JULY 13, 2006

ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice President; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Grace Vetter, Lee Levey, Charles McMullen, Janie Williams, Lori Toranno.

STAFF: Frank Ferro, Assistant Director; Dave Hepworth; Tom Shadlich; Sherelle Harris; Reginald St. Fort.

RECORDING SECRETARY: Cheryl Telesco

CALL TO ORDER

President Tracy called the meeting, held at the South Norwalk Branch Library, to order at 7:30 p.m. and announced there was a quorum.

1. MINUTES OF JUNE 8, 2006

The following correction was noted: Page one, fourth paragraph, first line: please change “asbsent” to “absent”

** Mr. McMullen moved to APPROVE the minutes as corrected.
** Ms. Williams SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.

2. ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Tracy welcomed everyone to the meeting.

3. PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

On Wednesday, June 28th, Mr. Kozerowitz and President Tracy attended the Common Council gathering. President Tracy passed around a letter of invitation for the informational event which was to give residents an opportunity to learn more about how the city government operates and encourage volunteer involvement. President Tracy encouraged everyone to get involved with other parts of the City’s government.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no comment from the public.

5. LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Ferro, who represented Mr. Kozerowitz in his absence, read two thank you notes from recent retirees Janet Green and Nancy Van Deusen appreciating the Board’s gift and thoughtfulness.

Mr. Ferro informed the Board that the a contract renewal is up with Live Homework Help. He stated that it would cost about $25,000-$30,000 for this service. The cover letter that came with the renewal contract pointed out that the Library’s usage increased 43% over the last few years.

Mr. Ferro commented that there has been some water leakage at and below ground level at the Branch. This has been added to the list for attention.

Another job opening has become available. Two positions have been filled, one Children’s Librarian and another in Technical Services. A few of the part time positions have been filled. There are two more part time clerks, a part time custodian and two part time library assistants.

6. NEW BUSINESS

a. Building/Land Use Committee

Mr. Levey stated that he had hoped to have a meeting with the architect who is designing the new front entrance for the Main Library, but it was canceled unexpectedly. This architect was recommended by the City and is involved in another City project. Construction drawings are in process in an attempt to get this out to bid by mid-August. One of the items that Mr. Levey hopes to include in the construction contract is the foundation for the Phoenix Sculpture.

b. South Norwalk Branch Reopening

President Tracy, Mr. Siegel and Mr. Kozerowitz had a meeting with Mayor Moccia to discuss the opening day plans and festivities.. Mr. Siegel indicated that the Mayor was pleased to have the Library Board make all the arrangements. Mr. Siegel further indicated that the date would be set for September 16th – to avoid conflict with Labor Day holiday, and the following weekend by the Oyster Festival. It was determined that the celebration would begin at 11am. Mr. Siegel suggested that it might be wise to block off the street for the day-long event. Mr. Levey asked if there was a conflict with the Jewish High Holy Days. Mr. Siegel stated that he had checked the calendar and there would not be any conflict.

Mr. Siegel suggested a Board Meeting be held in August due to the number of decisions that will have to be made regarding the Reopening Celebration.

President Tracy read a list of events that she had formulated with Mr. Siegel and Mr. Kozerowitz. One suggestion included a “soft” opening for the staff and would not involve the public. This is tentatively scheduled for September 7th or 8th.

Mr. Siegel had suggested that the Board approach the Mayor and request that he prepare a proclamation for the event and request a similar document from the Governor. There will be a flag-raising and the Norwalk Veterans Committee will try to have the high school bands will be present. An invitation will be sent to the Governor and if she attends, her “READ” poster will be presented. President Tracy felt that the public attendance would be about 300 and suggested some type of memento that could be distributed. Mr. Siegel will arrange for some sort of appropriate souvenir and program.

Mr. Siegel stated that there will be announcements in The Hour, Press Releases to the print media, radio and Cablevision will be distributed. Live music has also been suggested for the opening. The biggest difficulty will be the weather. If the weather is not cooperative, the Board needs to consider what activities can be held in the library -- there needs to be some alternative plan. One suggestion is a tent outside, regardless of the weather. Mr. Siegel said that Stew Leonard’s may be interested in providing refreshments. President Tracy stated that the plaques may not be ready by the opening. Some of the rooms may have their signs up, but the main plaque will not be ready because donations will be accepted up to and through the day of the opening. A souvenir program will contain the names of all the donors.

