MEETING MINUTES
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BUFFALO AND ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MARCH 16, 2006
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library was held on Thursday, March 16, 2006, in the Central Library pursuant to due notice to trustees. The following members were present:
Rebecca L. Pordum, Chair
W. Lawrence Buck, Vice Chair
Frank Gist, Secretary
Richard L. Berger, Treasurer
Sheldon M. Berlow
Jack Connors
Phyllis A. Horton
Annette A. Juncewicz
John B. Long
Susan Maggiore
Hormoz Mansouri
Elaine M. Panty
Judith K. Summer
Sharon A. Thomas
George M. Zimmermann, Trustee Emeritus
Excused: Wayne D. Wisbaum, out of town
Chair Rebecca L. Pordum called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Joseph B. Rounds Conference Room.
Agenda Item B Agenda/Changes to the Agenda. The agenda was approved as submitted.
Agenda Item C Minutes of the Meetings of February 16 and March 2, 2006 . On motion by Mr. Buck and a second by Ms. Horton, Minutes were approved as mailed.
Agenda Item D Report of the Chair. Ms. Pordum reported on a meeting she and Mr. Mahaney had with the Legislature's Community Enrichment Committee, chaired by Michele Iannello, including Demone Smith and Thomas Loughran. It was a cordial meeting. Questions were asked about B&ECPL van/mobile service, and the criteria used for closing branches last year were discussed. Additional meetings are anticipated. The Chair will meet with Victor Rice of the Foundation Board on March 20 th . The Library Foundation Board has a meeting scheduled for March 21 st .
Agenda Item E Committee Reports.
Agenda Item E.1 Executive Committee. Mr. Buck reported the Executive Committee met at 5:00 p.m. on March 9 th , and all members were present. The Chair and Director joined the discussion at approximately 5:15 p.m. when they returned from a meeting with the County Legislature 's Community Enrichment Committee. Proposed agenda items for the March 16 th meeting were presented and confirmed by the Committee.
Agenda Item E.2 Budget and Finance Committee. Mr. Berger said the Board had several business items for consideration and asked Deputy Director Kenneth Stone to explain the resolutions.
Agenda Item E.2.a Library Foundation/Wendt Grant Proceeds for Merriweather Library Multimedia System. Mr. Stone reported the Budget & Finance Committee met on March 7 th to discuss the items being presented today. This resolution authorizes payment for the multimedia system at the Merriweather Library through funding from The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation. Ms. Juncewicz moved for approval. Ms. Summer made the second. This item was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION 2006-9
WHEREAS, a portion of the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation grant to the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc. supporting the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library project would fund the design, engineering, programming and installation of a multimedia system, and
WHEREAS, Library personnel are in the best position to supervise this activity, and
WHEREAS, the Library Foundation has indicated its preference that the professional services contract for these services be undertaken by the Library, and
WHEREAS, to facilitate this activity the Library Foundation has provided payment in the amount of $9,037 to the Library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library accepts receipt of these funds and their placement in the Library's Trust account, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees authorizes the disbursement of these funds to the equipment vendor, Toshiba Business Solutions, upon successful completion of these services pursuant to a professional services contract executed by the Library Director.
Trustee Thomas arrived at approximately 4:04 p.m.
Agenda Item E.2.b Gates Foundation Grant Award. This action accepts and acknowledges the $301,500 grant for computer hardware and software upgrades and replacements at Lackawanna and Buffalo branch libraries. There being no discussion, Ms. Horton moved, and Ms. Panty seconded. Approval was unanimous. Corporate Information Officer Shirley Whelan was thanked for her work on securing this grant.
RESOLUTION 2006-10
WHEREAS, beginning in 1998, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has provided the B&ECPL System in excess of $640,000 in five separate grants to support the Library's efforts to offer comprehensive public access computing to the communities in greatest need, and
WHEREAS, in 2005, the Library received an invitation from the Gates Foundation to apply for a new grant round, and the Library Board adopted Resolution 2005-62 approving submittal of the grant application, and
WHEREAS, despite the closing of 15 libraries, computer use at open libraries remains high, comparable to activity levels last year when more libraries were open, and
WHEREAS, this demonstrates the continued need for public access computing, particularly in low income areas of the county, and
WHEREAS, the Library has been notified that it has been awarded a Public Access Computer Hardware Upgrade Program Grant in the amount of $301,500, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library expresses its deep appreciation of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's support for library public access computing, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees authorizes depositing these funds in the Library's Trust account, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees authorizes the purchase of computers, upgrade components, software and related services pursuant to the terms of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant.
