MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees January 20, 2000
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, January 20, 2000 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Rebecca L. Mahoney, Chair; David J. Shenk, Treasurer; James W. Burns; Frank Gist; Remy Orffeo; Elaine M. Panty; Robert J. Plache; Daniel T. Roach; Judith K. Summer; Stanley H. Zagora; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: Annette A. Juncewicz; Simone Mitchell-Peterson; Sharon A. Thomas; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus; John P. Wickser, Trustee Emeritus
Chair Mahoney called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Panty the Agenda was approved as follows: Under New Business - Appointment of Deputy Director was moved to Agenda Item L.5; Agenda Item L.3 – Fortune Magazine article, and Agenda Item L.4 - Western New York Rare Book Consortium were added.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meetings of December 16, 1999 and December 30, 1999. On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Mr. Shenk, the Minutes of the regular meeting of December 16, 1999 were approved as submitted. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Summer, the Minutes of the special meeting of December 30, 1999 were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Nominating Committee.
Agenda Item D.1 – Election of Officers & Executive Committee. Committee Chair Summer reported that the Nominating Committee met on January 12th and proposed the following slate of officers for the year 2000:
Chair – Rebecca L. Mahoney
Vice Chair – Elaine M. Panty
Secretary – Annette A. Juncewicz
Treasurer – James W. Burns
In addition to the Chair and Vice Chair, the Nominating Committee proposed that the following trustees serve on the Executive Committee:
Frank Gist
Robert J. Plache
Judith K. Summer
Ms. Panty moved adoption of the slate as presented. Mr. Gist seconded the motion.
During discussion, Mr. Orffeo called attention to Article II, Section 7 of the Bylaws which permits officers to serve in the same position for three consecutive one-year terms. He noted that Mr. Shenk had served as Treasurer for a partial term in 1997 and two consecutive terms thereafter. Ms. Summer responded that the Committee made its decision after receiving information from the Director’s Office as to when Mr. Shenk was first elected to the position of Treasurer. Mr. Orffeo went on to say that he felt the current Treasurer " … who, in a job that doesn’t require much and doesn’t pay, has done a more than adequate job."
In regard to Ms. Mitchell-Peterson’s service as Board Secretary, the Committee felt it was incumbent on them not to nominate any trustee to fill an officer’s position unless that person was sure he/she could serve for the coming year. She recalled that former trustee Amatrano was elected to serve as Treasurer in 1997 only to be replaced on the Board by Ms. Summer herself in February of that year. A special election had to be held to fill that position.
Following further discussion, the slate was approved as moved and seconded earlier by a vote of eight to two with Mr. Orffeo and Mr. Shenk opposing.
Agenda Item E. – Meeting Schedule for 2000. Ms. Mahoney called attention to the meeting schedule for the year 2000 and informed Ms. Summer that the dates which had concerned her have been addressed.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Chair. Ms. Mahoney expressed her appreciation to Library staff, as well as trustees Thomas, Juncewicz, Gist and Mitchell-Peterson for their attendance at the first community meeting at the Martin Luther King Branch on January 12th. She reminded board members to notify the Director’s Office as to which public meetings they can attend.
Ms. Mahoney requested that trustees inform her in writing within the next two weeks of their committee preferences for the year 2000. She will bring her committee assignments to the February board meeting.
Ms. Mahoney thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Chair for one more year and indicated that the Officers and Executive Committee have agreed to work even harder in the coming year.
Agenda Item G – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item G.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that the Executive Committee met on January 13th. A report from the Nominating Committee was received, the year 2000 board meeting schedule was discussed and year-end contract library transfers were presented.
Agenda Item G.2 – Budget & Finance Committee Report.
Agenda Item G.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Mr. Zagora and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-1
WHEREAS, a request for budget transfers has been received from the Aurora Town Public Library, the Hamburg Public Library, and the Lancaster Public Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves transfers totaling $183 within the budget of the Aurora Town Public Library, $5,623 within the budget of the Hamburg Public Library, and $7,473 within the budget of the Lancaster Public Library.
