MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SEPTEMBER 18, 2003
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, September 18, 2003, in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present: Daniel T. Roach, Chairman; Rebecca L. Mahoney, Vice Chair Annette A. Juncewicz, Secretary; John B. Long, Treasurer; William P. Brosnahan; W. Lawrence Buck; Susan Maggiore; Elaine M. Panty; Abdul H. Raoof; Judith K. Summer; Sharon A. Thomas; Raul Vazquez; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Morton H. Stovroff, Trustee Emeritus; and George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus.
Excused: Phyllis A. Horton, out of town
Chairman Roach called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B – Approval /Changes to the Agenda. On motion by Ms. Panty and a second by Ms. Juncewicz, the agenda was approved as mailed.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of August 21, 2003 and the Executive Committee Meeting of September 11, 2003. On motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Ms. Panty, Minutes were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D - Report of the Chair. Chairman Roach introduced and welcomed Mayor Masiello’s nomination to the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees. Mrs. Susan Maggiore is a retired Buffalo Public School teacher who taught at Lafayette High School and served on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association.
Chairman Roach noted the recent death of Albert Mugel, a past member of the Library Foundation Board. He was a great friend to the Library and served the City of Buffalo and its residents in many capacities over the years. He will be missed.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Mahoney deferred comment because Executive Committee Minutes were included in the board packet.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee. Dr. Long called on Deputy Director Kenneth Stone to present items listed below.
Agenda Item E.2.a – Contract Library Transfers. Ms. Juncewicz made a motion, seconded by Ms. Panty, and the following was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2003-43
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 $28,842 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library.
Agenda Item E.2.b – Year 2004 Budget Request. Mr. Stone explained the Library’s 2004 budget request. All System services currently provided are included in this proposal. The recommended request comes in $500 below the target provided by the County’s Budget Office. No cost of living increases are included in the 2004 budget request.
Trustee Buck arrived at approximately 4:06 p.m.
A significant factor is an increase in the employer share of New York State pension costs. The rate was raised due to unfavorable economic conditions. However, the County will be allowed to spread the increase over a 5-year-period.
Trustee Vazquez arrived at approximately 4:08 p.m.
A large decrease in health insurance costs was made possible because Erie County, in cooperation with its bargaining units, worked to develop a proposal that provides quality, affordable health care from one provider by pooling together the large number of Erie County employees.
Trustee Wisbaum arrived at approximately 4:10 p.m.
A substantial rise in natural gas rates is anticipated for the coming winter, and this increase has been factored into the Library’s request. To help offset this expected increase, Mr. Stone pointed out that usage has gone down due to several energy conservation measures that have been undertaken in recent years. A new lighting project at the Orchard Park Public Library will further decrease usage in future years.
Another increase is due to some capital expenditures being transitioned back to the Library’s operating budget. Previously the items had been budgeted in the County’s capital accounts.