Agenda Item E.2.c Re-appropriate 2005 Library Materials Unencumbered Balance. This allows the Library to re-appropriate the 2005 balance in its library materials account. These funds will supplement the 2006 materials budget, which is about half of what it should be. Mr. Buck moved for approval and was seconded by Ms. Thomas.
In response to an inquiry, Dr. Mansouri received assurances that all re-appropriated funds would be used to purchase library materials and that no extra funds were being applied to personnel accounts.
Ms. Panty asked whether any libraries in the System were purchasing books with private monies. Mr. Stone said many libraries have been actively fundraising. The System is utilizing Checklists for Private Funds to make it easier to place orders. While this supplemental funding will not increase the Library's book budget to the level where it should be, it is a welcome addition. Anyone with a library card can check out materials purchased with private donations. There are no restrictions. The Chair called for a vote on Mr. Buck's motion, whereupon approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2006-11
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting of December 15, 2005, the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library approved Resolution 2005-59 adopting the Library's 2006 Budget, and
WHEREAS, subsequently, the unencumbered balance in the 2005 library materials budget has been determined to be $555,485, and
WHEREAS, ensuring an available ending account balance provides coverage of unencumbered orders in process near the end of the year as well as major annual periodicals orders placed at the beginning of each subsequent year, and
WHEREAS, the Erie County fiscal crisis of 2005 resulted in the County's $5 million capital budget for library materials not being provided to the Library, and
>WHEREAS, combining prior year library materials balances with fourth quarter 2005 operating budget reductions to supplement library material purchases yielded 2005 expenditures of less than one-half the level of previous years, and
WHEREAS, the need to address the 2006 budget's $7 million reduction in County support vs. 2004, including the need to offset anticipated one-time downsizing costs, would result in a second year of approximately one-half a normal year's library materials budget, and
WHEREAS, maintaining a constant flow of new library materials is the life blood of any public library, and
WHEREAS, a reduced flow of new materials results in prolonged waits for patrons to receive newly published works, reduced circulation and reduced library revenue from fines and lost book fees, and
WHEREAS, re-appropriating the $555,485 balance would boost the 2006 library materials budget to approximately two-thirds a normal year's budget, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees Budget and Finance Committee met to review the Library's 2005 ending position and determined sufficient ending fund balance is estimated to be available to meet this objective, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library amend the 2006 Operating Budget revenue and expenditures as follows:
Increase use of fund balance revenue account $555,485
Increase library materials expense account $555,485
Agenda Item E.2.d Monthly Financial Reports. An updated Year-end 2005 report and a report for the month ending January 31, 2006 were included in the packet.
Agenda Item E.3 Policy Committee.
Agenda Item E.3.a B&ECPL Trustee Code of Ethics. Ms. Summer reported the Policy Committee met on February 28 th as part of a periodic, on-going review of policies and by-laws. The Committee recommends to this Board that it adopt a Code of Ethics. Mr. Buck moved, Ms. Horton seconded, and approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2006-12
WHEREAS, The Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State recommends the adoption of various policies that guide the operation and use of the library, including a formal statement on ethics for library trustees, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL Board Policy Committee has drafted a Code of Ethics for B&ECPL Trustees based on the Ethics Statement for Public Library Trustees adopted by Divisions of the American Library Association, including the Association for Library Trustees and Advocates, and
WHEREAS, B&ECPL general counsel Patrick E. Martin has reviewed this proposed draft and confirms that it follows nationally approved policies carefully and complies with general principles of State Law regarding library trustees and their fiduciary duties, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that upon counsel's favorable review and the recommendation of the Board's Policy Committee, the proposed Code of Ethics be approved by the full B&ECPL Board of Trustees.