Agenda Item G.2.b – Monthly Financial Report – 11/30/99. The Monthly Financial Report for the period ending November 30, 1999 was received for information.
Agenda Item G.3 – Foundation Review Committee. In the absence of Committee Chair Juncewicz, Ms. Mahoney informed trustees that the Foundation Review Committee met the previous week. A request for funds to print the Library’s Strategic Planning Brochure was discussed. The Foundation Board met in special session on January 18th to discuss proposed amendments to its Bylaws. The Foundation Review Committee’s recommendation to reflect more Library trustees on the Foundation Board is still "in the working stage."
Agenda Item H – Report of the Director. In addition to her written report Ms. Chrisman informed the Board that the Library has received notification of two grant awards from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for which application was made last fall. A grant of $51,400 will expand public access to computers and the Internet at the Cazenovia, East Clinton, Mead and North Park branches. Those four libraries were not included in the initial Gates grant. A grant of $35,640 will fund a regional computer training lab for public and staff at the East Delavan Branch Library. Ms. Chrisman expressed her appreciation to Peggy Skotnicki, Shirley Whelan, Michael Mahaney, Kenneth Stone, and William Miles and staff for their work on the grant proposal.
In response to Mr. Gist’s question regarding future Gates awards, Ms. Chrisman indicated that there will be a New York State Initiative from the Gates Library Foundation sometime within the next year. This initiative would fund resources for some of the smaller rural libraries rather than city branches.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
First Public Meeting on Strategic Planning: On January 12th the first meeting to hear community response to the strategic planning recommendations of Aaron Cohen Associates was conducted at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library. After a staff presentation on plan highlights, the audience responded with strong, sometimes emotional, statements about the importance of library service and the value of the King Branch. Trustees Frank Gist, Annette Juncewicz, Simone Mitchell-Peterson and Sharon Thomas joined board Chair Rebecca Mahoney in listening to the reactions of the community. Legislature Chairman Charles Swanick and legislator George Holt attended the session as did Buffalo Common Council Members Barbara Miller Williams, Charley Fisher and Betty Jean Grant.
NFTA Transportation Plan: Assistant Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and the Director met with a representative of the NFTA on December 30th to discuss possibilities for enhanced public transportation to public libraries through the Hublink system. Additional meetings will take place throughout the year with the goal of devising a satisfactory transportation plan.
Materials Budget for 2000: On December 14,1999, the Materials Budget Committee met to discuss the allocation of the System’s largest-ever materials budget totaling $4,217,516. The following recommendations were then approved by the Administration:
- Increase each budget line by 5% over 1999, amounting to $4,031,412
- Set aside $50,000 to purchase popular reading list titles for the System
- Set aside the remainder, $136,104, for grants to provide additional money to support specific collection development projects. All B&ECPL libraries and public service departments will be eligible to apply for these dollars.
Many thanks to the following Committee members: Sharon Holley, Extension Services, Judy Rivard, Extension Services, Elaine Mahaney, Cheektowaga Public Library, Karen Korpanty, Elma Public Library, Sharon Edward, Central Library, Christine Moesch, Central Library and Earl Kunz, Collection Development.
Serials Records Automated: Support Services staff have completed the project begun in March of 1999 to automate the records and check-in procedures for periodicals received by City branches. Data concerning these subscriptions can now be retrieved on-line from any workstation connected to the network. With just a few simple keystrokes, new issues are checked-in and the online records are updated immediately. Issues not received are flagged and a claim is automatically generated and forwarded to the vendor.
While continuing to chip away at the huge periodical collections of the Central Library, the project will now be extended to contracting libraries. The Grand Island collection is the first scheduled for conversion.
Pocket Free: First, it was date due cards, then catalog cards and now we say goodbye to book pockets. On January 5th the B&ECPL discontinued pasting book pockets in the back of books. Since the introduction of receipt printers in the early part of 1999, the System has not used date due cards but continued pocketing material to allow libraries, with security systems dependent upon a pocket, time to implement the necessary changes.
The elimination of pockets and cards as well as the need to open books to the back are steps undertaken to streamline workflow involved in the circulation of material and as part of the project to convert from OCR to Barcode technology.
