MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OCTOBER 16, 2003
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, October 16, 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; John B. Long, Treasurer; W. Lawrence Buck; Phyllis A. Horton; Susan Maggiore; Elaine M. Panty; Abdul H. Raoof ; Judith K. Summer; Wayne D. Wisbaum; Robert J. Plache, Trustee Emeritus.
Excused: William P. Brosnahan; Annette A. Juncewicz, ill; Sharon A. Thomas, out of town; Raul Vazquez
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. There being no changes, the agenda was approved as mailed.
Agenda Item C – Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2003. On motion by Ms. Horton, seconded by Ms. Panty, the Minutes were approved as submitted.
Agenda Item D – Report of the Chair. Chairman Roach waived his report.
Agenda Item E – Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 – Executive Committee. Ms. Mahoney also waived the Executive Committee report.
Agenda Item E.2 – Budget & Finance Committee. Deputy Director Kenneth Stone reported on budget and finance issues.
Agenda Item E.2.a – LSTA Summer Reading Program Implementation. The 2004 Summer Reading Program Grant was awarded $194,000 to be used to distribute mini-grants to other library systems throughout New York State. The mini-grants will enable library systems to implement the “Read, White and Blue” reading program statewide. On motion by Ms. Horton and a second from Dr. Raoof, the resolution was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2003-48
WHEREAS, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of quality library programs for children, and
WHEREAS, in October, 2002 and August, 2003 the Board approved Resolutions 2002-62 and 2003-47 accepting $36,000 and $20,000 in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant funds to share the expertise of B&ECPL System children’s specialists with statewide Youth Services librarians through planning, designing and developing the New York State Summer Reading Program campaign for 2004, and
WHEREAS, in August 2003, the Board approved Resolution 2003-41 endorsing a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant application to support implementing the New York State Summer Reading Program statewide, and
WHEREAS, the Library was recently notified that the implementation grant has been awarded in the amount of $194,000, and
WHEREAS, this funding will support printing and distributing a Summer Reading Program Manual to all libraries in New York State, developing a related website, publicity, and distributing a total of $140,000 in the form of “mini-grants” among all library systems in New York State to assist in implementing the 2004 Summer Reading Program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees amends the grants budget, adding grant revenues and expenditures totaling $194,000 for the New York State Summer Reading Program 2004 Implementation Grant.
Ms. Mahoney congratulated the Youth Services team and said this program is a wonderful example of shared services.
Agenda Item E.2.b – Telephone Expense Adjustments (E-Rate). Mr. Stone stated it is necessary to transfer telephone expense funds from contract libraries to the System account. Telephone accounts have now been pooled similar to other utility services. This will facilitate E-rate discounts and simplify payments. Ms. Summer made a motion to approve the resolution, and Ms. Mahoney seconded. The resolution passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2003-49
WHEREAS, to streamline and simplify the process of managing voice telecommunications expenditures, the telephone bills for all contracting libraries and Buffalo branches have been combined into one master bill, paid directly by the System, and
WHEREAS, this change was timed to coincide with the start of the current funding year for the Federal Communications Commission’s Telecommunications Discount Program for Schools and Libraries, more commonly known as the E-Rate Program, which provides a 61% discount for these services in the current program year, and
WHEREAS, budget adjustments are required to move the remaining balance of contracting libraries’ voice telephone budgets to the System telephone budget, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amends the 2003 budget as shown in the attached Exhibit.
