MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees June 15, 2000
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, June 15, 2000 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Rebecca L. Mahoney, Chair; Elaine M. Panty, Vice Chair; Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary; James W. Burns, Treasurer; Frank Gist; Phyllis A. Horton; Robert J. Plache; Daniel T. Roach; Casimiro D. Rodriguez; Judith K. Summer; Stanley H. Zagora; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: David J. Shenk, military leave; Sharon A. Thomas; Wayne D. Wisbaum, out of town; 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 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. Horton the Agenda was approved as presented.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of May 18, 2000. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton the Minutes of the meeting of May 18, 2000 were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Ms. Mahoney informed trustees that in addition to the meetings she attended which were included in the Report of the Director, she and Ms. Chrisman have meetings scheduled with South District Council- member Mary Martino on June 19th and City of Buffalo School Superintendent Marion Caņedo on June 26th.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that at its meeting on June 8th the Executive Committee received information on the various resolutions and approved the agenda for today’s meeting.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee.
Agenda Item E.2.a. – Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-28
WHEREAS, a request for a budget transfer has been received from the Amherst Public Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve a transfer of $18,826 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b. – Amend 2000 Budget/Legislative Contingency – City of Tonawanda Public Library. Mr. Stone reported that the proposed resolution recognizes revenue allocated by the Erie County Legislature for plaster repairs at the City of Tonawanda Public Library. On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Mr. Gist the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-29
WHEREAS, Legislator Charles Swanick has designated a total of $3,000 in Legislative Contingency funds to benefit the City of Tonawanda Library, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement entered into many years ago, Erie County is responsible for funding local branch libraries situated within localities throughout Erie County, and
WHEREAS, libraries within Erie County are routinely in need of additional funds to provide services and materials to local patrons, and
WHEREAS, Legislators strong support for the community’s public libraries is greatly appreciated and helps the libraries support a great deal of use, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library accept $3,000 in Legislative Contingency funds for the City of Tonawanda Library to assist in funding plaster repairs in the library building, 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 said funds as follows: revenue - SFG #8209734206863200 ($3,000), and expense - SFG #820973420830174 ($3,000), and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Board Chair to execute a contract amendment with the City of Tonawanda Library Board to transfer this funding to the City of Tonawanda Library.
Agenda Item E.2.c. – Cash Donation – Crane Branch. Mr. Stone informed the Board that donations of nearly $785 have been received to assist the "Crane Gardens Pocket Park" project. The small urban park setting at the Crane Library was created last year with an Urban & Community Forestry grant. On motion by Reverend Rodriguez and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-30
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Urban & Community Forestry Grant is a federal program to provide targeted assistance on a project basis, and
WHEREAS, in 1999 USDA awarded a grant for the Library’s proposed "We Have a Little Garden" project in the amount of $9,112, and
WHEREAS, subsequent to this time, cash donations of nearly $785 have been received to support this project, and
WHEREAS the Library wishes to add funds to the grant budget to reflect these donations, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees amends the grants budget adding revenues and expenditures totaling $785 for the 1999 Urban & Community Forestry Grant
Agenda Item E.2.d. – Monthly Financial Report. The monthly financial report for the period ending April 30, 2000 was presented for information.
Agenda Item E.3 – Foundation Review Committee. Ms. Juncewicz reported that the Foundation Review Committee met on June 8th and approved the resolutions included on the agenda under "New Business."
Agenda Item E.4 – Human Resources Committee. In the absence of Committee Chair David Shenk, Assistant Deputy Director of Human Resources Patricia Angstadt reported that the Committee met on May 25th. Topics for discussion included training procedures for new staff and a briefing procedure for new board members. The Committee revised one of the checklists used to process new employees and began work on the development of guidelines for the scholarship program. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 13th at 3:30 p.m.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. In addition to her written report, Ms. Chrisman informed trustees that because of another commitment at the Central Library on Saturday, June 10th she and Deputy Directors Stone and Mahaney could not attend the ACT meeting at the Eden Library. Assistant Deputy Directors Ruth Collins and Patricia Angstadt represented the Administration at that meeting and answered questions about the Centralized Human Resources pilot project. Ms. Chrisman indicated that when more details become available regarding this project she will share them with ACT.
