MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees July 19, 2001
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, July 19, 2001 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Daniel T. Roach, Chairman; Elaine M. Panty, Vice Chair; Judith K. Summer, Secretary; James W. Burns, Treasurer; William Brosnahan; Phyllis A. Horton; Annette A. Juncewicz; Rebecca L. Mahoney; Robert J. Plache; Abdul H. Raoof, Ph.D.; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Stanley H. Zagora; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: Evelyn Pizarro; Casimiro D. Rodriguez, out of town; Sharon A. Thomas, conflict; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Salvatore R. Martoche, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus
Chairman Roach called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B – Approval / Changes to the Agenda. The agenda was approved as submitted.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of June 21, 2001. On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Mahoney, the Minutes of the meeting of June 21, 2001 were approved as presented.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chairman. Chairman Roach informed trustees that events have occurred in the past month which necessitate a change in the plan to omit the August board meeting. He indicated that an explanation of the situation will be delivered during the meeting.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that at its meeting on July 12th, the Executive Committee learned that the Library was awaiting receipt of budget instructions and targets from the County Budget Office. Deputy Director Kenneth Stone reported on the Library’s capital budget request to the City of Buffalo. He also reported that there will be a decrease in New York State Aid. The Clarence and Orchard Park Public Libraries will increase their hours from 46 to 55 per week because of population growth in those areas. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins reported on the status of the recruitment for the position of Assistant Deputy Director, Human Resources. A brief discussion followed regarding policies for sponsorships or endorsements on the B&ECPL web site and the naming of rooms in B&ECPL buildings.
Agenda Item E.2 - Budget & Finance Committee. Mr. Burns called on Mr. Stone who presented an update to the Executive Committee report. County budget instructions were received on July 18th. The Library will request that the Budget Office extend the target date for submittal of the Library’s budget request beyond the August 10th deadline so that the Board may review and approve the budget request at its August 16th board meeting.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-40
WHEREAS, a request for a budget transfer has been received from the Orchard Park Public Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve a transfer of $12,610 within the budget of the Orchard Park Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – ETI Transfers. Mr. Stone reported that this item approves Educational Technology Initiative projects at the Town of Hamburg and Concord Public Libraries as indicated in the proposed resolution. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-41
WHEREAS, on July 13, 2000 the Erie County Legislature unanimously approved the $1 million B&ECPL Educational Technology Initiative, a major boost toward improving technology and service capacity in all 52 Buffalo and Erie County libraries, and
WHEREAS, on July 20th, the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution 2000-38 gratefully accepting these funds from the Erie County Legislature and approving a budget amendment to allocate these proceeds, and
WHEREAS, one element of the grant provided $620,000 for technology and facility improvements at each library, and
WHEREAS, given that the specific items to be purchased and improvements to be made for this funding will not be determined until proposals for each individual library are received, reviewed and approved by Library Board resolution, the proceeds were placed in one account, the system’s technology equipment account (SFG #820973420933), with the intention that as proposals are approved, the funds will be transferred to the appropriate account in the same resolution, and
WHEREAS, four additional libraries have requested $18,778 in ETI grant funds and obtained commitments for $22,648 in matching funds for a total of $41,426 in projects, and
WHEREAS, the proposed projects are: 1) Concord Library’s proposal to add two computers and related furniture, one with a larger monitor and software to aid the visually impaired; add improved display shelving units; and add track lights to improve lighting in the library ($20,195 total project with $9,394 in grant funds and $10,801 in matching funds from the Concord Library Board’s private funds; and 2) The Town of Hamburg’s three proposed projects to: (a) improve access for the disabled and telecommunications at the Hamburg Library; (b) create an attractive and comfortable reading area in the children’s area, add vertical blinds in the meeting room, and improve signage in the Blasdell Library; and (c) add Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant automated door openers, improve signage, add new shelving and display equipment, and add bulletin boards and framed posters to brighten the children’s area of the Lake Shore Library ($21,231 total for the three libraries with $9,384 in grant funds and $11,847 in matching funds from several sources including community donations, the Friends of the Hamburg Libraries, Hamburg Lions Club, Hamburg Garden Club, and allocations sponsored by County Legislators Kuwick and Chase), and
WHEREAS, the Library Boards for each of the above libraries have provided the necessary certification that the matching funds have been committed for the projects, and
WHEREAS, to implement the non-technical equipment portion of these projects, budget transfers are needed, and
WHEREAS, the proposed projects were reviewed by Director Chrisman and Deputy Directors Mahaney, Stone and Whelan, who recommend approval of the ETI funds requested, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves $18,778 in funds for these four libraries’ projects, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes a budget transfer of $15,278 in the year 2001 budget from SFG #820973420933 to the following Library SFG Accounts:
Library Amount Use TO SFG#
Concord $5,894 Furnishings/fixtures 932
Hamburg $9,384 Improvements/furnishings 830-168
TOTAL $15,278, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Board Chair to execute any contract amendment needed to implement these transfers.