Agenda Item E.2.c – Authorization for Year-end Transfers in Excess of $5,000. Mr. Stone explained this authorization is requested at the end of each year. This year’s resolution also provides a provision to allow temporary transfers required in connection with E-rate reimbursements. Dr. Long moved for approval. Ms. Horton seconded and approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2003-50
WHEREAS, the 2003 year-end closing process is approaching and involves finalizing encumbrances (or commitments to spend budgeted funds), and
WHEREAS, the delay between payment of telecommunications related expenses and receipt of E-Rate discount reimbursements for those expenses can cause the need to temporarily transfer funds between budget accounts as the available balances in the E-Rate supported accounts towards the end of the fiscal year are too low to accommodate the delay, and
WHEREAS, it may be in the Library’s interest to encumber items that may require budget transfers in excess of $5,000, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Library Director, with the approval of the Chairman of the Board or the Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, to approve transfers within the budget impacting objects of expenditure in excess of $5,000 for the purposes of making year-end encumbrances and/or expenditures, and be it furtherRESOLVED, that any such transfers be submitted to the Library Board of Trustees for ratification prior to the final close of the fiscal year, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Library Director to approve temporary transfers within the budget impacting objects of expenditure in excess of $5,000 for the purposes of accommodating the delay between payment of telecommunications related expenses and receipt of E-Rate discount reimbursements for those expenses, with said transfers being reversed upon receipt of the E-Rate reimbursement.
Agenda Item E.2.d – Monthly Financial Report – The financial report for the period ending July 31, 2003 was provided for information.
Agenda Item E.2.e – Monthly Financial Report – The financial report for the period ending August 31, 2003 was provided for information.
Ms. Panty referred to the August financial report, which included a footnote mentioning donations made in memory of a dedicated volunteer, Helen Nill. Ms. Panty requested the Minutes make note of contributions that continue to be given to the Riverside Branch Library in honor of Ms. Nill.
Agenda Item F – Report of the Director. Michael Mahaney advised Board members that information pertaining to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) would be available in November. Data provided by staff will explain legal, philosophical, ethical, economic and technical issues associated with CIPA. This information will assist trustees in their deliberations on this important matter.
Also planned for presentation at the November Board meeting will be a proposal for upgrading or replacing the Library’s automation system, which is more than 20 years old.
The Librarians’ Association has agreed to a one-year contract. It includes health benefits stipulated in Erie County’s new Health Care Initiative.
The Grand Island Memorial Library has agreed to join the Centralized Human Resources (CHR) program. Another library, possibly two, may join CHR before the end of this year. Mr. Mahaney invited trustees to the “Shuttle Off to Buffalo” program being held at the Central Library on Saturday, October 18th.
The following was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.
2004 Budget Request Delivered, Presented at County Executive’s Budget Hearing: The Board’s Adopted Request was delivered on time, September 19th. Subsequently, on September 24th, Board Chair Daniel T. Roach, Budget and Finance Committee Chair Dr. John B. Long, Deputy Director – CFO Kenneth H. Stone and the Director presented an overview of the budget request and answered questions from County Budget Office staff at the County Executive’s budget hearing.
Staff Continues to Assemble Information for Board’s Deliberations on Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA): In September, the staff’s Policy Committee and CIPA Committee met to a) continue review of B&ECPL’s current Internet Safety Policy and consider refinements necessary for CIPA compliance and b) continue testing the SurfControl SuperScout filtering product. Based on fairly positive test results, technical representatives of the CIPA Committee are exploring ways in which the filter can be utilized in B&ECPL’s current network environment. Both committees are expected to complete policy revisions, data collection and product evaluations in order to transmit details to the Board in November. Full CIPA compliance is not required before July 1, 2004, so the Board has sufficient time to review the findings and determine a course of action.
Sirsi Unicorn Negotiations Near Completion: As reported previously, B&ECPL’s DRA automation system is more than twenty years old and in need of major upgrades or replacement. For more than a year, Network and Support Services staff have been preparing for a logical migration from the old DRA system to its successor, Unicorn from Sirsi, the corporation that acquired DRA in 2001. The B&ECPL has entered into the final phase of negotiations with Sirsi, with CIO Shirley Whelan and Assistant Deputy Director Lucille DeFranks of Support Services playing key roles. B&ECPL Counsel Patrick Martin has received a draft of a proposed contract and is reviewing it. Terms of the agreement, including specific costs, implementation timeline, hardware and software configurations, potential downtime, customized reports and a reliable interface with Unique’s collection management services are key elements of negotiations. A comprehensive proposal will be developed for presentation to the Board in November.