Huck Finn CD-ROM Project Featured in Spree: The familiar face of Sam Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) stares from the pages of the January/February 2000 issue of Buffalo Spree as part of the article, "Twain at Your Fingertips: Huck Finn Goes Digital." Author Stephen Gingerich of UB’s Department of Comparative Literature has composed a brief but informative synopsis of the manuscript’s history, from its arrival in Buffalo through its reunion in 1992 to its current dual status as the centerpiece of B&ECPL’s Mark Twain Room and the subject of an ongoing digitizing project between B&ECPL and UB’s Poetry/Rare Books Collection. In replicating the manuscript digitally and supplementing it with transcriptions and informed commentary, Gingerich articulates the virtually limitless potential of the CD-ROM in the service of students and Twain scholars around the world.
First Anniversary of Technology Services: December 21, 1999 marked the first full year of Central Library’s online catalog, graphical Internet and Microsoft Office applications’ access for the public. During the first quarter -- with the initial 13 computers equipped for Internet/Office -- the total number of hours logged by patrons was 5056. With the increase of workstations to a total of 38 by December, the statistics soared to over 44,754 log-ins (hours of use) for the year, demonstrating the popularity of the service. In 2000, there will be even greater availability as Network staff completes the Central rollout with an additional 14 Internet and Office workstations.
Request Plus Hits Record High Fill Rate in 1999: One of Central’s most popular services to units -- the loan of materials not available at local libraries -- outperformed previous years. Locating requested materials in the Central Library’s open and closed stacks presents a unique challenge because of the sheer size of the collection and the building. The fill rate reached as high as 89.7% by December with an average of 84.7% for the year as compared to 77% in 1998. That translates to more than 5000 more books sent to units. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins credits Mary Jean Jakubowski, Manager of Circulation/ Stacks, and her efforts to reorganize the Stacks department. The Central Library shelves have never been in better order. Congratulations to Mrs. Jakubowski and her terrific crew of pages and senior pages!
Central Library Community Outreach Activities: In addition to hosting 20 groups for tours or special reference presentations, the Central staff participated in a variety of outreach activities during December. The following is a sample: Joyce Gianni, HSS, spoke at the Buffalo Public Schools’ Parent Forum on NYS Learning Standards (12/4); Mary Schiffhauer, LLC, represented the Library’s efforts to serve persons with disabilities in a meeting at UB’s Center for Assistive Technology; Cynthia Van Ness, SPC, was a guest lecturer for a Library School class about genealogy and local history. Joyce Davoli, BS&T, attended two planning sessions related to Straight Talk 2000, the annual SBA conference for persons interested in starting a small business (January 22 at ECC/City Campus). Thanks to Mrs. Davoli’s efforts, the Library is given equal acknowledgment with paid sponsors such as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Business First in conference publicity. The December issue of ArtVoice featured another article by Marguerite Cheman, HSS.
Kwanzaa Celebrated: Coordinator of Urban Services Sharon Holley spoke at Buffalo’s opening night Kwanzaa program on December 26th. Mrs. Holley just stepped down as Coordinator of the Kwanzaa Committee of Buffalo, a position she has held for the past 20 years.
22nd Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: On January 13th, James Pitts, Buffalo Common Council President, will be the keynote speaker for the Library’s celebration of the life and accomplishments of Dr. King. Legislator Crystal Peoples will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the program held in the Mason O. Damon Auditorium.
Extension Services Activities: Peter Lisker, Northwest Branch, received a Professional Development Grant Program Award sponsored by WNYLRC for attendance at the Virginia Hamilton Multicultural Literature for Children program. Dorinda Hayes, King/Mead Branches, recently taped a reading of Anansi and the Talking Melon for a program that airs on Channel 18. On December 14th, the North Jefferson Branch hosted a successful book-signing program featuring author Karima Amin. A new book, Classic Buffalo: A Heritage of Distinguished Architecture, includes a picture of the Fairfield Branch. The book and picture were highlighted on AM Buffalo.
Collins Construction Update: The Town of Collins Town Board passed a bond resolution of $1.2 million for the construction of a new library. The Town of Collins Library Board of Trustees is reviewing preliminary schematic designs for the new facility. System approval will be sought further along in the design process.
Board Committee Meetings: On January 5th, Chair Annette Juncewicz conducted a meeting of the Foundation Review Committee. The Nominating Committee, led by Chair Judy Summer, assembled on January 12th to prepare a slate of officers for 2000. The Executive Committee met on January 13th to review the agenda for the January 20th Board meeting and discuss other matters.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Library Auctions Card Catalogs: On December 18th citizens had the opportunity to "purchase a piece of history," as 134 card catalogs were sold at public auction. The sale, conducted by Bronstein Auctioneers was well attended with approximately 90 individuals registered as buyers. Net sale proceeds raised over $7,600 for the Library.
Library Finalizing Year 3 E-Rate Funding Requests: This week Deputy Director Whelan, Business Office staff and I are finalizing purchase documents for E-rate Year 3 funding requests. This paper/labor intensive process is complicated by the fact that contracts/purchase orders must be issued now for items that may not be delivered earlier than July 1, 2000 and may be needed as late as June 30, 2001. With technology changing so quickly, some models specified now will likely have been superseded by July 1, 2000. We are writing specifications that address the potential for technology changes between the time of order and eventual product shipment up to 18 months in the future.
Planning for Central Library Access Ramp Replacement Underway: County public works and Library maintenance staff have met to review plans for this County Capital funded project to replace the entry ramp from Washington Street to the front entry doors of the Central Library. Options to reduce the ramp’s pitch and install ADA accesses are being evaluated. This will include installing ADA accessible entry doors at the Washington Street entrance.
In addition to replacing the deteriorated concrete, the new ramp will feature a snow melting system, which should improve safety and dramatically reduce the amount of salt tracked into the building during the winter months. The project, expected to take place in late Spring or Summer, will be designed and staged to allow access to the Washington Street entrance throughout the project.
Central Library Chiller Unit to be Replaced: The 642 ton capacity chiller unit, original to the building, will be replaced with two smaller, more energy efficient units. The project will be undertaken prior to the start of the cooling season. This county capital funded project will also include asbestos abatement in the chiller room. This work will take place entirely in the chiller room, not affecting other staff or any public areas of the library. Required asbestos removal notifications will be posted while the project is taking place.
Central Library Emergency Generator May Also Be Replaced: Staff, in conjunction with County public works personnel, are also evaluating options to replace the Central Library’s emergency generator. Like the chiller unit, the emergency generator is original building equipment and its age and capacity limits warrant consideration for replacement. Any replacement unit(s) would be sized to accommodate the Library’s networking equipment. This would provide branches and contracting libraries with uninterrupted access to OPAC, database and the Internet in the event of a localized power failure affecting the Central Library. Emergency lighting would also be improved. I will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Y2K is Here!: Network Support’s preparation paid off with a problem-free arrival of the new millennium.
The entire Network Support staff, including Peggy Brent, Nzinga Holley, Craig Schmidt, Sandy Sywak and Gary VandeVelde, worked during New Year’s Eve and Day to process our normal year-end processing and perform timely Y2K testing. Our team was very grateful to Claudia Yates, Cazenovia Branch, Jim Stelzle, Dudley Branch and Sandra Williams-Bush, North Jefferson Branch who joined us early Saturday morning to ensure that all systems were working at their facilities.
On January 3, 2000, when Central, Extension, and Support Services staff members returned to work, all systems were ready for use.
Final 2000-2001 E-Rate Applications Will Be Submitted by 1/19/2000: Applications requesting discounts of over $200,000 will be submitted in time for the early 1/19/2000 deadline for E-Rate deadline.
New Electronic Resources Soon to Be Available: Arrangements have been made to expand our offering of electronic resources to include a very popular business database, Reference USA at Central and all regional libraries. In addition, two general science and one social science databases from Wilson will be soon available at Central.
Order for 220 New Laser Bar Code Scanners Placed: All library locations will soon have new laser bar code scanners. The scanners will be provided by Symbol. Symbol provides scanners to many retail establishments. Their scanners are very durable (can be dropped from 5 feet) and have excellent readability.
