MEETING MINUTES
Minutes Regular Meeting of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees October 18, 2001
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, October 18, 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, Rebecca L. Mahoney,
Robert J. Plache, Abdul H. Raoof, Ph.D., Stanley H. Zagora
Excused: William Brosnahan, Annette A. Juncewicz, Sharon A. Thomas, Wayne D. Wisbaum,
Roland R. Benzow, Trustee Emeritus, Richard O. Hopkins, Trustee Emeritus, Salvatore R.
Martoche, Trustee Emeritus, Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus, George M. Zimmermann,
Trustee Emeritus
Chairman Roach called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference
Room.
Agenda Item B - Approval / Changes to the Agenda. The Agenda was approved as submitted.
Agenda Item C - Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2001. On motion by Ms. Panty and seconded by Ms. Horton, the Minutes of the meeting of September 20, 2001 were approved as presented.
Agenda Item D - Report of the Chair. Chairman Roach reported that the Board accepts with regret the resignation of Trustee Evelyn Pizarro. Ms. Pizarro, a mayoral appointee, is no longer a resident of the City of Buffalo.
Agenda Item E - Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 - Executive Committee. Ms. Panty reported that at its meeting on October 11th, the Executive Committee received information from Deputy Director Ken Stone regarding the items on today’s agenda.
Agenda Item E.2 - Budget & Finance Committee. Budget & Finance Committee Chair Burns called on Mr. Stone to present the Committee’s report.
Agenda Item E.2.a - Contract Library Transfers. On motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-52
WHEREAS, a request for budget transfers has been received from the Amherst Public Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $46,120 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b - OPAC Capital Project Budget Transfer. Mr. Stone reported that the Library has the opportunity to close out one of the capital projects for the Online Public Access Catalog as indicated in the proposed resolution. On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-53
WHEREAS, Capital Project 490-764 is one element of the multi-phase project to implement the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) system, computerizing access to the library’s resources, and
WHEREAS, an important element of this project, required as part of recent system additions at library sites, is the acquisition of CISCO equipment to handle T-1 access to each library site, and
WHEREAS, to complete this portion of the OPAC project, a budget transfer within the project 490-764 budget is necessary, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves the following budget transfers within Project 490-764:
From:
SFG# 490-764-420-932 Furniture/Fixtures $672
SFG# 490-764-420-975 Building Constructions $69,994
Subtotal: $70,666
To:
SFG# 490-764-420-933 Laboratory & Technical $70,666
Agenda Item E.2.c - Private Donations for Library Materials. Mr. Stone informed Trustees that the Library receives private donations from time to time with instructions that library materials be purchased with the proceeds. To streamline the process, the proposed resolution would implement a standing authorization to expend the funds as instructed by the donors. Amounts expended for this purpose would be included in the monthly Treasurer’s Report of year-to-date donations. On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Dr. Raoof, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-54
WHEREAS, from time to time, the library receives private donations with instructions that the proceeds are to be used to purchase library materials, and
WHEREAS, implementing a standing authorization to expend the proceeds of such donations on the prompt purchase of library materials would simplify and streamline the process for acquiring library materials in accordance with donors’ wishes, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library declares a standing authorization for the Library Director or her designee to expend the proceeds of private donations with instructions that the proceeds are to be used to purchase library materials on the prompt purchase of library materials, and be it further
RESOLVED, that amounts expended for this purpose be reported monthly in the "Treasurer’s report of year-to-date donations."
Agenda Item E.2.d - Amend 2001 Budget for County Legislator Member Item. Mr. Stone reported that at its meeting on October 4th, the Erie County Legislature adopted a resolution sponsored by Legislator Steven P. McCarville allocating $3500 to the West Falls Library for the purchase of library materials. On motion by Mr. Burns and seconded by Ms. Horton, the following was approved unanimously:
RESOLUTION 2001-55
WHEREAS, on October 4, 2001, the Erie County Legislature adopted a resolution sponsored by Legislator McCarville allocating monies from various accounts in the amount of $3,500 to the benefit of the West Falls Library for the purchase of library materials, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to an agreement entered into many years ago, Erie County is responsible for funding local branch libraries situated within localities throughout Erie County, and
WHEREAS, libraries within Erie County are routinely in need of additional funds to provide services and materials to local patrons, and
WHEREAS, Legislators’ strong support for the communities’ public libraries is greatly appreciated and helps the libraries support a great deal of use, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library gratefully accept the $3,500 from the County Legislature for the purchase of library materials benefiting the West Falls Library, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes, upon receipt of a certified copy of the County Legislature’s action, a budget amendment to the 2001 Library budget to allocate revenues of $3,500 into SFG# 8209734206863200 (Inter-fund Subsidy) and expenditures into SFG department account 820973420938 (Library Materials).
Agenda Item E.2.e - ETI Grant Awards and Transfers. Mr. Stone called attention to proposed Resolution 2001-56, which was distributed at the beginning of the meeting. This resolution approves Educational Technology Initiative project requests totaling $290,952 for 23 contract libraries. The proposed projects were reviewed by Director Chrisman and Deputy Directors Mahaney, Stone and Whelan, who recommend approval of the projects and the transfers requested.
During discussion, Ms. Chrisman indicated that the totals for three contract libraries were not carried forward in the resolution. Mr. Stone noted that the grand total was correct. He will make the corrections in the individual library totals. There being no further discussion, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Horton the following revised version was approved unanimously:
REVISED RESOLUTION 2001-56
WHEREAS, on July 13th 2000, 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 2000, 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, 23 libraries have recently submitted project requests totaling $290,952 and consisting of ETI proceeds of $134,950 and 156,002 in matching funds, and
WHEREAS, the proposed projects will add computers, purchase equipment, replace furnishings, improve lighting, and improve facilities interior appearance, and
WHEREAS, the libraries have provided the necessary certification that the matching funds have been committed for the projects, and
WHEREAS, those matching funds include proceeds from Library donated book sales, patron donations, Friends of the Aurora Public Library, William Conron Memorial, Friends of the West Falls Library, Boston Free Library Assn., Walden Galleria, Cheektowaga Lions Club, Estate of Lonetta Danielson, American Legion Post #54, First Lutheran Church, Lake Shore Taxpayers Assn., Lancaster Women’s Civic Club, Friends of the Lancaster Library, North Collins Library Assn., Friends of the City of Tonawanda Library, Friends of the Ken Ton Libraries, and
WHEREAS, those matching funds further include proceeds from County Legislature member items from Legislators Chase, Marinelli, Ranzenhofer, and Swanick, and
WHEREAS, those matching funds further include allocations from local governments including the Town of Amherst, Village of Angola, Town of Aurora (in-kind labor), Town of Cheektowaga, Town of Eden, Town of Elma, and
WHEREAS, to implement the non-technical equipment portion of the projects, budget transfers are needed, and
WHEREAS, the proposed projects were reviewed by Director Chrisman and Deputy Directors Mahaney, Stone and Whelan, who recommend approval of the ETI funds requested, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves the following ETI projects:
| Library Name | Grant $ | Match $ | Total | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alden | $1,069 | $1,206 | $2,275 | Lower level carpet replacement |
| Angola | $4,148 | $3,533 | $7,681 | 2 computers, furnishings |
| Aurora | ||||
| E. Aurora | $1,874 | $2,696 | $4,570 | Meeting Rm Chairs, book trucks |
| E. Aurora | $2,103 | $3,026 | $5,129 | Furnishings, shelving, display units |
| West Falls | $6,593 | $9,487 | $16,080 | ADA bathroom, furnishings |
| Total Aurora: | $10,570 | $15,209 | $25,779 | |
| Boston | $4,248 | $4,790 | $9,038 | Replace carpet, interior painting, furnishings |
| Cheektowaga | ||||
| Julia B. Reinstein | $9,117 | $1,000 | $10,117 | 4 computers, av equip., furnishings |
| North | $9,226 | $0 | $9,226 | Furnishings, shelving, display units |
| Reinstein Memorial (Transfer Match) | $0 | $36,345 | $36,345 | Security system, shelving, book drop |
| South | $13,669 | $0 | $13,669 | Furnishings, av equip., display units, book drop |
| Total Cheektowaga: | $32,012 | $37,345 | $69,357 | |
| Eggertsville (Amherst) | $8,021 | $9,804 | $17,825 | Furnishings, display units, book trucks, etc. |
| Transfer from Audubon Proj Bal | ($1,238) | ($1,512) | ($2,750) | |
| Balance to Eggertsville | $6,783 | $8,292 | $15,075 | |
| Eden | $7,571 | $10,456 | $18,027 | 2 computers, furnishings, lighting improvements |
| Elma | $7,995 | $13,005 | $21,000 | Lighting improvements |
| Hamburg | ||||
| Blasdell | $7,309 | $8,242 | $15,551 | Equipment & furnishings |
| Hamburg | $3,180 | $4,215 | $7,395 | Upgrade 1 computer, furnishings, display equip. |
| Lakeshore | $7,418 | $8,365 | $15,783 | Interior painting, furnishings, equipment |
| Total Hamburg: | $17,907 | $20,822 | $38,729 | |
| Lancaster | ||||
| Depew | $4,194 | $5,125 | $9,319 | Furnishings, equipment |
| Lancaster | $4,139 | $5,059 | $9,198 | 1 computer/printer, furnishings, equipment |
| Total Lancaster: | $8,333 | $10,184 | $18,517 | |
| Newstead (Akron) | $9,985 | $9,985 | $19,970 | 5 computers, av equipment, CD collection |
| North Collins | $10,975 | $8,624 | $19,599 | 1 Laptop, av equip., 2 terminals, furnishings |
| City of Tonawanda | $8,593 | $7,394 | $15,987 | Carpet replacement, furnishings, display units |
| Tonawanda Town | ||||
| Kenilworth | $3,303 | $3,578 | $6,881 | Furnishings |
| Kenmore | $1,061 | $1,149 | $2,210 | Furnishings |
| Sheridan Parkside | $397 | $430 | $827 | Furnishings |
| Total Tonawanda: | $4,761 | $5,157 | $9,918 | |
| Total for this resolution: | $134,950 | $156,002 | $290,952 |
, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the following budget transfers to accomplish the non-technical equipment portions of the projects:
| FROM: SFG Account 820 973 420 933 | $99,932 | |||
| TO: | FOR: | |||
| 820 973 420 830 157 | $1,294 | Angola | ||
| 820 973 420 830 155 | $1,069 | Alden | ||
| 820 973 420 932 | $3,977 | E. Aurora | ||
| 820 973 420 830 158 | $6,593 | West Falls | ||
| 820 973 420 931 | $350 | Boston | ||
| 820 973 420 932 | $320 | Boston | ||
| 820 973 420 830 159 | $3,578 | Boston | ||
| 820 973 420 932 | $23,878 | Cheektowaga | ||
| 820 973 420 830 156 | $6,783 | Eggertsville (Amherst) | ||
| 820 973 420 932 | $3,500 | Eden | ||
| 820 973 420 830 165 | $7,995 | Elma | ||
| 820 973 420 830 168 | $16,107 | Hamburg | ||
| 820 973 420 932 | $4,194 | Lancaster | ||
| 820 973 420 932 | $4,724 | North Collins | ||
| 820 973 420 830 174 | $8,593 | City of Tonawanda | ||
| 820 973 420 830 175 | $4,761 | Tonawanda Town | ||
| 820 973 420 826 | $2,216 | Banners, Posters, etc. for | ||
| ETI Youth Resource Program | ||||
| Total: | $99,932 | |||
| FROM: SFG Account 820 973 420 932 | $1,000 | |||
| TO: | ||||
| 820 973 420 830 157 | $1,000 | Transfer Legis. Member | ||
| Aid Item to Angola | ||||
, 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, and be it further
RESOLVED, that contracting libraries that have received ETI grant funds be allowed to retain those proceeds into 2002 until such time as the projects are complete or June 30, 2002, whichever occurs first.