Mr. Brosnahan thanked Mr. Stone for the excellent work he did on the budget and felt it was quite an accomplishment given the current state of the economy. Dr. Long complimented Mr. Stone as well and moved that the budget request be adopted as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Summer and the resolution was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION 2003-44
WHEREAS, on August 29th, the Library received the Erie County Division of Budget, Management and Finance’s 2004 budget preparation instructions and targets by account, and
WHEREAS, the Board’s Budget and Finance Committee reviewed budget estimates, budget targets and impacts, providing direction to staff in drafting the 2004 budget request, and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Finance Committee’s recommendations were reviewed by the Board’s Executive Committee, which concurred and directed staff to present the proposal to the Library Board, and
WHEREAS, County resources are limited and submitting a budget request meeting the “County Share” budget target was a priority, and
WHEREAS, the proposed request meets the “County Share” budget target and allows the Library, with some sacrifice, to continue providing its current level of service, albeit on a very tight budget, and
WHEREAS, the County’s deadline for submitting the Library’s budget request is September 19, 2003, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library hereby adopts a 2004 budget request of $28,656,160 in operating funds, $5,845,326 in Erie County Capital funds and $787,072 in Library Grant funds that:
- Keeps all libraries open in 2004, utilizing current full-time equivalents (FTE); however, vacancy periods for some positions approved in Resolution 2002-47 Early Retirement Incentive Program will need to be extended into 2004 to meet salary savings targets;
- Budgets State Operating Aid and Aid for Library Grants using present formulas applied to 2000 Census population figures, resulting in a decrease of nearly $50,000 above the 2003 State Budget’s “hold harmless” base aid amount;
- Begins to shift the Library’s Materials Budget back from the County Capital budget to the Library Fund capital outlay budget starting with $300,000, with the balance in the County Capital Budget at $4,700,000;
- Includes additional capital funds to replace shipping and maintenance vehicles ($65,000), buildings & ground equipment ($25,000), furnishings & office equipment ($25,000) and technical equipment ($50,000);
- Includes $500,000 in “reductions from personal svcs account,” representing extending prior year Early Retirement position vacancies into 2004 plus $300,000 that is in essence anticipating vacancy savings from normal turnover;
- Authorizes use of $550,000 in estimated 2003 ending fund balance to assist in achieving these budgetary objectives; and
- Requests the County Property Tax for Library Purposes be set at $23,067,481, which is no change from 2003, and a County “Inter-fund Subsidy” revenue in the amount of $1,329,637, to balance the Library’s budget request, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Director transmit the request to the County of Erie’s Division of Budget, Management and Finance on or about the September 19, 2003 deadline.
Agenda Item E.3 – Benefits Committee. Judith Summer reported on the progress of the Benefits Committee, which has been working to standardize benefits offered to full-time contract library employees unaffiliated with bargaining units. At the May 15, 2003 meeting the Board adopted Resolution 2003-23 that approved the draft benefits package. The document was distributed to all contracting library boards for their review and comment. All responses were evaluated and incorporated into a revised draft, which was included in this month’s board packet.
Trustee Thomas arrived at approximately 4:14 p.m.
The Committee asked the Board to endorse this document and allow it to be presented to the Association of Contracting Library Boards and other interested parties. The Employee Benefits Package document will be attached to 2004 contracts. Ms. Mahoney thanked Ms. Summer and Mrs. Jakubowski for their hard work on this project. She feels it is very important to have consistent System-wide benefits.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Mr. Mahaney thanked the Budget & Finance Committee for its diligent work in these difficult fiscal times. He welcomed Mrs. Maggiore to the Board. The North Jefferson project is under-funded between $400,000 and $500,000, and additional funding sources continue to be explored. The Director wrote to the City of Buffalo’s Office of Strategic Planning for assistance in identifying viable sites for a new library building in South Buffalo, and a mailing was sent to all interested South Buffalo residents asking for input.
Mr. Mahaney directed trustees’ attention to a memo that was given to them at the start of the meeting. The memo and attached chart detailed funding requirements and timelines for the Central Library renovation project. The entire project will take several years and is due to be completed by 2008. It will require the use of private funds, capital funds from Erie County and additional monies the Library Foundation is being asked to provide through a fund-raising campaign. Ms. Panty asked when the campaign would begin. Mr. Mahaney stated the campaign will begin in January and said Foundation funds will be needed by the end of 2004. In response to a query from Ms. Mahoney, Mr. Mahaney stated this information will be presented to the Library Foundation Board at its September meeting.
Mr. Mahaney introduced Doreen Woods, who recently completed a study of the B&ECPL’s mobile services. Ms. Woods thanked the Board and Library administration for allowing her to participate in the Urban Libraries Council’s Executive Leadership Institute. She stated it was a magnificent experience, and she was grateful for the opportunity. She feels it is an indication that the B&ECPL is looking towards the future to better public services in all libraries throughout Erie County. Chairman Roach thanked Ms. Woods for being an outstanding representative of the Library System. Mr. Mahaney reminded the Board that Ms. Woods will be honored as a “Library Mover and Shaker” at the Erie County Legislature’s meeting on September 25th.