In anticipation of migration to Sirsi’s Unicorn system, the Catalog Department has launched a rigorous training/re-training campaign for staff. Six classes will be conducted in October by catalogers, Maureen McLaughlin, Jennifer Trigilio and Lizbeth Weig, providing training for at least 75 B&ECPL staff.
B&ECPL Celebrates Amistad Visit: Over recent months, Extension Services Administrator Sharon Y. Holley has represented the B&ECPL on the Education Committee for the Freedom Schooner Amistad’s visit to Buffalo. Under her direction, Urban Services librarians created six Amistad-related programs and made them available to all libraries in the System through the B&ECPL Intranet. Several of these programs were presented at various Buffalo branch libraries for a total attendance of 148 children. In addition, programs were presented to preschoolers and “After School” groups at 23 RAM Van locations, for a total attendance of 399. During September and October, two display cases outside the Grosvenor Room showcased Amistad-related materials from the B&ECPL rare book collections. The Library Foundation of Buffalo & Erie County, Inc. provided funding for “In the Shadow of the Amistad,” a presentation of stories, songs and dance to commemorate the Amistad Incident of 1839, which was conceived and written by Mrs. Holley. The program featured storytellers/ narrators Karima Amin, Craig Werner, Annemarie Jason and Mrs. Holley; vocalist/narrator Joyce Carolyn; musician Sowandé Eddie Nicholson and African American Cultural Center Dancers Makeda Holley and Shantina Moore. The September 6th event was well received by an audience of more than 200 in the Central Library’s Mason O. Damon Auditorium. The Director, COO Ruth Collins and CFO Ken Stone attended and wish to commend Mrs. Holley and her colleagues for an outstanding cultural and historical experience.
Summer Reading Programs Attract Thousands: 2003’s summer reading programs were extremely popular throughout the B&ECPL. Final System statistics transmitted to the New York State Division of Library Development in Albany report a total of 1,050 programs, with attendance of 25,355. Enrollment numbers include toddlers/preschoolers (3,121), school-aged children (4,267) and young adults (638). Young people read 11,427 books in conjunction with these programs.
B&ECPL Continues Development of New York State Summer Reading Program for 2004: Although it is still 2003, the first year of the 2004 New York State Summer Reading Program grant ended September 30th. The Year-One budget was fully encumbered, and the programming manual was completed. Caldecott Award-winning illustrator Ed Young provided artwork for the campaign poster and bookmarks. The framework for the website was developed, and the public relations firm created promotional materials for the manual and for distribution at the annual New York Library Association Conference in Saratoga Springs, with the B&ECPL Youth Services Planning Committee providing additional programming information for the manual. Year-Two will focus on the implementation and promotion of the campaign. Reactions to the materials have been extremely positive from NYS Summer Reading Committee members, who look forward to a program that will be very popular with both children and librarians next summer.
Grosvenor Room Receives Rare Donation: An anonymous local donor has presented the B&ECPL with a gift of several books, including a 1776 pamphlet entitled, “Rules And Articles For The Better Government Of The Troops Raised, Or To Be Raised…” This will make a valuable addition to the B&ECPL collection of Americana.
Central Library Renovation Proceeds: Librarian Glenn Luba, whose background includes a degree in engineering, has been reassigned from his duties in the Business, Science and Technology (BS&T) Department to devote his full-time efforts to the Central renovation project. Mr. Luba is making the transition from his BS&T assignments and will cooperate with the Office of System Public Services to oversee project details and act as liaison with the B&ECPL Maintenance Department and the Habiterra Design Team. Habiterra’s Tim Benson has met with staff to redesign the circulation desk and finalize workroom schematics. Meetings have addressed asbestos abatement issues, a temporary entrance through the Popular Materials Department and a redesigned floor plan for the second floor “prairie” (clerical pool).