Agenda Item E.2.c – Legislative Allocations. Mr. Stone informed the Board that at its July 5th meeting, the Erie County Legislature adopted resolutions sponsored by Legislators McCarville, Marinelli and Swanick allocating funds from various accounts to benefit libraries in their districts as indicated in the proposed resolution. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-42
WHEREAS, at its meetings of June 21st and July 5th, the Erie County Legislature adopted resolutions sponsored by Legislators McCarville (June 21st) and Marinelli and Swanick (July 5th) allocating monies from various accounts in the amount of $5,000 to benefit the Collins Library and $40,000 to benefit the Town of Tonawanda 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 their community’s 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 gratefully accept the $45,000 from the County Legislature for the above mentioned libraries, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes, upon receipt of a certified copy of the County Legislature’s action, a budget amendment to the 2001 Library budget to allocate revenues of $45,000 into SFG# 8209734206863200 (Inter-fund Subsidy) and expenditures into SFG department account 820973420, in the amounts and object accounts shown below:
Legislator Library Amount Use Library SFG#
McCarville Collins $5,000 New Library Proj. 830-162
Marinelli Tonawanda $40,000 Chairs, Tables, 830-175
& Swanick Town Book Racks, etc.
TOTAL: $45,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Board Chair to execute contract amendments with the Collins and Town of Tonawanda Library Boards to transfer the funds as noted above.
Agenda Item E.2.d – Monthly Financial Report – May 31, 2001. The Monthly Financial Report for the period ending 5/31/01 was included in board members’ packets for their information.
Agenda Item E.3 – Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. Ms. Mahoney reported that the Committee spent the first part of its July 10th meeting completing its review of the video featuring the December 2000 Urban Libraries Council meeting in Chicago. Following the video presentation, the Committee discussed Service Evaluation & Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki’s report on the City’s proposal to build six new public schools and how the Library might work cooperatively with the schools. Dates for future meetings were set and proposed agenda items discussed.
Trustees Wisbaum, Raoof and Juncewicz arrived at approximately 4:10 p.m.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. In addition to her written report, Director Chrisman announced that Erie County has been awarded an $89,400 Geographic Information Systems grant. This is an opportunity for Erie County to work with the towns of Cheektowaga and Wales in cooperation with the Library to develop a needs assessment for the County. Peggy Skotnicki will be the Library contact on the committee.
Ms. Chrisman distributed the handouts which were given out at the Library’s County Capital Project hearing on July 11th. She reminded trustees to complete their "Board Member Profile" forms and return them to the Director’s Office.
Ms. Chrisman also reminded board members that the second part of the video of the ULC December meeting in Chicago will be shown following the meeting. This part includes a talk by Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey about some of the innovative activities underway in Chicago. Ms. Chrisman indicated that trustees who have not seen the video and cannot stay after the meeting may borrow a copy for personal viewing.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to board members prior to the meeting:
Central Library Space Design Study Initiated: The Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc. has issued on behalf of the B&ECPL a request for proposal seeking assistance from a qualified space designer/planner to examine the Central Library for improved use of its interior spaces. Funded by a grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation, the study will enable the Library (1) to create a more inviting and user-friendly destination for patrons and (2) to improve access and exhibition for rare and special materials.
