cyber Train demonstrations were scheduled during the first two weeks of December at each of the following libraries: Kenmore, Dudley, Crane, City of Tonawanda and Grand Island. These one and a half hour demonstrations allowed the new equipment to be tested and staff trainers a chance to practice. Supporting legislators were also on hand for photo opportunities.
Cyber Train was made possible through the $1 million Educational Technology Initiative approved by the Erie County Legislature in July. The program will begin rotating throughout all B&ECPL facilities in 2001, offering training classes on a variety of technology-related topics.
BECPL4ALL: As a new communication vehicle to keep all B&ECPL employees informed and connected, a staff Intranet, BECPL4ALL, has been developed and was recently made operational. B&ECPL employees have access to this staff-only web site through computer workstations at their facilities. The site contains an array of useful content, highlighting topics such as training, human resources, staff exchange, network support, policies and procedures, training, entertainment and supplies. The Message of the Week section features up-to-date Library information and news, while a Feedback link provides staff the opportunity to submit items and make suggestions.
This project was completed through the dedication, time and efforts of a team of B&ECPL employees chaired by Assistant Deputy Director Patricia Angstadt.
Frances Palmerton Retires: Longtime trustee Frances Palmerton "retired" from the Eden Board of Trustees and was honored for her many years of service at a reception in the Eden Library on December 1st. Mrs. Palmerton was instrumental in advancing the construction project for the new facility in 1992 and was always an advocate for quality library services. Deputy Directors Mahaney and Stone accompanied the Director to the celebration.
Who Does What Commission: On November 29th Deputy Director, CFO, Ken Stone and the Director met with representatives of the Who Does What Commission to discuss Expanding Horizons, strategic planning in general and other issues. A report will be presented by the Commission at the end of the year or early in 2001.
Executive Committee Meeting Postponed: A forecast of heavy snow for December 6th and subsequent closing at noon of County buildings, including the Library, resulted in the rescheduling of the Executive Committee meeting to December 11th. The Board packet will be distributed as usual with the understanding that adjustments may be made when the Executive Committee reviews the agenda at its meeting.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Remote Reference Center Goes Live: Assistant Deputy Director Ruth A. Collins is pleased to announce that the opening of the Central Library’s Remote Reference Center (RRC) on November 20th went off without a hitch. During its first six-hours of operation, staff handled 156 phone calls!
As previously reported, RRC has been in development for about a year to improve the Library’s reference service for off-site patrons. In the past, when patrons called the library, they needed to select options from a lengthy telephone tree. The Center allows patrons direct access to one centralized location by calling 858-8900, thus eliminating confusion, lengthy automated menu choices and the possibility of multiple call transfers. Staffed by subject specialists and paraprofessionals assigned to RRC for a portion of their weekly schedule, the Center combines services such as borrower information inquiries, material requests, telephone directory information, author/title checks and reference question phone calls. The Center also operates a dedicated Hotline for branch and contract library staff who need assistance in providing reference service to patrons at their locations.
RRC falls under the management of Mary Jean Jakubowski, while Rosemary Vazquez, and her assistant Darlene Lysarz, provide day to day supervision. These three will closely monitor RRC’s performance and continue to meet with the Reference Committee to make recommendations to Mrs. Collins concerning enhanced hours, services and access methods. Reference Committee members include those noted above plus Jennifer Childs, Debbie Fink, Carey Harmon, Betsey Higgins, Marsha Nigro, Kelly Shepherd, Cynthia Van Ness, and former chair (now retired) Patricia Blackett.
Barcode Conversion Update: 15 of the System’s 52 libraries have completed or are about to complete the conversion of item identification numbers from OCR to Barcode. Congratulations to the staff at Akron, Audubon, Clarence, Clearfield, Collins, Depew, East Aurora, Hamburg, Julia Boyer Reinstein, Kenmore, Lancaster, North Jefferson, Orchard Park, Reinstein, and South Cheektowaga for their hard work and perseverance. Fourteen additional libraries will work on conversion in 2001. Those scheduled to tackle the project in the coming year are: Blasdell, Brighton, Crane, Dudley, Eggertsville, Greenhaven, Grand Island, Kenilworth, Lake Shore, North Park, Riverside, Tonawanda, West Falls, West Seneca, and Williamsville.
Elaine Barone is to be commended for her work as coordinator of the project and is wished the best of luck as she leaves to accept a promotion to Librarian III in the Special Collections Department. Maureen McLaughlin, Librarian II in the Catalog Department, will assume responsibility for this project and serve as coordinator.
