MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OCTOBER 21, 2004
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, October 21, 2004, in the Central Meeting Room pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Rebecca L. Pordum, Chair
Phyllis A. Horton, Vice Chair
Sharon A. Thomas, Secretary
John B. Long, Treasurer
William P. Brosnahan
W. Lawrence Buck
Frank Gist
Annette A. Juncewicz
Susan Maggiore
Elaine M. Panty
Daniel T. Roach
Judith K. Summer
Wayne D. Wisbaum
Excused:
Abdul H. Raoof, out of town
Raul Vazquez
Chair Rebecca L. Pordum called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Central Meeting Room.
Agenda Item B Approval / Changes to the Agenda. On motion by Mr. Buck, seconded by Ms. Summer, a revised agenda that placed Report of the Chair before the Public Comment session was approved.
Agenda Item C Minutes of the Meeting of September 9, 2004. On a motion by Ms. Horton and a second by Mr. Buck, the September Minutes were approved as mailed.
Agenda Item D Committee Reports.
Agenda Item D.1 Executive Committee. Trustee Phyllis Horton reported the Executive Committee met on October 14 th. The meeting agenda was approved, and proposed resolutions were discussed.
Agenda Item D.2 Budget and Finance Committee. Trustee John Long stated he had reviewed the two budget and finance items and recommended approval of both. He called on Deputy Director Kenneth Stone to present the resolutions.
Agenda Item D.2.a Contract Library Transfers/Adjustments. This resolution recommended budget transfers and adjustments for two contracting libraries. On motion by Ms. Juncewicz with a second by Ms. Summer, the resolution was approved.
RESOLUTION 2004-41
WHEREAS, a request for budget transfers, and use of fund balance in conjunction with a 2003 member aid item, has been received from the Amherst Public Library and Hamburg Public Library, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approve transfers totaling $53,265 within the budget of the Amherst Public Library, $5,600 within the budget of the Hamburg Public Library and $1,000 use of fund balance for the Hamburg Public Library.
Agenda Item D.2.b. Hamburg Public Library Request for Assistance. Due to several retirements by year's end, the Hamburg Public Library is in need of assistance to fund payouts to retiring employees. This can be most easily accomplished by waiving a portion of the Hamburg Public Library's retirement charges for 2004 and using those budgeted dollars to cover retiree expenses. The positions will remain vacant into 2005 until sufficient funds have been recouped to cover these costs. Ms. Horton moved, Ms. Panty made a second and approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2004-42
WHEREAS, the contract between the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and contracting libraries, in the Twenty-Second item, provides a process for requesting assistance in the event of "unforeseeable circumstances" that "result in a material impact on the Public Library's operating budget " and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hamburg Public Library Board of Trustees has requested assistance in the amount of $6,609 to help offset the need to honor contractual obligations for payout for three employees retiring near the end of the year, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Hamburg Public Library Board of Trustees has agreed to hold these positions open into the 2005 budget year until that amount is offset, and
WHEREAS, sufficient monies are available within the 2004 budget to accommodate this request, and
WHEREAS, the most expedient way to accommodate this request is to waive that portion of the Hamburg Public Library's 2004 retirement billing equal to the requested assistance amount, now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library approves waiving a portion of the retirement billings of the Town of Hamburg Public Library in the amount of $6,609, and be it further
RESOLVED, that any approval to fill vacancies in the Hamburg Public Library will not be authorized until salary savings sufficient to offset the $6,609 amount are realized and set aside by the Hamburg Public Library, and be it further
RESOLVED, the Hamburg Public Library is authorized to transfer $6,609 from its retirement account to the appropriate salary and FICA accounts to implement this request, and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the above contracting library.
Agenda Item D.2.c Monthly Financial Report. A monthly financial report for the period ending 8/31/2004 was distributed to trustees for their information.
Agenda Item D.3 Buffalo Library Services Committee. Ms. Horton stated the Committee met at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 18 th, at the East Clinton Branch Library. Michael Mahaney, Ruth Collins and Sharon Holley made presentations. Residents in attendance had a chance to express opinions and ask questions. The Committee plans to schedule another meeting in the spring at a different library branch.
Agenda Item E Report of the Director. Director Michael Mahaney declined to make a verbal report in order to move ahead with the meeting agenda. He referred trustees to his written report, which was transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.
Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library Project Proceeds: Footers have been poured and sections of walls for the staff workroom and computer training lab are rising at the intersection of Jefferson and Utica. B&ECPL staff representatives Carol Batt, Peter Misner and Glenn Luba attend weekly construction project meetings. On September 25 th, Extension Services Administrator Sharon Holley represented B&ECPL at a public art charette convened by architect Robert Traynham Coles . The Director, Mrs. Holley and Branch Manager Sandra Williams Bush attended a public meeting on October 13 th, where a small but vocal group of residents, including local artists, offered their critique of the proposed block pattern "murals" suggested for the African-American Resource Room, Adult Reading Room, Children's Room and Auditorium. Samples of the artwork are on display at the North Jefferson Branch. The project remains on target for an opening in the third quarter of 2005.
Stone and Morrissey Testify at State Legislative Committee Hearing Concerning Impact of Governor's Veto of State Library Aid: On October 13 th, the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education held a Public Hearing on the Governor's Library Aid Vetoes in Canandaigua, New York. CFO Kenneth Stone and Librarians Association President Thomas J. Morrissey explained the impact on the Library's finances and public services should the Governor's veto be sustained. The Governor's veto re-imposes the 5% cut in aid that was part of his original proposed budget. For the B&ECPL System, this decrease amounts to more than $145,000 when compared to last year's aid amount. To put things in perspective, $145,000 exceeds the annual costs to operate TWO of the smaller libraries in the System. Since the veto occurred after two-thirds of the B&ECPL budget year has passed, it will draw down an already tight fund balance leading into a 2005 budget year that is anticipated to be the most challenging for Erie County in the past 20 years.
Delayed Erie County Budget Process Commences: Due in part to the late and still unresolved New York State budget, Erie County's 2005 budget process began very late. The 2005 budget preparation instructions were issued on September 15 th with a due date of September 30 th . The request was developed under the direction of the Library Board's Budget and Finance Committee and was also reviewed by the Board's Executive Committee, pursuant to guidance provided by the full Board of Trustees in Resolution 2004-37. The budget request allows the Library, with some sacrifice, to continue providing its current level of service, albeit on a very tight budget. It will allow the Library to build upon what is shaping up to be a very successful 2004, a year in which the Library's programs and services have become increasingly popular. The complete budget transmittal package is available on request.
"Planned Giving" Tops Agenda : On October 13 th, Contract Library Directors, Trustees and Friends gathered at the Central Library to hear Library Foundation Finance Committee Co-Chair Gordon Gross speak on the topic of planned giving. Mr. Gross explained that this is one of several fundraising strategies being recommended by the Library Foundation to benefit all libraries in the System. Since the purpose of a planned giving agreement is to designate a specific non-profit organization as the beneficiary of funds at the time of someone's death, he told the audience: "You explain to these individuals that they are not giving away their moneythey are giving away someone else's ." Attendees appreciated the information (including sample agreements) that Mr. Gross provided as well as his sincerity and good humor as he urged all in attendance to make the commitment he has made to carry this message into their communities. Library Foundation President Len Lenihan and Foundation Marketing and Communications Director Holly Constantine also spoke briefly about the Library Foundation's annual fund, the new Young Professionals Group and future plans for the Foundation. The second half of the program was devoted to the Director's briefing about the Library's 2005 budget submittal and an update on the Sirsi migration from Support Services Administrator Ann Kling.
Donation Enhances B&ECPL Shakespeare Collection: On September 27 th, J. Warren Perry, Ph.D., Dean Emeritus of the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Buffalo and lifelong devotee of the arts, donated 160 Shakespeare-related items to the Library's Rare Book Room. The framed pieces and three-dimensional objects will enhance the Library's collection of printed materials and generate opportunities for appealing and informative exhibitions and displays. Rob Alessi and Jennifer Nichols of the Grosvenor Room, Dawn Stanton and Darlene Pennachi of the Graphics Department, Shipping Department Supervisor Rich Pirie and Humanities and Social Sciences Manager Elaine Barone played important roles in arranging for the collection to be packed and transported safely to its new home in the Central Library. The B&ECPL is exceptionally grateful for this unique gift from a generous donor.
