MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES March 15, 2001
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, March 15, 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; Phyllis A. Horton, Annette A. Juncewicz, Rebecca L. Mahoney, Evelyn Pizarro, Abdul H. Raoof, Wayne D. Wisbaum, Stanley H. Zagora, George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: William Brosnahan, out of town, Robert J. Plache 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 on motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2001. The Minutes of the meeting of February 15, 2001 were approved on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair.
Chairman Roach welcomed County Executive Giambra’s appointment to the Library Board, Dr. Abdul H. Raoof, Professor of Political Science at Buffalo State College.
Mr. Roach reported that the Mark Twain Writing Competition press conference and reception were held at the Central Library’s Ring of Knowledge on March 1st. Speakers included County Executive Joel Giambra, Richard Watson of the Mark Twain Foundation, W.W. Norton Editor Robert Weil and Library counsel Patrick Martin. Mr. Roach expressed his appreciation to Library trustees and Foundation board members for their attendance.
The agenda of the March 3rd ACT meeting at the Julia B. Reinstein Library in Cheektowaga included discussion of the "Who Does What Commission" report. Ken Vetter of the "Who Does What Commission" and Bradley Stamm of the County Executive’s Office addressed attendees at the meeting.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that the Executive Committee met on March 8th to approve the agenda for today’s meeting. Topics for discussion included the $100,000 Summer Cyber Camp grant, scholarships for the New York State Association of Library Boards Trustee Institute, and circulation and other methods for measuring library services.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance. Mr. Burns called on Deputy Director Kenneth Stone to present the Budget and Finance Committee report.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-16
WHEREAS, requests for budget transfers have 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 transfers of $31,493 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – Amend 2001 Budget - $100,000 Summer Cyber Camp. Mr. Stone explained that Proposed Resolution 2001-17 amends the B&ECPL budget to incorporate the $100,000 grant provided by the Erie County Legislature to fund the Summer Cyber Camp program. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-17
WHEREAS, at its meeting of March 1st, the Erie County Legislature enacted a resolution providing $100,000 to enhance technology training offered in the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system by augmenting funds in the adopted 2001 library budget supporting additional part-time personnel to undertake a "Summer Cyber Camp" to be offered in libraries across Erie County, and
WHEREAS, the "Summer Cyber Camp" program will consist of computer skills instruction targeting youth in grades 4-7, providing a natural complement to the Erie County Legislature’s Educational Technology Initiative grant to the library, which is being implemented this year, and
WHEREAS, Legislators’ strong support for the community’s public libraries is greatly appreciated and helps the libraries support a great deal of use, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Board of Trustees to accept these funds from the Erie County Legislature and to approve a budget amendment to allocate these proceeds to the Library’s 2001 part-time/seasonal labor and fringe accounts, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library accepts $100,000 in Legislative funds for the above purposes, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves a budget amendment to the 2001 budget to allocate said $100,000 to SFG accounts #820973420800 (part-time and seasonal labor - $88,880) and #820973420805 (fringes - $11,120).
Agenda Item E.2.c – City of Tonawanda Public Library – Retain 2000 ETI Grant into 2001. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that the Board had allocated $2000 in Educational Technology Initiative funds to the City of Tonawanda Public Library late in the year 2000. The proposed resolution will permit Tonawanda to rebudget those funds into its 2001 budget to complete the ETI project. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-18
WHEREAS, last November, the City of Tonawanda Public Library submitted the first request for Educational Technology Initiative (ETI) improvement grant funds, and
WHEREAS, the $4,000 project would further upgrade the library’s Community Room by purchasing forty steel folding chairs, two chair dollies, vertical blinds for two windows, Woodfold Custom Accordian Doors and an assortment of alphabetical and numerical one foot carpet squares for use with children’s programs, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL Board of Trustees approved Resolution 2000-52, allocating $2,000 in ETI funds to the City of Tonawanda Public Library for this project, and
WHEREAS, the project was not complete at year-end, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the City of Tonawanda Public Library Board to retain the $2,000 and re-budget this amount for expenditure in the Year 2001 to complete the project.
Agenda Item E.2.d – Preliminary 2000 Year-end Financials. Mr. Stone presented the Financial report for the Board’s information.