Gail Lord and an associate from the Lord Cultural Resources Planning and Management Company of Toronto visited the Director on June 13th. The Western New York Rare Books Consortium has proposed that this firm handle the marketing and business plan portion of the feasibility study to create rare book display areas at the Central Library and the Historical Society. Ms. Lord and her associate were in town for another meeting and wanted to see the Central Library and talk with Ms. Chrisman about the Library’s plans.
Ms. Chrisman further reported that Assistant Deputy Director Shirley Whelan and Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki presented a wonderful program on the new Gates grant opportunity at a Managers meeting on June 14th. She felt their efforts to help the contract libraries complete their applications were commendable.
The Director and Ms. Mahoney attended a meeting of the Ad Hoc Task Force for the Town of Tonawanda on June 14th. Ms. Chrisman reminded board members that when the Cohen Report was first presented, the Town of Tonawanda proposed an alternative plan for its libraries. The Task Force has been meeting for the past four to five months and as soon as the report is completed by Legislator Marinelli, it will be distributed to the Board.
Trustee Summer commended library staff for their participation in the "If All Buffalo Read the Same Book" program.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant: The New York State Partnership Program, sponsored by the Gates Foundation, is an opportunity for B&ECPL contract libraries to take advantage of Gates’ generosity. On June 5th, Assistant Deputy Director Angstadt and the Director attended a meeting in Albany to review program highlights of this grant opportunity. The Collins Public Library, the Anna M. Reinstein Branch in Cheektowaga, as well as the Kenilworth and Sheridan Parkside Branches in Tonawanda are eligible to apply for cash grants to provide public access computer equipment. Many other System libraries are eligible for partial grants. Deputy Director Whelan and Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki attended a Gates sponsored workshop on June 8th to learn details of the program in order to assist contract library directors with the application process.
Clarence Breaks Ground for New Library: On May 31st, Board Chair Rebecca Mahoney, Deputy Director Stone, Assistant Deputy Director Angstadt and the Director joined Clarence Town and Library Board officials in ground-breaking ceremonies for the new library. After many years of delay and negotiation, Clarence Library Board President Jane Sweet and Director Marie Robillard were rewarded for their patience. The new library is expected to open in March 2001.
Improvements at the Anna M. Reinstein Memorial Library: Underway at the Reinstein Memorial Library is a minor construction project, which will provide additional storage space and enhance the library’s capacity to make the Reinstein Collection accessible to the public.
Marilla Free Library Project: Martha Mummery, Marilla Board President, has received notification of a $6,000 local initiative grant from the NYS Senate. Supported by Senator Dale Volker, the funds will be directed to the Library’s building improvement project.
Long-time Staff Member Robert Gurn Retires: On June 1st, Central Library staff gathered to honor Bob Gurn, who retired after 36 years of dedicated service to the B&ECPL. Serving most recently as head of the Special Collections Department, Mr. Gurn had worked in City branches and headed the Young Adult and Film Departments. He has been warmly regarded as the Library’s own "Renaissance Man" because of his many daring adventures (mountain climbing, skiing, and cave exploration) which he recounted with great enthusiasm to his more conservative colleagues.
Meetings: Committee Chair David Shenk called a meeting of the Board’s Human Resources Committee on May 25th. Members discussed training procedures for new staff, the protocol for briefing new Board members and other issues. Work on developing guidelines for a scholarship program was also initiated.
On May 25th, the Director attended a dinner meeting of the Association of Erie County Governments. During the initial planning process, consultant Glen Holt had presented to this audience a briefing on B&ECPL’s strategic plans. The recent meeting was an opportunity to update local officials on the process and thank them for their participation in the Library’s 22 public meetings.
A Foundation Review Committee meeting followed a June 8th meeting of the Executive Committee. At both sessions a number of grant requests for the Library Foundation were discussed and approved for addition to the June 2000 Board meeting agenda.
Trustees of the Town of Aurora Public Library invited the Director to attend their June 8th meeting to discuss funding and facilities requirements.
The Director spoke to an audience of more than one hundred young people and adults at a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Buffalo on June 8th. After discussing strategic planning issues, the Director answered questions about B&ECPL’s structure and future plans for technology.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Construction Project Updates: The new Collins Library project is on course. At a meeting on May 25th, technology requirements and lighting issues were discussed as well as refinements to the interior layout. Final schematics are expected by the end of June with bids to be released in July and groundbreaking to occur sometime in August. If all goes according to plan, ribbon cutting would take place in March. Another meeting is scheduled for June 12th.