Central Library Tests Self Check-Out Equipment: Before the Library selects a model for purchase, both staff and patrons are participating in the evaluation of self check-out machines from three different vendors (i-Circ, Vernon Office Supply and Flash Scan) to determine their ease of use and mechanical reliability. With a valid library card, borrowers are able to check out all B&ECPL bar-coded material (excluding media in lock box security cases). Currently available in the Popular Materials Department while the Central Library first floor construction is underway, self check-out machines will be located in the Borrower Services area when Phase I renovations are finished. Phase I completion is targeted for December 31, 2004 with a grand re-opening early in 2005.
B&ECPL Marks "World Literacy Day:" On September 8 th, Children's Department staff participated in a "World Literacy Day" celebration. The event, which took place in Lafayette Square, was sponsored by the John R. Oishei Foundation and coordinated by Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo and Erie County. Visitors were offered hot dogs and beverages along with a chance to spin the "Wheel of Literacy" to win a prize. Librarians Kerra Alessi and Nicole Bermingham were on hand to answer questions and offer information about library services, activities and events for children, teens and adults.
New York is "Read White and Blue:" As reported previously, librarian Chris Moesch (formerly of the B&ECPL Children's Room, now Director of the City of Tonawanda Public Library) was responsible for planning activities for the 2004 statewide children's summer reading theme. Final B&ECPL System statistics reported to the New York State Division of Library Development included an overall program enrollment of 14,030. Nine hundred twenty-two programs were conducted System-wide with a total attendance of 25,347. Books read in conjunction with the programs numbered 28,060 (more than twice as many in 2003), and 16,521 hours were spent reading.
Extension Services New and Noteworthy: Extension Services Administrator Sharon Holley is a member of the Multicultural Advisory Team of the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau. The mission of this group is to assist in coordinating events for the "Niagara Movement 2005" and to address visitor readiness of local tourist destinations. Northwest Branch Assistant Librarian Gwen Collier recently completed an 18-month leadership program with the Kellogg Foundation, whose closing retreat was held in Mount Morris from September 10 th through 12 th. Also, Ms. Collier has been appointed to the Affirmative Action Committee for the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Five volunteers, Harry Fry, Mary Young, Alice Szyjakowski, Bernie Buchalski and Ted Skierczynski, were recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award for their service at the library in the Erie County Home and Infirmary. Award winners received an official President's Volunteer Service Award pin, a certificate of achievement, a note of congratulations from President Bush and a letter from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. During September, the Cazenovia Branch Library was fortunate to host an exhibit of photographs from the collection of Paul Head . Mr. Head, the "unsung hero of Hillery Park ," worked as a City recreation instructor from 1958 to 1982 and kept photographs of the events he organized. Lifelong South Buffalo residents were thrilled to have the opportunity to view the collection in the neighborhood.
B&ECPL Participates in National Audio Conference: On September 30 th, several administrators and management staff participated in a 90-minute audio conference, "Thinking Forward: Trends Shaping Public Libraries," sponsored by the Urban Libraries Council. Thought-provoking discussion reflected a recent publication, Pattern Recognition, which articulated dominant trends emerging on the social, economic and technology landscapes affecting libraries and library services. The program afforded staff an opportunity to hear speakers from around the nation discussing the impact of the Internet on library use, e-learning, lifelong learning, 21 st century library collections and service priorities.
Central Library Hosts HUGE Book Sale : On October 1 st and 2 nd, several hundred bargain hunters combed the shelves and departed with bags filled with Central's withdrawn material. Ward Pautler, who directed the sale, indicated that customers were ecstatic especially Encore Editions' regular " Bob-the-Bookman, " who purchased more than 100 bags of materials that he intends to offer for re-sale on the Internet. The sale raised $2,700 and cleared space for Phase II of the Central Library's renovation.
New Databases Offer Expanded Access: Three new databases will appear soon on the Library website. All will be available at any library as well as through remote access. Heritage Quest Online is a genealogy resource of census data, family records and local histories. It will complement Ancestry Plus and Ireland of Other Days. Science Resource Center is an in-depth, curriculum-oriented database that is geared to students. Set up as a database, the Gale Virtual Reference Library contains complete reference books in an e-book format. As with print sources, the content is customized to include only those titles the Library chooses to include. This product will provide expanded access to reference sources throughout the System.
