MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees June 21, 2001
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, June 21, 2001 in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present: Daniel T. Roach, Chairman; Judith K. Summer, Secretary; William Brosnahan; Phyllis A. Horton; Rebecaa L. Mahoney; Robert J. Plache; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Stanley H. Zagora; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus;
Excused: James W. Burns, out of town; Annette A. Juncewicz, ill; Elaine M. Panty, conflict; Evelyn Pizarro; Abdul H. Raoof, out of town; 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. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Mahoney, the agenda was approved with the following changes: Proposed Resolution 2001-35 was replaced with a revised version and Proposed Resolution 2001-39 was added under New Business.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of May 17, 2001. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the Minutes of the meeting of May 17, 2001 were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Mr. Roach indicated that there were a number of items on the agenda which will be presented by Library staff.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. In the absence of Ms. Panty, Director Diane Chrisman read the report of the June 14th Executive Committee meeting. Topics of discussion included the Librarians Association contract and items on today’s agenda. The Executive Committee approved a request to carry over the Krieger bequest for another six months to gain additional interest. It was suggested that some of those funds be used for the Central Library improvements project. It was also suggested that there be improved and consistent signage for all B&ECPL libraries.
Ms. Chrisman informed board members that a tour of the Rare Book Room for trustees and Foundation directors has been scheduled for 3 p.m. on September 20th, one hour before the Library Board meeting. B&ECPL will be celebrating the culmination of the Mark Twain Writing Competition in October. This will be a gala affair and board members will be notified as soon as the date is confirmed.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-32
WHEREAS, requests for budget transfers have been received from the Amherst, Cheektowaga and Hamburg Public Libraries, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers of $8,575 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library, $29,207 within the budget of the Cheektowaga Public Library, and $5,512 within the budget of the Hamburg Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – ETI Grants. In the absence of Budget & Finance Committee Chair Burns, Deputy Director Kenneth Stone reported that Proposed Resolution 2001-33 is the second in a series of transfers to implement the Educational Technology Initiative. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-33
WHEREAS, on July 13th, the Erie County Legislature unanimously approved the $1 million BECPL Educational Technology Initiative, a major boost towards 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, two additional libraries have requested $22,984 in ETI grant funds and obtained commitments for $19,151 in matching funds for a total of $42,135 in projects, and
WHEREAS, the proposed projects are: (1) Clarence Library’s proposal to install a "self check-out" machine in its new library building scheduled to open this September ($22,150 total project with $7,995 in grant funds and $14,155 in matching funds from the Friends of Clarence, Inc.; bid results were below the original $24,000 estimate, which will also benefit the Audubon Library’s project for the same model machine approved last month); and (2) Collins Library’s proposal to enhance its new library, already the beneficiary of Gates Library Foundation computers, by purchasing furniture for the new computers, including those in the children’s area, and additional furniture for the children’s area including artistically enhancing the children’s area with a "Children of the World" themed table with an integrated globe/ mobile with brightly colored continents and figures of children in international costumes suspended from the globe ($19,985 total project with $14,989 in grant funds and $4,996 in matching funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), and
WHEREAS, the Library Boards for each of the above libraries have provided the necessary certification that the matching funds has been committed for the projects, and
WHEREAS, to implement the non-technical equipment portion of the Collins library project, a budget transfer is 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 $22,984 in funds for these two library projects, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes a budget transfer of $13,704 in the year 2001 budget from SFG #820973420933 to the following Library SFG Account:
Library Amount Use TO SFG#
Collins - $13,704 New Building 830-162
Furnishings and artwork/globe/mobile
TOTAL $13,704, 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 – Monthly Financial Report. The Monthly Financial Report for the period ending 4/30/2001 was submitted for information.