Agenda Item F Report of the Director. Mr. Mahaney confirmed that the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library will open on Saturday, April 1 st , at 11:00 a.m. This project has been in progress for almost a decade, and it is great to see it coming to fruition. He hopes to see all trustees at this event. He invited trustees to the Verizon Yellow Pages Be a Super Thinker kick-off event on April 6 th at 10:00 a.m. He also extended an invitation to the April 7 th Taste of Twain: From Bayou to Buffalo fundraiser being held at the Central Library to benefit the Library System. In addition, the annual Trustee Workshop will be held on March 18 th .
The Director reported Tuesday, March 14 th , was the annual statewide Library Day in Albany advocacy event. Representatives from the B&ECPL visited elected officials to advise them of our needs and other issues pertinent to libraries as well as urge them to support increased State Aid to libraries. Aid to libraries has been flat for almost 10 years. He explained details of proposed legislation currently being considered in Albany and asked Board members to contact senators and assembly members. Mr. Mahaney distributed an informational memo and sample advocacy letter to the Board.
Ms. Summer asked about New York State's NOVEL (New York Online Virtual Electronic Library) program. Extensive information has been made available to residents with a driver's license. Mr. Mahaney said patrons can access the NOVEL database through the B&ECPL website with a library card. Through subscriptions, the B&ECPL provides additional resources beyond NOVEL, but it is important that increased State Aid to NOVEL eases the burden on this Library System to provide fundamental electronic resources. This program is currently supported by Federal funds. It would be beneficial if the State applied a steady stream of revenue to support this program.
The following was submitted by the Director and transmitted to Board members prior to the meeting.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Awards Library $301,500: B&ECPL has received a grant in the amount of $301,500 from the Global Libraries Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of the grant one of the largest awards in B&ECPL history is to provide sustainable public access computer hardware and software upgrades for libraries in the Cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna that received previous support from the Gates Foundation. CIO Shirley Whelan , who was primary author of the grant application, indicates that monies can be expended between March 2006 and December 2008 and are available to fund c omplete public access computer systems (CPUs, monitors, keyboards and mice), individual components for upgrade (hard drives, additional memory, video, networking, or other cards), any software for public access computers, support services, such as extended warranty/technical support and replacement services purchased from the original equipment manufacturer or other vendor support as well as installation, configuration or customization of security settings. Since an initial award of $425,000 in 1998, B&ECPL has received in excess of $900,000 from the Gates Library Foundation to support public access computing. The Library remains extremely grateful to the Gates Foundation for its ongoing, generous support of public libraries. The efforts of the Library's professional staff, who work so hard to supplement a limited pool of public funding also must be acknowledged.
Merriweather Library to Open: After a decade of dreams, fundraising, planning and construction, the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library are scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, April 1 st . At a time when B&ECPL is struggling to recover from the severe funding and service cuts resulting from Erie County's continuing fiscal woes, the Merriweather Library represents a beacon of promise on Buffalo's East Side. The new 20,000 square-foot library replaces the aging, 8,000 square-foot North Jefferson Branch, which opened in 1929.
Holley Wins Tubman Award: Extension Services Administrator Sharon Y. Holley has been selected as a recipient of the 2006 Governor's Salute to Harriet Tubman Spirit Award, which pays tribute to those whose accomplishments emulate the life and human rights mission of Harriet Tubman. The 2006 awards were presented on March 10 th during the Annual New York State Governor's Salute to Harriet Tubman in the State Museum Gallery at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Mrs. Holley's photograph appears on the cover of the March 9 th issue of The Challenger in recognition of this distinction. B&ECPL congratulates her and salutes her ongoing contributions to our Library System and our community.