Patron Offers Rave Radio Review: The theme of the September 28 th Sandy Beach Show on WBEN-AM was good and bad experiences with local businesses. A gentleman identified only as Stan called to "give a bear hug to the B&ECPL." He stated the service he received was wonderful, and he wanted to say, "Thank you to Amy [Pickard] and Rob Alessi ." This patron had phoned the Grosvenor Room earlier in September to request a copy of a map showing the area around the New York Central Terminal at the time of his childhood. Staff located a map that met his needs. The Grosvenor Room would like to give Stan a reciprocal "bear hug" for his welcome feedback.
"Literally Speaking" Continues Spring Success: On September 21 st, an audience of approximately 30 attended the "Literally Speaking" lunch-hour book discussion in the Central Meeting Room. Led by Kathryn Galvin of Extension Services, the enthusiastic group critiqued Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. The next program in the series is scheduled for November.
World War Posters Spark Fundraising Interest: On September 17 th, Humanities and Social Sciences Department Manager Elaine Barone made a presentation to members of the Library Foundation Board on the Rare Book Room collection of original posters depicting World War themes. In 1919, local attorney Edward Michael donated some 3,000 artistic and historic World War I posters to the Grosvenor Library. On September 26 th, Robert Irwin, Dennis Wisniewski and Foundation Board members Catherine Schweitzer and David Buck received a more in-depth tour of the collection by librarian Rob Alessi . The Foundation is considering fundraising possibilities featuring this exceptional and visually striking collection.
Fine Revenue Results for September 2004: System-wide receipts totaled $112,428.42, an increase of $6,979.94 and 6.62% above the $105,448.48 collected in September 2003. Year-to-date collections, including adjustments, now total $1,012,708.87, an increase of $58,073.07 and 6.08% above the $954,635.80 received in the same 2003 period. Year-to-date results continue ahead of the 3.6% increase included in the 2004 budget. CFO Stone will continue to monitor and report revenue results.
Library Shipping Activity Continues to Increase: Through August, a year-to-date total of 86,328 boxes of library materials and supplies were shipped among locations, a 12% increase over the same period in 2003. Priority Return Boxes containing requested materials increased 23% for both Buffalo branches and contracting libraries.
Fairfield Branch Heating System Requires Emergency Service: On October 6 th, the boiler heating system at the Fairfield Branch Library failed unexpectedly. Repair parts were ordered on an expedited basis, and the system was back in service prior to opening on Monday, October 18 th . A City of Buffalo steamfitter provided much appreciated assistance to B&ECPL maintenance staff during installation of new components. Maintenance Department personnel are taking steps to prevent a future recurrence of this situation.
Wireless Solution for Mobile Libraries in Development: Hardware necessary to provide wireless connectivity to the Sirsi Unicorn System from the B&ECPL mobile libraries has been ordered and received. Network's Johnny Hsu is in the process of installing the Cisco VPN and the new, wireless network cards in laptops used for circulation on the mobile units.
Network Staff Explores Anti-SPAM Software: Members of the Network Support team are investigating ways to reduce the amount of SPAM many staff members receive via mail. Evaluations continue for potential implementation in 2005.
Congress Reacts to E-Rate Approval Process Delay: Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has come under sharp criticism in Congress over a series of decisions that have led to the suspension of the $2.25 billion E-rate program that reimburses for telephone and Internet services at public schools and libraries, including B&ECPL. By one estimate, as much as $1 billion in expected grants could be suspended by the end of the year. Without warning, the company that administers the program issued a suspension on new grants as it wrestled with new accounting standards and tighter spending limits imposed on it by the FCC. A hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee had originally been called to examine waste at the E-rate program, but three of the four senators present focused instead on the FCC's decision to impose tighter spending restrictions. CFO Ken Stone followed the live webcast of this hearing and reports that the members present indicated their support for the overall purpose of the program, while recognizing the need to improve procedures and auditing. Mr. Stone continues to monitor this situation and will advise the Board of developments. While no E-rate applications are being approved at present, the Library offered responses to five requests for additional information from the Program Integrity Assurance Team assigned to evaluate B&ECPL's applications for 2004 2005.
Miscellaneous Meetings and Appearances: On September 9 th, Assistant Deputy Director (Community Relations) Ami Patrick was a guest on WHLD-AM Radio's City Line program. During the hour-long live broadcast, Mrs. Patrick discussed library services, collections and the ongoing Central Library renovation. On October 14 th, the Director appeared before two committees of the Erie County Legislature, first before the Community Enrichment Committee, where he discussed the Library's 2004 accomplishments and the importance or re-enacting the Library Protection Act, and later before the Legislature's Human Resources Committee, where he addressed concerns about B&ECPL hiring practices and efforts to recruit minorities.