Fine Revenue Results: September System-wide receipts totaled $105,452.23, which is up $38,173.39 (57%) from the $67,278.84 collected in September 2002. Year-to-date collections, including adjustments, now total $954,529.73, which is up $335,449.43 (54%) from the $619,080.30 received in the same 2002 period. These results continue to track in the low end of the $400,000 to $600,000 range of increase anticipated in 2003’s budget. CFO Ken Stone will continue to monitor and report revenue results.
Library Material Deliveries Continue to Increase: Through September, boxes of library materials/supplies shipped among B&ECPL’s 52 locations increased 22% over the same period in 2002, to more than 87,000 boxes. The volume of “priority boxes,” used to move patron-requested items, is up 27% to city branches and 37% to contract libraries on a year-to-date basis. This reflects the continuing success of the Library’s on-line patron initiated request system. The Shipping Department is now operating the fifth “backup” truck on an almost daily basis to maintain timely deliveries.
New Shipping Truck Arrives; Deliveries Added in Southtowns: With the timely arrival of the new shipping vehicle, funded in the 2003 County Capital Budget, and the reallocation of hours that provide a part-time driver, the Shipping Department has added an additional delivery day in the most distant parts of Southern Erie County. Today, libraries in Boston, Collins, Concord and North Collins receive three deliveries per week. Given the distances involved, this is a major accomplishment that will significantly reduce the time needed to get requested materials to patrons. Shipping Supervisor Rich Pirie has become a master at working the schedule, adjusting for changes in demand and use patterns to match available resources with continued high demand.
Buffalo Branch Painting Projects to Begin Soon: The project to paint branch interiors, which originated under the Educational Technology Initiative (ETI), is a joint effort between the City of Buffalo and the B&ECPL. The City has allocated block grant funds as its matching share for this project. Painting will begin with the Fairfield Branch (ETI funded) and the Niagara Branch (City Block Grant funded) and extend to other branches as funding permits. Advertisements requesting bids have been published, resulting in a well-attended “walk-through” on October 9th. The project award is anticipated later this month.
Central Library Exterior Rehabilitation and Repair Continues: Work continues
on the east side of the building facing Oak Street. Cleaning is essentially
complete. Once a “wear-test” is concluded, the contractor should
wrap up work on the east wall and move on to the north (William/Broadway) side
of the building. The project will break for winter and resume in the spring.
Target completion remains late spring, 2004.
ZoomText Installation Planned: ZoomText, an advanced screen magnification
program for vision-impaired computer users, will be available at every B&ECPL
location in a matter of weeks. Software has been acquired, using a “district-wide” license,
and staff training has commenced. Network’s Toni Naumovski has developed
a procedure to remotely install ZoomText at each library location that currently
does not have at least one equipped workstation.
Panel Reviews Borrower Disputes and Awards “Second Chances” Where Appropriate: A Borrower Account Review Panel, established earlier this year to review and resolve patron fine and fee disputes, averages two meetings per month with as many as 10 cases to evaluate and discharge at each session. This committee also has been charged with the responsibility to administer “Second Chance” program funds. Proposed by the Library and approved by the Library Foundation’s Board of Directors, the “Second Chance” program provides financial reimbursement from the Library Foundation to the B&ECPL materials budget to acquire new and replacement material, thereby discharging the obligation of individuals whose hardships otherwise prevent them from receiving library services. To meet eligibility requirements, a patron must demonstrate in writing the extenuating circumstances that have resulted in the imposition of fines. COO Ruth Collins, Assistant Deputy Director Lucille DeFranks, System Public Services Administrator Carol Batt, Support Services Manager Ann Kling, Public Services Manager Peggy Errington and Circulation Manager Mary Schiffhauer capably manage this time-consuming and often thankless task.