Agenda Item E.3 – Legislative Committee. Ms. Mahoney reported that she had received correspondence from Assemblyman Sam Hoyt and Senator Mary Lou Rath indicating their support of the "New Century Libraries Initiative." Ms. Mahoney reminded trustees that at the last board meeting she had mentioned that she would respond to a Buffalo News editorial relating to this legislation. It was decided by the Executive Committee that a response was not necessary because of Murray Light’s response in the Opinion section of the newspaper, which differed from the editorial and was supportive of the legislation.
Agenda Item E.4 – Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. Director Chrisman reported that Rebecca Mahoney was selected to chair the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee at its first meeting on May 23rd. The video from the Urban Libraries Council’s December 2000 Partners Conference was previewed by committee members. That video, which will be shown following today’s meeting, generated a lengthy discussion in terms of what kind of impact libraries can have on economic development, particularly in the City of Buffalo.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Ms. Chrisman informed the Board that she will be on vacation the week of June 26th and that Deputy Director Michael Mahaney will be in charge during her absence. Discussion ensued regarding the defeat of the Niagara Falls Public Library’s proposal to establish itself as a school district library rather than an arm of municipal government.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
Human Resources Director Angstadt Resigns: Assistant Deputy Director Patricia Angstadt has submitted her resignation to assume a new position in the Penfield Central School District near Rochester. Staff will have an opportunity to say good-bye and wish her well at a reception on June 22nd, her last day at the B&ECPL. Thirty-three applicants for this important post have submitted their credentials for consideration.
Trustees Honored: On May 31st, the Library celebrated its receipt of the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award and honored former trustees Frank Gist and David Shenk for their years of dedication and service to the B&ECPL. In addition, Trustee Rebecca Mahoney was recognized for her inspiring leadership during the strategic planning process. Regent Arnold Gardner presented the Shubert Award for the Library’s web site, created through the ingenuity and industry of staff volunteers and grant funding that posed no additional financial burden on local taxpayers.
Ad Hoc Liaison Committee Meets: The first meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) was held on May 23rd. The purpose of the Committee, which was formed at the suggestion of Trustee James Burns, is to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the County Executive’s Office, review the library service recommendations of the Who Does What? Commission and advance the goals of Expanding Horizons. The AHLC includes: Carl Calabrese, Deputy County Executive; Richard Gessert, Lancaster Public Library Board; Rebecca Mahoney, B&ECPL Board; George Oliver, Aurora Town Public Library Board; Stanley Zagora, B&ECPL Board; Deputy Directors Michael Mahaney and Ken Stone and the Director. Board Chair Daniel Roach is an ex-officio member of the Committee. At the first session, Rebecca Mahoney was selected to chair the AHLC.
After a brief review of B&ECPL planning initiatives, discussion centered on the value of libraries as spurs for economic development and neighborhood revitalization.
Community Enrichment Committee: Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and the Director appeared before the Community Enrichment Committee of the Erie County Legislature on May 31st to present information about Library activities and the Educational Technology Initiative (ETI), including Summer Cyber Camp (for more information see the report of Deputy Director Mahaney) and the Youth Resource Centers scheduled to open in September/ October. Legislators commended the efforts of city branches and contract libraries to match the funds allocated by the County as part of the ETI.
Orientation for New Trustees: New trustees Evelyn Pizarro and Abdul Raoof joined Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and the Director on May 24th to discuss various issues and challenges facing the B&ECPL. A tour of Central and other libraries will be scheduled for new trustees in the near future.
Employee Wellness Fair: Assistant Deputy Director Patricia Angstadt and Librarian Mary Ann Ozimek coordinated an Employee Wellness Fair for all staff members on May 15th. The event focused on wellness and prevention programs with interactive exhibits, demonstrations, screening tests, and healthy foods for staff to sample during breaks and/or lunch. The cost of the event was underwritten by a $500 grant from the Worksite Health Initiative.
B&ECPL Participation in NYLA 2002: During a visit with New York Library Association (NYLA) president-elect Carolyn Giambra, the possibility of B&ECPL serving as a site for a celebratory event during the 2002 NYLA conference was discussed. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins will coordinate with Ms. Giambra as plans for the annual conference are developed.