Library Monitors Shifting Traffic Patterns: After only two months of the new year, it is too soon to predict long-term migrations in patron traffic among Erie County's public libraries, but some early indicators deserve attention. Despite the closing of 15 of 52 libraries by the end of 2005, reduced hours at 37 remaining locations and a bare bones book budget, System-wide circulation for the first two months of 2006 shows a comparatively modest decline of only 11.3% over the same two-month period in 2005, when all 52 libraries were in operation. Despite reduced hours of service in the Business, Science and Technology Department, Children's Department and Grosvenor Room, the Central Library's circulation actually increased over the same period by 6.1%. Central Library computer sessions rose by an impressive 20.6%. After losing 7 of 15 locations, Buffalo branches posted a circulation loss of 42.2% and a 41.2% decline in computer sessions, although some locations did see increased activity. Circulation among contracting libraries declined 8%, with computer sessions posting a 3.8% increase. System-wide fine receipts for 37 libraries in the month of February totaled $93,992.42, which compares to a total of $93,084.42 collected by the 52 libraries open during the same period in 2005 an overall increase of $908 and 0.98% . The 2006 Adopted Budget anticipated a 4.44% decrease in collections over 2005. Limiting the comparison to those libraries that remain open, however, February's $93,992.42 receipts are even more positive, up $7,362.60 and 8.5 % above the $86,629.82 collected by the same 37 libraries open in 2005. The Central Library collected $21,442.01 in February, continuing to show a significant increase, up $3,177.38 and 17.40% from 2005. No doubt, the new request fee and continued success in drawing visitors to the renovated Popular Materials area and new café contribute to increased activity at Central. The eight open Buffalo Branches collected $9,120.93, a decrease of $23.88 and 0.26% less than the amount the same eight branches collected in February 2005. The 28 open contracting libraries collected $63,429.48, an increase of $7,386.48 and 13.18% more than the amount the same 28 libraries collected in February 2005.
Central Goes Wireless: On February 16 th , the Board of Trustees approved an amendment to B&ECPL's Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy, allowing patrons wireless access to the Internet when they visit any library equipped to offer the service. The following day, February 17 th , patrons who visited the Central Library's first floor with their personal electronic devices discovered themselves in a wireless Hot Spot, able to access the Internet with ease and without hard wiring. Since then, use has been steady with patrons and some staff taking advantage of the service at various times throughout the day.
Erie County's Aggressive 2005 Year-End Closing Progresses: All material entries known to the Library have taken place and are final (pre-audit). Despite what has been the most challenging fiscal situation in its history, the Library operated, overall, within budget. The Library's year-end financial position is sufficient to meet both the $550,000 use of fund balance target in the 2006 budget and allow the full amount of unencumbered balance of the 2005 library materials budget to be carried forward into 2006. This information has been reviewed by the Board's Budget and Finance Committee and is included for Board action at the March 16 th meeting.
North Jefferson Library Hosts Woodson Awards: Next month, the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library replaces the aging North Jefferson Branch, but last month, on February 25 th , North Jeff celebrated an annual event it has marked for the past 29 years the Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest Awards. Approximately 75 people attended the program, where certificates and cash prizes were presented to nine young people who composed essays on the theme: A Salute to African American Youth in Western New York. The contest is a collaboration between the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier and the North Jefferson Branch Library. B&ECPL's Sharon Holley chairs the annual essay contest.
Shelving Problems Persist at Central: A 19% increase in circulation over January 2005, combined with the elimination of numerous part-time page positions, has created a shelving backlog at the Central Library. At one time, roughly 70 book trucks were loaded with materials waiting to be re-shelved, and more than 50 boxes of Central Library media items which had been returned to other libraries waited to be unpacked for return to the shelves. The recently renovated Popular Materials Department has been the most adversely affected by shelving delays. Stacks Department staff is working diligently to reduce backlogs, and shelving blitzes are planned. Staff is evaluating materials handling procedures to maximize efficiency in light of staffing shortages.
Curious George Visits B&ECPL: On February 8 th , the Central Library's Children's Department hosted a We Love Curious George program as a pilot for a potential series of Thursday evening children's programs at Central. Forty-four people attended, and based on this attendance and the enthusiasm of the audience the Children's Department is prepared to present a monthly program on Thursday evenings. Library closings elsewhere in Buffalo and surrounding suburbs have shifted traffic to other library destinations, and visits to the Central Library are on the rise.
Cold Weather Didn't Discourage Those Intent on Literally Speaking: On February 21 st , the Central Library's lunchtime book discussion group met to discuss Miracle at St. Anna by James McBride. Fifteen ardent book lovers braved a cold, snowy day to reflect on the Buffalo soldiers in Italy during World War II and the miracle of humanity. Librarian Meg Cheman (Popular Materials Department) led the discussion.