Technology Training for the Public: Central and Support staff completed their final public training classes for 2000 with some very impressive numbers. Nine weeks of training – 94 classes in all – were conducted in the Central Library Training Lab. These included computer basics, introduction to Microsoft Word, Internet searching and online catalog/database use. New offerings include specialized classes: Carey Harmon’s e-Business (for business professionals and job searchers) and Suzanne Wilson’s Web RX (for the general public seeking authoritative health information via online sources). Congratulations go to all of the trainers and monitors who collectively received an average score of 3.8 out of 4 from the grateful 1400 patrons who attended the free classes!
Buffalo Branch News: In November, Branch Managers Doreen Bonds (Fairfield) and Kathy Goodrich (North Park) contributed an article featuring their libraries to the Buffalo Rocket. Sue LoPatriello (Crane) developed a similar article introducing herself and the Crane Library to the readers of The West Side Times. These columns form the basis of what will be a monthly feature in each of those papers.
The East Delavan Branch Library provided an Internet connection for five refugees from Angola who are staying at Vive La Casa while awaiting admittance to Canada. All were able to communicate with distant families and friends using B&ECPL’s Internet access and the Portuguese language version of Hotmail.
The Fronczak Branch Library has created an area in the Children’s Section called "Creation Station." Area children are encouraged to display their creative work for others to appreciate at the library.
ALA / Library Foundation Art Program Scheduled for April 2001: Librarian/art specialist, Meg Cheman received confirmation from ALA that the Library’s "LIVE! at the Library" grant application has been approved for $4,000. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and other grantors, the "LIVE!" project is intended to bring arts and culture to local communities through libraries, where open access is guaranteed regardless of an individual’s 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. In keeping with this, the Library has teamed up with UB and Hallwalls to present "Buffalo Bred/Buffalo Bound: Artists with a Connection." The required 50% cash match is being provided by the Library Foundation as its contribution to the B&ECPL National Library Week featured event for 2001.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Security and Maintenance Staff Extra Effort During Snow Emergency Appreciated: Hosting 300 people overnight in a 5 story, two block long building is no small feat. Both security and maintenance personnel went the extra mile both during the evening and the following days.
Security guards Benedetto Sperandeo, Cheryl Kwiatkowski and Arthur Foster pulled double and triple shifts to ensure the public’s safety and the Central Library’s security throughout the night and following day. Guard Jon Hill came in the following day to provide relief and help dig out stranded motorists who spent the night with us.
Maintenance staff-members Paul Blaser, Joe Cich, Casey Jurek, Mark Kross, Keith Langlotz, Ken Mazur, Tom Murphy, Shondl Schohn and Rick Winnert braved the roads the day(s) after to ensure makeshift beds and other furniture were put back in place and the building cleaned, and help dig out stranded guests. They also made sure outside sidewalks, driveways and entrances were cleared of snow and debris, prior to the building’s reopening after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Additionally, many of the approximately 45 staff who spent the night in the building pitched in to help guide our guests to the staff break-room, find telephones and restrooms, as well as serve our donated dinner.
They all truly demonstrated that Buffalo is indeed the "City of Good Neighbors."
Central Library Ramp Project in Fine Tuning Phase: The snow melt system is partially operational, sufficient to melt snow, but not as fast as it will be when it is fully operational later this month. Additional sidewalk replacement work is also being performed. Last week the sidewalk in front of the Auditorium was replaced. The entire sidewalk on Clinton street from Washington Street to Ellicott Street will be replaced as weather permits. Additionally the sidewalk at the northeast corner of Ellicott and Broadway will be replaced. This corner includes the bus stop, which NFTA will replace once the new sidewalk is in place. Finish work, including retrofitting the Washington and Auditorium doors with automatic openers, will begin soon.
Erie County Budget Adopted by County Legislature: No changes were made to the County Executive’s recommended budget. The budget includes funding for all existing positions, contracting library allocations and other operating accounts requested by the Library Board. The total recommended budget, $31,962,397 includes $26,494,881 in the operating budget and $5,467,516 in the Erie County Capital Budget. The $5,467,516 consists of $375,000 included in a countywide project for furniture and fixtures, $375,000 included in a countywide project for laboratory and technical equipment, and $4,717,516 in a County Capital project for library materials.
The budget includes funding for all services requested by the board. This includes improved automation and maintaining current service levels with no cuts in services or facilities. The 2001 budget will be presented for board review and approval at the December 14, 2000 meeting.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
eGovernment Seminar Attended: Peggy Skotnicki and I attended an eGovernment seminar titled, "Building a Government Central Nervous System" held at the Rath Building. James Tammaro, the Regional Advisory Officer, New York State Archives conducted it. Mr. Tammaro strongly felt that it was now time to extend government services to the web and to make the transformation from simply delivering information to actually transacting business. Themes of the session were "Customers Online, not Waiting in Line" and "Government in Action, not Government Inaction"
I was proud to explain that in 2001, the Library plans to upgrade our web site to allow patrons to enter transactions to both renew and request materials. In addition, patrons will be able to view their own records, including the status of their charged materials and due dates.
