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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
DECEMBER 14, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice President (7:06); Stan Siegel, Secretary; Mary Mann; Charles McMullen; Jannie Williams; Grace Vetter; Lori Toranno (7:10).
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro, Assistant Library Director; Dave Hepworth; Reginald St. Fort; Sherelle Harris; Tom Schadlich.
OTHERS: Lee Levey.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by the President.
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 16, 2006
The following correction was made: On page 1, 2nd to last paragraph, 7th sentence, To Kill A Mockingbird was underlined.
** Ms. Mann MOVED to APPROVE the Minutes as corrected.
** Ms. Williams SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED Unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The President noted that Mr. Levey, a former Board member, was present as a guest, and presented him with an inscribed clock for his years of service as a Board member and continuing service to the Library. The Board, too, was installing a brick in his name on the “SoNo Library Book Walk – Pathway to the Future”. Mr. Levey thanked everyone for the recognition.
At 7:06 p.m., Ms. Pugh arrived at the meeting.
The President indicated that Mrs. Krummel was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Mrs. Vetter read a note from Mrs. Krummel including a gift of $100 to the library for the purchase of a literary magazine and the offer of a poetry reading of contemporary poetry at the South Norwalk Branch Library.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz reported that he and Mr. Ferro had met with the Finance Department today on the Operating budget, wherein, among other matters, he emphasized the need for a full time young adult librarian. He indicated that the meeting was very productive.
At 7:10 p.m., Mrs. Torrano arrived at the meeting.
Mr. Kozerowitz also emphasized the need for an increase in the part time budget, primarily for funding potential Saturday openings at the South Norwalk Branch Library. He will submit the Capital budget request today. Carpeting for the main library, replacement of HVAC equipment, video equipment and replacement of dropped ceiling and the emergency generator are the main items.
Mr. Kozerowitz spoke about the need to finish funding construction of the Teen Room at a cost of $3,000.
** Mrs. Vetter MOVED to appropriate a sum not to exceed $3,000 to cover the
cost of change orders to the Teen Room project.
** Mrs. Toranno SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED Unanimously.
Regarding the entryway project, Mr. Kozerowitz said that competitive bids were way over the $125,000 budgeted. Mr. Levey and the architect and a representative from All Phase Construction, the low bidder, managed to reduce the cost to $175,000, which is still $50,000 over budget. Mr. Kozerowitz will talk to the Mayor about a Special Capital Appropriation. Mr. Levey explained that the project is bare bones. They cut out signage, benches in front of the building, decorative paving, etc. Mr. Siegel asked what would happen if they pave the space with their blank bricks for the purpose of possibly selling engraved bricks. Mr. Levey said most of the pavers out there can probably be reused.
Mr. Kozerowitz will keep the Board informed.
It was noted that there is no penalty for an architect being “off” on his estimate. Mrs. Vetter asked if this would impact on other Capital budget requests. Mr. Kozerowitz said he was not sure.
NEW BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY REPORT
Mr. Schadlich reviewed the draft technology plan for 2007-08. Discussion took place on the fact that WIFI is available at the library and on the need to publicize that fact. Ms. Pugh suggested they find out if people would use tutorial documentation, but Mr. Schadlich noted that this had already been ordered.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to approve the 2007-2008 Technology Plan.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED Unanimously.
FRIENDS OF THE NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
Mr. Siegel said he had attended this meeting three weeks ago, where it was noted that the following had been accomplished:
1. The Friends, in principle, approved the purchase of a cargo van under a
State contract for approximately $17,000. They will vote on this at their January
meeting. The van will have appropriate painted graphics and credit the contribution
by the Friends.
2. The Friends would be able to have an ongoing book sale rack at the South
Norwalk Branch Library.
3. Mr. Siegel spoke about the concept of expanding membership to include people
who might be interested in helping the library outside of the two book sales
per year, such as offering home-bound book capability, being a meeter and greeter
at both libraries.
The Friends will possibly approve purchase of the van through an e-mail prior to the January meeting.
Ms. Pugh asked about the status of a wish list from staff. Mr. Kozerowitz said that had been discussed at a meeting with staff.
Mr. Siegel said that, at the next Library Board meeting, he will recommend that the Board honor the Friends for everything they have done on behalf of the library in the past year.
OLD BUSINESS
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Williams reviewed her report and Mrs. Torrano explained the dividends being paid. The CDs and money market will keep funds available. There is a lot of flexibility.
Mr. Kozerowitz asked how money would be transferred from A.G. Edwards into the checking account. Mrs. Torrano said that Ms. Williams is authorized to make these transfers.