Ken-Ton Library Ad Hoc Task Force: Chaired by Legislator Lynn Marinelli, the Task Force concluded its work at a meeting on June 11th. A list of facility improvement measures to be addressed by the Town of Tonawanda was discussed as well as items to be purchased from County funds. Town of Tonawanda officials, Tonawanda Library Director Jeffrey Mahaney, staff, trustees, friends and concerned citizens are to be commended for their efforts on behalf of Town libraries. Ms. Marinelli and Legislature Chairman Charles Swanick provided leadership for this collaborative endeavor.
Harold F. Zaehringer: B&ECPL trustees and staff were saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Zaehringer on May 29th. Mr. Zaehringer had been a member of the Town of Tonawanda Library Board since 1973 and dedicated to library service excellence in all Erie County libraries.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Five-Year Plan: The proposed draft of the B&ECPL Five-Year System Plan of Service has been completed, shared with staff, contract library boards and other interested parties, and delivered to the B&ECPL Board of Trustees for its consideration. The proposed plan of service is based primarily on Expanding Horizons, the strategic planning document adopted by the Board of Trustees in December 2000. Other sources of content include the Director’s annual Goals and Objectives, the B&ECPL 3-year Technology Plan, and reports from committees of the New Services Task Force. In order to qualify for State aid and meet NYS Department of Education requirements, the Division of Library Development must receive a board-approved plan by June 30th.
Summer Cyber Camp Nears Readiness: From the B&ECPL homepage, children entering grades 4 through 8 and their parents can click on the Summer Cyber Camp icon to find the dates and locations of camps at area libraries. Sign-up information and directions to the libraries are just a click away from the Summer Cyber Camp site. Utilizing supplemental funding from the Erie County Legislature, fifteen college students have been recruited to conduct the programs and provide technical support. These summer interns will set up the laptops at each location, teach classes, and guide the children in their computer explorations.
KALEIDA and B&ECPL Sponsor Seniors Connect: In May, more than 50 participants attended two Health Fairs conducted by Kaleida nurses at the Niagara and East Delavan Branches. Conceived as a means to raise awareness about health issues and prevention steps, these events also promoted a series of monthly Internet workshops (June through November 2001) that Central Library staff will conduct for seniors and caregivers at both branches. These activities are funded through the Kaleida Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
Staff Prepares to "Count for Something:" Schedules for all full- and part-time volunteers are nearing completion and will be released shortly. Methodology, sites and dates for a limited pilot project are under review. The pilot will be conducted at selected locations over a period of several days in July. Work has begun on site-specific orientation packets for each team member. Training details for the full-scale program in October will be addressed after completion of the pilot.
Niagara Branch Featured on TV Broadcast: On June 4th, the Niagara Branch Library and its staff were featured on the Adelphia Cable Channel 10 community service program, "Meet the People." Host Rosalba Agudelo conducted the interview in Spanish with Niagara page Adrian Guadalupe, Jr., who explained library services available to the Hispanic community of Buffalo’s West Side.
Libraries on the Move: On May 19th, the Lookie Bookie represented the B&ECPL at the "Carnival in the Park" and on May 25th at Transportation Day at School #12. On May 23rd, the RAM Van appeared at the Transportation Day Program at School #6. Once again, the B&ECPL will collaborate with the Even Start Program on Buffalo’s West Side, offering library services through the Niagara Branch Library and at selected locations via the Lookie Bookie and the RAM Van.
Process Improvement Study: The Staffing Models and Hours Coordination subcommittees of the New Services Task Force have merged under the title Process Improvement Committee. At its first meeting, the group discussed the methodology of the New York Public Library study and a possible timetable for its implementation here. On June 16th, key B&ECPL staff will meet with NYPL representatives at the American Library Association Conference to discuss terms and availability of the NYPL instruments and documentation required to replicate the study at B&ECPL.
State Reports: The annual reports to the State of New York, for the System and all contract libraries, have been submitted to the Division of Library Development.
A Final Note… In the midst of re-registration, an elderly woman phoned the Crane Branch and requested a replacement card for her late husband. Since her husband’s demise, she had found it more convenient to use two cards! Staff advised her that she is entitled to only one card and politely denied her request.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Fire Alarm Systems to be installed in Nine Buffalo Branches: The City of Buffalo is proceeding with a project to install modern code compliant fire detection systems in the Cazenovia, Crane, East Clinton, Fairfield, Fronczak, Kensington, Mead, Niagara, and Northwest libraries. The remaining city-owned libraries already have a system in place or, for the North Jefferson branch, have a new building in the planning stage. City funding is also committed to replace the East Clinton Library roof and the HVAC system at the Fronczak branch.
County 2002 Capital Project Hearing Scheduled for July 11th: County Budget Director Joseph Passafiume has scheduled Capital Project Committee meetings to hear presentations and have questions addressed concerning the many capital project requests submitted by County departments and independent agencies such as the library. The library will present information to support its four project requests:
- Purchase of Library Materials (books, media, serials, databases) – 2002-2007, $4,906,217 requested in 2002;
- Central Library Mechanical Equipment & Building Improvements Phase II – 2002-2007, $1,000,000 requested in 2002;
- System-wide Equipment/Furnishings Improvements, Replacements & Upgrades – 2002-2007, $500,000 requested in 2002; and
- Central Library Public Parking – 2003-2005, $250,000 requested for feasibility, environmental and planning work in 2003 and $13,500,000 requested for site acquisition and construction in 2004-2005.
These requests stem directly from needs identified in Expanding Horizons. I will keep you advised as the process moves forward.
Shipping Department Testing Reconfigured Delivery Routes to Improve Service: Next week the shipping department will begin testing a new route configuration that, if successful, will increase the number of weekly deliveries to a net 4 libraries. Delivery times will change for a number of libraries to accommodate the different routing. Each library experiencing a change in day/time will be notified prior to the test commencing.
2002 Operating Budget Preparation Continues: Contracting Libraries preliminary requests are due to this office on June 20th. These 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 July. Budget and Finance Committee recommendations will be brought forward for the Library Board’s consideration at the July meeting.
One benefit of the Centralized Human Resources pilot test has already been appreciated. Since the Aurora, Lancaster, and City of Tonawanda library systems are already utilizing the SFG Financial System for their payroll, they do not have to undertake most of the review work in preparing their budget request since the labor cost information is already in our system!
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. In addition to her written report which contained information on the Mark Twain Writing Contest, the Second Chance Program, Battle of the Books, Forgotten "Negro Exhibit" and B&ECPL Funding Support, Ms. Vedder informed trustees that Wendy’s Hamburgers has agreed to partially underwrite the Battle of the Books program and provide coupons for the contestants. She called attention to the July/August edition of The Atlantic Monthly, which contains an article about "A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage" with a color photograph of the Central Library’s Mark Twain Room.
Ms. Vedder further reported that the Children’s Foundation of Buffalo & Erie County has requested a return of the $20,000 they donated to the Library in December 2000 for the Homework Centers. They have indicated that the Library Foundation may reapply for a grant to fund the City Cyber Train program following approval by the Boards of the B&ECPL and the Library Foundation.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. ACT President Mary Jo Ketchum presented a statement in respect to Town of Tonawanda Board President Harold Zaehringer who passed away recently. She noted that Mr. Zaehringer was instrumental in the establishment of the new Kenmore Public Library building and was a founder of the Association of Contract Library Trustees. She stated that "We mourn his loss and regret not having his presence and humor and wisdom to look forward to in the future."