Wireless Communications Era Begins: Network Support has begun to evaluate and utilize several types of wireless communications at the Library.
The first was obtained to eliminate the need for many temporary cables in setting up the laptop computers for the Cyber Train demonstration classes held this month. With the use of one "Access Point," a full-functioning switch, the nine laptops in the Cyber Train classroom are quickly and easily connected to the "visiting library’s" local area network using a wireless network PC card. The PC Card functions like any standard wired Ethernet card, but uses radio frequencies instead of a cable for the LAN connection. At the Cyber Train "maiden voyage," held at the Kenmore Library, Lynn Marinelli was very observant and noted the lack of unsightly wires.
The second is only in the "infancy" stage but we have obtained some basic tools to begin the evaluation of methods to bring our mobile libraries online.
Network Upgrades in Progress: As previously reported, orders were placed with Verizon to increase the bandwidth at our regional libraries and the Crane branch. Due to merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE, which resulted in Verizon and the strike that followed, the installation of the upgrades was severely delayed. However, Verizon should complete the installation by the end of the year. Network Support is preparing for the upgrades by modifying the router configurations and installing new DSU/CSUs.
Agenda Item G – Nominating Committee Election. Chair Mahoney reminded trustees that according to the Library’s Bylaws a Nominating Committee consisting of five members, two of whom shall be appointed by the Chair and three of whom shall be elected by the Board from its members, shall be selected at the December meeting. Ms. Juncewicz nominated Rebecca Mahoney, Frank Gist and Phyllis Horton to serve as the Board’s appointments. Mr. Plache seconded the motion. Ms. Mahoney appointed Mr. Plache to chair the Committee and Sharon Thomas to serve as the fifth member. Nominations were closed and the slate as presented was approved on motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Summer.
Agenda Item H – Report of the Foundation Director. Ms. Vedder called attention to her written report which contained information about the Mark Twain Writing Contest, the Annual Fund 2000, Collins Public Library New Building Fund, American Library Association Grant – Live at the Library, B&ECPL Funding Support and the Grosvenor Concert Series. Ms. Vedder expressed her appreciation to Ms. Mahoney, Mr. Zimmermann, Ms. Horton and Mr. Plache for their help in the annual fund campaign. She reminded the Board that 100% participation by trustees is important during any fund drive.
Agenda Item I – Public Comment. The following members of the public presented comments regarding Expanding Horizons: Dorothy Utnik of West Seneca, Valerie Niederhoffer of Buffalo, Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo, Andy Goldstein of Buffalo and Elma Public Library Board President and President of ACT Mary Jo Ketchum.
Agenda Item J. Unfinished Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – Adoption of Expanding Horizons. Ms. Panty moved the adoption of Expanding Horizons. Ms. Juncewicz seconded the motion. Prior to asking for a vote on the motion, Ms. Mahoney took the opportunity to express her appreciation to all those who were involved in the more than two-year project. She thanked Ms. Juncewicz, the Planning Committee and the entire Board for the time and effort that went into the document and the revision. Ms. Chrisman, administrators and staff, as well as contract library trustees and staff put in many hours to come up with a plan to make B&ECPL a successful System. She also thanked public officials and members of the public who demonstrated how important this System is to the County. After a brief discussion, as moved and seconded earlier, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-55
WHEREAS, the Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees was charged to develop a strategic planning document for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Committee and its designees have developed Expanding Horizons: Directions for Superior Public Library Service in Erie County, and
WHEREAS, this document combines the best elements of the 1998 report The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library in the Third Millennium, the invaluable contributions of B&ECPL staff and trustees, and a wealth of passionate and persuasive public comment about library services, resources and facilities in our community, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees believes this document best expresses the community’s collective vision of B&ECPL’s future, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees adopts Expanding Horizons: Directions for Superior Public Library Service in Erie County as its strategic planning document for the years 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Agenda Item J.2 – Jefferson Construction Project. Deputy Director Mahaney stressed that the new proposed library on the east side of Buffalo demonstrates the Board’s commitment to Expanding Horizons. He noted that the Director has issued her recommendation, which is the latest step in the process to conform with the Guidelines and Procedures for Approval of New Library Construction.