Agenda Item E.3 – Planning Committee. Ms. Juncewicz reported that the Planning Committee met on March 13th. Members received a report on the ACT meeting where Ken Vetter explained how the "Who Does What" process took place. Following a review of the "Who Does What" report and the status of ongoing Expanding Horizons efforts, the Committee recommended that an update of ongoing efforts be communicated to the County Executive and the "Who Does What" Commission Library Subcommittee. The Planning Committee also recommended that the Board approve appointment of an ad hoc Liaison Committee as suggested by Trustee Burns at the last Board meeting. On motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton, the Board approved the appointment of the ad hoc committee as follows: B&ECPL trustees Rebecca Mahoney and Stanley Zagora, Lancaster Public Library trustee Richard Gessert and George Oliver from the Town of Aurora Library Board. Deputy County Executive Carl J. Calabrese will represent the County Executive.
Agenda Item E.4 – Legislative Committee. Ms. Mahoney called attention to a paper entitled Memorandum in Support of "An Act to Amend the Education Law, in Relation to Establishing a New Century Libraries Initiative," which was distributed earlier in the meeting. Ms. Mahoney will schedule a meeting of the Legislative Committee to discuss the bill before contacting the local delegation to request support of the Legislative Initiative.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. In addition to her written report, Ms. Chrisman informed trustees that she was thrilled and honored to participate in the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce dinner honoring "Citizen of the Year" Rebecca Mahoney on March 10th. Ms. Chrisman indicated that she was touched by Ms. Mahoney’s remarks about the B&ECPL Board and library services in Erie County. Trustee Zagora was also in attendance at the event.
Ms. Chrisman reported that the NYSALB Trustee Institute is coming up soon. As mentioned by Ms. Panty earlier in the meeting, ACT will provide two scholarships for contract library trustees to attend the Institute. Ms. Chrisman asked board members to speak with her if they are interested in attending the program.
Ms. Chrisman asked trustees to check their calendars to see if they will be available to attend a reception for former trustees David Shenk and Frank Gist following the May 17th Board meeting.
Ms. Chrisman reminded the Board that one of the recommendations in the Expanding Horizons document is to conduct a study to provide appropriate staffing levels in the various B&ECPL libraries. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins and a group of her colleagues recently visited the New York Public Library, which leads the nation in developing staffing structures and programs.
Director Chrisman called on Mrs. Collins, who informed the Board that Assistant Deputy Director Patricia Angstadt, along with Office of System Public Services librarian Carol Batt and Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy Skotnicki accompanied her to the New York Public Library on February 26th. The purpose of the visit was to meet with individuals who directly participated in the NYPL Resource Utilization and Branch Activities Assessment Study of all 84 branches and regional libraries in New York City.
The Library staff’s visit to the New York Public Library identified the need to determine the best practices that can be extended to every library in the B&ECPL system to increase productivity and improve the quality of service. The next step in the process will be to reconvene the Staffing Models Committee, rename it the Process Improvement Committee and spend the balance of this year reviewing the multitude of documents received from New York Public and modifying them to reflect the B&ECPL situation. New York Public had engaged the services of a business consulting firm for its study. Mrs. Collins indicated that the trip to New York City was very valuable because it will save B&ECPL thousands of dollars in consultant fees to adapt this process to B&ECPL uses.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board
members prior to the meeting:
Mark Twain Writing Competition: On March 1st, more than 75 guests
celebrated the kick-off of the B&ECPL’s Mark Twain Writing Competition, "A
Murder, a Mystery and a Marriage," at a press conference and reception at the Central
Library’s "Ring of Knowledge." Speakers included County Executive Joel
Giambra, B&ECPL Attorney Patrick Martin, Mark Twain Foundation Co-Trustee Richard
Watson and W.W. Norton & Company Editor Robert Weil. All competition
details, including the first two chapters of the short story, were unveiled on the
B&ECPL’s web site. To date, more than 3,300 interested parties have visited these
web pages. In addition, competition press kits were distributed nationally as part of the
on-going publicity campaign. Competition interest and media coverage continue to surpass
all expectations.
Summer Cyber Camp: The Central Library hosted another press conference, this one on February 16th, to announce plans for a special computer training program for children in grades 4 through 7. The "camps" will be held in various libraries throughout Erie County during the summer months. Legislature Chairman Charles Swanick and Legislators Lynn Marinelli and Edward Kuwik announced that the Legislature has committed $100,000 in County funds to the project. The Library will use these dollars to engage trainees and interns for the training sessions. Staff members are developing programs and schedules.
Who Does What? Commission: Board Chair Daniel Roach, Board Member Rebecca Mahoney, Deputy Directors Michael Mahaney and Ken Stone, Assistant Deputy Directors Patricia Angstadt and Ruth Collins and the Director attended the March 3rd meeting of ACT. Featured speaker was Kenneth Vetter, project manager for the Commission. Brad Stamm from the County Executive’s Office and Andrew Eszak, Director of Regional Initiatives, were available to answer questions. Contract library trustees and directors expressed concern about a number of Commission recommendations and questioned some of the report’s assumptions, such as the benefits of school/public library joint facilities.
Following the Vetter presentation, Patricia Angstadt answered queries about the Centralized Human Resources Pilot Program.
"Directors’ School": On February 26th, the Director spent the day in Albany discussing State Aid, Regents’ Initiatives and other functions and programs of the Division of Library Development. The highlight of this informative session was a tour of the Research Library, an opportunity to observe its wealth of electronic resources.
Meetings: On February 21st, the Director attended another meeting of the Ken-Ton Library Ad Hoc Task Force, chaired by Legislator Lynn Marinelli. Brighton Library staff provided a review of the facility’s problems and needs.
Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and the Director attended County Executive Joel Giambra’s State of the County address on February 27th.
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: On March 6th, B&ECPL staff met with Marie T. Robillard, director of the Clarence Public Library, to review final details of the construction program and to outline the transfer of materials and equipment from the old building to the new one. A dedication is scheduled for June 8th, with the library slated to open for business June 11th.
The Deputy Director and designated staff continue to meet with the City of Buffalo’s Department of Public Works and architect Robert T. Coles to refine plans for the new North Jefferson Branch Library. This project is still in the construction design phase.
Staffing Models Study Expands into Process Improvement Study: Assistant Deputy Directors Ruth A. Collins and Patricia Angstadt, Carol A. Batt (Office of System Public Services) and Peggy A. Skotnicki (Office of Service Evaluation and Planning) visited the New York Public Library on February 26th and 27th to review the methodology of NYPL’s "Resource Utilization and Branch Activities Assessment Study." The project should translate well to the B&ECPL and has implications beyond the staffing models study originally envisioned, as it is actually a more comprehensive process improvement study. The data gathered is combined with output measures to gauge activity levels in each facility and evaluate the impact that changes in library processes have on workload. It has tremendous potential for maximizing public service at individual locations. Because of the groundwork done by NYPL and its generosity in sharing information, it will not be necessary to retain consulting services during this process. Assistance in database construction and other technical services will be required.
Meeting Addresses Management and Measurement Issues: The February 14th meeting of managers focused on two new initiatives that, while staff-intensive, will result in better data for measuring library effectiveness. To provide a more accurate report of the circulation of multi-part media (e.g., books on tape and CD) and to eliminate the practice of charging overdue fines by each piece rather than each title, the B&ECPL’s collection of multi-part media must undergo a conversion in the automated system. Background information and procedures to affect this transition were provided. The conversion process has begun with a scheduled completion date of April 16th.
Accountability is increasingly important in the workplace. In isolation, circulation statistics are not an adequate indicator of overall library performance. Reference transactions and the extent of in-library use are other measures that are sampled during a one-week period and extrapolated for the entire year. To increase the reliability and uniformity of this data, the concept of team sampling was introduced at the February Managers’ Meeting. These output measures will be collected during the month of October at all libraries throughout the B&ECPL by staff who do not work at the library where the activity is being monitored. Each member of the sampling team will be trained to conduct the sampling in a uniform manner.
B&ECPL & Kaleida Partnership: Assistant Deputy Director Ruth A. Collins, Director of Kaleida Health Libraries Diane Schwartz, and their respective staffs have put the final touches on a grant application to the Greater Buffalo Community Foundation. The goal of the project is to offer current and reliable health information for seniors and caregivers who reside in Buffalo’s lower east and west sides as well as the staff of community-based organizations who work with this clientele. Program elements include: a breakfast presentation to community leaders to enlist their support, a Health Fair featuring health screens by Kaleida nurses, and workshops on both print and electronic health resources conducted by B&ECPL staff. B&ECPL’s Suzanne Wilson, Peggy Skotnicki and Sharon Holley are among the planners of this innovative collaboration to be conducted at the Niagara and East Delavan Branches from May through November of 2001.
B&ECPL Celebrates Black History Month: On February 10th, approximately 125 children and parents were treated to a special program in the Mason O. Damon Auditorium. Storyteller extraordinaire, Sharon Holley (Urban Services/Branch Division), performed African folktales to the delight of young and old in a program entitled, "Along this Way: Storytelling in the African Tradition." The program was co-sponsored by the Department of Extension Services, the Children’s Department and Just Buffalo Literary Center.
As a joint effort, the Central Library, Just Buffalo Literary Center, and the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc. sponsored a noontime symposium on February 23rd to celebrate the accomplishments of abolitionist and author William Wells Brown. The program began with a dramatic reading by local actor N’Tare Gault and concluded with a reading by author Gary Ross from his latest book. Featured speaker, professor and noted African American history scholar Lillian Williams (SUNY-Albany), discussed Mr. Brown’s contributions to Buffalo’s historical and literary scene at the turn of the last century. The presentation attracted an audience of seventy-five.
On Saturday, February 24th, the 24th annual Carter G. Woodson essay contest was held at the North Jefferson Branch Library. Children received cash and certificate awards. Refreshments were provided by the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, the North Jefferson Branch Library, the Department of Extension Services, and the Lit-Mus Study Club.
More than 100 Kids Attend Hands Across the Sea Festival. On February 24th, the Central Library Children’s Department hosted a multi-cultural diversity program organized by representatives of World Connect and funded by Citigroup Foundation. Children enjoyed foods from different countries, entertainment by visitors from Cambodia, the Middle East, India and Mozambique, and crafts reflecting the cultures of these lands.
East Delavan Computer Training Lab: On March 19th, the East Delavan Branch Library will hold an open house and grand opening celebration for its new computer training lab. The lab features 12 networked personal computers for hands-on learning in a comfortable and attractive classroom setting.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
B&ECPL Wins E-Rate Appeals at FCC and SLD: Last month brought good news on the E-rate front. B&ECPL received decisions on three of its four appeals of E-Rate funding decisions. Two of the appeals were to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and involve E-rate year two funding requests that were denied on appeal to the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD). One of the two, submitted in May 2000 and involving $5,138 in discounts for router memory upgrades and maintenance was granted. The other, involving $13,946 in discounts for router DRAM for each library is still under review. However, the principals involved are very similar, so we are hopeful of a favorable decision.
The remaining two appeals were to the SLD and involve E-Rate year three (7/1/2000-6/30/2001) funding requests. One, for $209 in discounts denied incorrectly for a router was approved in full in a letter dated 2/27/2001. The other involving over $7,000 in discounts for Internet Access was denied on a technicality that staff considers erroneous. An appeal of this decision will be filed with the FCC within two weeks.
Automated Assist Door Openers Installed at Washington Street and Mason O. Damon Auditorium Entrances: Now the Washington Street entrance is fully Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, making access to the Central Library much more convenient for those in wheelchairs. Patrons in wheelchairs can now enter from Washington or Oak Streets!
Libraries Preparing to Join Erie County Electricity Purchasing Pool: The County is in the process of assembling a consortium of public entities that combined use over 50 megawatts of electricity. The Central Library has participated in the pool for the past year, with savings on electric commodity costs ranging from 13 to 32 percent over NIMO’s rates. Buffalo branches are being added to the existing pool this month and contracting libraries are being invited to join when the pool expands later this spring.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
New Technology Plan Development Continues: The first draft of the formal Technology Plan for 2001 – 2004 was completed this month. The primary focus of the plan is to tie future projects to the recommendations of the New Services Task Force for new and enhanced programs.
The B&ECPL Administrative Team, with assistance from Peggy Skotnicki, Service Evaluation & Planning Coordinator, is now reviewing the plan to 1) evaluate each proposed project to ensure that it meets the Library’s goals, 2) confirm that all Library requirements are addressed, 3) assess resource requirements and 4) prioritize the projects. As a result, the plan will be updated and final budget and schedules will be developed. Target for completion remains March 31 when the plan will be submitted to Library Development of the New York State Library
Annual DRA Conference Attended: I attended the annual DRA User Conference March 3 – March 7 with Lucille DeFranks, Assistant Deputy Director, Support Services and Ann Kling, Manager, Support Services. The theme this year was "2001: A TAOS Odyssey." It was very apropos because the product has been in development for over three years and it is still not complete or ready for use in a large public library. It is interesting to note that the 1997 Technology Plan included the steps necessary for the B&ECPL to position itself for a migration to this product. Conference attendance did confirm that while we are ready, it is not yet time to consider the migration.
However, I do feel the conference was very beneficial because we were able to network with other libraries and DRA developers and we learned many things that will help us maximize our investment in the existing product and implement the enhanced on-line catalog, Web 2.
Web 2 Server Configured: A new server, configured to provide optimum performance for our new on-line catalog, Web 2, was ordered this month and preparations for the installation of the DRA software began.
Bandwidth Upgrade: Finally, after overcoming significant hurdles with our existing telecommunications provider, Verizon, the bandwidth at Audubon, Crane, Hamburg, Kenmore and Julia Boyer Reinstein has been upgraded. It is expected that work will be completed in Orchard Park in the near future, once Verizon corrects a problem with their fiber installation.
The increase gives these sites six times more capacity. Staff and patron response to these improvements has been very positive.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. In addition to her written report, which was dedicated to the Mark Twain Writing Competition, Ms. Vedder thanked Library trustees for their attendance at the Mark Twain press conference. She indicated that over 5000 "hits" were received on the web page in the first two weeks following the competition announcement. Ms. Vedder further reported that the display celebrating Black History Month and the February 23rd lecture by Lillian Williams were funded by the John R. Oishei Foundation.
Mr. Roach welcomed Foundation Board President W. Lawrence Buck and thanked him for his attendance at so many of the library board meetings.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo asked about the status of a fact finding survey of patrons, which was mentioned in Expanding Horizons. Mr. Roach indicated that responses to public inquiries will be given following the meeting.
Mr. Wisbaum arrived at the meeting at approximately 4:25 p.m.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – Amherst Utility Audit. Mr. Stone presented a detailed explanation of the Amherst Utility Audit, which is included in the proposed resolution. Following discussion, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-19
WHEREAS, the Town of Amherst, in cooperation with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), has contracted with Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. to perform an energy conservation program audit of Amherst facilities, including its four libraries, and
WHEREAS, the audit resulted in a recommendation to enter into a performance contract to finance 18 library facility improvements that would yield over $23,600 in annual utility savings, reduce town costs to service major building equipment, and improve the lighting and climate control at each library, and
WHEREAS, under the proposed performance contract, the contractor implements the improvements, which are financed by payments over ten years, and
WHEREAS, funds to meet these payments are generated from utility savings, lower equipment repair and maintenance (R&M) costs NYSERDA grants, and contributions from the Town of Amherst, with the performance contract guaranteeing the minimum amounts to be generated from utility and R&M savings or the contractor will make up the difference if savings fall below the minimum, and
WHEREAS, utility costs for all B&ECPL libraries are paid through the B&ECPL budget, the utility savings from the 18 proposed projects would accrue to the B&ECPL, not the Town of Amherst and the Town has, therefore, requested the B&ECPL allocate the minimum energy savings guarantee amount for reimbursement to the Town, and
WHEREAS, the amount to be reimbursed would not exceed the minimum guarantee amount, with any savings beyond the minimum accruing to the B&ECPL, and
WHEREAS, the Amherst Public Library Board of Trustees has reviewed the proposals and on January 29, 2001 adopted a motion that "the Town proceed with the contract with Siemens . . . with a proviso that the project be accepted by Erie County and the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System Board of Trustees," and
WHEREAS, B&ECPL staff, along with Erie County’s Energy, Utility & Grant Management Director, have reviewed the proposal and support the projects as in the best interest of Erie County, the B&ECPL, and the Amherst Libraries, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees approves cooperation with the Town of Amherst in this project, including the reimbursement of the minimum energy savings as listed above, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Library Director be authorized to execute a contract with the Town of Amherst to implement this participation.
Agenda Item J.2 – Contract Library Participation in Erie County Electric Aggregation Pool. Mr. Stone informed trustees that Resolution 2001-20 authorizes the B&ECPL Board Chair to sign contracts with those contract libraries that wish to participate in the Erie County Electric Pool Aggregate as indicated in the proposed resolution. There being no discussion, on motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-20
WHEREAS, recent deregulation of electric utility supply purchasing has presented the potential for cost savings in electric supply purchasing from sources other than Niagara Mohawk and NYSEG, and
WHEREAS, Erie County has established a "Utility Enterprise Fund" as a vehicle for pooling electricity purchasing for county departments and interested related entities such as the Library to take advantage of savings to bulk purchasers, and
WHEREAS, in December 1999, the Library Board approved Resolution 99-74 authorizing the Director to approve participation for the Central Library and City of Buffalo branches, if advantageous to the Library, and
WHEREAS, the Central Library has participated in the County’s pool for the past year, with savings ranging from 13 to 32 percent over NIMO’s rates, and
WHEREAS, Erie County is now working to expand its Aggregate Purchasing Pool to include the addition of several Municipal Aggregates within Erie County, assembling a pool of over 50 megawatts, which will give the pool significant clout in the marketplace to leverage better terms, including contract provisions to reduce volatility risk while still yielding substantial savings, and
WHEREAS, participation in this process offers significant potential for utility cost savings, although not without some risk, and
WHEREAS, the Board of trustees desires to authorize participation for contracting libraries if similarly advantageous, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees approves contracting library participation in the Erie County Electric Aggregate pool subject to the Library Director’s determination that adequate risk reduction provisions are in place, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board Chair be authorized to execute any contract amendments needed to implement this participation.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith K. Summer
Secretary