Patron Satisfaction Surveys: During October, all branch and contract library locations are participating in a one-week survey of their patrons. The survey concentrates on the level and types of services provided at each library and the degree of public appreciation these services generate. Results will be tabulated and reported through a contractual agreement with BOCES.
Soon, Renewals May Be Just a Phone Call Away: In accordance with B&ECPL Circulation Policy, patrons are allowed to renew any borrowed item once if their account is in good standing and if there is no waiting list for the item they wish to renew. Currently, renewals are transacted by staff at library circulation desks or by patrons using MY ACCOUNT on-line. Most recently, B&ECPL has begun testing Sirsi Voice Automation (SVA), a system designed to allow patrons to renew material by telephone. Support Services staff Ann Kling and Dawn Peters are working closely with Network’s Peggy Brent and Johnny Hsu to configure and test this new system. In addition to this service, SVA will allow the Library to deliver by phone any notices of overdue material, items on hold and fines owed. Estimated savings in postage alone are expected to pay for this system in relatively short order!
On-Line, Paper-less Checklists on the Way: Soon, the last of B&ECPL’s paper checklists for paperbacks and audio-visual materials may be converted to on-line “paper-less” lists. Using iPage from Ingram Books, Support Services Manager Ann Kling is working with Checklist Coordinator Peggy Errington to create a prototype for testing by staff from five B&ECPL locations. If the test succeeds, beginning in 2004, libraries will select all material for purchase on-line rather than on paper. This advance will save time, money and considerable amounts of paper and printing!
Blasdell Library Celebrates Golden Anniversary: On September 23rd, the Director attended a special event marking the 50th anniversary of the Blasdell Branch of the Hamburg Public Library. Hamburg Library Director Jane Rosenfeld welcomed more than a hundred-fifty guests, supporters and dignitaries. Trustee Donald Cummings acknowledged his fellow trustees and public officials bearing proclamations from various levels of local, County and State government. Mr. Cummings also delivered a brief history of libraries in Blasdell. Refreshments were provided by the Friends of the Hamburg Public Libraries.
“If All of Buffalo Read the Same Book:” The B&ECPL conducted a number of events in conjunction with just buffalo literary center’s “If All of Buffalo Read the Same Book” campaign, featuring Lorene Cary’s novel, The Price of a Child. On September 16th and 23rd, Central librarians Meg Cheman, Andrew Maines and Amy Pickard conducted lively lunchtime discussion groups, which elicited stimulating conversations about the book as well as its characters and themes. Surveys completed by those who attended indicate an interest in scheduling book talks on a regular basis. Ms. Cary made special “Meet the Author” appearances at the North Jefferson Branch on October 2nd and at the Central Library on October 4th. Audiences had many questions for Ms. Cary and were engaged by her remarks and readings.
“Why Guy” Observes Banned Book Week: On September 30th, WIVB-TV morning show personality Kevin O’Neill, popularly known as the “Why Guy,” visited the Central Library to promote the Rare Book Room’s special display observing Banned Books Week. Assistant Deputy Director Ami Patrick and librarian Andrew Maines appeared, highlighting the exhibit, which focuses on books that have been banned or have raised controversy over the past 500 years. The display, which includes works ranging from The Bible to John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath and Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is available for viewing through October 31st.
B&ECPL Celebrates World Literacy Day: The Fronczak Branch Library was the starting point for the “World Literacy Day” parade sponsored by Literacy Volunteers, Buffalo Reads, Buffalo West Even Start, Adult Education Division of the Buffalo Public Schools and the Broadway-Fillmore Community Technology Collaborative. Special guests at the event included Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello, New York State Senator Byron Brown, New York State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt and storyteller Karima Amin. The event was broadcast by WBLK-FM and televised by WKBW-TV, Channel 7.
B&ECPL Librarian Offers Special Service Insights: Librarian Gwen
Collier (Urban Services) developed an article for the “Verso” section
of the September/October 2003 issue of Public Libraries. "Deinstitutionalization
of People With Mental Illness: Challenges and Solutions for
Libraries” offers
tips for library staff in a variety of situations providing services
to patrons who are mentally challenged.
