|
|
|
| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes |
JANUARY 11, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Mary Pugh, Vice
President; Charles McMullen; Mary Mann; Grace Vetter; Jannie Williams; Lori
Torrano.
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Frank Ferro, Assistant Director; Dave Hepworth.
OTHER: Cheryl Telesco, Telesco Secretarial Services
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by the President.
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 14, 2006
The following correction was made: The spelling of Ms. Torrano’s name was corrected.
** MR. MCMULLEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. MANN SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
The President had no remarks.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz said that Mrs. Krummel was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that the City is engaged in a major redevelopment of the West Avenue/Wall Street area. Mike Greene, Director of Planning and Zoning will put him in touch with the consultants to discuss the Library’s long and short range plans.
Mr. Kozerowitz said that on February 7th, there will be a Capital Budget public hearing before the Planning Commission. Any Board members who wish to attend will be welcome. Mr. Kozerowitz distributed and reviewed the following Capital budget items:
1. Air conditioning equipment - $100,000
2. Emergency generator - $65,000 (on hold)
3. Dropped ceiling - $204,000
4. Carpet replacement - $60,000
5. Sidewalk replacement - $10,000
6. Video surveillance system - $22,500
Discussion took place on the requested items. Mr. Kozerowitz will bring photos to his presentation before the Planning Commission.
Mr. Kozerowitz reviewed the Second Taxing District’s annual report re the Rowan Trust Fund, with interest of $1,551, which has not yet been paid to the library. Ms. Mann will look into this further.
Mr. Kozerowitz said they received a $500 donation from the Gordon Foundation, which requested that it be used for quality audio books at the branch. This will be done. In addition, they received their annual donation of $2,500 from the Maurice Goodman Foundation. This donation has no restrictions.
Mr. Kozerowitz noted that the following Board Members had been reappointed by their respective appointing authorities: Mohan Tracy (corrected to 12/31/08); Lori Torrano (12/31/09); Mary Pugh (12/31/09); Stanley M. Siegel (12/31/09); Jannie Williams (12/31/09); Mary Mann (12/31/09).
NEW BUSINESS
STATE STATUTE/CITY CODE
Mrs. Vetter spoke about Board policy. The City is considering funding money for the branch to be open on Saturdays. The Board should remind the City that it is the responsibility of the Board to determine how money is best spent. This should not be adversarial, but instead, a polite reminder.
Extensive discussion took place. The President said it would be a good idea to obtain a copy of the lease agreement with the Second Taxing District; Mr. Siegel will provide members with this document.
Mr. Siegel suggested that they make their authority clear when and if necessary. The President suggested they do this at the public hearing on the budget. Mr. Kozerowitz will communicate this message, with Board assistance if necessary.
FRIENDS OF THE NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Mr. Siegel reviewed his proposal for Friends recognition, noting that over the past three years, the Friends have contributed more than $69,000 to the library.
Mr. Siegel offered the following proposal for Board consideration:
“With 2007 being the 25th year of the organization of the Friends of the Norwalk
Public Library System, the Board of Directors of the Norwalk Public Library
recognizes the efforts of the organization by declaring February as Friends
of the Norwalk Public Library System Month.
Further, the Board will formally "dedicate" the Friends of the Norwalk Public Library System Community Room at the South Norwalk Branch Library in a special ceremony on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 7 p.m. by installing a plaque at the Community Room entrance.
Further, the Mayor of the City of Norwalk will be invited to the ceremony to proclaim, that February be designated "Friends of the Norwalk Public Library System Month" on behalf of the City in appreciation of their good works.
Further, the Board's appreciation of the Friends purchase of a new Cargo Van for use by the Norwalk Public Library, the Board authorize an expenditure of $750.00 to "sign" it in the name of the Friends of the Norwalk Public Library System as attached. “
** Mr. McMullen MOVED to APPROVE the proposal as presented:
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED Unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
There was no report.
SNBL “HOUR” TASK FORCE REPORT
Ms. Pugh said she has not yet submitted the survey to staff. She told the press that the Library Board wants to do this responsibly. Mr. Kozerowitz said that the counter should be installed within the next week.
MARKETING REPORT
”BIG READ”/FESTIVAL OF WORDS UPDATE
Mr. Siegel said there was a meeting in New Haven yesterday. The Festival of Words will be the four-city kickoff, with Harper Lee’s biographer the keynote speaker. He will meet with Library staff next Wednesday to see what this library will do. There will be several thousand free copies distributed throughout the 4-City area. He will make a comprehensive report at the February meeting.
“BEST LIBRARY THERE IS” UPDATE
Based upon the suggestions offered and the implementation of various procedures and changes as offered by the Library Staff at the “Best Library There Is” meeting, Mr. Siegel said that the library is continuing to implement additional changes to, indeed, be the “best Library” there is. .
21ST CENTURY FUND UPDATE
Mr. Siegel said the Library received a check from Walmart on Connecticut Avenue in the amount of $500. However, it was inadvertently made out to Norwalk, Ohio, which will be corrected.
Mr. Siegel said that Stolt Nielsen, a ship tanker company, contributed $500 to the Library.
“READ” POSTER CAMPAIGN
Mr. Siegel said they just received approval today to use Jessie Bradford’s photo on a poster. Ben Vetter will hopefully also be on a poster.
Mrs. Torrano asked about standardizing the font size on posters. Mr. Siegel said that the changes in “Read” typography is designed to reflect the subject matter and have the posters take on individual appearances.
SIGNAGE
Mr. Siegel said that Sign Design, the company that did the interior signs in the Branch Library said that, on the Main Library building, they can buff the letters, paint them in any color and clear coat them so that they will stand out for $750 or install new white lettering. At the Branch, they recommend letters that are made out of a special plastic material so that this problem is eliminated, for $1,500. Additionally illumination of the letters are recommended.
Mr. Siegel suggested four 2’ x 4’ banners for $1,200 -- to be placed on utility poles outside each Library -- that will last six to eight years.
Total cost will be approximately $4,000.
Discussion took place on whether the word “read” should be left off of the banner because the library is used for so many things now, but the consensus was that this word should remain.
** MS. PUGH MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION TO FIX THE SIGNAGE ON THE TWO
BUILDINGS FOR A COST NOT TO EXCEED $1,500 PER SIGN.
** MRS. TORRANO SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
It was agreed to table a decision on the banners.
“LIBRARY LEADERS” UPDATE
Mr. Siegel said there is the potential in the future of having a group of influential city people who would be in a position to help the library with extraordinary costs over and above what the City is expected to be responsible for. In addition, the library would be the beneficiary of a great deal of publicity. This is a concept being worked on. This group would help enhance the prestige and image of the Library and will help augment any necessary fundraising under the control of the Board. They would recruit their own membership.
The President said there are a lot of details to be worked out. Mr. Siegel will draft bylaws and a list of prospective members for the Board to review.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. MCMULLEN MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MRS. VETTER SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stan Siegel, Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
 |
 |