Mr. Roach thanked Ms. Ketchum and expressed the B&ECPL Board’s sense of sorrow and loss. He indicated that when today’s meeting concludes the Board will adjourn in memory of Harold F. Zaehringer.
Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo thanked Ms. Chrisman for her prompt reply to questions she had asked at the May 17th Board meeting. She said she still wants to know how the library determines what materials are out of date or what materials are not in demand.
Agenda Item I– Unfinished Business. There was no unfinished business. Ms. Summer indicated that she is interested in the rare book tour to see if this tour could be adapted to a program for an adult education group at the Trinity Center. She wondered if other trustees might know of a group that also might be interested in such a tour
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – Adoption of Five-Year Plan. Ms. Chrisman informed trustees that in order to meet New York State Education Department requirements and qualify for State financial aid, all library systems in New York State must complete and file a five-year system plan of service on or before June 30, 2001.
The proposed system plan of service is based primarily on Expanding Horizons, the strategic planning document adopted by the B&ECPL Board of Trustees in December 2000. Other sources of content include the Director’s annual Goals and Objectives, the B&ECPL 3-year Technology Plan and reports from committees of the New Services Task Force. Draft copies of the proposed Five-Year System Plan of Service have been posted on the B&ECPL Intranet and disseminated in hard copy to all departments, branches and contract libraries (directors and board presidents). Feedback has been invited and encouraged. Many suggestions have been integrated into the draft proposed for Board approval.
On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-34
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves the Five-Year System Plan of Service and transmits same to the New York State Library Division of Library Development on or before June 30, 2001.
Agenda Item J.2 – Finger Imaging Identification Project. Mr. Mahaney reminded trustees that as mentioned earlier by Director Chrisman the wording in the originally proposed resolution has been revised. As indicated in the revised resolution he noted that this project will enable the B&ECPL to take advantage of a new technology which has been developed in Western New York. After a brief discussion, on motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Mr. Brosnahan, the following was approved unanimously:
REVISED RESOLUTION 2001-35
WHEREAS, the borrowers of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library have requested a more convenient alternative to the traditional B&ECPL borrower’s card, and
WHEREAS, John Schneider, president of Ultra Scan Corporation in Amherst, NY has successfully demonstrated for B&ECPL Administrators a process for cardless library service using a new technology - biometrics, and
WHEREAS, unlike fingerprinting, with biometrics, the confidentiality of the borrower is protected, and
WHEREAS, the project will be funded entirely though a grant from Buffalo Technology Transfer Center (an agency of New York State) now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library approves a pilot project in which Ultra Scan Corporation will offer cardless library service as an option to library patrons at the Central Library and at least one other System library.
Agenda Item J.3 – City Cyber Train Project Proposal. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins informed the Board that this project will offer technology training for children on how to use library resources for homework completion and full development, especially in Math and English. With standardized test scores as a measure, it is apparent that the greatest need for intervention and expansion of resources exists within the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna. The Library requests that the Library Foundation seek permission to use the funds committed to the Homework Centers as indicated in the proposed resolution. On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-36
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) administration and Board of Trustees acknowledge the role of libraries in supporting the needs of school children and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL has utilized government and private grants to extend its resources in support of curriculum assignments via Youth Resource Centers, and, public training classes using stationary training labs and a Cyber Train, and
WHEREAS, the Library Foundation secured $30,000 from two local foundations in 1997 for a Homework Help Program that has been superseded by the Library’s planned Youth Resource Centers, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will ask the Library Foundation to seek permission from the two local foundations to use donated funds to support—through the purchase of required equipment—the Cyber Train project for the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna.
Agenda Item J.4 – Specialized Training. Ms. Collins informed trustees that the proposed resolution approves a request to the Library Foundation to provide financial support for specialized training related to the Central Library’s unique collections. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-37
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) Board of Trustees recognize that the Library has many unique collections that require specialized knowledge, e.g., the rare book collection, and
WHEREAS, the Library Foundation has been an enthusiastic supporter of projects that make this and other prestigious library collections more accessible to the public, and
WHEREAS, the Library administration seeks to enhance the skills of library managers and specialists, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will request that the Library Foundation approve the utilization of funds earmarked for specific collections be expended for appropriate specialty training for staff as recommended by the Library Administration.