Agenda Item E.2.f - Monthly Financial Report. The Monthly Financial Report for the period ending 8/31/2001 was presented for information.
Agenda Item E.3 - Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. Ms. Mahoney reported that the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which met on October 16th, is moving forward. She indicated that there is good communication among the County Executive’s Office, Library staff, B&ECPL trustees and contract library trustees.
Agenda Item E.4 - Committee to Explore Donor and Sponsor Opportunities. Ms. Summer reported that the Committee met on October 17th and discussed the present gift policy and a possible donor recognition and naming policy. She urged trustees to send any opinions or suggestions about this topic to Deputy Director Michael Mahaney. Discussion at the next meeting will include professional and commercial cooperation.
Mr. Roach welcomed Library Foundation Board President W. Lawrence Buck and thanked him for his attendance at the October 13th Twain Celebration.
Agenda Item F - Report of the Director. Ms. Chrisman circulated photographs of the new Clarence Public Library, along with a publication entitled The Pan American Exposition - A Bird’s Eye View of Sights and Sounds which was authored by B&ECPL Music librarian Raya Then.
Ms. Chrisman called attention to a list of Library Administrators which was included in board members’ packets. She encouraged trustees to address requests for information/ or other questions to the Library Administration rather than individual staff members. A list of B&ECPL units with hours of service was also included for Board members’ information.
Ms. Chrisman expressed her appreciation to Trustees Roach, Panty, Zagora, Horton, Summer and Mahoney for their attendance at the October 13th Mark Twain Writing Competition Award Celebration. She shared with trustees the plaque, which she and other Committee members received, and indicated that it was very much like the ones awarded to the competition winners.
October 13th sales in Novel Ideas went from average Saturday income of $100 to $338 because the gift shop was open extra hours. Assistant Deputy Director Lucille DeFranks indicated she will attempt opening longeroffer extended hours on a trial basis on future Saturdays.
Ms. Chrisman went on to thank Foundation Executive Director Kathryn Vedder and B&ECPL Assistant Deputy Director Ami Savigny who did a marvelous job planning the celebration. She also expressed the Library’s appreciation to Assistant Deputy Director Shirley Whelan and Dennis Lance of the Network Office, the Maintenance Department staff, Marie Schumkal of the Community Relations Department, Administrative staff and the Library Foundation for their contributions to the Twain festivities.
She reminded trustees that the "Hit the Space Bar" program at the Dudley Branch Library will be held on October 23rd at 10 a.m. Funding for this program was provided by the Erie County Legislature.
The following report was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting:
County’s Financial Outlook Changed: With growth already slowing in the late spring and summer, County Sales Tax receipts are expected to take a further downward hit from reduced consumer activity in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Additionally, prospects for a supplemental New York State budget, previously planned to address numerous "funding gaps" left when the state passed a "baseline budget" last August, have dimmed. If any supplemental state budget is passed, it is less likely to fully address the funding shortfalls being experienced by both the City of Buffalo and Erie County.
Erie County estimates the state budget reduction at over $32 million. The sales tax gap is estimated at $7 million. The possible impact of these financial constraints on the B&ECPL will be clarified when the County Executive releases his proposed 2002 budget on or about November 10th.
New Collins Library Opens: On October 27th, the Town of Collins Public Library opens the doors of a beautiful new 8,000 square-foot home, replacing cramped and sometimes damp quarters in the basement of the old town hall. Everyone is invited to visit the handsome new library building, created by the Habiterra Design Team, the same firm selected to conduct the Central Library’s space design study.
Central Space Design Study Begins: On September 23rd, architect David Walters and designer Tim Benson of the Habiterra Design Team, met with library administrators and key staff to begin work on the Central Library space utilization and design study. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins will coordinate staff and public input and direct the Habiterra professionals as they explore ways to transform the nearly 40-year-old building into a 21st century regional destination. With a projected completion time of six months, the study will generate numerous interdependent projects to create an attractive, more accessible floor plan for today’s multi-purpose metropolitan library. It seems likely that a combination of public and private monies will be needed to fund any proposed renovations. The Library Foundation, which has made this design study possible through a grant from the John R. Oishei Foundation, will continue to be a supportive ally in seeking the financial resources to advance potential projects.
Youth Resource Centers Arrive October 23rd: Under the direction of System Public Services manager Carol Batt, shipping and installation of Youth Resource Center computers began in September. Funded through the Erie .
County Legislature’s Educational Technology Initiative, this project provides every B&ECPL library with at least one new PC loaded with software designed to support the NYS curriculum for grades 4-8. October 23rd is the official unveiling throughout Erie County, with a special kick-off ceremony at Buffalo’s Dudley Branch -- the home library of retiring Legislator Michael Fitzpatrick, who was instrumental in directing ETI funds to the Library.
Staff Development Day: On September 26th, Jeannie Skiffington from Amherst Motivational Services presented "Excellence in Customer Service" to more than 150 B&ECPL employees. All levels of staff from throughout the System were included in the two sessions. The B&ECPL Training Committee developed the program and the Library Foundation provided refreshments. The program was so highly praised by the participants that Assistant Deputy Director for Human Resources Mary Jean Jakubowski is investigating the possibility of offering additional sessions at two regional locations.
Cable Show Focuses on Consumer Health and Plugs Central Library: Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins and Diane Schwartz of the Kaleida Health Libraries appeared as guests on PULSE, a WUTV (Channel 29) public affairs program that aired September 30th. Although the focus of the 30-minute segment was the partnership that produced the technology training series, "Seniors Connect," host Patrick Wahl expressed unsolicited high praise for the Central Library, allowing Mrs. Collins to showcase many other B&ECPL resources and services.
Ukrainian Librarians Visit B&ECPL: On September 25th and 26th, ten Ukrainian librarians and an interpreter from World Connect spent a total of eight hours touring the Central Library and meeting staff to learn about B&ECPL methods and services. Music specialist Raya Then arranged the itinerary and served as escort as these visitors spent time with key staff discussing (at their request) cataloging, preservation, Internet service, children’s work, and (finally) public relations with Assistant Deputy Director Ami Savigny. During the visit, Library Foundation Executive Director Kathryn Vedder shared insights on fundraising, a topic high on their list. At the conclusion, the guests presented staff with a selection of Ukrainian language books for the Central Library collection. On October 2nd, librarian Sandra Williams-Bush offered the Ukrainian guests and their hosts from the Western New York Library Resources Council a tour of the North Jefferson Branch. The guests were impressed by the unique historical collections and the cooperative staff.
Volunteers Begin to Count for Something: On September 29th, volunteers began to collect performance and use data as part of a month-long, system-wide "Count For Something" project, which has been several months in the making. All volunteers received comprehensive training at one of three locations throughout the County. Librarians Peggy Skotnicki, Kate Weeks and Kathy Galvin must be commended for developing and delivering an effective and professional training series. Each B&ECPL library will be monitored one week for both in-library use of materials and for reference transactions.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Project Approved: The New York State Archives has awarded Erie County $89,400 for a GIS Needs Assessment project. The B&ECPL is a participant in this grant along with Erie County and the Towns of Cheektowaga and Wales. GIS are tools that merge data (e.g., property values, tax information, crime statistics) into a system of maps, charts and reports, creating a visual matrix to aid in analysis and decision-making. The objective of this grant is to establish a countywide GIS based on the identified needs of local governments and County agencies. The B&ECPL will benefit by using GIS in planning, marketing and evaluating library services. In Erie County, B&ECPL libraries will serve as access points for the public to obtain GIS information as it is developed.
North Jefferson Construction Project: Design details are still under review. Many issues have been resolved, but a few hurdles remain, including the acquisition of real estate and the final configuration of a highly anticipated state-of-the-art computer-training lab. Library Foundation Executive Director Kathryn Vedder has submitted a preliminary grant application to the Junior League of Buffalo to furnish the computer-training lab, the Gallery and the African-American Resource Room.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA): On September 20th, librarians Peggy Skotnicki and Sharon Holley attended a focus forum conducted by CDA Corp., an independent research and evaluation company hired by the New York State Library to evaluate LSTA activities in the State during the past five years. Input was solicited regarding the benefits and use of these federal monies both in grant funded projects and statewide projects. Results will be incorporated into the New York State Library’s new Five Year Plan (2002-2007).
Art Talks - Storytelling Through the Created Object: On October 4th, Stephen Saracino, Professor and Chair of Design at Buffalo State College, delighted an attentive Central Library audience with a slide/lecture featuring his unique and award-winning work. Sponsored in part by the Library Foundation, and arranged by B&ECPL art librarian Meg Cheman, the entertaining evening included light refreshments and informal conversation with the artist.
Central Library Staff Emergency Procedures Handbook Being Updated: In light of recent events, the B&ECPL Safety Committee has recommended updating the handbook and placing the information on the Staff Intranet. Security, Maintenance, and Human Resource staff are working on this issue. Deputy Director - CFO Ken Stone met with officials from a nearby office building to discuss mutual evacuation plans (each accommodating the other’s employees should an evacuation occur during inclement weather). This would add a second indoor assembly point to the Library’s evacuation plan.
Design Work for CD Room: Erie County Public Works staff have developed a request to the County Legislature to begin work on a project to convert a portion of the Central Library’s "CD Room," located beneath the front entry ramp, to records storage and access space for the Erie County Surrogate’s Court. A resolution requesting the Library Board’s support for the project is included in this Board packet.
The space would be operated by, and operating costs paid by, Surrogate’s Court, not the Library. An important element of the project that would benefit both the Library and the Court would be the installation of an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant elevator in an existing shaft near the Washington Street entrance. The elevator would serve the records space, the Auditorium, and the two public floors of the Central Library.
Agenda Item G - Report of the Foundation Director. Copies of Ms. Vedder’s report which contained information regarding the Mark Twain Writing Competition, new North Jefferson Library construction, the "Count for Something" program, and funding for Library support were distributed earlier in the meeting.
Agenda Item H - Public Comment. No public comment.
Agenda Item I - Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J - New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 - Library Protection Act. Ms. Chrisman reported that the Library Protection Act expires December 31, 2001. She explained the significance of the LPA to the newer trustees and requested approval of the proposed resolution.
Following discussion, on motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Summer, the following was approved unanimously:
Resolution 2001-57
WHEREAS, in 1992, the Erie County Legislature enacted the Library Protection Act for a two-year term to protect the Library’s limited funding, and
WHEREAS, the Erie County Legislature renewed the Library Protection Act for successive two-year terms in 1994 and again in 1996, and
WHEREAS, the Erie County Legislature renewed the Library Protection Act for only one year in 1998, 1999 and 2000, and
WHEREAS, the Library Protection Act expires December 31, 2001, and
WHEREAS, the Library Protection Act has provided a stable funding mechanism that enables the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees to plan and sustain library services throughout Erie County, and
WHEREAS, on various occasions, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library has requested that the Legislature make the Library Protection Act permanent, and
WHEREAS, some members of the Erie County Legislature have expressed a similar desire to make the Act permanent, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library requests that the Erie County Legislature take such action as to make the Library Protection Act permanent so that annual library appropriations adopted by the Legislature will be protected from mid-year reductions and the Board of Trustees may continue to plan and deliver quality library services to the people of Erie County.