Agenda Item I – Report of the Foundation Director. Ms. Vedder reported that at its special meeting on January 18th Foundation Directors agreed that it is appropriate to have informed data regarding the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library through greater Library trustee representation on the Foundation Board. This will be addressed formally at the Foundation’s February 15th meeting. The Library Foundation will continue to maintain its independence and will continue to receive and invest funds for the Library.
Agenda Item J – Public Comment.
Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo presented remarks regarding the Library document "More Than Words."
Valerie Niederhofer of Buffalo presented remarks regarding the Gates Foundation Grant award and requested a copy of the agreementcontract and all materials referred to in the contract.
Agenda Item K – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item L – New Business.
Agenda Item L.1 – Election Day/Adjustment to Sunday Service Schedule. Assistant Deputy Director Patricia Angstadt informed trustees that in the interest of providing optimal public service Resolution 2000-2 authorizes the opening of the Central Library on November 7, 2000 (Election Day) and the closure of the Central Library and the Crane and Dudley branches on December 24 and December 31, 2000. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-2
WHEREAS, the Central Library and City branches have not opened on Election Day in many years, due to lack of funds to compensate CSEA and AFSCME employees for working that holiday, and
WHEREAS, staff believe that service on Election Day would be valued by patrons, and
WHEREAS, staff have suggested that library patrons would be better served by closing the Sundays before Christmas and New Year’s Day (December 24, 2000 and December 31, 2000) and reallocating funds to staffing costs required to open the Central Library on Election Day, and
WHEREAS, contract libraries that offer Sunday service hours have been asked to coordinate this schedule adjustment System-wide by closing on December 24, 2000 and December 31, 2000, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees approve opening the public service departments of the Central Library on Tuesday, November 7, 2000 (Election Day) and closing Central, Crane branch and Dudley branch on December 24, 2000 and December 31, 2000.
Agenda Item L.2 – Request to Library Foundation to Fund Printing of Strategic Planning Brochure. Assistant Deputy Director Michael Mahaney informed the Board that as the public meeting phase of the strategic planning process begins, it is necessary to generate and disseminate a publication that articulates the major elements of planning proposals and illustrates the intended benefits of the plan. This publication should be suitable for both direct mailing and distribution through B&ECPL libraries to the broadest range of Erie County residents.
Professional printing in 2-color offset is preferred. B&ECPL has the internal capacity to design this publication but not to print it in 2-color offset. As this is not an item in the Library’s 2000 budget it is proposed that a request be submitted to the Library Foundation for funds not to exceed $3,000 for professional printing services.
There being no discussion, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION #2000-3
WHEREAS, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library is about to embark on a series of twenty-two public meetings to secure community feedback on the proposed strategic plan, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to generate and disseminate a publication that articulates the major elements of the planning proposals and illustrates the intended benefits of the plan, and
WHEREAS, this publication should be suitable for both direct mailing and distribution through B&ECPL libraries to the broadest range of Erie County residents, and
WHEREAS, B&ECPL has the internal capacity to design this publication but not to print it in professional 2-color offset, which is the preferred production standard, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees requests that the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc. fund printing and productions costs of a strategic planning brochure not to exceed $3,000.
Agenda Item L.3 – Fortune Magazine Article. Mr. Orffeo called attention to an article in Fortune Magazine which indicates that a board should have a succession plan for directors. He suggested that trustees look at the article and get Director Chrisman’s thoughts on it.
On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty, the meeting recessed at approximately 4:35 p.m. to await the arrival of guests from the Oishei Foundation, the Historical Society and the University at Buffalo’s Poetry and Rare Book Collection.
On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty, the Board reconvened in public session at approximately 4:45 p.m.
Agenda Item L.4 – Western New York Rare Book Consortium.
Ms. Mahoney introduced and welcomed Library attorney Patrick E. Martin, Library Foundation Board President W. Lawrence Buck, Historical Society CEO William H. Siener, Historical Society board members Jayne K. Rand and Samuel J. Savarino, Foundation board member and Curator of University at Buffalo’s Poetry & Rare Book Collection Dr. Robert J. Bertholf, former Foundation Director Albert R. Mugel, Oishei Foundation Executive Director Thomas E. Baker and Chairman of the Board Erland E. Kailbourne.