President Tracy commented that this will cost money and the Board will be asked for fund appropval in the future. Mr. Levey stated that Mr. Siegel had requested a meeting for August and that needed to be voted on.

** Mr. Levey MOVED to have an August meeting of the Library Board of Directors.
** Mr. Siegel SECONDED.

Mr. Siegel commented that in August the Board will have a better idea of what needs to be purchased and how much that will cost.

** The motion PASSED unanimously.

Mr. Siegel volunteered to put together a list of invitees for the August meeting. Then the Board and the Mayor’s office could inspect the list, make any changes necessary. Right after that, the invitations could be sent.

Ms. Vetter has a suggestion regarding the tents used at the Oyster Festival. Mr. Siegel stated that the Connecticut National Guard has a tent at the Oyster Festival and will look into the possibility of getting the National Guard tent for the Library Reopening. Perhaps too, Mr. Kozerowitz might see if Rotary has a tent which may be available.

Mr. Levey suggested that they have as a give away a special Library Card with the image of the SoNo Branch. There was a brief discussion about the pros and cons of this idea.

One additional suggestion was that a staff hosts and hostesses be assigned to explain the various departments for the visitors. Another suggestion was to have traffic directed away from the library to local parking.

Ms. Vetter will check on the availability of the Norwalk High Jazz Band. Mr. Siegel stated that according to the arrangement the Board has with Terry Rooney, the Norwalk Veterans Association was going to take responsibility for arranging their portion of the program as discussed last year. Ms. Williams and Ms. Mann will check on the availability of another young action performance group called Motion. Ms. Toranno will look into the feasibility of street closing and traffic control.

President Tracy asked about number of invitations. Mr. Siegel stated his plans for getting the mailing out. This will include state and local legislators. Mr. Levey suggested including the president of the construction company and others involved in the renovation.

President Tracy asked for additional suggestions on a memento of the event. Mr. Siegel suggested a nice program and a bookmark. Ms. Vetter suggested a book cover for the children attending the event.

President Tracy recapped the assignments for the Board. Mr. Siegel will do the invitations, souvenir, and refreshments, Ms. Toranno will work on the street closing and traffic control, Ms. Vetter, Ms. Williams and Ms. Mann, will check into providing music and entertainment. President Tracy pointed out that the mementos will take time, so by the August meeting, the Board members should have a clear idea of what would be acceptable so that it can be ordered promptly. Mr. Siegel stated that he would send the Board members samples and prices before the meeting.

Ms. Vetter asked when the library was actually opening for use. Mr. Siegel replied that it would open on September 16th. Ms. Vetter asked about the designated library hours. President Tracy stated that Mr. Kozerowitz had informed the Board at an earlier meeting that the Branch hours need to be the same as before. Mr. Ferro reviewed the hours for the Board. He commented that before the Saturday hours were eliminated, there had been major changes and a study on the amount of usage.

7. OLD BUSINESS

a. Finance Committee Report

Ms. Williams reported that the Committee has met with Joseph Mastrianno from A.G. Edwards and discussed moving some of the funds from their current plan to Edwards. The money would be placed in a merit fund. The majority of the funds would stay with the present investor in short term CDs. The plan is take the interest and re-invest it into securities. Ms. Pugh commented that Mr. Mastrianno looked the Evergreen Fund and found it acceptable, but that it was significantly under performing. She then gave a brief history of Edwards for the Board. Ms. Pugh stated that she felt this was a good opportunity for the funds to have significant growth and build up the account.

President Tracy asked when the transfer would take place. Ms. Williams said that she needed some information from Mr. Kozerowitz. Once that is taken care of, the transfer can take place. Mr. Siegel commented that the Board has a letter from the City of Norwalk and a letter from the IRS which gives the Library a not-for-profit status, which has been accepted by numerous other groups.

Mr. Levey suggest that Mr. Rolleri be contacted because as the accountant, he would have the information needed for transferring the funds. It would also be wise to ask Mr. Rolleri his opinion on the funds. It was commented that this would be a very good time to do this as the fiscal year ended in June and Mr. Rolleri will be coming in to pick up the paper work soon. Ms. Pugh commented that the Evergreen Funds are proprietary, which means they are owned by Wachovia. With the new firm, the funds are portable and can stay in the investment fund, but the administrators can be changed if needed. There was a discussion about the various details of the two companies involved.

** Mr. Siegel MOVED that the board authorize the Finance Committee to move ahead with the transfer of funds as the Finance Committee has recommended based upon the discussion with Mr. Rolleri.
** Mr. Levey SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.

b. Friends of the Norwalk Public Library

Mr. Siegel reported that the Friends are in recess during the months of July and August. The next book sale is scheduled for October and they will be meeting again in September.

c. Marketing/21st Century Fund

Mr. Siegel thanked Mr. St. Fort, Ms. Harris, and Mr. Schadlich for their efforts during the Branch preparation time.

Main Library and Branch Library signage is moving forward.

Press coverage has increased. The Advocate (Norwalk) however lost their “Library beat” reporter and has missed some important story opportunities. Work continues with maintaining good press relations on a personal basis.

Mr. Siegel suggested that the Board consider a monthly column in the newspaper. He suggested that a single 8-10 inch column be a monthly paid ad. He spoke to The Hour about this and they are willing to give the Library the City rate. The regular rate would be $232 a month, and the City rate would be $144 a month for an eight inch ad. If the column was expanded to ten or twelve inches, the incremental increase is very little. This works out to $18.00 per column inch. Mr. Siegel said that the Library could expand to two columns. Mr. Siegel stated that he would like the Board to consider appropriating $2000 for a year for the one-column 8” ad to be included in The Hour for a monthly “Enjoy Your Library” feature.

** Ms. Toranno MOVED to approve the amount of $2,000 per year for an eight inch single column monthly column in The Hour.
** MR. SIEGEL SECONDED.

President Tracy stated that the proposed column was very narrow. Ms. Pugh agreed and stated that a double column would make more of a statement. Mr. Siegel explained that a double column would be about $3,500 a year. Ms. Pugh stated that perhaps it should be tested to see what kind of results a double width column produced. Mr. Siegel stated that whichever way it was decided that it was important to stay with the format in order to become established. Some discussion about the details of size, length and location of the column followed. President Tracy suggest that the column be placed in the paper on Thursdays in the Living Section

** Mr. Siegel MOVED to amend the motion to approve the amount of $2,000 per year for a monthly eight inch single column entitled “Enjoy Your Library” in The Hour to a motion to approve the amount of $3,500 per year for a monthly eight inch double column entitled “Enjoy Your Library” in The Hour.

Mr. Siegel stated that he would have a draft of the double column format ready for the August meeting and said that it would be ready to go for September to announce the opening of the Branch.

** Ms. Toranno SECONDED the amendment.

It was noted that the correct action would be to withdraw the original amendment and propose a new amendment.

** Ms. Toranno MOVED to withdraw her original motion to approve the amount of $2,000 per year for a monthly eight inch single column entitled “Enjoy Your Library” in The Hour.

** Ms. Toranno MOVED to approve the amount of $3,500 per year for a monthly eight inch column entitled “Enjoy Your Library” in The Hour.
** Mr. Siegel SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.

Mr. Siegel stated that the front doors of the SONO library will not be used because they are too difficult to monitor and winter conditions make the steps dangerous. Currently an awning is being installed to mark the entrances to the Library. The signage on the awning will have the words “Main Entrance” and the Library logo on it in white against the dark green background

Mr. Siegel stated that the READ campaign is progressing. In the main library the READ posters will be 22” x 34” inches in size. The Governor has given her approval for her picture to be on a READ poster. The Mayor is inviting the Governor to attend the opening of the SONO Branch and a presentation of her poster, if she attends, will be presented at that time. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) on the Brien McMahon Lacrosse Team, Peter McNichols, will also be featured in a READ poster. Mr. Siegel reported further on the other READ posters in progress. He stated that he has received confirmation from the White House that they are seeking approval to have a photo and quote of former librarian, First Lady Laura Bush, as a subject of the Library’s READ poster campaign.

8. ADJOURNMENT

** Mr. Levey MOVED to adjourn
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.

The meeting was 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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