Agenda Item J.2 - Central Library Civil Defense Room. Mr. Stone reminded trustees that as reported at the July 19th board meeting, Erie County has expressed an interest in using the Library’s Civil Defense Room space for storage of Surrogate’s Court records. Capital costs for evaluation and design construction, as well as eventual operating costs would be borne by the County, not the Library. If reasonable accommodation of the Court’s requirements can be achieved, the project has the potential to benefit the Library by the installation of an elevator which would provide ADA compliant access to the basement area, auditorium, and first and second floors, making the front part of the building handicapped accessible.
The County Public Works Department has asked for an indication of the Library Board’s support for the project prior to its request for County Legislative approval to contract for the architectural and engineering services needed to proceed with the project.
Mr. Stone introduced Jeff Zack of the Public Works Department who was in attendance to answer board members’ questions. In response to Mr. Plache’s question regarding code compliancefundings for the elevator and code compliancework, Mr. Zack indicatedassured him that the funds will come from the storage related part ofthe Court’s project, not the B&ECPL.
Following further discussion, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Panty the following was unanimously approved:
RESOLUTION 2001-58
WHEREAS, a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant elevator and basement storage renovations would significantly improve access to the West building of the Central Library, and
WHEREAS, such a project would also facilitate use of the basement space by the Library and other County Departments, and
WHEREAS, the Erie County Public Works Department has proposed a County-funded capital project to install an ADA compliant elevator and renovate the basement space (Civil Defense Room) for storage, and
WHEREAS, the County Public Works Department has requested the Library confirm its support for this project, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library supports the proposed project to install a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant elevator and undertake basement storage renovation, conditioned upon the capital costs being borne by Erie County and operating costs associated with any non-library use also being paid by Erie County, and that any associated construction be conducted in such a manner as to minimize disruption of Central Library operations, and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Erie County Department of Public Works, Office of the Commissioner.
Agenda Item J.3 - Request to Foundation: Mark Twain Sculpture. Assistant Deputy Director Ruth Collins reported that as part of an effort to attract new users and promote the Central Library as a unique downtown destination, the Library administration proposes the acquisition of a life-size bronze sculpture of Mark Twain seated on a bench. This will also raise awareness of the Library’s strong Mark Twain collection. Through its work with the firm of Habiterra on the Central Library space design, it is hoped that the Library can incorporate features that will promote Library use. She noted that approval of the proposed resolution will allow the Library administration to request funding from the Library Foundation for a down payment on the sculpture and begin a fundraising effort to secure the total amount required for the purchase.
Prior to discussion, Ms. Summer moved approval of Resolution 2001-59. Ms. Horton seconded the motion.
Ms. Mahoney indicated her feelings that the Board wait until it receives information from Habiterra before approving such a project. She informed trustees that it has been suggested at Foundation Board meetings that the Library prioritize its project requests following the architectural firm’s evaluation of the entire building. She noted that she was not opposed to the merit of the project, just the timing.
Ms. Summer concurred regarding the timing of this proposal. She indicated that although she loved the sculpture, in today’s financial climate, it is better to step back from such projects.
Mrs. Collins expressed her appreciation for said she understood abouttrustees’ feelingsconcerns regarding the timing and expenditure, but noted that the funds to be identified would be requested from a private source such as a corporation which might use it as a media attention device and an ongoing opportunity for recognition.
Following further discussion, Ms. Summer withdrew her earlier motion and Ms. Horton withdrew her second to the motion.
On motion by Ms. Horton and seconded by Ms. Panty, Proposed Resolution 2001-59 was tabled.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Summer and seconded by Ms. Horton the meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith K. Summer, Secretary