Agenda Item J.5 – Variance Requests, NYS Minimum Standards for Registration of Public Libraries. Ms. Chrisman reported that the Denio Library in Akron and the Collins Public Library have completed and signed Variance Request forms which must be approved by this Board prior to submittal to the New York State Library. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Mr. Plache the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-38
WHEREAS, the Boards of Trustees of the Denio Memorial Library and the Town of Collins Public Library reported a failure to meet standard #8 of the New York State Minimum Standards for Registration of Public, Free Association and Indian Libraries which concerns maintaining a facility to adequately meet community needs and
WHEREAS, the Denio Memorial Library and the Town of Collins Public Library are in the process of building new libraries and
WHEREAS, the Library Director and the Library Board President of both the Denio Memorial Library and the Collins Public Library have completed and signed the Variance Request Form, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves the request for variance from standard #8 of the New York State Minimum Standards for Registration of Public, Free Association and Indian Libraries for the Denio Memorial Library and the Town of Collins Public Library.
Agenda Item J.6 – Energy Saving Programs and Grant Opportunities. Mr. Stone reported that this item was added to the agenda at the start of the meeting. It involves taking advantage of a New York State sponsored initiative to improve energy efficiency and meet energy demand during peak periods of summer as indicated in the proposed resolution.
Mr. Wisbaum presented a motion for approval which was seconded by Ms. Mahoney. Mr. Wisbaum indicated that this opportunity was brought to his attention by an outside broker. This particular grant has a very short window of opportunity and will be closed as of June 30th. It is state funded and very competitive. Following discussion, Resolution 2001-39 was approved unanimously as moved and seconded earlier.
RESOLUTION 2001-39
WHEREAS, New York State is sponsoring a number of initiatives to improve energy efficiency and meet energy demand during peak periods this summer, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) sponsors Program Opportunity Notices (PON’s) for grants to subsidize the cost of energy efficiency improvements, funded by a surcharge on utility bills, and
WHEREAS, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which manages the exchange of power in the deregulated marketplace, has initiated a program to reward larger customers for curtailing load during times of high power demand, and
WHEREAS, the library has participated in NYSERDA programs in the past, receiving approval for reimbursement of up to $39,200 of the costs associated with the chiller replacement project completed last year and has submitted a request for consideration under PON 577, for up to 75% of the cost of installing an interval meter in the central library (at a cost anticipated at less than $2,000 - $500 after reimbursement), and
WHEREAS, NYSERDA has another opportunity (PON 565) that, among other things, would fund 100% of the cost of installing, configuring, and using a Web-enabled advance monitoring (WEAM) system, and
WHEREAS, such a system would allow staff to monitor electric utility use at the central library on a daily basis and monitor all libraries electrical and natural gas usage on a monthly basis using data drawn directly from utility information systems, and
WHEREAS, this would facilitate more timely review and more thorough analysis of utility usage trends than is presently possible using monthly billing information and spreadsheets, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library directs the director and/or her designee to take the steps needed to participate in the NYSIO load curtailment program, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the director and/or her designee is also directed to apply for the NYSERDA PON-565 grant for Web-enabled advanced monitoring and to issue a request for proposals to solicit the best pricing from a well qualified vendor to perform this service, bringing results of the RFP and a contract recommendation back to the board for review and action.
Mr. Roach recognized the attendance of Library Foundation President W. Lawrence Buck and thanked him for his loyalty and dedication to the Library. He reminded trustees that the ULC video will be shown following the meeting.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton the meeting was adjourned in memory of Harold P. Zaehringer at approximately 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith K. Summer, Secretary