Twain Competition Attracts Writers Worldwide: Hundreds of individuals from around the world submitted entries to the B&ECPL’s Mark Twain Writing Competition by the June 25th deadline. More than 700 entrants composed their own original conclusions to Twain’s first two chapters of his unpublished short story, "A Murder, a Mystery and a Marriage." The geographic scope from which these entries were received is truly remarkable. They have arrived from 43 different states and every Canadian province, as well as other countries around the globe, including Australia, England, Japan, Brazil, Israel, Iran, New Zealand, South Africa and the Philippines (representing every continent except Antarctica). Media coverage has been equally successful with strong and consistent international interest from print, radio and broadcast journalists.
Graduate students from The Poetry/Rare Books Collection at the State University of New York at Buffalo are currently evaluating all submissions. This preliminary judging will take place throughout the month of July, with students selecting the top ten stories in each category. These entries will be transmitted to the final judging panels for review.
Plans are being developed for a reception in October to celebrate the competition and announce its winners.
Publications Panel Established: To ensure that B&ECPL publications are presented in a consistent and professional manner to both staff and public, a publications panel has been developed. The panel consists of Assistant Deputy Director of Community Relations Ami Savigny and representatives from the Central Library (Librarian Meg Cheman), a contract library (Hamburg Director Jane Rosenfeld) and Extension Services (Librarian Peter Lisker) who will serve a one-year term. The panel held its first meeting on July 11th and began discussing its mission and responsibilities as well as publication standards, guidelines and procedures.
Civil Defense Room for Storage: Deputy Director, CFO, Ken Stone, Maintenance Supervisor Bob Gervan and the Director met with representatives of Erie County’s Public Works Department on July 10th to begin discussion of possible conversion of space in the Library’s Civil Defense Room (bomb shelter) for off-site storage of Surrogate’s Court records. An informational agenda item for the July 2001 Board meeting provides details about this possible project.
Ad Hoc Liaison Committee Meeting: At its July 10th meeting, members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee continued discussion of libraries as spurs for economic development and neighborhood revitalization as demonstrated so effectively by the building program of the Chicago Public Library. The committee also reviewed proposed new public school sites in Buffalo and their proximity to branch libraries.
Executive Committee Meetings: The Executive Committee met on June 21st to discuss the Director’s performance and compensation, then again on July 12th to prepare the agenda for the July Board meeting and discuss various issues, particularly preparation of the 2002 budget.
ACT Meeting: On June 23rd, the Association of Contract Library Boards of Trustees (ACT) met at the Hamburg Public Library. Deputy Directors Michael Mahaney and Ken Stone and Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins attended. Mrs. Collins made remarks concerning the transition in the B&ECPL Human Resources office subsequent to the resignation of Patricia Angstadt and spoke briefly about Centralized Human Resources. Representative trustees from the participating CHR libraries (Aurora, Lancaster and City of Tonawanda) described their experiences with the pilot and expressed generally favorable reviews of the project to date. Mr. Mahaney and Mr. Stone responded to requests for information regarding compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the 2002 budget and the finger imaging pilot project approved by the B&ECPL Board of Trustees at its June 2001 meeting. The meeting adjourned with testimonials and in memory of the late Harold Zaehringer.
American Library Association Annual Conference: In June, key B&ECPL staff attended ALA’s annual Conference in San Francisco. Prior to the formal conference, Deputy Director Michael Mahaney attended a Public Library Association pre-conference on "Managing for Results," which offered insights into improved management of human (and other) resources. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins participated in a pre-conference on Libraries of the Future, focusing on the innovative Richmond (British Columbia) Public Library. Another pre-conference entitled "Technology in Public Libraries: the Next Three Years" was attended by Deputy Director Shirley Whelan. Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki attended a pre-conference entitled, "Managing Library Building Projects: From Identifying the Need to Post-occupancy Evaluation." (Note: Mr. Mahaney, Mrs. Collins and Ms. Skotnicki serve as members of ALA committees with relevance to their professional responsibilities at B&ECPL.)
During the conference, the above staff met with Mary Kay Conwell, Director of Branch Libraries for the New York Public Library, about the B&ECPL Process Improvement Study. Both parties are eager to collaborate on this project. Tony Fischetti of NYPL will serve as the point person and will visit Buffalo soon to begin staff training.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Jefferson Construction Project Update: On July 6th, architect Robert T. Coles delivered 50% construction documents to the Library and the City of Buffalo. Unfortunately, these designs fail to address key concerns expressed by B&ECPL staff over recent months. Foremost among these concerns are a) the computer training lab, b) the public meeting room and c) the staff workroom, each of which has been compromised by the placement of adjacent or nearby mechanical rooms that demand too much interior space that should be preserved for primary public and staff uses.
We have discussed these matters with the architect on multiple occasions (through meetings, correspondence and faxes) since the Library Board approved the schematic design in December 2000. The training lab, meeting room and workroom spaces in the current construction documents do not reflect the Board-endorsed plan and fall short of B&ECPL needs and those of the community.
We have transmitted preliminary furniture placement in the large public areas to the architect and examined the latest space program. On July 17th, staff will meet with the architect and Paul Gareis of the Buffalo Department of Public Works to review the space program and revisit the issues noted above. Project funding is a growing concern. In addition to $4.3 million the City of Buffalo made available last year, an estimated $700,000 to $1 million must be identified to complete construction. This does not include the costs of furnishings and equipment, which might range between $500,000 to $750,000. The preceding figures do not include projected increases in annual operating costs.
Libraries Offer Exciting Summer Activities for Youth: Libraries around Erie County have plunged into a full schedule of summer events for young people. Summer Cyber Camp sessions began July 9th and will continue through August. In all, 28 libraries in the city and suburbs will host either 4-day computer-based activity sessions or single events developed by children’s librarians and summer librarian trainees under the direction of Children’s Department Manager Chris Moesch. Fifteen summer college interns were recruited and trained to deliver these programs, thanks to supplemental funds awarded by the Erie County Legislature.
The Central Library’s Children’s Room hosted the kick-off event for the summer reading program co-sponsored by the Buffalo Bills and UPS. Featured was running back Sammy Morris who entertained an audience of approximately 60 appreciative children by reading aloud from his favorite book, Green Eggs and Ham. As an incentive to read, the Buffalo Bills again are providing a pair of tickets for all participating libraries to use as a raffle prize. Each child may submit a number of entries equal to the number of books he or she has read over the summer.Children’s Programming Gets a Boost: Children’s specialists throughout the system will benefit from the work of Carol A. Batt, Manager of the Office of System Public Services, and her staff who requested and received a B&ECPL collection development grant to produce programming kits for use by all children’s services staff. Kits contain an assortment of books, puppets, tapes, CDs, videos, rubber stamps, flannel board stories and more! Produced in-house, an accompanying computer disk includes finger plays, suggestions for additional book titles and links to craft websites. Each kit is a complete program organized around a theme. Just add a librarian and some enthusiastic kids! Contents of the kits appear graphically on the B&ECPL Staff Intranet, and reservations may be placed electronically. This resource collection numbers 83 and counting!B&ECPL Celebrates Juneteenth: B&ECPL’s Department of Extension Services was well represented at the 2001 Juneteenth Celebration. On June 16th, the Lookie Bookie participated in the Juneteenth Parade, and Sharon Holley, Coordinator of Urban Services, participated in the Tradition Keepers Storytellers Program at the African American Cultural Center and the Heritage Tent Exhibit.
DLD Cites B&ECPL Reports for Excellence: On July 6th, Maria Hazapis of the State Education Department’s Division of Library Development cited B&ECPL as the only library system in New York State whose annual reports (including data and annotations) received a 100% approval rating. Congratulations to everyone who had the patience to successfully complete the reports using the problematic Bibliostat system, and special thanks to Peggy A. Skotnicki who coordinates and oversees this important annual process.
Elma Public Library Building Study: The Town Board and the Library Board in Elma have signed a contract with Habiterra to assess the current library, provide recommendations on refurbishment and consider possible future expansion, all in light of the Erie County ETI grant. Necessary improvements will be prioritized and selected for completion using ETI funds. Such enhancements will be consistent with any potential expansion of the facility. Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy A. Skotnicki attended a meeting of the library building committee on July 9th. A community survey is being developed.Volunteers Encourage Kids to Be Readers: On June 12th, the Ladies of Charity hosted "Be a Reader" for 17 children at the Fronczak Branch Library. Everyone enjoyed refreshments, stories about families, picnics and farm animals, and received a book to take home. Older children had fun reading to the younger ones. The Ladies of Charity began this program during National Library Week, and its success continues.The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Library Materials Shipped Continues to Increase: While the conversion of multi-part sets to single circulating items acts to lower circulation statistics for this year over last, the actual volume of library materials moving throughout the system has increased 2%. Additionally, the shipping department reports priority box volume (including patron request items) has increased 5% from city branches and 4% from contracting libraries over the same period last year.
B&ECPL’s Capital Project Request Presented at County 2002 Capital Project Hearing on July 11th: Board Chair Daniel T. Roach, Director Chrisman, and Deputy Directors Mahaney and Stone presented the Library’s request to County representatives. The presentation was well received by an attentive audience.
2002 Operating Budget Preparation Continues: Erie County’s Budget Instructions and target information are expected to be received within the next few days. Contracting Libraries and departments’ requests have been received and are being reviewed. The requests, combined with SFG-derived estimates of Central/ Buffalo Branch staffing and other operating costs will then be assembled for Budget and Finance Committee review and consideration in late July. Budget and Finance Committee recommendations will be brought forward for the Library Board’s consideration.
Responses to RFP for Web Enabled Monitoring Due Today: A committee including representatives from the Library and Erie County Department of Public Works will evaluate the proposals. Once available NYSERDA grant funding has been determined and the proposal reviews are completed, a recommendation will be brought to the Library Board for consideration and action.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Re-registration Program Statistics Generated: Throughout the month, Network Support has worked with Assistant Deputy Director Lucille DeFranks to generate and review statistics for the Re-Registration Program. To date, over 65,000 patrons have re-registered. Interestingly, approximately 1/3 of these have provided e-mail addresses. The e-mail addresses may be used in the future for notification of special events, overdue notices and request fulfillment. In addition, the ability to renew materials online has proved to be a very popular feature.
Collection Agency Program Implementation In-Progress: This weekend, a parallel test of the B&ECPL notice process will be completed with Unique Management.
DRA Upgrade Planned: An upgrade to the DRA Library Automation System is planned for July 22.
Data Network to Be Upgraded: In 2000, the bandwidth at the five regional libraries and the Crane branch was increased from 56K to 384K. This increase, while expensive (approximately $325/month without the "E-Rate" discount) has made a significant difference in the patron response time on the public access computers.
Therefore, this year, when preparing for the "E-Rate" application process, the Library solicited bids for increased bandwidth at all our facilities. AT&T was awarded the contract to provide "T1" service (four times the 384K or 24 times the current 56K that most libraries now have). The cost of the "T1" is $250 less than the 384K circuit.