On June 9th, B&ECPL staff met with members of the Denio Memorial Library Board of Trustees and the architect from Hamilton Houston and Lownie to discuss the most recent plans and modifications for a new library in the village of Akron.
On June 16th, architect Robert Traynham Coles is scheduled to deliver preliminary designs for the proposed North Jefferson Branch Library.
Patent and Trademark Center Unveiling Set For June 16th: A newly designed and equipped public service space to meet the needs of patent and trademark researchers has been established in memory of librarian Erich Mayer, B&ECPL’s former liaison to the Patent and Trademark Library Depository Program in Washington, D.C. The area will bear a plaque of dedication to the much-loved librarian who passed away last year. Funds donated to the Library and the Library Foundation in Mr. Mayer’s name have been applied to the purchase of patent DVD storage cabinets and other furnishings. In addition, the Librarian’s Association has provided a TV monitor, VCR and DVD player to facilitate self-guided or librarian-assisted training in the patent research process. Mr. Mayer’s widow, Donna, other family and friends, B&ECPL staff and trustees, Library Foundation staff and directors, and several dignitaries from the PTLDP make up the guest list for the dedication and reception on June 16th at 6 p.m. Preparations for the new patent center were coordinated by librarian Kate Weeks, who has assumed responsibility for the PTLDP collection following Erich’s untimely death. Earl Kunz, Chris Moesch and other Central staff have made significant contributions to arranging and conducting this special commemoration.
Bison Sculpture Visits North Park Branch: The North Park Branch Library has been selected by donor/sponsor Russer Foods to host a decorated buffalo sculpture as part of Roswell Park’s "Herd About Buffalo" fund raising and promotional campaign. Other library sites are still being considered by prospective donors.
Sharon Holley Shares Expertise with Outside Organizations: B&ECPL’s Coordinator of Urban Services and Board Member of the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier Inc. will facilitate a workshop on Preserving Historical Records Saturday June 24th at the Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. The workshop is open to individuals, churches, clubs, organizations and groups interested in preserving African American history. In addition, Ms. Holley has been asked to teach a Storytelling Workshop July 25th at the University of Buffalo.
Families Together: The Niagara Branch Library is poised to assist D’Youville College, School #3 and the Buffalo West Even Start in a family literacy project. This program, funded by The Buffalo Greater Education Fund, is part of the Mayor's Community of Families Together program. The Niagara Branch staff will provide bibliographic instruction and tours of the facility for participating families.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Central Library Chiller (Air Conditioning System) Operating, Project Nearing Completion: The system went "on-line" on May 23rd. Work continues on punch list items. The system is being integrated into the library’s computerized building controls management system to aid in monitoring and controlling cooling.
At 2 AM on Sunday, May 14th, power to the entire Central Library was shut down to allow repairs to the building’s main electrical switch and to hook up the new air conditioning system’s electrical connections. To minimize any impact to library patrons (both using the library itself and using the library’s resources through the Internet), the work was completed shortly after 8 AM Sunday morning, with all systems operational by 11 AM. B&ECPL Chief Engineer Mark Kross and building engineer Casey Piwowarski worked with Ferguson Electric personnel to replace breakers and service electrical panels throughout the building while the power was out. Security Guards Cheryl Kwiatkowski and Ronald Goran, flashlights in hand, ensured the building’s security and assisted me in monitoring activities. Information Systems Coordinator Peggy Brent ensured that the Library’s computer systems were safely powered down and restarted the following morning. It was a busy and very productive evening.
Library Receives Unclaimed Funds: In June 1998, the library applied for the return of unclaimed funds held by the State Comptroller’s office dating back to the early 1990’s. Last week we received a check for $199.00 for this item. Thanks to board member Robert Plache who first noticed this item on the State Comptroller’s website.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Gates Accelerated Grant Program for Large Libraries: Installation of the new training lab at the East Delavan branch, provided as part of this grant program, has begun. The Central Library Training Lab is being used as a model. A workstation for the instructor will be setup similarly and there will be twelve student PCs. Network Support has received the computer hardware from Gateway and has begun testing it and the current public access model supplied by the Gates Center for Technology.
B&ECPL Intranet Team Begins Work: In the Strategic Plan, it was recommended that B&ECPL develop mechanisms for improved, formal communication and information sharing between and among staff and the administration. As part of the Work Plan, the establishment of an "Intranet" was planned to be developed in 2000 as one of these mechanisms.
An "Intranet" is a web site that can only be accessed by a specially designated group of people. The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library "Intranet" will be for library staff and will include information about staff, departments, training, policies and procedures and human resources.
A special team has been formed to design and develop the content of the B&ECPL Intranet. The team has met several times and a name for the web site has been selected. Small groups will now work on a design template and various prototypes.
The team consists of the following staff members: Jennifer Childs, Diane Golding, Jan McCloskey, John Nowak, Mary Ann Ozimek, Linda Rizzo, Jane Rosenfeld, Kathy (Burock) Smith, Roseanne Butler-Smith, Dawn Stanton, Jennifer Trigilio and Rosemary Vazquez.
Electronic Resources Collection Continues to Be Expanded: For each new database made available to our patrons, Network Support must complete a unique setup process. This month, a successful test was completed with Mitchell’s RepairNet, a subscription service which will allow a patron to search and print automotive specifications, technical service bulletins, recalls, and tech tips for domestic and import cars. Final contract negotiations are underway and the database should soon be made available to our patrons. However, because of the high cost of this valuable resource, it will be made available at the Central Library on only one workstation.
Data Cabling Planned for New Collins Library: A meeting was held with Karen Koch, Collins Library Manager, members of the Collins Board of Trustees and representatives from Habiterra Design Group, the architectural firm designing the new library to discuss placement of computers and cabling requirements. I was impressed with Habiterra who has had experience with libraries and is very professional.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. A written report with information regarding grant requests to local foundations, the Collins construction project, B&ECPL support, a new project involving a previously unpublished work by Mark Twain, the Grosvenor Concert Series and the 1999-2000 fiscal year audit was included in board members’ packets. In addition to that report, Ms. Vedder indicated that the Foundation was pleased to have facilitated the dedication and opening of the Patent and Trademark Office in honor of Erich Mayer and will be present at the dedication ceremony. Ms. Mahoney reminded trustees that this event will take place on June 16th at 6 p.m.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. ACT President Mary Jo Ketchum of Elma asked for clarification regarding the date for the introduction of the Centralized Human Resources pilot project. Ms. Chrisman responded that the target date is August 1st but September 1st may be a more realistic date as there are still some issues that must be answered. In response to Ms. Ketchum’s question regarding Board approval of the project, Ms. Chrisman stated that when contract libraries indicate an interest in the project a board-approved contract amendment will be required.
Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo asked the Board to keep neighborhood libraries open and to continue improving the system.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business on the agenda.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – Foundation Request/Extension of CD-ROM Project. Ms. Chrisman informed the Board that as work on the Huck Finn CD-ROM project proceeds, attention has turned to ways in which the B&ECPL can promote the product to ensure that the goals of the effort are achieved. In order to be sure that educators on the secondary through graduate school level are aware of this invaluable teaching resource, the B&ECPL proposes a literary competition based on an unpublished short story written by Mark Twain. The competition would require writers to submit their own conclusions to the story, "A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage," with the winning entries subsequently published on the CD-ROM.
The competition would be open to writers on different levels and prizes would be awarded on various levels as well. The expectation is that an editorial board of well-known Twain scholars and literary figures would make the final selection of a grand prize winner, with graduate students responsible for pre-screening and other tasks. The graduate students would handle the organization of the contest and work under the supervision of Dr. Robert Bertholf. The project would culminate in a reception to honor the winners.
The Board’s Executive and Foundation Review Committees support the concept. The Foundation Review Committee developed the $74,000 budget which was distributed to trustees earlier in the meeting. Ms. Chrisman noted that the $20,000 unexpended balance in the existing Oishei grant for the CD-ROM project may be used for this project. The Foundation will be asked to raise the remaining $54,000.
The Executive Committee has requested that the new funding required for the implementation of the project not displace fund raising efforts by the Library Foundation on behalf of other B&ECPL projects.
During discussion, Ms. Juncewicz commented that historically support for library activities has been received from local foundations which appear to be interested in long-term investments in the community. She suggested that the Foundation Director pursue corporate sponsorship such as publishing houses, literary magazines, etc. for this activity.
There being no further discussion, on motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-31
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL would like to extend the current Huckleberry Finn CD-ROM project, which received funding from the John R. Oishei Foundation, and
WHEREAS, the value of the CD-ROM as an educational resource must be promoted to local and national audiences and especially to educators on the secondary to graduate school level, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL has the digital publication rights to an unpublished short story by Mark Twain entitled "A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage" and also has received approval from the Mark Twain Foundation and Mark Twain Project to pursue a promotional effort based on the story, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL proposes a literary competition based on this short story with writers submitting their own endings to the story, with appropriate prizes awarded to winning entries, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees requests the Library Foundation to support the extension of the Huck Finn CD-ROM project.
Agenda Item J.2 – Foundation Request/Battle of the Books. Mrs. Collins reported that last year seven contract libraries collaborated to promote a program to encourage children to read during summer vacation. The "Battle of the Books" (a quiz bowl style competition with questions based on pre-selected titles) involved teams of children representing the seven libraries. Prizes and a pizza party were the enticements to participate. The response was overwhelming. This summer fourteen libraries plan to participate in the program. Participants will be furnished with T-shirts and paperback copies of each of the six titles used for the contest. A pizza lunch will be provided and each child will receive a small award. The winning team will receive a plaque for display in that team’s library.
During discussion, in response to Mr. Gist’s question regarding city branch participation, Mrs. Collins indicated that the Mead Branch is one of the fourteen libraries. The Central Library and other city branches will be encouraged to participate next year. There being no further discussion, on motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Mr. Gist the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-32
WHEREAS, THE Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) mission includes offering of programs that encourage children to read, and
WHEREAS, the Battle of the Books, has proven to be a successful program in achieving that objective, 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 provide prizes and refreshments at the conclusion of the program.
Agenda Item J.3 – Foundation Request/Mason O. Damon Auditorium Renovation. Mr. Stone reported that the Central Library’s Auditorium is an important community meeting and presentation space located in the heart of downtown Buffalo. It routinely hosts public hearings, informational meetings, visiting authors, poetry readings, and performances by musicians, dramatic and performance artists and serves as the "home base" for the Grosvenor Concert Series.
While the facility remains adequate for basic public meetings, its aging curtains, lighting and sound systems limit the ability to present a quality musical and theatrical experience. The lighting system is outdated, limited, and not fully operational. The sound system is also outdated and inadequate, not taking advantage of (and often working against) the underlying good acoustics of the room. Curtain and window treatments have aged to the point that their fragility would not allow successful cleaning and reinstallation.
Library staff has evaluated the condition of Auditorium components and obtained estimates for improvements needed in the amount of $73,849. The requested improvements in this project would dramatically enhance the public’s experience and enjoyment of music and theatrical presentations, particularly the Foundation-sponsored Grosvenor Concert Series.
During discussion, in response to Reverend Rodriguez’s question regarding the time frame for repairs, Mr. Stone indicated that the nature of the work and the need to work around scheduled events would dictate the time frame but that he hoped it could be finished by the end of the year. There being no further discussion, on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Mr. Gist the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-33
WHEREAS, the Central Library’s Auditorium is an important community meeting and presentation space located in the heart of Buffalo’s downtown. It routinely hosts public hearings, informational meetings, visiting authors, poetry readings, and performances by musicians, dramatic, and performance artists, and
WHEREAS, the facility serves the important role of "home base" for the Grosvenor Concert Series, and
WHEREAS, while the facility remains adequate for basic public meetings, its aging curtains, lighting, and sound systems are increasingly limiting the ability to present a quality musical and theatrical experience, and
WHEREAS, Library staff have evaluated the condition of Auditorium components and obtained estimates for improvements needed in the amount of $73,849, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees requests that the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc. fund needed auditorium improvements in the amount of $73,849, and be it further
RESOLVED, that should this funding request be approved, the appropriate library budget revenue and expenditure accounts will be increased by the amount of funding approved, and be it further
RESOLVED, that staff is directed to undertake this project as promptly as possible recognizing the need to work around scheduled events.
Agenda Item J.4 – Foundation Request/Mason O. Damon Scholarship Program. Ms. Angstadt informed the Board that it has long been recognized that the Library’s professional staff does not reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. The proposed resolution requests that the Library Foundation fund a scholarship that will be attractive to potential library school candidates. The intent is to offer a scholarship to a member of an underrepresented ethnic group to attend graduate school in pursuit of a Masters of Library Science Degree. On motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Reverend Rodriguez the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-34
WHEREAS, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library would like to enhance the Mason O. Damon Scholarship Program, and
WHEREAS, the intent of the program is to offer a scholarship to a member of an underrepresented ethnic group, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees requests that the Library Foundation raise additional funds to cover tuition costs in the implementation of a Minority Scholarship Program.
Agenda Item J.5 – Foundation Request/ALA Grant – Live at the Library. Mrs. Collins reported that in keeping with the Aaron Cohen Associates recommendation that the Central Library establish itself as a unique downtown destination, and in light of this Board’s past support of endeavors such as the Oishei projects related to Huck Finn and the Milestones of Science, opportunities have been identified to make the Library’s extensive art collection more visible to the community. B&ECPL Humanities librarian Marguerite Cheman has developed an artist lecture series in conjunction with her counterparts at the University at Buffalo. Preliminary discussions with the director of the American Library Association’s LIVE at the Library Project were encouraging that 50% of the cost of the kick-off program would be underwritten through ALA. Matching funds are required to obtain this grant from ALA. The proposed resolution enables the Library to request from the Library Foundation the 50% match required to proceed with this art programming proposal.
During discussion, in response to Ms. Panty’s question about the art collection, Mrs. Collins indicated that the Library has an extensive collection of art books available for reference and circulation and this program would enable B&ECPL to promote them. On motion by Mr. Roach and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-35
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) administration and Board of Trustees recognize the potential of the Central Library as a unique downtown destination, and
WHEREAS, the Central Library has extensive collections and services worthy of promotion, and
WHEREAS, the Central Library has had success in previous partnerships with other educational and cultural institutions for cooperative programming to attract visitors to discover the Library’s treasures, 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 a minimum of $2,000 (up to a $6000 maximum) to be used in conjunction with other monies from the American Library Association’s LIVE! at the Library Project, the U.B. Foundation, and/or other grant sources to provide a series of artist lectures.
Ms. Summer reported that she learned at a meeting of the Cultural Tourism Committee that the Historical Society received a $200,000 grant from the County to promote events during 2001, either specific to the Pan Am celebration or to generic events and she wondered if the Library might be able to get funds for promotional costs. Mrs. Collins indicated she will follow up on this.
Agenda Item J.6 – Transfer of B&ECPL Donations to Library Foundation. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that the Library has a procedure for handling unrestricted donations to the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. The Board’s Foundation Review Committee has reviewed the donations received for the period March 1999 through April 2000 and recommends that $1235 be forwarded to the Library Foundation to support the Library. Letters expressing the Library’s appreciation were sent to all donors. On motion by Ms. Juncewicz and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-36
WHEREAS, during the period from March 1999 through April 2000, the library has received unrestricted donations from individuals and firms totaling $1,235, and
WHEREAS, the library expresses its thanks and appreciation for these donations from: Cecilia Santuz; Edwin O. Tilton in thanks for finding material on Pterodactyls; Louis Deluca; Prudential for a match and double match to Mr. Deluca’s donation; Ms. Edith Anthony Hill in memory of Cornelia Dawson Flynn; New York Association of Transportation Engineers in memory of Mrs. Dorothy Kraft; Barry & Jean Wood in memory of Miss Thelma Bratt – a past employee of the Library; Thomas & Mary Lou Mees in memory of Miss Thelma Bratt; O. Herbert and Hazel Chilcott in memory of Miss Thelma Bratt; Kathy Kimble and several unidentified individuals in memory of Rhea Bush; Judge and Mrs. John T. Elfvin in memory of Janet MacLeod; and Ms. Wendy Fischer for ongoing support for adult literacy ($25), and
WHEREAS, donations are a very much appreciated means of assisting the library in ways not funded in the normal operating budget, and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees adopted Resolution 98-21, addressing the terms under which donations received by the Library are handled, and
WHEREAS, this resolution specifies that "gifts, legacies, devises and bequests received by the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library shall now be retained in a separate account or accounts not to be used for operating purposes to be overseen by the Board of Trustees with regular reports to be issued by the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, or be transmitted to the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc. as determined by the Board of Trustees", and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees desires to transmit these funds to the Library Foundation of Buffalo & Erie County, Inc., now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the total of $1,235 in donations be transmitted to the Library Foundation, subject to the uses where specified by the donors, for the benefit of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
Trustee Emeritus George Zimmermann stated that he was delighted to see the smooth working relationship between the Library and the Library Foundation which was indicated by the six resolutions adopted by the Board at this meeting.
There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Horton the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary