MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees November 16, 2000
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, November 16, 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; Phyllis A. Horton; Robert J. Plache; Daniel T. Roach; Casimiro D. Rodriguez; David J. Shenk; Judith K. Summer; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Stanley H. Zagora; George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: James W. Burns, ill; Frank Gist, conflict; Sharon A. Thomas, conflict; Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus; Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus; Salvatore R. Martoche, Trustee Emeritus; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus
Chair Mahoney called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. in the Central Meeting Room.
On motion by Reverend Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Roach, the agenda was approved as submitted.
On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Mr. Shenk, the Minutes of the meeting of October 19, 2000 were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Ms. Mahoney presented a brief report on the Library’s November 14th budget hearing with the Erie County Legislature. She expressed her appreciation to Director Chrisman, Deputy Directors Stone, Mahaney and other administrative staff for their support at the hearing.
Ms. Mahoney also reported on the November 15th meeting to discuss Expanding Horizons with the ACT trustees. She thanked the Amherst Board and Director Mary Bobinski for hosting the meeting.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that the Executive Committee met on November 8th at 4 p.m. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins explained the reasons for the realignment of staff at the Central Library. Deputy Director Stone presented items which appear on today’s agenda. Topics of discussion also included the Library’s 2001 budget request and the Library Protection Act.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. In Mr. Burns’ absence, Mr. Stone presented contract library transfers. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-50
WHEREAS, requests for budget transfers have been received from the Amherst Public Library and the Aurora Town Public Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers of $400 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library and $13,200 within the budget of the Aurora Town Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – Authorization for Year-End Transfers in Excess of $5000. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that in each of the past seven years the Library Board has adopted a resolution permitting the Library Director, with the approval of the Board Chair or Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee, to approve transfers within the operating budget impacting objects of expenditure in excess of $5000. Transfers are then submitted for ratification by the Board prior to the close of the "thirteenth month." On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-51
RESOLVED, that the Library Director, with the approval of the Chairman of the Board or the Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, is authorized to make transfers in the 2000 budget impacting objects of expenditure in excess of $5,000 for the purposes of making year-end encumbrances and/or expenditures, subject to such transfers being submitted to the Board for ratification by the close of the "thirteenth month."
Agenda Item E.2.c – Educational Technology Initiative Transfer – Tonawanda City. Mr. Stone noted that B&ECPL is happy to report that the first application for Educational Technology Initiative funds has been received. The City of Tonawanda Public Library has requested $2000 to match the amount they raised from a variety of private sources to further upgrade the Library’s cCommunity rRoom and improve children’s story time programs. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-52
WHEREAS, on July 13th, the Erie County Legislature unanimously approved the $1 million B&ECPL Educational Technology Initiative, a major boost towards improving technology and service capacity in all 52 Buffalo and Erie County Public 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 would 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, the first request for improvement grant funds, from the City of Tonawanda Public Library, has been received, and
WHEREAS, the proposed 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 Accordion Doors, and an assortment of alphabetical and numerical one foot carpet squares (used for children’s programs) at a total cost of $4,000, and
WHEREAS, the City of Tonawanda Public Library Board has provided the necessary certification that the $2,000 in matching funds has been approved for the project from a variety of private sources, and
WHEREAS, the proposed project was reviewed by Director Chrisman and Deputy Directors Mahaney, Stone and Whelan, who recommend approval of the $2,000 in ETI funds requested, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves $2,000 in ETI funds for the project as proposed by the City of Tonawanda Public Library Board, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes a budget transfer of $2,000 in the year 2000 budget from SFG #820973420933 to the City of Tonawanda Public Library account SFG #8209734208300174, and be if 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 Public Library Board to transfer this funding to the City of Tonawanda Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.d – Transfer to Denio – County Legislature Grant for Computer Training. Mr. Stone informed the Board that earlier this year Legislator Michael Ranzenhofer sponsored an allocation of $10,000 for the Denio Memorial Library in Akron. The Denio Library has requested that $443 of that allocation be transferred to its budget to fund additional part-time librarian hours to conduct computer training sessions for the remainder of the year 2000. On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Juncewicz, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-53
WHEREAS, as part of the County Legislature’s review and approval of the County’s 2000 Budget allocation to the B&ECPL, Legislator Ranzenhofer sponsored the addition of $10,000 for the benefit of the Denio Memorial Library, and
WHEREAS, this amount is in the B&ECPL’s Year 2000 budget technical equipment account, and
WHEREAS, the Denio Memorial Library recently requested that $443 of this amount be transferred to them directly to be used for part-time librarian work-hours to conduct computer-training sessions for the remainder of the year, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes a budget transfer to reallocate $443 from the Technical Equipment account SFG #820973420933 to the Denio Memorial Library SFG #820973420830154, 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 Denio Memorial Library Board to transfer this funding to the Denio Memorial Library.
Agenda Item E.2.e – Amend 2000 Budget – State Legislature Member Aid – Concord Library. Mr. Stone reported that the Library has received notification of a $1000 State Legislative grant sponsored by Assemblyman Daniel J. Burling to benefit the Town of Concord Public Library. The proposed resolution accepts the funds and amends the Library’s 2000 budget to increase revenue and expenditures. On motion by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Ms. Juncewicz, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-54
WHEREAS, in October the Library received notification from the State Department of Education that a grant-in-aid in the amount of $1,000 had been apportioned to the library system for the Town of Concord Public Library, under the sponsorship of Assemblyman Daniel J. Burling, 147th district, and
WHEREAS, libraries within Erie County routinely request funds for items such as office equipment, furniture and computer equipment, and additional library materials that the county budget is unable to fund, and
WHEREAS, supplemental private and public grants are regularly sought to augment library equipment and materials needs, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Concord Library Board has requested that the $1,000 be used for the purchase of library carrel furniture and a rotating media display unit, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully accepts the $1,000 in state aid, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves a budget amendment to the 2000 budget increasing revenue account SFG #8209736390107 (state aid special) and expenditure account SFG #820973420932 (furniture and fixtures account) by $1,000 to be used towards the purchase of the furnishings requested by the Town of Concord Library Board.
Agenda Item E.2.f – Monthly Financial Report – 9/30/00. The financial report for the period ending September 30, 2000 was submitted for information.
Agenda Item 3 – Planning Committee. Ms. Mahoney called on Service Evaluation and Planning Coordinator Peggy A. Skotnicki to report on the November 9th public meeting at the JBRJulia Boyer Reinstein Library in Cheektowaga. Ms. Skotnicki informed the Board that approximately twenty-five people, including members of the public, trustees and staff gathered to discuss Expanding Horizons. She reported that Director Chrisman gave a brief presentation which was followed by a question and answer period. Ms. Skotnicki presented a recap of public comments offered by Andy Goldstein, Valerie Niederhoffer, Larry Larsen, Elizabeth Berry, Elma Trustee Mary Jo Ketchum and Mrs. Mary Zaehringer.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Ms. Chrisman indicated that she had nothing to add to her written report but she did want to acknowledge the death of Library Trustee Emeritus John P. Wickser. During his tenure on the Board from February 1977 to December 1991 Mr. Wickser served a three-year term as Chairman of the Board and also chaired many committees. He was appointed Trustee Emeritus in October of 1992. Mr. Wickser was also a Grosvenor Society board member and one of the incorporators of the Library Foundation of Buffalo & Erie County, Inc. He and his family donated several major works to the Library including Thomas Jefferson’s personal copy of The Federalist and a copy of the Kelmscott Chaucer. His great aunt donated the Library’s complete copy of Audubon’s Birds of America. Ms. Chrisman asked trustees to join her in a moment of silence in memory of John P. Wickser.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
Expanding Horizons Unveiled: Planning Committee Chair Annette Juncewicz presented the Library’s proposed plan, Expanding Horizons: Directions for Superior Public Library Service in Erie County, to the full Board at its October 19th meeting. Ms. Juncewicz’ presentation was followed by a press conference conducted by Board Chair Rebecca Mahoney. Subsequent to the plan’s release, Deputy Director Michael Mahaney and the Director met with the Legislature’s Community Enrichment Committee on October 26th and the Buffalo Common Council on October 30th to provide details of the plan and answer questions. Expanding Horizons was on the agenda of the Association of Contract Library Trustees (ACT) meeting on October 28th also. Since there was insufficient time to complete discussion, an additional ACT meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m., November 15th at the Audubon Library.
Library Protection Act: On November 2nd, the Erie County Legislature unanimously adopted the Library Protection Act for one year.
State Announces Plan for $5 Million: New York State has announced a distribution plan for an additional $5 million in one-time Supplemental State Aid for libraries for 2000-01. Three million dollars has been allocated to the state’s public and school library systems, which means an increase of 3.3% to B&ECPL’s state aid. One million dollars is earmarked to enhance school library automation technologies and one million dollars will support public library construction projects.
Mark Twain Writing Competition Update: When the B&ECPL first began planning the "A Murder, a Mystery and a Marriage" writing competition, the Library had obtained only the digital rights to Mark Twain’s previously unpublished short story. This would enable a portion of the short story to be reproduced on the Library’s web site for the contest’s purposes.
Judging from the overwhelming response received in recent months from Twain enthusiasts nationwide, the B&ECPL realized the tremendous interest the contest would generate when fully publicized. In order to maximize this potential, the process of acquiring the print rights to the story was initiated. These efforts have been successful and the Library was recently granted publication rights. The B&ECPL is currently in negotiations to establish a partnership with one of several publishing firms and is looking to connect large-scale promotion of the competition with the short story’s future publication.
Once all partnerships are established and clearly defined, precise timeframes and details will be forthcoming. This has been an unanticipated, but extremely beneficial, development as the B&ECPL strives to present this exciting competition in the most effective manner.
NYLA Conference held in Saratoga Springs, November 2nd-4th: Several staff members joined Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins and the Director in attending the annual New York Library Association Conference. With more than 90 programs covering a wide spectrum of "specialties" including adult, youth and reference services, staff development, technology, trustees/friends/advocacy, and administration, this conference again proved worthwhile. In addition to programs, special meetings for System directors and central library directors offered a forum to exchange views on the many pressing issues facing public libraries today.
Staff who applied and were awarded partial funds to offset conference expenses were: Betsey Higgins, Mary Ann Ozimek, Jennifer Childs, and Kelly Shepherd (Central), Annette Gernatt (Concord) and Lynne Nothum (Amherst). Among others who visited Saratoga Springs to attend programs and speak with library vendors in the exhibit hall were: Millie Dekoff (Town of Tonawanda), Linda Rizzo (Cheektowaga), Sue Petherick (Lancaster), Ann Laubacker (Orchard Park), Mary Jane Kibby and Rich Peters (Amherst), Jane Rosenfeld (Hamburg), Kristine Sutton (Akron/Denio), Elaine Barone (Support Services), Claudia Yates (Extension Services).
Western New York Rare Book Consortium: On October 26th and 27th and then again on November 9th, team members from Einhorn, Yaffee, Prescott Architecture & Engineering, Ralph Applebaum Associates and Lord Cultural Resource Planning and Management visited the Central Library to collect architectural drawings and related information about the Library’s proposed expanded display area. Library staff met with the team to discuss collection strengths and other details important to the feasibility study.
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 November 1st, the Deputy Director/COO, Deputy Director/CIO and Peggy A. Skotnicki, Coordinator of Service Evaluation and Planning, attended a meeting with the building team from Akron to review the recently approved exterior design and discuss interior design issues, including layout, furnishings and computer placement. The foundation for the new library will be poured in the spring with the opening targeted for late 2001.
Ms. Skotnicki is preparing specifications and a request for federal funds from Senator Charles Schumer to furnish the computer training lab and African American Resource Room at the proposed North Jefferson Library.
Shop till You Drop! Since the ribbon cutting October 16th, Novel Idea’s, the Library’s new gift shop, and Encore Editions, the used book store, have attracted new shoppers daily. Under the direction of Assistant Deputy Director, Lucille DeFranks, store manager Rinna Vigoda has worked with many dedicated volunteers to create an inviting shop catering to those who love libraries and literature. Judging from positive comments and daily receipts, reaction to the redesigned store has been overwhelmingly favorable. New gift items are added to the inventory on a regular basis, reflecting some of the B&ECPL’s most popular reading selections. When the entire stock of Harry Potter sold out in a week, a new order was placed immediately to meet continuing demand. As one might expect, the store features many items that appeal to the Mark Twain enthusiast, such as a necktie, a paperweight and even a pewter wine bottle stopper bearing the author’s image!
The Library is grateful to the following loyal and hardworking volunteers who have contributed to the success of Novel Ideas/Encore Editions: Jim Friedman, Jeanette Gallagher, Betty Irving, Ahmad Jordan, Paul Leone, Elsie Mueller, Sarah Newberry, Mary Ann Riley and David Sheehan. In order to cope with the additional volume of sales activity, B&ECPL staff have volunteered to help during lunch hours and before and after their normal work schedule. Many thanks to: Elaine Barone, Sue Carson, Suzanne Colligan, Alina Freeman, Heidi Gernett, Diane Golding, Maureen McLaughlin, Mary Ortiz, Carol Pijacki, Kerra Toepfer, Jennifer Trigilio, Claudia Yates and Annette Zachowicz, for their assistance.
Cazenovia Celebrates Diamond Anniversary: On November 2nd, the Cazenovia Branch Library marked its 75th year of service with a presentation by former Erie County Sheriff, Thomas Higgins, who discussed the history of the Irish Memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1845-1850 famine.
Planning Efforts, Retirements Provide Opportunities and Incentives for Reorganization: In an effort to achieve several key objectives of the strategic planning process, a reorganization of Central Library "middle management" is being implemented upon the retirement of various department heads. Expected to take as much as two years to fully realize, the new structure will have fewer librarians IV assigned to a broader range of management responsibilities (reference, circulation, system public services) supported by additional librarians III with subject collection or other expertise. Soon, the following staff will promote to librarian III positions: Kate Weeks (Business, Science and Technology), Mary Jean Jakubowski (Circulation & Remote Reference), Chris Moesch (Children’s Services), and Elaine Barone (Humanities & Social Sciences).
Branch Library News: On September 28th, North Jefferson Branch Manager Sandra Williams Bush represented B&ECPL at Career Day for the students at Frank Sedita School. Mrs. Williams Bush gave 5th and 6th grade students an introduction to the resources available at the library as well as her insights on "a day in the life of a librarian." On October 19th, Mrs. Williams Bush interacted with parents, teachers and children at the Makowski Center’s "Start with Success Family Night." More than 600 families in the school community participated.
East Delavan Branch Manager Patricia Covley is collaborating with School #11 on the Mayor’s Initiative for Family Involvement and Literacy Grant.
Central Library Activities: It was an eventful month for Central staff who presented programs in the community as well as in-house promotion of collections and services. On October 26th, Joyce Davoli showcased the BS&T collections for attendees of an entrepreneurial workshop co-sponsored by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). As part of the "Art of the Ask" grant writing workshop, Cynthia Hayes presented a 40-minute PowerPoint presentation on the Library’s Foundation Collection and conducted two grant research sessions on locating resources via the Internet. This event was sponsored by the Resurgent City Center at Buffalo State College. On October 31st, Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins addressed a School of Information Studies (SIS) class on the changing role of public libraries, planning for the future and coping with the present; Carol Batt provided perspectives from the public service side. Class visits from schools and daycare centers kept Children’s Room (Chris Moesch and Kerra Toepfer a.k.a. the Scarecrow), Popular Materials (Betsey Higgins and Britt White), and Humanities staff (Meg Cheman and Amy Pickard) busy while BS&T staff (Hedy Siock and David Pfeiffer) provided two job information tours.
Gates Foundation News: On October 23rd, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation presented a workshop entitled, Before Your Computer Arrives, at the Julia Boyer Reinstein Library in Cheektowaga. Presenters shared information on computers, software and training for both libraries receiving funds from the Foundation and for libraries that will not receive funds but are eligible to purchase computers at a reduced rate. Libraries that wish to participate have until October 15, 2001 to raise funds and place orders.
Computer Upgrade: In preparation for the installation of the new Alpha computer, Support Services and Circulation Department staff worked in cooperation with Network Support to revise the procedures for downtime circulation and system recovery. This concentrated effort was made in an effort to provide a uniform level of service to library users throughout the System.
GPO Conference: For the first time in many years, the B&ECPL was represented at the annual GPO (Government Printing Office) Federal Depository Library Conference in Arlington, Virginia. Central Library’s Coordinator of Government Documents, Ron Padwater, attended the four-day conference (October 22-25). The conference confirmed staff’s earlier observations that the Library must continue to re-evaluate its selection policy to reduce the percentage of "paper" it acquires and retains. Mr. Padwater reported that one of the most valuable sessions was entitled Reconsidering Depository Status. In fact, the underlying refrain of several sessions was that the electronic revolution questions the very relevance of depository libraries. Approximately 50% of GPO items are available in electronic form (with the U.S. Congress pushing for a complete electronic depository program), and 65% of the US population under 30 years of age considers the Internet the primary source for information.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Chief Financial Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Central Library Ramp Project Nears Completion: The last major concrete "pour" took place on Tuesday. All stairs and the wheelchair ramp are now poured. The snow melt system should be operational no later than the end of the month. Finish work, including retrofitting the Washington and Auditorium doors with automatic openers, will continue into December.
2000-2001 E-Rate Requests for Service Forms Being Filed: The "year four" window for E-rate filings opened on November 6th and will close on January 18, 2001. Shirley Whelan and I will be working to allow the library to take maximum advantage of the E-rate.
County Executive’s Recommended Budget Released Today: The recommended budget includes funding for all existing positions, contracting library allocations and other operating accounts requested by the Library Board. The total recommended budget, $31,962,397 includes $26,494,881 in the operating budget and $5,467,516 in the Erie County Capital Budget. The $5,467,516 consists of $375,000 included in a countywide project for furniture and fixtures, $375,000 included in a countywide project for laboratory and technical equipment, and $4,717,516 in a County Capital project for library materials.
The budget includes funding for all services requested by the board. This includes improved automation and maintaining current service levels with no cuts in services or facilities.
B&ECPL’s 2001 Budget Request Will Be Presented to The County Legislature: Board Chair Rebecca Mahoney, and Budget & Finance Committee Chair James Burns will present the Library’s 2001 budget request to the County Legislature at a budget hearing on November 14th at 10:30am in the Legislature’s Chambers of the County Courthouse. Library Director Diane Chrisman, and Deputy Directors Michael Mahaney and Ken Stone will attend to provide supporting information. All interested trustees are encouraged to attend.
The following report was submitted to the Director by the Deputy Director, Corporate Information Officer and transmitted to the Board for information:
Network Support Installs New Primary Server: The "hub" of the Library’s network is going to be replaced with a much faster and powerful server. This critical computer is the home of the DRA Library Automation System, containing all patron and catalog information. In addition, it is the focal point of our network because it provides e-mail, domain name server and communication services for our entire network. It is also the host of the catalog portion of our web site.
It is expected that the new machine will be very beneficial and offer significant improvements in system performance. Specifically, the new Alpha computer:
- Will be 2-4 times faster than the existing Alpha computer installed in 1995.
- Will be able to communicate 10-100 times faster on the network
- Will have a much faster tape drive. Tape backups should be significantly faster allowing Network Support to finish system maintenance earlier. Savings will result in better service to Library staff and patrons.
- Will be protected in case of a power failure at the Central Library because the new server will be able to use the Network Center’s UPS. Initially, use of the UPS will allow Network Support to power off the machine and prevent any disk failures. Soon, with the addition of a new power generator at the Central Library, it will mean that the system will remain up throughout any power problem with NO system outage at our libraries.
- Will have significantly more disk space for storage of important files.
The new Compaq Alpha Server was installed this month. Phase I of the migration from the existing Alpha was completed.
E-Rate Program for 2001-2002 Opens: The "kick-off" program held for all area schools and libraries to learn about policies and procedures for the application of e-rate discounts for the fourth year of the program, 2001-2002 was attended. It was very beneficial.
Plans Made for Data Cabling at New Akron and Clarence Libraries: Meetings were held to plan the requirements for data cabling at the new Akron and Clarence libraries.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. In addition to her written report which contained information regarding the death of Mr. Wickser, the Mark Twain Writing Contest, the Annual Fund 2000, the Collins Public Library New Building Fund and B&ECPL funding support, Ms. Vedder indicated that the theme of the annual fund is "Funding for the Future." Packets will be prepared for Foundation Board members and Library trustees requesting their help in the fund drive. Discussion ensued regarding funding for improvements in the Mason O. Damon Auditorium.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. Ms. Mahoney asked that those who wish to speak limit their comments to three minutes or so.
The comments of Elizabeth Berry of Buffalo included a request that Expanding Horizons show a commitment to the entireall parts of the B&ECPL sSystem equitably and include a contract board for the fifteen city branches; a commitment to making all branches ADA accessible; and make it a prioritya commitment to regularly communicate with the public to solicit their advice.