Agenda Item F Report of the Foundation Director. Chair Pordum informed the group that Executive Director Anne Leary was ill and, consequently, was not available to report on Foundation activities.
Agenda Item G Report of the Chair. Chair Rebecca L. Pordum read the following statement.
A Message to the Community from the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library is a public trust. For nearly 170 years the people of our community have invested in their libraries, and those libraries have returned that investment many times over in resources, services and improved quality of life.
Today, that long-term, bountiful investment is in jeopardy.
For the child just beginning to discover the wonder of reading; for the teen striving to make meaningful life choices; for the unemployed adult struggling to re-enter the workforce; for the retired senior desperate to access and understand computers and the Internet so she can share e-mail with her out-of-town grandchildren, there is no substitute for the public library.
There may be dark days ahead for that child, that teen, that unemployed adult, that senior and for many thousands of residents of Erie County.
On September 28 th, the Library submitted a status quo, hold-the-line 2005 budget request to Erie County's Office of Budget, Management and Finance. That request was bare bones. It continued to reduce staffing. It continued to control costs. But it sustained public service at 2004 levels.
As faithful stewards of a public trust, the Library Board of Trustees stands by this request. To recommend anything less would compromise this Library System and would represent a disservice to the people of Erie County who rely on the Library for a wide range of important resources, programs and services.
The public library is not a luxury. It is a necessity! Since the recession year of 2001, circulation of library materials across Erie County has increased 21%. Over the same period, library computer use has soared 48%. This year, the Library expects to circulate more than nine million items, welcome and serve more than five million visitors and provide more than 450,000 registered computer use sessions.
What other publicly supported institution can claim such a record of public service and success?
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library is a model of responsible, accountable, regional service to the people of Erie County . The Library has never failed to live within its means. The Library has adapted to the wants and needs of Erie County residents, with performance and output measures confirming that it delivers what Erie County residents demand and consider valuable.
Operation of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library is funded primarily through a dedicated portion of the County's real property tax. Under a proposal transmitted by the County Budget Office on October 18 th, that support would plummet from $24.2 million in 2004 to $6.2 million in 2005 a loss of $18 million. To compound matters, $2.8 million in New York State Aid would be at risk as well, making the cut nearly $22 million 75% of the Library's operating budget.
The Library System as we know it would collapse.
On January 1, 2005, hundreds of thousands of citizens who depend on the Library would encounter locked doors, conceivably at more than 50 locations. Millions of dollars of public property: books, media, computers and other resources would be out of reach essentially lost.
Consider HSBC Arena. Fill every seat 18 and one-half times and you can count the number of Erie County residents who regularly visit and rely on their local library for materials, services, programs and a place to appreciate them all. For those with limited disposable income and few alternatives for education, recreation, self-improvement and personal growth, the public library is a mainstay.
No other County-funded service touches as many residents as the public library. No other County-funded service shows greater return on investment. No other County-funded service contributes more to the quality of life. No other County-funded service makes the weak strong, the uninformed enlightened and the average person able to succeed in an increasingly challenging world.
Cutting funds and closing libraries is shortsighted and counterproductive. If we want people to remain in Erie County, if we want people to return to Erie County, if we want people to invest in Erie County, we must sustain and enhance our public libraries. We can't afford not to make that investment in our present and in the next generation's future.
Therefore, I urge all Erie County residents to register their outrage over these proposed cuts. We must direct our elected officials at both the County and State level to do whatever it takes to sustain our public libraries, to seek long-term solutions to these recurring threats.
They must not reduce Library support! It is a small price to pay for a positive return that is too great to measure.
The Director and I met with County Executive Giambra and Deputy County Executive Calabrese to convey our concerns and our commitment to preserve our Library System. We will continue to work with elected officials at both the County and State level to explore strategies to address this current challenge, and we urge all elected officials to work together to find meaningful, lasting solutions.
The Library Board welcomes any opportunity to discuss this vitally important issue with public officials, citizens and constituent groups.
Ms. Pordum further stated the B&ECPL Board of Trustees retains the authority to make decisions regarding the expenditure of funds directed to the Library. When a final operating budget is approved by the Legislature, the Library Board will determine how best to utilize that appropriation.