SNBL “HOUR” TASK FORCE REPORT
Ms. Pugh said they would like to track and analyze counts at the branch. Mr. Kozerowitz said that a counter is on order. Ms. Pugh said they are probably going to have to consider testing shifting hours. If there is large usage on Saturdays, they will have to consider additional funding. Mr. Kozerowitz said they can obtain usage by day and by hour. The branch percentage of circulation was 10.2% and the percentage of the operating budget was 12.66%. Computer usage was 74% at the main library and 26% at the branch in November.
Ms. Pugh said it had been recommended that they put together a survey, and she asked Board members to send her their comments in an e-mail.
Extensive discussion took place.
Mr. Siegel recommended that the task force perhaps make a recommendation at the next meeting.
Mr. Siegel requested that if and when asked, the Board members response should
be that the task force is still studying the subject of Saturday hours and will
have a report at the next Board meeting.
MARKETING REPORT
ASSOCIATION of CONNECTICUT LIBRARY BOARDS MEMBERSHIP
Mr. Siegel said he had been elected to this organization’s Board of Directors. The ACLB consists of the 185 Connecticut libraries.
NEW CLIPS
Mr. Siegel reviewed the compilation of the library’s news clips for the year. This extensive coverage helped raised the library’s recognition level.
FESTIVAL OF WORDS/BIG READ
Mr. Siegel said that there had been a meeting on December 7th which was, unfortunately, poorly attended. They will be meeting again. The Festival, scheduled for March 31st, will also the kick-off our local Big Read campaign.
“READ” POSTER CAMPAIGN
Mr. Siegel said one of the proposed posters is of three Norwalk High School students, one of whom is Tom Hamilton, the City Finance Director’s daughter.
A member of the staff suggested that a former part time shelver, Jessie Bradford, be contacted. He is now a well-known actor. Mr. Siegel contacted his press agent and to arrange for his photo for a possible poster and visit the library.
PTO COUNCIL “GET CONNECTED FAIR”
Mr. Siegel said this fair will take place on December 18th at the Stepping Stones Museum. Mr. Siegel will represent the library as will Vicki Oatis, the new Children’s Librarian, Mary Mann and Jannie Williams. They will have a table to present Library materials including a new Teen advisory Board brochure.
SOUTH NORWALK BRANCH LIBRARY CROSS-COMMUNICATION EFFORT
Mr. Siegel met with Mr. St. Fort and Ms. Harris last Monday to discuss cross-communication between the Main and Branch libraries.
CAMERA REQUEST
Mr. Siegel requested that the Board purchase a high-quality digital camera to be used for press/media opportunities and other marketing projects, recommending either the Nikon D80 or the Canon 400D, at a cost of approximately $1,000.
** Mrs. Toranno MOVED to APPROVE the purchase of a camera at a cost not to
exceed $1,000.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED Unanimously.
FCAC PUBLICATION PROPOSAL
Mr. Siegel reviewed his proposal to underwrite the costs of the production of a minimum of 250 copies of the new edition of African Americans: A Proud Heritage at a cost not to exceed $2,500. The books will be distributed to the school system and other venues. They can also be used at the library and for programming.
Mrs. Vetter said they should make sure it is a quality piece and historically correct if the Board’s name will be on it. Mr. Siegel said it is an update of a book that was published in 1990. This is the second edition.
Mrs. Vetter asked if the library would receive a royalty, and Mr. Siegel responded affirmatively. He said this is a phenomenal opportunity for the library. Mr. St. Fort said that Citi Bank is also interested in this project.
** Ms. Williams MOVED to underwrite the costs of the production of a minimum
of 250 copies of the new edition of African Americans: A Proud Heritage at a
cost not to exceed $2,500.
** Mrs. Toranno SECONDED.
Mrs. Vetter, noting that there was no agreement in place, asked how Mr. Siegel could be sure there would be royalties. Mr. Siegel said that even if there were no royalties it is still a tremendous public relations opportunity. Mrs. Vetter said there are many open-ended questions. Mr. Siegel read from the Board’s Mission Statement and said they are funding a locally recognized, not-for-profit corporation.
In response to a question from the President, Mr. Siegel said that the initial 250 copies would be the seed for the second publication.
** Motion PASSED with 2 abstentions (Mrs. Vetter, Mr. McMullen).
Mrs. Vetter suggested that, in the future, items to be voted on be discussed at one meeting and voted on at the next.
ADJOURNMENT
** Ms. Pugh MOVED to adjourn.
** Mrs. Vetter SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED Unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stanley M. Siegel, Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
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