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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
APRIL 20, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Lee Levy; Mary Mann; Charles McMullen;
Mary Pugh;
Stan Siegel; Jannie Williams; Lori Torrano (7:08 p.m.)
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Director; Frank Ferro; David Hepworth; Tom Schadlich.
RECORDING SECRETARY: Rosemarie Lombardi, Telesco Secretarial Services
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Tracy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and announced there was a quorum
MINUTES OF MARCH 9, 2006
** Mr. Mcmullen MOVED to accept the minutes as submitted
** Mr. Siegel SECONDED
** Motion PASSED unanimously
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Tracy announced that they had had a busy three weeks. The Library has received a great deal of good publicity recently.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
Ms. Tracy spoke about the Library staff luncheon that was held recently. She said that it was very well done and attended and that positive feedback has been received from the staff.
Mr. Siegel announced that there will be a retirement breakfast on Wednesday April 26 for Isabel Bullen.
Ms. Tracy said she attended a photo-op at the South Norwalk Branch Library with the Norwalk Woman’s Club on May 4th,.it was attended by Betty Bardes, NWC president, Marlene DePanfilis, Committee Chair, and Stan Siegel and Les Kozerowitz from the Library. The organization was very enthusiastic about helping the Library. Their donation amounted to $10,000.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that there a press conference was held earlier today to unveil the circulation and information desks. It was attended by Mayor Moccia and former Mayor Knopp as well as Board members and other public officials.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no members of the public present.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz said that the Library will be losing three long-time employees who will be retiring by June. He said that they cannot fill those positions until their severance has been used up, therefore, the Library will be short three employees for about three months. In addition, the Main Library will lose four people who will be transferred to the South Norwalk Branch.
It will be a challenge to fill the void the retiring staff will leave and Mr. Kozerowitz wishes them well.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that he received a letter from the Second Taxing District informing him of the re-appointment of Mary O. Mann. Ms. Mann’s term runs from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008.
Mr. Kozerowitz read a letter sent by Ms. Geneva Hagans, the Chair of FCAC. She is offering to donate 13 framed original portraits of famous African-Americans who have made significant contributions to our country. She is asking that those portraits be permanently displayed in the Library. Mr. Kozerowitz read his draft response. The Board discussed the offer and Mr. Kozerowitz response. In his letter he informed Ms. Hagans, that it is the policy of the Library not to guarantee where or when an item will be displayed. The Board agreed that they approved his response. Ms. Pugh suggested that we should be sure that the portraits are not caricatures, or something that could be seen as offensive.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that as part of the capital budget hearings, the Common Council recommended funding for the HVAC renovations, refurbishing the first floor bathroom, lobby renovations and increased funding in the part time wage account.
The Board discussed a plaque that will go on the South Norwalk Branch Library building proffered by the 2nd Taxing District, naming it the Otha Brown Building. Ms. Torrano asked if the Historic Commission needs to review the plaque since it will be placed on an historic building. Discussion indicated that that was a matter between the 2nd Taxing District and the City of Norwalk.
NEW BUSINESS
SOUTH NORWALK BRANCH LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY REQUEST
Mr. Schadlich presented the request for technical equipment for the South Norwalk branch. The total cost for the project is $105,117.00. Ms. Siegel pointed out that the Board did not have to approve Mr. Schadlich purchasing equipment since the money for this expenditure would be realized from the effort of the 21st Century Fund, organized by the Board, for that purpose. He stressed, however, that we should be sure to get the “biggest bang for the buck.” The Board agreed that Mr. Schadlich will move forward and purchase the equipment as outlined in the report.
OLD BUSINESS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Ms. Williams presented two proposals for investing endowment funds. Ms. Torrano noted that there are a range of alternatives that could be explored. Ms. Torrano was invited to join the Committee as it moves forward to preparing a proposal for Board review at a later date.
FRIENDS OF THE NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT / BOOK SALE
Mr. Siegel reported that the emphasis at the most recent Friends Board meeting was on the upcoming book sale. There will be a special sale for children on the day before the sale. Adults will only be permitted to attend if they are accompanied by a child.
Mr. Siegel prepared an ad for The Hour to run next Tuesday announcing the Book Sale as well as the continuing “Buy-a-Brick” campaign. The Board will be selling bricks at the book sale.
Ms. Sally Salancy, president of the Friends, will be moving out-of-town and therefore, retiring from the Board. The Friends will plan an event where they will honor Ms. Salancy. Mr. Siegel reminded the Board that a token of appreciation will be presented to her.
21ST CENTURY FUND / MARKETING COMMITTEE
Mr. Siegel announced that the 21st Century Fund received the promise of a substantial contribution from an anonymous donor.
GRAPHIC STANDARDS
Mr. Siegel said that the new signs are still being installed and favorable comments have been received. Approximately 85% of the main level at the Library has been completed.
Mr. Siegel said that they are working on the “Read” poster campaign. He sent e-mails to several current and former City officials, and others, inviting them to be included in the project. The posters will be placed throughout the Library.
Mr. Siegel spoke with Mr. Ernie Reid of The Hour who is interested in proving the Library with a “supplement” in The Hour to coincide with the opening of the South Norwalk branch. He said that it is an opportunity to educate the public about what the Library has to offer.
Mr. Kozerowitz shared an article from American Libraries. The article highlights the South Norwalk Branch Library in its review of renovations of Carnegie Libraries in general.
FESTIVAL OF WORDS UPDATE
Ms. Tracy distributed a handout for the Festival of Words event. She described the activities that are scheduled to take place. James McBride will be the keynote speaker.
ADDITIONALLY
Ms. Tracy asked Mr. Kozerowitz to add staff development policy to the next agenda. Ms. Pugh suggested doing a skills assessment so that the Board members will know each others areas of expertise.
ADJOURNMENT
There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at
8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, subject to Board approval
Stanley M. Siegel Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
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