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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
JUNE 8, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice President; Jannie Williams, Treasurer; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Mary Mann, Charles McMullen, Janine Williams, Grace Vetter.
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro; David Hepworth
RECORDING SECRETARY: Sharon Soltes, Telesco Secretarial Services
CALL TO ORDER
President Tracy called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and announced there was a quorum.
1. MINUTES OF MAY 11, 2005
The following corrections were noted:
Please change the spelling of “President Tracey” name to “President Tracy”
throughout the document.
Page one, Minutes of April 20, 2006, Under Motion Passed: Please change (vetter)
to (Vetter).
Page two, fourth paragraph, first line: Please change “Mr. Kozerowitz stated
her would be” to change “Mr. Kozerowitz stated he would be”.
Page two, seventh paragraph, in Motion: Please change “Mr. Tracy” to “Ms. Tracy”.
Page four, third paragraph, second line: Please omit the question mark following
Mr. Siegel’s name.
Page five, ADJOURNMENT: Please change “Mr. MsMullen” to “Mr. McMullen”.
** Mr. McMullen moved to APPROVE the minutes as amended.
** Ms. Mann SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS
President Tracy noted that Ms. Torrano was asbsent as she and her husband are celebrating their wedding anniversary.
President Tracy reported that she had attended the Friends of the Library Meeting with Mr. Siegel on Monday night. It was Ms. Salancy’s last night as President, with Jeff Conrad elected to serve in her stead. Ms. Tracy presented Ms. Salancy with a personalized clock from the Library Board in recognition of her contributions to the Library.
3. PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
a. Summer Meetings
President Tracy stated that usually the Board does not meet during July and August. Mr. Siegel pointed out that with the SONO Branch opening in the late summer, it would be wise to consider a meeting in July, at least, to plan for the event. Mr. Siegel also mentioned that Mr. Kozerowitz had suggested a “soft” opening when the facility is ready and a more formal event in September. Ms. Pugh also felt that having a July meeting would be advisable. After a short discussion, it was decided that there would be a meeting on July 13th.
b. Nominating Committee
President Tracy asked for a report from the Nominating Committee. Ms. Vetter reported that in reviewing the by-laws, it was clear that the elections were for a two year period, therefore, the elections that had occurred last June are in effect for another year.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no comment from the public.
5. LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz reported that he had heard from Mr. Levey, who sent his apologies for not being present at the meeting.
Mr. Kozerowitz read the following letter received on May 30th via email into the record:
To: The Norwalk Library
From: Dorothy Mobilia
Subject: Thank You
I sent you a fan letter a month ago and I didn’t realize why the email was returned until today. A few characters were wrong in the address.
In my note, I wanted you to know that I find the Norwalk Public Library, both the adult and the children’s section, invaluable to me as a writer. I find reference material on your shelves that I can’t find in other area libraries. I am a Norwalk resident, but have gone to other libraries first because they have parking. But today as in other days, it was worth the long walk down Mott to find what I needed.
Many thanks, Dorothy Mobilia
Mr. Kozerowitz also stated that he had received a letter from Sonia Ahuja, coordinator, Festival of Words, thanking the Library Board for their support of the recent project.
There was also a letter from Wendy Dunlop, staff Librarian, in appreciation for the Library Board’s contribution towards prizes for the Chill Out 2006 awards.
Mr. Kozerowitz commented that this was the first year that the Library has not needed extra security to control rambunctious teenagers during the winter months. There were a variety of reasons for this, he believes, including the fact that the word is getting out that the Library is a “nice place” and not the place to create disturbances. Also, library staff have been making an effort to engage the young adults. Finally, construction of the Teen Room may have sent a signal that we are serious about working with that age group.
a. South Norwalk Branch Update
A “punch list” walk through is scheduled for the SONO Branch on June 12. The books in storage will begin to be returned to the Branch on June 13 as well as an owner’s walk-through.
Part time staff hiring is underway. Due to retirements, there will be four full time staff positions open and another full time staff member will be on medical leave for six weeks. This may impact the hours of operation for the SONO Branch.
b. Library Holiday Closings
Mr. Kozerowitz reviewed the Holiday Closing schedule with the Board. He reminded the Board that while the day after Thanksgiving is a City Holiday, the Library is scheduled to be open.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to approve the proposed schedule for library holiday closings
for 2006-2007.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
c. Others
Mr. Kozerowitz reported that the air conditioning unit for the administrative offices will have to be replaced. He also reported that the Auditorium air conditioning system can no longer be used because it leaks water into the Children’s Department. That unit is located on the roof and will be very expensive to replace. Presently, Mr. Kozerowitz is gathering information about the replacement, which he believes will be around $100,000. A second identical unit was replaced about a year and a half ago for that amount of money. Ms. Vetter had a few questions about the technical aspects of the units, which Mr. Kozerowitz answered.
Mr. Kozerowitz stated that the May report from Tutor.com was in and that the Library had shown increased usage.
A meeting with Mr. Siegel and Mr. Levey regarding the front lobby project resulted in Mr. Siegel recommending that President Tracy appoint a Building and Land Management Committee to be chaired by Mr. Levey to work on the project with Mr. Kozerowitz. President Tracy agreed to appoint a Building and Land Management Committee with Mr. Levey as Chair. Mr. Siegel accepted the Chair’s appointment on Mr. Levey’s behalf.