During his remarks Mr. Kailbourne stated that there has been a great deal of collaborative effort during the past year as the B&ECPL, the University at Buffalo’s Poetry & Rare Book Collection and the Erie County Historical Society have recognized a mutual desire to share resources in a coordinated program of exhibition and display utilizing the venue of the Historical Society’s facility in Delaware Park. He went on to say that the Oishei Foundation is delighted to take a lead role in supporting the financial activity that is necessary for this collaborative effort to succeed so that the world becomes aware of the treasures which are located in Western New York.
Ms. Mahoney called attention to Resolution 2000-5 which was approved unanimously on motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Panty.
RESOLUTION #2000-5
WHEREAS, The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and its cultural brethren in Western New York are blessed with rare and special collections that are second to none in the world, and
WHEREAS, these collections deserve proper exhibition and more aggressive marketing to the local community and to the global community of students, scholars and the interested public, and
WHEREAS, the John R. Oishei Foundation has fostered a new spirit of collaboration among the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, the Erie County Historical Society and the University at Buffalo Poetry and Rare Books Collection, and
WHEREAS, these institutions have recognized a mutual desire to share resources in a coordinated program of exhibition and display as part of a proposed "Western New York Rare Book Consortium," and
WHEREAS, this collaboration would bring a wealth of rare book treasures to light and make them accessible to a wide audience in multiple venues, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees endorses the establishment of the "Western New York Rare Book Consortium" and applauds its goal of wider accessibility to the rare book treasures of our community, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the John R. Oishei Foundation be commended for its role in facilitating a bold, new collaboration among Western New York’s major cultural institutions.
Ms. Summer stated that as a member of the Cultural Tourism Committee of Western New York she was excited about this wonderful opportunity and hoped that a representative from one of the institutions will get in touch with the Chair of the Cultural Tourism Committee. Ms. Panty also expressed her excitement about the project.
Ms. Mahoney noted that it is a new millennium for the Library which presents a wonderful opportunity for B&ECPL to share its treasures with the world. She indicated that she and Ms. Chrisman will be serving on the Western New York Consortium Committee.
On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Panty the Board recessed at approximately 4:55 p.m. to attend a press conference announcing the Western New York Rare Book Consortium project.
On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Horton, the Board returned to public session at approximately 5:28 p.m.
At approximately 5:29 p.m., on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Mr. Shenk the Board convened in executive session to discuss a personnel matter.
At approximately 6:07 p.m., on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Panty the Board reconvened in public session.
Agenda Item L.5 – Appointment of Deputy Director. Ms. Chrisman informed the Board that it was her pleasure to recommend the appointment of Michael C. Mahaney to Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. She noted that Mr. Mahaney is highly qualified to fill this position. He is a B&ECPL veteran with 27 years of experience in various Central Library departments, city branches, contract libraries and administration. He received his Master’s Degree in Library Science from the School of Information and Library Studies at SUNYAB in 1976.
Mr. Mahaney’s responsibilities will include the administration of all public, support and planning services. He will remain closely involved with policy development and legislative relations and will assume oversight of new services development, construction programs, and administration of state and federal grants.
There being no further discussion, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION #2000-4
WHEREAS, THE Unconsolidated Laws of the State of New York authorize the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees to appoint Deputy Directors for 3-year terms, and
WHEREAS, the Library Director has determined that Michael C. Mahaney is the most qualified individual to fill the position of Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer, and
WHEREAS, Michael C. Mahaney exceeds all civil service and other requirements for the position, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the appointment of Michael C. Mahaney to the position of Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer, at an initial salary of $77,342, for a three year appointment to be effective on January 29, 2000 and be it further
RESOLVED, that the terms of the appointment also include the standard County of Erie benefits package.
Mr. Orffeo said he moved the motion and Mr. Zagora seconded the motion.
Ms. Mahoney offered her congratulations, as did other trustees and staff.
There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Panty the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca L. Mahoney, Chair