Movie/Book Discussion Leaps from Page to Stage: On September 18th, North
Jefferson Branch Library Manager Sandra Williams Bush conducted a public
discussion on
the book-based film, Antwone Fisher directed by Denzel Washington. Subsequently,
on September 24th, a group of ten North Jefferson Branch patrons attended
the University at Buffalo’s “Distinguished Speakers” Series,
which featured Antwone Fisher as guest lecturer.
B&ECPL Staff Visit Twain Center: On September 26th, Central Library Administrator Peggy Skotnicki, Humanities Division Manager Elaine Barone, and Rob Alessi of the Grosvenor Room visited the Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies. Director Jane McCone provided a thorough tour of the Center’s Twain Exhibit, Archive and Quarry Farm, where Twain summered more than 20 years. Ms. McCone has visited the B&ECPL several times. This reciprocal visit establishes a healthy relationship between two entities who share a mutual dedication to Twain and paves the way for future collaborations.
New York Genealogical & Biographical Society Experiences B&ECPL Collections and Services Firsthand: Librarian Cynthia Van Ness presented two workshops, “What Is and Is Not Online for Buffalo Research” and “A Virtual Tour of the Grosvenor Room: Special Collections” at the annual meeting of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, held in Buffalo on September 26th and 27th. Unfortunately, technical difficulties hampered the latter presentation, so 25 conference attendees proceeded to the Central Library and received a personal on-site tour conducted by Ms. Van Ness and librarian Raya Then, manager of the Grosvenor Room. The conferees were impressed with the collection and services offered by the department, and many conducted research there during the weekend.
Patent & Trademark Depository Program Workshop: On September 24th, librarians Dan Caufield and Bruce Weymouth of the Business, Science and Technology Department visited the Rochester Public Library for training on important changes in Trademark Law and new techniques in trademark searching. Sharing their knowledge with Central Library staff will ensure that this specialized service to B&ECPL patrons will be sustained and enhanced.
Miscellaneous Meetings and Appearances: On September 15th, the Director met with the Board of Trustees of the West Seneca Public Library to discuss interior reorganization and potential expansion plans. The Board is in the very early stages of considering options to improve library service in West Seneca. On September 16th, the Director was a guest speaker at a meeting of the League of Women Voters and participated in a panel discussion on the USA PATRIOT Act with Jeanne Noel Mahoney of the Western New York Civil Liberties Union and U.S. Attorney Michael Battle. On September 24th, the Director attended a meeting of the Literacy Volunteers of WNY Advisory Council. Mutually beneficial projects were discussed. On September 29th, the Director was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of Kenmore Rotary. On October 1st, the Director attended a meeting of Erie Community College’s (ECC) President’s Advisory Council. Among topics discussed were future collaborations between ECC’s City Campus and the Central Library.
Agenda Item G – Report of the Foundation Director. Kathryn Vedder mentioned the timetable for Central Library renovation included with her written report. This project will be the largest fund-raising endeavor in the Foundation’s history and will require massive effort and preparation. All interested parties must partner for success.
Ms. Vedder reported a grant application had been submitted to the 21st Century Fund for the Central Library renovation project. The Library will be part of the 21st Century Fund’s marketing campaign targeted at the philanthropic community. Also, a preliminary application for Junior League of Buffalo Show House proceeds was submitted for Children’s Room renovations. Later this fall the Foundation will apply to the John R. Oishei Foundation for the Rare Book Room and to the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation for a matching gift towards capital projects. The public solicitation portion of the Central Library renovation fund-raising project will kick-off in January.
Trustee Buck arrived at approximately 4:11 p.m.
Ms. Mahoney asked Ms. Vedder whether anyone accompanies her when she makes presentations to foundations. Ms. Vedder replied she and Mr. Mahaney would make the presentation to the 21st Century Fund on October 27th. At the last Junior League Show House presentation Sharon Holley and Peggy Skotnicki accompanied Ms. Vedder.