Mr. Mahaney noted that there is one contingent factor in approving the project -- the Board must seek from the County’s elected leadership a commitment for funding because the new Jefferson facility will increase the B&ECPL operating budget by approximately $350,000 per year. Given that contingency, he urged the Board to accept the resolution.
During discussion, Ms. Mahoney, Ms. Horton, Mr. Gist and Ms. Panty indicated their excitement about the project. There being no further discussion, on motion by Mr. Roach and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-62
WHEREAS, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library has submitted a proposal to construct a new library to meet the need for improved library service to residents of Buffalo and to the broader community of Erie County residents who may use the facility, and
WHEREAS, the proposal, with one exception, was prepared in accordance with the requirements set forth in the revised Guidelines and Procedures for Approval of New Library Construction, and
WHEREAS, the exception relates to the requirement that projects be "expenditure neutral" (when adjusted for inflation), and
WHEREAS, the project proposal and accompanying documentation were analyzed by the Building Advisory Committee and forwarded to the Director with a recommendation for approval, but with certain stipulations regarding hours of service, children’s programming space and the need for additional part-time building maintenance/security positions, and
WHEREAS, the Director has reviewed the proposal and submitted a Report to the Trustees for their action within 60 days, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve the Jefferson project, contingent on receiving from the Erie County Legislature a commitment for additional operating funds of $350,000 for 2002, the first year of operation of the new Jefferson facility, and for every year thereafter. This amount will be adjusted annually to reflect proportional increases in operating costs. The commitment will ensure that the new library is not constructed at the expense of other System libraries which would otherwise have their operating allocations reduced to fund the new and expanded Jefferson facility, and be it further
RESOLVED, that a final plan for providing opening day costs for the 20,000 sq. ft. facility be prepared by B&ECPL staff. The plan will specify funds available from public and private sources, and be it further
RESOLVED, that B&ECPL staff continue to work with architect Robert Traynham Coles, Buffalo’s Department of Public Works and a representative group of community residents to advance the project to a satisfactory conclusion.
Agenda Item K – New Business.
Agenda Item K.1 – New Library Logo. Assistant Deputy Director Savigny unveiled the new Library logo which establishes a corporate image and will serve as a coordinated, clearly articulated presence in the public’s awareness. The logo will be incorporated into all communications on a system-wide basis. Ms. Savigny expressed her appreciation to Library Artist Dawn Stanton who worked diligently on this project and is a tremendous asset to the Library.
Ms. Summer commended staff members who were involved in the design process. In response to Ms. Panty’s question regarding the image on adult and juvenile library cards, Ms. Savigny indicated that the adult card will be in the teal color and the juvenile card will be teal and a bright, vibrant yellow.
Agenda Item K.2 – Board of Regents 2002 Budget Proposal. Ms. Chrisman informed the Board that the Regents Commission on Library Services has developed a vision and plan to transform library services in New York State, providing New Yorkers with a competitive edge in the new century through unprecedented educational and economic opportunities.
The New York State Board of Regents adopted this plan and has put forth the 2002 Regents Budget and Legislative Initiative to invest $95 million in libraries for the plan’s implementation. Trustees of public libraries throughout New York State are engaging in an advocacy campaign, urging Governor George E. Pataki and local public officials to support the Initiative and the plan’s recommendations in the current budget year. If approved, Resolution 2000-63 will be sent to the Governor with an accompanying letter from Ms. Mahoney.
On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-63
WHEREAS, the Regents Commission on Library Services has developed a vision and plan to transform library services in New York State, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Board of Regents adopted this plan and has presented the 2002 Regents Budget and Legislative Initiative to invest $95 million in libraries for the plan’s implementation, and
WHEREAS, the Initiative includes $20 million in capital funds for public library construction, and State construction dollars would provide incentives for local communities to allocate funds for much-needed improvements to library facilities, and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library recently conducted 22 community meetings where the public clearly and unanimously expressed the value and necessity of all 52 library facilities within the B&ECPL System, and
WHEREAS, new construction projects are needed to replace outdated and inadequate facilities, improving building design and layout, meeting room availability, access for people with disabilities and parking, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to continually update and maintain access to technology training, computer resources and digital information to bridge the digital divide in the community and allow all residents the opportunity to acquire new skills, and
WHEREAS, the initiatives contained in the Regents proposal would assist the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library to provide quality library services in 52 quality library facilities, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees requests New York State Governor George E. Pataki to support the New York State Board of Regents’ 2002 Regents Budget and Legislative Initiative to invest $95 million in New York’s libraries, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees request members of Western New York’s State delegation to support the Initiative, which is critical for the provision of superior library services to their constituents.
There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Horton the meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary