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| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
REGULAR MEETING -- NOVEMBER 10, 2005
ATTENDED BY:
BOARD: Mohan Tracy, President; Grace Vetter; Geraldine D’Amato; Stan Siegel; Charles McMullen; Mary Mann; Jannie Williams (7:05); Mary Pugh (7:10).
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director; Dave Hepworth; Tom Schadlich.
RECORDING SECRETARY: Cheryl Telesco, Telesco Secretarial Services.
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by the President.
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2005
** Mr. McMullen moved to APPROVE the minutes as distributed.
** Mrs. Vetter SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED with one abstention (Mrs. D’Amato).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Kozerowitz noted that Mr. Levey had informed him that he would be unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
The President had no additional remarks.
REPORTS
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz said the Library received a gift of $1,000 from Dr. Gilbert Rose of Rowayton through the Fairfield County Community Foundation; it will be used for general support.
Mr. Kozerowitz announced that he is part of the Connecticut Urban Library Caucus, a group of library directors from Hartford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, etc. Mr. Kozerowitz explained that this group’s purpose is to put forward an “urban agenda” and establish libraries as a resource for those issues. There will be a series of town meetings held around the state.
(At 7:05 p.m., Ms. Williams arrived at the meeting.)
BCALA-CT DIVERSITY CONFERENCE
Ms. Williams reviewed her written report on attendance at this conference. (A copy of the Press Release was distributed)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Siegel read an e-mail from Ms. Kamiche Jackson from Auburn, Va. Ms. Jackson, who is a published author, described her growing up across the street from the South Norwalk Library as a young child and credits her many visits with instilling the desire to write. Ms. Jackson also offered to help in the Library’s efforts.
Mr. Siegel will reply to Ms. Jackson on behalf of the Board
(At 7:10, Ms. Pugh arrived at the meeting.)
NEW BUSINESS
PRESENTATION OF LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY PLAN 2006-2007 (a copy of the Plan was distributed)
Mr. Schadlich made a presentation on the library technology plan for e-rate reimbursement. The State has reviewed and approved this plan as meeting its standards. Mr. Schadlich noted that none of these expenditures are included in the Library budget; it has to come from the City.
Mr. Kozerowitz praised Mr. Schadlich for his expertise.
Mr. Schadlich said that the State would probably provide approximately $40,000, most of which is for the MAN (Metropolitan Area Network).
Mrs. Vetter asked about blocking the Internet and Mr. Schadlich responded that there are no blocks.
Mr. Kozerowitz asked if the money for the e-rate consultant is for the entire City. Mr. Schadlich said that Ms. DelVecchio (City of Norwalk, Director of Information Technology) has a meeting with this consultant on Monday and may decide to put his costs to us in her budget.
** Mr. Siegel moved to APPROVE the Library Technology Plan 2006-2007.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST FOR FY 06-07 (a copy of the proposed Budget was distributed).
Mr. Kozerowitz reviewed the proposed budget and discussion took place.
** Mrs. D’Amato MOVED to APPROVE the operating budget request for FY 06-07 as presented.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
MINUTES PROCEDURE
The President said they need to make a distinction between the Board Secretary and the person who takes the minutes.
Extensive discussion took place on the use of the minutes for marketing purposes, the issue of objectivity, standard City procedures, the independence of the library to municipal rules and regulations, etc.
Mr. Siegel will discuss this issue with Corporation Counsel.
** Ms. Williams MOVED that the person who takes the minutes submit them to the Board Secretary, who reviews them, discusses any changes with the person who takes the minutes and then publishes them. If there is any disagreement, Mr. Siegel will bring the minutes, as written by the person who takes them at the meeting, to the attention of the full Board.
** Ms. Mann SECONDED.
**` Motion PASSED with three votes in opposition (Mrs. D’Amato, Mrs. Vetter, and Mr. McMullen).
OTHER – WHITE PAPER
Mr. Siegel suggested putting together a White Paper to be presented to the new Mayor and staff. He reviewed his outline. (A copy of the proposal was distributed).
** Ms. Williams MOVED to approve the White Paper concept.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
Mr. Siegel volunteered to work on this, as did Ms. Pugh. Mr. Siegel will circulate information to everyone for input; he will start immediately.
OLD BUSINESS
SETTING UP A FRIENDS LIAISON COMMITTEE (a copy of the proposal was distributed).
Mr. Siegel presented the proposal for establishing a more “formal” relationship between the Library Board and the Board of the Friends. He indicated he had discussed the concept with Sally Salancy (Friends Board president) who, in turn discussed it at their Board meeting. The concept was agreed to in principle and a Friends Board member will, as able, attend the regular meetings of the Library Board. In turn, a Library Board member will attend the regular meetings of the Friends Board. Each will then report, to their respective Boards on applicable plans and business for the mutual benefit to the Library. Mr. Siegel indicated he would attend the next Friends Board meeting on December 5th at 7:00 pm.
The proposal was APPROVED, by the Board, in discussion.
MARKETING PLAN:
(A copy of the Marketing Proposal was distributed.) Mr. Siegel suggested that considering the lateness of the hour, he would defer the Marketing Proposal discussion until the next Board meeting.
The item was TABLED.
21st CENTURY FUND REPORT:
Mr. Siegel announced that approximately $94,000 had been received toward the goal of $250,000. This included a grant from Praxair, Inc. of Danbury, Connecticut for $35,000 (a copy of the Praxair Press Release was distributed) and $10,000 in “Buy-a-Brick” purchases. The campaign was going well and has received ongoing press coverage (copy of the Norwalk Citizen-News 10/25/05 article, and The Hour insert for the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce “Leading Edge” article was distributed).
Discussion took place.
ADJOURNMENT
** Ms. Mann MOVED to adjourn.
** Mr. McMullen SECONDED.
** Motion PASSED unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: subject to Board review and approval.
Stanley M. Siegel,
Board Secretary
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