Ms. Vedder’s written report contained information on Central Renovation Planning, 21st Century Fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Junior League of Buffalo Show House Proceeds, Terry Axelrod—Raising More Money, Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority and B&ECPL Funding Support.
Trustee Wisbaum arrived at approximately 4:12 p.m.
Agenda Item H – Public Comment. John Klukowski, Sr. of 189 Cazenovia Street believes a majority of South Buffalo residents are opposed to closing the Cazenovia and Dudley neighborhood branches. He provided a written statement to the Board.
Valerie Niederhofer appreciates public libraries and thinks the B&ECPL does a fine job. She said she was speaking on behalf of individuals who want Cazenovia and Dudley to remain open, but cannot attend board meetings.
Donna Grace spoke on behalf of the International Gateway Task Force. The Task Force is planning to propose a resolution to the Buffalo Common Council regarding consolidation of libraries. This group would like to know the reasoning behind library consolidation, and she asked that a representative from the Library speak to the Task Force’s membership.
ElizaBeth Berry, President of Save Our Libraries, believes the current consolidation plan would cost more money and provide less service. She mentioned the petition drive and believes a majority of South Buffalo residents oppose the consolidation of Cazenovia and Dudley libraries.
Misty Negron, 25 St. Stephens Place, read comments from several residents who would like the Cazenovia and Dudley libraries to remain open.
James Griffin of Buffalo spoke in favor of retaining the Dudley and Cazenovia libraries. He urged trustees to go slow on this issue and take another look.
Susan Negron, 25 St. Stephens Place, read comments from residents who believe it is important to maintain libraries where they are currently sited.
Jeffrey Gauthier, a seventh-grader from St. Bonaventure Elementary School, says the Cazenovia and Dudley libraries are very useful for school projects and the first place kids go to. He asked the Board not to close the two libraries.
Mary Gillespie, 394 Summer Street in Buffalo, said she got involved with South Buffalo libraries during this past summer when she saw how enthusiastic residents were to sign petitions to save their libraries.
Agenda Item I – Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J – New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 – NYS Minimum Standards – Variance Requests. Mr. Mahaney explained two requests for variances from New York State Minimum Standards. Every library in the System must confirm compliance with State standards as part of the annual State Report. This year, two libraries in the B&ECPL System indicated they did not meet State standards. The Orchard Park Public Library indicated it did not meet minimum standard hours. However, when hours are averaged over the course of the year it is the B&ECPL’s belief that Orchard Park is in compliance. The Lackawanna Public Library indicated it had not prepared a Long Range Plan of Service to the community. Lackawanna has been advised they must prepare a Plan of Service, but until it is submitted, a request for variance must be sent to the State. This resolution would allow the Board Chair and the Director to sign the variance requests. Ms. Mahoney made a motion to approve, seconded by Ms. Horton, and the resolution carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2003-51
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Lackawanna Public Library reported its failure to meet standard #2 (having a board-approved long-range plan) of the New York State Minimum Standards for Registration of Public, Free Association and Indian Libraries, and
WHEREAS, the Orchard Park Public Library reported its failure to meet standard #7 (providing minimum hours of service) of the New York State Minimum Standards for Registration of Public, Free Association and Indian Libraries, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to regulation, both the Lackawanna Public Library and the Orchard Park Public Library have completed Variance Request Forms and transmitted them to the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library for the signatures of the System Board Chair and System Director, and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the review of the entire B&ECPL Board of Trustees, these requests must be transmitted to the New York State Division of Library Development, now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library authorizes the Board Chair and the Director to sign and transmit requests from the Lackawanna Public Library and Orchard Park Public Library for variances from the New York State Minimum Standards for Registration of Public, Free Association and Indian Libraries.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Mahoney and seconded by Ms. Panty, the meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Annette A. Juncewicz
Secretary