The following was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.
2004 Budget Instructions Received August 29th: Despite a very late delivery, the B&ECPL 2004 budget request is due to Erie County by September 19th. Erie County’s suggested targets have been reviewed with both the Board’s Budget and Finance and Executive Committees in order to finalize the 2004 B&ECPL budget request. In its September 11th meeting, the Budget and Finance Committee approved submitting a budget request that falls slightly below the County’s overall target for “County Share” revenue. Subsequently, this recommendation was presented to and endorsed by the Executive Committee for presentation to the full Library Board at its meeting on September 18th.
B&ECPL Participates in Erie County Health Insurance Initiative: Traditionally, B&ECPL Human Resources staff and a representative from Erie County Labor Relations have conducted contract negotiations with the Librarians’ Association, the only bargaining unit with whom B&ECPL negotiates directly. This year, in light of constantly rising costs of health insurance, Erie County has taken a pro-active and pre-emptive approach to secure more competitive means of controlling health insurance costs while providing adequate coverage for employees. Since February, Erie County Labor Relations Director Kathleen O’Hara has been meeting with County administrators and representatives of each of the nine bargaining units representing Erie County, Erie Community College, Erie County Medical Center and B&ECPL employees to develop and subsequently manage low cost health insurance by leveraging buying power in the marketplace. Thomas Morrissey, President of the Librarians’ Association, and Mary Jean Jakubowski (B&ECPL Human Resources) have actively participated in these discussions. Resolutions regarding pending proposals are included in the Board pack and are on the agenda for the Board’s September 18th meeting.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Commemorates the Amistad: On September 6th in the Central Library’s Mason O. Damon Auditorium, more than 200 people attended “In the Shadow of the Amistad,” a presentation of stories, songs and dance to commemorate the Amistad Incident of 1839. The program was conceived and directed by Extension Services Administrator and storyteller Sharon Y. Holley. Other participants were storyteller/narrators Karima Amin, Annemarie Jason and Craig Werner; vocalist/narrator Joyce Carolyn; musician Sowande Eddie Nicholson and dancers from the African American Cultural Center Makeda Holley and Chantina Moore. The Library Foundation of Buffalo & Erie County, Inc. provided funding for this program. Other Amistad events at the library include the exhibit of Amistad-related materials from the Rare Book Room and public programs in many of the Buffalo branch libraries throughout October.
“Battle of the Books”: The 2003 program was another huge success!
Thirty B&ECPL libraries were represented by 35 teams. On August 2nd, more
than 700 gathered for the final program at Erie Community College’s south
campus, which featured more than 350 participants. A four-way tie for second
place necessitated a playoff round. An exciting championship “battle” followed,
with the Lancaster/Depew Library team edging past the Riverside Library team
by just 1 point. Thanks go to many B&ECPL volunteer staff. Special thanks
again go to The Library Foundation for its continuing financial support of
this popular summer program, which encourages reading for students entering
grades 6-9. On August 3rd, The Buffalo News highlighted the event in a lengthy
feature article.
Rare Book Cataloging Grant Completed: The B&ECPL is pleased to report
that the holdings of its Rare Book Room have now been cataloged. Funding
provided by the John R. Oishei Foundation enabled the B&ECPL, along with
UB’s Poetry and Rare Books Collection, to recruit skilled staff who
have worked diligently since January 2002 to catalog nearly 8,000 titles
and 13,000 volumes. Among the materials cataloged are the earliest four editions
of William Shakespeare’s collected plays. Published in 1623, 1632,
1664 and 1685, these editions have been studied and appreciated by Shakespeare
scholars as a tribute to the Bard’s talents as well as for their remarkable
binding. Charles Clifton, president of the Pierce-Arrow Motor Co., donated
the volumes to the B&ECPL in 1926. This Library is exceedingly grateful
for the opportunity to provide universal awareness of its greatest treasures.
Now that the project here has been completed, the staff has been transferred
to UB’s Poetry and Rare Books Collection to achieve a similar goal.
Online Request System Pleases Patrons: Late in June 2002, the B&ECPL introduced a new version of the online catalog that allows patrons to place their own requests for library materials. The first full month of operation for this service was July 2002. At that time, patrons self-placed a total of 9,526 requests (24.8% of the total 38,453 requests placed that month). Just one year later (July 2003), statistics show that patrons placed 31,493 requests, which represents 48% of the total 65,601 placed that month. Not only did the number of patron-placed requests triple from July to July, the total number of requests placed in the system increased by 70%. Clearly, this is a service the public appreciates and uses.
Fine Revenue Update: August 2003 System-wide receipts totaled $106,580.95, an increase of $36,286.03, 52% above the $70,294.92 collected in August 2002. Year-to-date collections, including adjustments, now total $849,056.49, up $297,225.28, i.e., 54% above the $551,801.21 received in the same 2002 period. These results continue to track in the low end of the $400,000 to $600,000 range of increases anticipated in 2003’s budget. CFO Ken Stone continues to monitor and report revenue results.
“Hit the Books” Is a Hit: Again this year, the Buffalo Bills/UPS-sponsored summer reading program was a tremendous success. Participants (1,864 children in Erie County) read 6,991 books between the June kick-off and the end of the program, July 31st. The Buffalo Bills provided T-shirts for libraries to use as prizes for the “halftime” drawing on July 15th, as well as VIP passes to training camp for five lucky winners. Program spokesperson Sammy Morris autographed 15 posters, which were also awarded as prizes at “halftime.” Twenty lucky readers (one from each branch, two Bookmobiles, RAM Van, Lookie Bookie, and Children’s Department) received a pair of tickets for the October 5th game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Frankenstein Is Coming: Librarian Meg Cheman (Central Library, Humanities and Social Sciences) met with the Chair of the English Department at Bennett High School to discuss the upcoming traveling exhibit on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which visits the Central Library from January 21 through March 5, 2004. Students will read the book and visit the library to participate in the programs B&ECPL is sponsoring in connection with the exhibit. Bennett is excited about the project and the support the Library will provide to enhance the students’ learning experience.
City Branch Cluster Concept Shows Promise: Libraries in the northern part
of Buffalo (Riverside, North Park and Fairfield) are the first to operate under
a new model of management and service delivery. The three North Cluster libraries
report to Librarian III, Judith Rivard, who acknowledges that this change has
its fans and foes among staff, but it does ensure uninterrupted service for
patrons. Schedules are developed for each library using the staffs from all
three, providing service at any of the three locations, as need demands. The
pilot project to implement team programming in this cluster concluded in August
with participating youth services librarians unanimous in their view that the
cooperative planning and implementation resulted in better, more innovative
experiences for children.
Central Library Exterior Building Rehabilitation and Repair Project
Begins:
Work has begun on the east side (Oak Street) of the building. All exterior
surfaces (windows, stainless steel framing, marble and granite panels) will
be cleaned, repaired and sealed. After 40 years of harsh Western New York
climatic conditions, the seals around windows and stone siding panels have
deteriorated, allowing moisture and cold air to enter the building during
inclement weather. The project is expected to result in improved safety,
comfort, appearance and energy efficiency. Given the Central Library’s
size, the project will begin this fall, subside for winter, and resume in
spring. Target completion is late spring, 2004.
Auditorium Lighting and Sound Improvement Project Nears Completion: The Mason O. Damon Auditorium’s renovation project, which completely replaces the 40-year-old lighting and sound system controls, fixtures and equipment, is largely complete and operational. Only a few fixtures in the seating area need to be finished. This project was funded by a grant from Praxair through the Library Foundation. The results are impressive, and recent, well-attended and well-publicized public programs and meetings of the Buffalo Control Board have drawn positive attention to the improvements!
Shipping Volume Continues to Increase: The volume of library materials shipped among 52 B&ECPL locations continues to grow. Through July, boxes of materials transported among libraries increased 23 percent over the same period in 2002, reaching almost 69,000 boxes. The heavy volume has frequently required the use of the fifth “back-up” truck to maintain timely deliveries.
Mobile Libraries Study Nears Completion: In July, librarian Doreen Woods (fellow) and Human Resources Administrator Mary Jean Jakubowski (sponsor) completed the Urban Libraries Council’s first Executive Leadership Institute. The 8-month program was designed to develop leadership skills in key library personnel and address a pressing operational challenge facing each participating library. Mrs. Woods’ task was to examine B&ECPL’s 55-year-old mobile library service model and explore options for redefining it in light of shifting demographics, new technologies, the increasing mobility of many consumers, the demand for non-traditional or innovative services and, of course, escalating costs. Mrs. Woods has prepared a preliminary draft of her report on schedule and will complete revisions, expanding her recommendations and analysis, so she can transmit a final report to the Board and administrative staff later this year.
Citrix Public Access Model Deployment Completed: CIO Shirley Whelan has announced that deployment of the new Citrix Public Access Model was completed on September 3rd when workstations at the Clarence Public Library were updated. The deployment team continues to meet twice a week to review the “punch list” of approximately 40 items, including presentation of final documentation and training to Network Support staff and the correction of minor problems identified during deployment. As reported elsewhere, Citrix implementation will extend the useful lifespan of B&ECPL’s computer hardware and reduce both costs and time investments associated with upgrading software System-wide.
Sirsi Unicorn Proposal Evaluation Concludes: Subsequent to site visits to libraries in Anne Arundel and Frederick Counties in Maryland to examine their Sirsi Unicorn automation implementations, CIO Shirley Whelan, Assistant Deputy Director Lucille DeFranks and Support Services Manager Ann Kling transmitted a final list of questions and concerns to Sirsi. By a September 8th deadline, Sirsi returned a complete package to conclude negotiations and enable B&ECPL staff to prepare and present a final project proposal and contract to the Board in October.
Voice Automation Server Arrives: The computer server to support the Sirsi Voice Automation (SVA) system has arrived and been installed on the B&ECPL network. Shirley Whelan, Lucille DeFranks, Ann Kling, Johnny Hsu and Peggy Brent are ready to test the “call-in” features of the system. When fully operational, SVA will allow patrons to renew materials and receive notification of reserves and overdues by telephone.
Summer Readers Win! On August 22nd, the Scholastic, Inc. Grand Prize drawing was held and five children won personal paperback collections from Scholastic as part of the promotion of the 2003 New York State Summer Reading Program. The lucky winners were: Gregory Digati (North Cheektowaga), Rainah Amlauf (Boston), Kevin Gentile (Greenhaven), T’Neil Almond (Fronczak), and Kelsey Bynum (North Jefferson). The Hulbert Library of Concord won a collection of Scholastic reference books, valued at $300.
Checklist Automation Project Proceeds: Automated Adult Checklists (Fiction, Non-Fiction and Spoken Word) were implemented during August using an Access database. This process does away with the need for typed checklist cards. All checklist information is stored in a database and pending records are created simultaneously, eliminating the need to route any pending records through the Catalog Department. The Adult RUSHlist is also being generated in this manner. The Juvenile RUSHlist will be the next to move to automated entry, followed by the Juvenile Checklist and Juvenile AV Spoken Word. This process has significantly increased efficiency in workflow for the Central Clerical Activities Team (CCAT) and also decreased the workload in the Catalog Department.
Network Support Protects B&ECPL against Major Virus Attacks: Johnny Hsu and Toni Naumovski, Network Support server and network specialists, devoted significant time this month to updating all servers and workstations to prevent infection from several new and potentially devastating viruses, including the Blaster worm and Sobig-F. Thanks to their efforts, B&ECPL systems remain operational and secure.
Miscellaneous Meetings and Appearances: On September 10th, the Director, COO Ruth Collins and Extension Services Administrator Sharon Holley represented the B&ECPL at the opening ceremonies and festivities surrounding the arrival of the Amistad at the Buffalo waterfront. As a follow-up to an appearance on Adelphia-TV’s Crossroads broadcast in July, the Director was a guest on the Penny Wolfgang radio show, August 25th, to discuss issues of patron privacy and Internet activities at the library.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. Ms. Vedder stated information regarding fund-raising for the Central Library Renovation Project would be in the Foundation Board packet. Two applications are being prepared to request funding for the Central Library project. The applications will be sent to the 21st Century Fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Junior League Show House Fund. The personal solicitation campaign will kick-off in January. Design work has begun on brochures, posters, etc. Ms. Vedder’s written report contained information on Albert R. Mugel, Central Renovation Planning, Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn CD-ROM, A Murder, A Mystery and A Marriage, Live Homework Help and B&ECPL funding support.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. Christopher, “a child of democracy,” believes libraries support democracy and should be available to everyone. He asked the Board not to consolidate branches.
Sandra J. Carrubba, Chairperson of the Green Party of Erie County, said it is vitally important that neighborhood libraries remain open in the city due to cutbacks in the Buffalo Public Schools. Many city residents do not have access to cars and rely on services provided in their immediate neighborhood or that are accessible by public transportation.
John Klukowski, Sr. of Buffalo feels the Library should provide more detailed information about the new library project. He stated the B&ECPL’s “Guidelines and Procedures for Approval of New Library Construction” stipulate that library services cannot be enhanced in one area if it results in diminished services in another area. He suggested it would be more cost-effective to improve Dudley and Cazenovia rather than build a new library.
Gail Block of South Buffalo is very involved in South Buffalo, including PTO participation. She has been collecting names of residents who are in favor of building a new library. She believes a majority of South Buffalonians prefer that a new library be built.
Valerie Niederhofer of Buffalo stated that because of budgetary constraints due to the poor economy it would be more economical to renovate Cazenovia and Dudley rather than construct a new building.
ElizaBeth Berry of “Save Our Libraries” would like to see figures to substantiate claims that the consolidation proposal would save the Library System money. She asked the Board to rescind the vote to consolidate Cazenovia and Dudley libraries.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – Authorizing Contract Agreement with the Librarians’ Association for Health Insurance. Deputy Director Stone explained that Resolution 2003-45 would allow the Chairman to execute a contract agreement with the Librarians’ Association to implement the health plan chosen by members. After some discussion, on motion by Dr. Long, seconded by Ms. Panty, the resolution was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2003-45
WHEREAS, in an effort to address the upward spiraling costs of health insurance in a pro-active way, Erie County, B&ECPL Management and Librarians’ Association leaders have been working for several months to develop a more cost-effective alternative to the County’s present multiple health insurance offerings, and
WHEREAS, this group, with the assistance of a professional benefits consultant, developed three different plan types and issued a request for proposals from various health insurance providers, and
WHEREAS, the winning provider has offered three plan levels, “enhanced,” “core,” and “value,” that provide comparable levels of coverage to the multitude of present providers and plans at rates that are on average more than 25% BELOW present rates, and
WHEREAS, the savings resulting from this approach allows the ability to offer two proposals, which the Librarians’ Association is considering and are summarized below:
First, in exchange for a 0% cost of living adjustment in 2004, coverage of 100% of the premium of the core plan for both active employees and those employees who retire after January 1, 2003. This offer would cover the contract period of January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Salary adjustments for 2005 and beyond would be the subject of further negotiations; and
Second, in exchange for a 1% cost of living adjustment in 2004, coverage of 100% of the premium of the core plan for librarians hired before January 2, 1995 and 95% of the premium of the core plan for librarians hired on or after January 2, 1995. For those employees who retire after January 1, 2003, the employer will provide coverage of 75% of the premium of the core plan, with incentives for employees retiring with larger sick leave balances maxing out at 100% coverage of the core plan premium for employees retiring with an unused balance of 2100 hours in their sick leave bank.
Both offers would cover the contract period of January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Salary adjustments for 2005 and beyond would be the subject of further negotiations, and
WHEREAS, participating in this program is in the Library’s best interest as it allows the continued provision of quality health care at a cost-effective rate and helps contain rising costs in what is anticipated to be a difficult budget year, and
WHEREAS, the Librarians’ Association is scheduled to consider this proposal at a special meeting on September 19, 2003, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library authorizes the Chair of the Board of Trustees to execute a contract agreement with the Librarians’ Association to implement whichever of the two options the Association’s members choose, should they elect to participate.
Agenda Item J.2 – Health Benefits for Full-time Non-Bargaining Unit Employees. Because bargaining units do not represent B&ECPL management/confidential and contracting library blue- and white-collar personnel, the Board must declare which health insurance benefits will be provided to these employees. Approval of this resolution will designate the 0% cost of living, 100% core plan offer as the System-provided health insurance for B&ECPL management/confidential and contracting library blue- and white-collar full-time and RPT employees. On motion by Ms. Mahoney, seconded by Dr. Long, the motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2003-46
WHEREAS, in an effort to address the upward spiraling costs of health insurance in a pro-active way, Erie County, Library Management and bargaining unit leaders have been working for several months to develop a more cost-effective alternative to the County’s present multiple health insurance offerings, and
WHEREAS, this group, with the assistance of a professional benefits consultant, developed three different plan types and issued a request for proposals from various health insurance providers, and
WHEREAS, the winning provider has offered three plan levels, “enhanced,” “core,” and “value,” that provide comparable levels of coverage to the multitude of present providers and plans at rates that are on average more than 25% BELOW present rates, and
WHEREAS, the savings resulting from this approach allows the ability to offer, in exchange for a 0% cost of living adjustment in 2004, coverage of 100% of the premium of the Core Plan for both active employees and those employees who retire after January 1, 2003, with this offer covering a contract period of January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004, and
WHEREAS, participating in this program is in the Library’s best interest as it allows the continued provision of quality health care at a cost-effective rate, and under the zero percent (0%) cost of living proposal helps contain rising costs in what is anticipated to be a difficult budget year, and
WHEREAS, since bargaining units do not represent B&ECPL management/confidential and contracting library blue- and white-collar personnel, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library must designate the health insurance and related benefits to be provided, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library designates the 0% cost of living, 100% core plan offer as System-provided health insurance for B&ECPL management/confidential and contracting library blue- and white-collar full-time and regular part-time employees.
Agenda Item J.3 – LSTA Summer Reading Program 2003 Supplement. The State is providing an additional $20,000 to enhance the state-wide 2004 Summer Reading Program. A motion to accept the funds and amend the 2003 budget was made by Ms. Panty, seconded by Mr. Buck, and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2003-47
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of quality library programs for children, and
WHEREAS, the Library has been awarded a supplemental grant of $20,000 to support part-time seasonal librarian work-hours to be used in the preparation of the program and related items for promoting the 2004 Summer Reading Program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees amends the 2003 grant budget adding grant revenues and expenditures totaling $20,000 to support the New York State 2004 Summer Reading Program.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Ms. Mahoney to adjourn the meeting in honor of Albert R. Mugel. Ms. Summer made the second and the meeting adjourned at 4:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette A. Juncewicz
Secretary