Now that the 2001-2002 "E-Rate" fiscal year has begun, B&ECPL is working with AT&T to begin installation of these vastly improved circuits. The new Clarence Library will be the first to use the "T1" service.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. In addition to her written report which contained information on the Mark Twain Writing Contest, the Mason O. Damon Auditorium Renovation, the Second Chance Program, Battle of the Books, the Forgotten "Negro Exhibit" and B&ECPL Funding support, Ms. Vedder informed trustees that the Foundation Board approved the Library Board’s requests from last month’s meeting relating to the City Cyber Train Project and Staff Training for Special Collections. Ms. Vedder stated that if board members would like a copy of The Atlantic Monthly issue featuring Mark Twain’s "A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage" she had some copies available.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. There was no public comment.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. Mr. Wisbaum requested a progress report on the energy savings program grant opportunity which was approved at the June 21st Board meeting. Mr. Stone indicated that an RFP was issued with a response deadline of July 13th. A committee, which includes Mr. Stone, Deputy Director Shirley Whelan and County Energy Manager Gerald Sentz, will begin reviewing the proposals soon. The Library has not yet heard from NYSERDA as to the status of the grant. Mr. Stone will keep the Board apprised of future developments.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – Central Library Civil Defense Room. Ms. Chrisman called attention to the background information regarding this item which was included in board members’ packets. She reported that Mr. Stone and Library Maintenance Supervisor Bob Gervan joined her at a meeting with Erie County representatives regarding the possibility of the County’s using the Civil Defense Room space for storage of Surrogate’s Court records. There are concerns about whether this space is usable because there is still water seepage in that area. One advantage to the Library would be the installation of an elevator which would make the front part of the building handicapped accessible. As indicated in the agenda bill, there are many questions about the feasibility of this project. If reasonable accommodation of the Court’s requirements can be achieved, the project has the potential to benefit the Library. Ms. Chrisman indicated that she will provide updates to the Board on a timely basis.
Agenda Item J.2 – Children’s Book Week Program/Concert. Ms. Chrisman informed trustees that the proposed resolution requests the Board’s permission to ask the Library Foundation for $500 for a program to be presented during Children’s Book Week in November. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-43
WHEREAS, THE Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) mission includes the offering of creative presentations that encourage children to read, and
WHEREAS, music and professional performers have been engaged successfully in the past to draw children and parents to the Central Library resulting in the exploration of the outstanding collection in the Children’s department, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will submit a proposal to the Library Foundation requesting funds to retain professional entertainers/musicians who will present stories and songs from many cultures during Children’s Book Week.
Agenda Item K – Executive Session. At approximately 4:18 p.m., on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Panty, the Board adjourned into executive session for discussion of personnel matters.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the Board concluded executive session and reconvened in public session to act on personnel matters discussed during executive session.
Let the record show that Resolutions 2001-45 and 2001-44 were presented and approved in the order that follows.
On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-45
WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees met on June 21, 2001 and recommended the following adjustments to the Director’s salary:
- 3.25 percent effective January 1, 2001
- 3.00 percent effective January 1, 2002
WHEREAS, the Executive Committee also recommended that the Director be accorded the benefits package granted by Erie County to the Civil Service Employees Association in an agreement that became effective January 1, 2000, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Library Board of Trustees approve the recommendations for compensation of the Director as presented by the Executive Committee.
On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-44
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has statutory authority to manage its budget and has sole authority to negotiate fair settlement of labor agreements with its employees, and
WHEREAS, librarians employed by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library are represented by the Librarians Association of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and
WHEREAS, the current labor agreement between the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and the Librarians Association expired December 31, 2000, and
WHEREAS, representatives of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and the Librarians Association have been negotiating terms of a contract for the years 2001, 2002, and 2003, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees and Erie County officials have indicated their desire to attain relative parity in compensation and benefits between employees represented by the Librarians Association and other Erie County public employee bargaining units, and
WHEREAS, Erie County employees covered by CSEA and AFSCME contracts have negotiated salary increases for 2001, 2002, and 2003 at 3.25%, 3% and 3% respectively, and
WHEREAS, the proposed contract includes salary increases for librarians at 3.25% for 2001, 3% for 2002, and 3% for 2003 and provides for various other benefits and work rules comparable to those accorded the CSEA and AFSCME unions, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library endorses the proposed
settlement.
Ms. Chrisman indicated that she was happy to announce the appointment of Mary Jean Jakubowski to the position of Human Resources Director. She introduced Ms. Jakubowski, who currently oversees the Circulation, Stacks and Remote Reference Center, and welcomed her to the Library administration.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Panty the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith K. Summer, Secretary