Central Library Welcomes Group Tours and Visits: The Campfire Boys and Girls paid an impromptu visit to the Grosvenor Room on February 23 rd . On February 27 th , the Grosvenor Room and the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Department hosted 40 students from Iroquois High School for their annual trek downtown from Elma. On February 10 th and 13 th , students from the Buffalo Montessori School conducted research in HSS. The English Advanced Placement class from Amherst High School worked on literary criticism in HSS on February 17 th .
Employee Wellness Program Begins: Staff Training Coordinator Doreen Woods and Web Page Master Samantha Purpora have put the finishing touches on The Wellness Corner, a new addition to the B&ECPL staff Intranet. The Wellness Corner was developed to encourage healthy physical and mental living for B&ECPL staff. Newsletters and health tips will be posted monthly.
Community Libraries Utilize Private Fund Checklists: System personnel continue to generate Private Funds checklists to address B&ECPL's limited materials budget. In February, 25 libraries took enthusiastic advantage of a Juvenile Material Checklist and placed orders for 620 copies of new titles, with a total list price of $11,041.25. All materials will be cataloged and available for request by cardholders throughout the County. An Adult and Juvenile AV Checklist will be offered next month. The value of these checklists is assessed on an ongoing basis. The Office of System Public Services continues to allocate centrally selected new and high demand material to all libraries throughout the B&ECPL System on a weekly basis.
Native American Tales Told at Central: On March 26 th , B&ECPL, in cooperation with the American Studies Club and the Department of Library and Information Studies Club of the University of Buffalo, will present Native American Storyteller Ishmael Hope of Alaska in a storytelling performance at the Central Library. Mr. Hope's appearance was part of the American Studies Club's Stories of the Americas, a performance and speaker series of the American Studies Graduate Student Association.
Photos on Display: American Stories, a portrait exhibit by local photographer K.C. Kraft, may be viewed at the Crane Branch Library during regular business hours through March 15 th .
Miscellaneous Meetings and Appearances: On March 9 th , B&ECPL Chair Rebecca Pordum and the Director met with members of the Erie County Legislature's Community Enrichment Committee to discuss potential funding challenges and how the Library hopes to serve the residents of Erie County in these difficult times. The meeting was cordial and constructive and, we expect, the first of many meetings in 2006.
Agenda Item G Report of the Foundation Director. No Foundation staff members were in attendance, and no report was issued.
Agenda Item H Public Comment. John Klukowski, 189 Cazenovia, Buffalo, urged the Board to resume bookmobile service in areas that have lost neighborhood libraries. Dr. Long asked Mr. Klukowski to contact his elected representatives and encourage them to support increased funding for library services.
ElizaBeth Berry of the Save Our Libraries Coalition (SOL) believes the Library's plans for fundraising will be beneficial. She requested that closed libraries be re-opened or, in the alternative, bookmobile service be resumed with laptop computers. She requested copies of the Mobile Service Report, a timetable of B&ECPL's plans for the bookmobiles, an updated facility study, the cost to install WiFi at libraries and the cost to maintain WiFi service. She also requested a copy of a materials checklist, the Code of Ethics and NYLA and New York State Library Bill information so SOL can encourage support of proposed funding initiatives with elected officials.
Agenda Item I Unfinished Business. No unfinished business.
Agenda Item J New Business.
Agenda Item J.1 LSTA Summer Reading Program 2006. Mr. Mahaney reported that due to the high level of participation in last summer's reading program, the B&ECPL qualifies for an additional mini-grant of $12,200, which will be applied to the 2006 summer reading program. Mr. Buck moved for adoption of Resolution 2006-13 and was seconded by Ms. Horton, whereupon approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2006-13
WHEREAS, more than 35,000 children participated in the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) 2005 Summer Reading Program, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL is thereby eligible to apply for a $12,200 mini-grant to purchase incentives, supplies and materials in support of the Statewide 2006 Summer Reading Program, and
WHEREAS, New York State Library Development staff have recently sent email confirming the grant amount that B&ECPL will receive, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library approves submitting the necessary LSTA application materials to obtain a $12,200 mini-grant for the 2006 Statewide Summer Reading Program and authorizes the Library Director to do so, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees amends the 2006 Grants Budget by appropriating grant revenues and expenditures in the amount of $12,200 to support the 2006 Summer Reading Program.
Agenda Item J.2 Library Foundation Reorganization. Ms. Pordum said the Executive Committee initiated this Resolution, which requests that the B&ECPL be included in any reorganization discussions involving the Library Foundation. She is meeting with Victor Rice on March 20 th . The Library Foundation Board meets on the 21 st , and this request may be discussed at that time. Ms. Thomas moved for approval, Ms. Panty made a second, and approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2006-14
WHEREAS, the Library Foundation of Buffalo and Erie County was incorporated in 1991 with its sole purpose to ...support an educational undertaking, to wit, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, and to that end, to receive, hold, invest, dispose and otherwise administer property exclusively for the benefit of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library... and
WHEREAS, to provide a corpus for the Library Foundation's development efforts, B&ECPL private funds in the amount of $1.4 million were transferred to the Library Foundation, which remain its principle asset, and
WHEREAS, for 15 years, B&ECPL has provided office space, parking, utilities, staff assistance and other support without charge to the Library Foundation, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL Board of Trustees is invested with statutory authority to govern the B&ECPL, deliver library services to our community and ensure adequate financial support for that purpose, and
WHEREAS, B&ECPL faces financial hardships unique in its 170-year history, resulting in the closing of 15 libraries in 2005 and the threat of further closings unless additional revenues can be identified, and
WHEREAS, officials of the Library Foundation have advised the B&ECPL Board of Trustees of their intention to adopt a new structure, thereby eliminating administrative overhead and improving the Library Foundation's fiscal viability, ultimately benefiting the Library as an institution and contributing to its mission of service to the people of Buffalo and Erie County, and
WHEREAS, any plans to restructure the Library Foundation have an impact on the B&ECPL and the benefits it derives from the investment and fund raising efforts of the Library Foundation, and
WHEREAS, such potential restructuring might involve changes in the custodianship of Library Foundation assets, which may have an impact on the availability of such funds to support library services and programs in Erie County, and
WHEREAS, the B&ECPL and Library Foundation have engaged in successful collaborations in the past, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the B&ECPL Board of Trustees encourages the Library Foundation to explore a new structure that is more beneficial to the interests of the Library and its mission of service to the community and urges the Library Foundation to seek input and endorsement from the full B&ECPL Board of Trustees before taking any actions that might change any of the aforementioned structures or practices, and be it finally
RESOLVED that this resolution be immediately transmitted to all members of the Library Foundation's Board of Directors for consideration in their deliberations.
Agenda Item J.3 Waive Out-of-County Borrower Fee for Property Owners Providing School Tax Support. The Director reminded trustees that a resolution was approved in 2005 allowing the B&ECPL to charge out-of-county borrowers for library services. Recently, the Town of Collins approached the Library with a request to waive the fee for individuals who reside in the Gowanda Central School District should that school district entertain a request from the Collins Public Library to provide school tax funding that would benefit the Collins Public Library. Residents of that school district would then be providing some level of funding support for the B&ECPL. It is recommended that individuals who reside in that area be granted library service without the out-of-county borrower fee attached to it. Should other outlying areas propose comparable plans, those requests would be brought back to the Board for approval. With a motion by Ms. Panty and a second by Mr. Buck, approval was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 2006-15
WHEREAS, to address the most severe funding crisis in B&ECPL history, a variety of efforts to raise private and public funds are being explored, and
WHEREAS, at a meeting on March 9, 2006, Trustees of the Collins Public Library voted to pursue a request for $15,000 in this year's annual school budget vote for the Gowanda Central School District, and
WHEREAS, a portion of the property served by the Gowanda Central School District is located in adjacent Cattaraugus County, and
WHEREAS, currently such property owners might be subject to the B&ECPL's Out-of-County Borrower Fee, and
WHEREAS, should the Gowanda Central School District voters approve the requested allocation to the Collins Public Library, the Cattaraugus County property owners would contribute tax revenue in support of a library of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System, and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Board of Trustees acknowledges and appreciates public and private support for public libraries, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library approves an exemption from Out-of-County borrower fees for those out-of-county property owners, residents, students and staff of the Gowanda Central School District, to be effective upon the approval of the Collins Public Library request for $15,000 in school district support, remaining in effect as long as this funding continues.
There being no further business, on motion by Mr. Buck and a second by Ms. Horton, the meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Gist
Secretary