Agenda Item H Public Comment. The following individuals spoke in support of retaining library services in Erie County.
Beth, Greg and Allison Staebell, 126 Village Green, Williamsville, NY
John Klukowski, 189 Cazenovia St., Buffalo, NY
Jeffery Gauthier, 189 Cazenovia St., Buffalo, NY
Lucy Stanton, 29 Lyndale Ave., Kenmore, NY
Albert Martin, 21 Cayuga, Lancaster, NY
Caroll May, 203 Lockwood Ave., Buffalo, NY
Barbara Copley, 306 Sundown Trail #50, Williamsville, NY
ElizaBeth Berry, P.O. Box 215, Buffalo, NY
Jackie Miller, 632 Breckenridge St., Buffalo, NY
Vivian Stromberg, 24 Montbleu Ct., Getzville, NY
Susan Stievater, 67 Olney Dr., Amherst, NY
Janine and Andrea Artis, 176 Wakefield Ave., Buffalo, NY
Rock Termini, P.O. Box 467, Buffalo, NY
Cynthia A. Brown, 86 Crescent Ave., Buffalo, NY
Anthony Cipriano, address not given
Susan O'Donnell, 77 Belvoir Rd., Amherst, NY
Sandra J. Carrubba, 200 E. Hazeltine Ave., Kenmore, NY
George Bobinski, 69 Little Robin Rd., Amherst, NY
Jacqueline Sutcliff, 245 Evans St., Williamsville, NY
Joan G. Heubusch, 154 Little Robin Rd., Amherst, NY
Mary F. Bobinski, 69 Little Robin Rd., Amherst, NY
Scott Smith, 2520 East River Rd., Grand Island, NY
Valerie Niederhoffer, 85 West Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Sue Tannehill, 8750 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Clarence Center, NY
Abe Kenmore, 8750 Tonawanda Creek Rd., Clarence Center, NY
Kevin Meegan, 43 Kenton Place, Hamburg, NY
Robert Nesbitt, 22 Blake Street, Buffalo, NY
Eva Doyle, 425 Emslie St., Buffalo, NY
Shelley Seidman, 147 Marine Dr., Apt. 4B, Buffalo, NY
Chair Pordum reiterated that no decisions have been made regarding library operations for 2005. The B&ECPL was just informed of the County Executive's anticipated budget cuts on Monday, and the Board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the ramifications of reductions of this magnitude.
Public comment ended at approximately 5:20 p.m. Ms. Pordum assured the public that the B&ECPL Board is committed to working with all elected officials to sustain the Library System and the quality of library service the residents of Erie County deserve.
Agenda Item I Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 Library Protection Act. Mr. Mahaney reminded trustees the Library Protection Act (LPA) is a local law that designates a portion of the property tax for support of the B&ECPL. This law has been in effect since 1992, and has been renewed annually or biennially without interruption since its inception. Because the LPA expires on December 31, 2004, the Board must transmit a request to the County Legislature asking for its renewal. This resolution would authorize the Director to request the LPA be made permanent. Ms. Summer moved, and Ms. Panty made the second. Approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2004-43
WHEREAS, the Library Protection Act is a local law that designates a portion of the general property tax specifically for Library purposes, and
WHEREAS, the Library Protection Act does not mandate funding levels or set a tax rate, but it does guarantee that Library funds annually approved by the Legislature are protected from reductions during the course of the fiscal year, and
WHEREAS, in 1992, the Erie County Legislature enacted the Library Protection Act for its first two-year term, and
WHEREAS, since its first "sunset" the Library Protection Act has been renewed without interruption either annually or biennially, and
WHEREAS, the Library Protection Act expires December 31, 2004, and
WHEREAS, on various occasions, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and 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 and 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 Librarians Association Contract. The B&ECPL negotiates directly with only one group of employees, the librarians. A contract, believed to be an equitable package consistent with other bargaining units, has been ratified by the Librarians Association and now requires Board approval. Considering the severity of recent budget information, however, the Director recommended this item be tabled for a future meeting. On motion by Ms. Panty, seconded by Ms. Horton, there was unanimous agreement to postpone this matter.
There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Horton, seconded by Mr. Gist, the meeting was adjourned at 5:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon A. Thomas
Secretary