Mr. Kozerowitz suggested that the Board create a “Office of Public Information” to accomplish the following: to serve as a centralized source of information for the public; to develop informational materials about the Library; distribute such information in the form of Press Releases to the media and booklets, brochures, other printed and electronically distributed matters to the public and various other Library audiences; serve as a media liaison for the Library; serve as a “bridge” for the development of Library information from the staff to the public; and vice versa. The Public Information Office will assist the Library administration with special communication projects including community events, signage and other related needs. Toward that end, Stan Siegel has agreed, pro bono and as an extension of his Board responsibilities to serve as the Library’s Public Information Officer.
Mr. Kozerowitz commented that due to Mr. Siegel’s efforts, the Library has been receiving very good coverage in the newspapers. With the coordinated effort through Mr. Siegel, the information is being sent out quickly and accurately. Ms. Vetter has several questions regarding whether this was a conflict with the union positions. Mr. Kozerowitz replied that it was not. She also asked if this position was part of any other employee’s job description. Mr. Kozerowitz replied that it was not. He also stated that this would be helpful to the staff, who have had to generate their own publicity for events.
Mr. Kozerowitz reminded the Board that there had been some questions about the lease and he then distributed copies of the lease to the Board members. The original was drawn up in 1975 and modified in 2003 and again in 2005 to acknowledge the financial contributions of the Second Taxing District. Mr. Siegel suggested that the Board review the document and present their questions regarding the lease at the next meeting. Mr. Kozerowitz was also asked if he had heard any additional information from the City regarding the renaming of the SONO Branch. Mr. Kozerowitz said that he had not.
With the increased usage of Tutor.com, Mr. Kozerowitz said that he was considering enrolling in another program provided by the same company called “InfoAnyTime” which is a virtual reference service. There would be an icon on the Library page and when users clicked on it, they would have contact with a live reference librarian. The cost of this program is $400 a year. Ms. Pugh had some concerns as to whether this was serviced by personnel in the U.S. or outsourced elsewhere. Mr. Kozerowitz said that he would look into that.
6. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Siegel said that he had seen Mr. and Mrs. D’Amato recently. He reported that Mr. D’Amato looked well and that Mrs. D’Amato sends her best wishes to the Library Board.
7. OLD BUSINESS.
a. Finance Committee Report
Ms. Williams submitted a Financial Report to the Board and reviewed the issues. Wachovia Bank handles all of its investment funds under the “Evergreen” label and does not have outside investment sources. Presently, Ms. Torrano, a member of the Committee, is contacting AG Edwards, which has a broad investment scope. Ms. Williams will report the findings to the Board.
c. Friends Report
Board Meeting 06/05/06 - As President Tracy reported earlier, Mr. Siegel and President Tracy attended the 06/05/06 Friends of the Norwalk Library meeting to present Ms. Salancy with the appreciation of service gift.
Friends “Award” - Media Coverage - Mr. Siegel directed the Board’s attention to the copy of the press release in the Board’s information packets and the subsequent newspaper articles and photo.
Library Contributions: Teen Room/Children’s Library - Mr. Ferro presented the need of the Library for furnishing for the Teen Room and the Children’s Library. The Friends will allocate some funds for the both puposes.
d. Marketing Committee
“READ” Campaign - Mr. Siegel unveiled a number of READ posters featuring the Library building, Mayor Moccia holding a READ poster of the Library Building, and numerous other “personality” posters. They were well received by the Board.
** Ms. Vetter MOVED to approve the funding for up to $2,500 for the “Read”
Poster Program.
** Ms. Williams SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
e. 21st Century Fund
Major Contribution - Mr. Siegel reported on the recent contribution from Stew Leonard’s in memory of Stew Leonard III, who died in 1989. Mr. Siegel suggested that the Board name the SONO Branch Children’s Library “The Stew Leonard III Children’s Library.”
** Mr. Siegel MOVED that the Board of Directors of the Norwalk Public Library
in appreciation and recognition of the contribution from the Stew Leonard III
Children’s Charity Foundation to the 21st Century Fund, “name” the South Norwalk
Branch Library Children’s Library the “Stew Leonard III Children’s Library.”
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
Bricks Campaign - Mr. Siegel commented that the purchase of bricks continues to trickle in and observed that he feels that the public is not aware that the bricks are still available. Currently, 173 bricks have been sold.
Prospects - Mr. Siegel reported that he will be meeting with Mr. Genovese, of Baywater Properties a major contributor, at the SONO Branch Library and will take a picture of him for a “READ” poster.
f. Graphic Standards
Progress - The work continues on updating and replacing the signs at the Main Library.
SONO Branch - Mr. Siegel hopes to have a possible donation from someone for the Children’s Department at the SONO branch.
OTHER - Mr. Siegel displayed a plastic license plate frame that he was able to locate that would have the Norwalk Library name, and web address. He felt this might be another good marketing tool.
** Ms. Vetter MOVED to approve the purchase of Norwalk Public Library license
plate frames for a sum not to exceed $350 dollars.
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to adjourn.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, subject to Board approval:
Stanley M. Siegel, Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
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