Dorothy Utnik of West Seneca expressed concern about the lack of open hours at the smaller libraries and suggested that criteria for funding be determined by the number of hours each library is open along with circulation.
Karen Sherwood, Hamburg Public Library Board President, reiterated concerns she had expressed in a 3-page letter to Ms. Chrisman in June of 2000. She urged trustees to keep contract library boards apprised of proposals and asked that they be partners in the planning process.
Barbara Birt of the Grand Island Library Board congratulated and thanked B&ECPL staff and trustees for the dedication and diligent work that went into the development of the proposed plan for the future of the library system. She went on to express her concerns regarding the Centralized Human Resources concept and felt that this should be addressed before the Plan is adopted.
Andy Goldstein of Buffalo indicated he would like the Board to endorse the call for equity foramong all libraries. He proposed that if a library is added in the suburbs, one also be added in the City of Buffalo and if one is closed in the city that one be closed in the suburbs. He also advocated for a library board for the city.
Mary Jo Ketchum, Elma Public Library Board President and President of ACT, expressed the concerns of the contract libraries regarding the proposed plan, especially the Centralized Human Resources concept.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – Adoption of Expanding Horizons. Planning Committee Chair Juncewicz indicated that adoption of the plan is included on today’s agenda. However, with respect to the comments presented earlier, she recommended tabling action on the proposed resolution to the December 2000 meeting. Mr. Roach made a motion to table Agenda Item J.1. Ms. Horton seconded the motion.
During discussion, in response to Trustee Shenk’s suggestion that contract libraries be given more time to respond to the plan, Ms. Mahoney noted that there was a meeting with ACT on October 28th, followed by another meeting the previous evening at the Audubon Library in Amherst. She noted that the Board is willing to work with any community to improve services.
There being no further discussion, as moved and seconded earlier the Board unanimously approved the tabling of proposed Resolution 2000-55 to the December board meeting.
Agenda Item J.2 – Authorize Chair to Execute 2001 Contracts with Contract Libraries. Ms. Chrisman informed trustees that the County Executive’s 2001 budget recommends the exact amount requested by all B&ECPL contract libraries. The 2001 contracts have the same language as the current contract with the following exceptions: dates have been updated, along with budget amounts and service hours contained in the 2001 budget request for each library, and language pertaining to employee contributions under Tier III and IV of the New York State Retirement System has been updated to reflect the recent changes in the State Retirement Law. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2000-56
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting of July 20, 2000, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library adopted Resolution 2000-37 authorizing the Board’s Budget and Finance Committee to finalize and submit the Library’s 2001 Budget Request following the guidelines contained in Resolution 2000-37, and
WHEREAS, this budget request included the sum of $8,580,674 for the total of allocations to contracting libraries, and
WHEREAS, the County Executive’s recommended budget, released on November 9th, recommends the same amount, $8,580,674, for the total of allocations to contracting libraries, and
WHEREAS, as a result of Erie County’s budget adoption process, annual contracts with B&ECPL contracting libraries are typically adopted in a very compressed timeframe with a final budget unavailable until mid to late December, and
WHEREAS, this creates a burden on the contracting library boards who often have to schedule meetings during the holidays for contract approval to ensure funds can be made available on or about January 1st, and
WHEREAS, providing proposed annual contracts to B&ECPL contracting libraries in advance of budget finalization and based upon the proposed allocations would benefit these libraries by allowing more time for contract review and adoption, and
WHEREAS, no changes to the 2000 contract form are being proposed other than those: 1) updating dates, 2) updating budget amounts and service hours as contained in the 2001 board approved budget request for each library, and 3) updating language pertaining to employee contributions under Tier III and IV of the New York State Retirement System to reflect recent changes in State Retirement Law, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees to execute 2001 contracts, utilizing the 2001 proposed budget allocations and figures, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this authority to execute contracts is limited to contracts where no changes will be made to the 2000 contract form other than those: 1) updating dates, 2) updating budget amounts and service hours as contained in the 2001 board approved budget request for each library, and 3) updating language pertaining to employee contributions under Tier III and IV of the New York State Retirement System to reflect recent changes in State Retirement Law.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Panty, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary