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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Library Advisory Board - Meeting Date: 10/18/2012 GLENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Thursday,October 18,2012 7:00pm Velma Teague Branch Library Story Time Room 7010 North 58th Avenue Glendale,Arizona 85301 Members Present: Others Present: Ms. Char Sharp Ms. Cheryl Kennedy, Chief Librarian Ms. Bernadette Bolognini Mr. Erik Strunk, Executive Director, PR&LS Ms. Misty Drake Ms. Julie Watters, Marketing Ms. Holly Fallucca Ms. Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary Ms. Susan Shelly Ms. Karen Aborne Mr. John Fernandes Guest Present: Susan Summer CALL TO ORDER Ms. Char Sharp, Library Advisory Board Chairman, called the meeting to order at approximately 7:05pm. INTRODUCTION AND SWEARING IN NEW MEMBER—CHASE MACKAY Board member Mackay was not present. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES—September 20,2012 Chairperson Sharp called for a motion regarding the Minutes of September 20,2012. Board member Bolognini made a motion to approve the minutes as written from the meeting of September 20, 2012. Board member Shelly seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR Chairperson Sharp called for Business From The Floor. There was none. TOUR OF VELMA TEAGUE BRANCH LIBRARY 1 The Board members took a tour of the Velma Teague Branch Library from 7:10pm to 7:26pm. TEMPORARY SALES TAX PRESENTATION—Mr. Erik Strunk,Executive Director, made presentation. Mr. Strunk began his presentation with some background information. He explained growth since 1993 has been as follows: one library,32 parks, 1 recreation and aquatics center, 5 fire stations, 1 police precinct, 1 adult center, and miles of streets, sewer lines, water lines and other infrastructure was necessary. Board member Drake asked with whom the city refinanced. Mr. Strunk did not have that information but stated that could be provided. Mr. Strunk explained the city's decisions are pending on the outcome of the Coyotes' deal,the negotiations regarding the arena and the repeal of the temporary sales tax. Board member Drake asked what the arena budget is without the tenant. Mr. Strunk said he does not have that information. However, he said the cost is approximately $17 million with a tenant. He added the city is in negotiation attempting to reduce that cost. Board member Drake asked if the maintenance company of the arena was for profit. Mr. Strunk said yes, and added the city does not have the staffing and expertise on how to maintain and operate an arena. He reviewed the reductions already made by the City of Glendale. He reminded the Board members of the economic conditions and the lingering effects of the recession. He stated the general fund provided for police and fire protection and the city court, libraries and pools, books and the operation of the city's libraries, code compliance, planning and economic development, festivals, paint to cover graffiti; and the operations of the city's facilities and parks such as mowing and irrigation. Mr. Strunk continued by explaining the sales tax history. He said the last time the city increased the general sales tax rate was in 1993. He said the increase of the temporary sales tax which was effective August 1, 2012, results in an increase of $.35 on a $50 purchase. He said approximately 30 Arizona cities and towns have increased their sales tax. Mr. Strunk explained the services,which must be provided to the citizens, and he noted the city legally must balance their budget. In closing, he explained some of the potential eliminations the City of Glendale would have to make if the temporary sales tax is repealed. 2 Board member Drake asked how the city is notifying and preparing the citizens of Glendale for potential cutbacks. Mr. Strunk referred to various websites where additional financial information is provided or contact city staff. Ms. Watters added this is the worst-case scenario. Board member Bolognini stated she heard a rumor that it was against city charter to close the Velma Teague Library for any reason. Mr. Strunk said he had not heard of this. Board member Fallucca said the citizen comments she has received is they feel more money shouldn't be given to the city. They felt the city has already mismanaged the money they had and that the city does not have the knowledge to manage money properly. VOTE TO CHANGE THE LIBRARY ADVISORY MEETING TIME—Board member Drake made a motion to change the Library Advisory Meeting time to 6pm every second Wednesday of each month. Board member Aborne seconded the motion,which passed unanimously. LIBRARY DIRECTOR UPDATE Ms. Cheryl Kennedy, Chief Librarian, provided updates to the Board members. She announced the Employee of the Quarter is Ashleigh Wilcox and works at the Main Library. She was recognized for her great attitude, her patience and attention to the patrons. Ms. Kennedy stated new service models would be installed in the libraries and how they would be remodeled due to the loss of employees/positions. Youth service desk will be staffed. However, the reference desk and circulation will be combined. Ms. Kennedy said with the recent layoffs and employees accepting positions elsewhere,they will need to be creative in order to provide the best customer service to their patrons. Ms. Kennedy said the Teen Programming is going well. They are having a photo contest and making plans for "Fright Night". Currently, the Teen Library Council is also meeting this evening at Velma Teague is another meeting room. LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Board member Drake suggested the libraries no longer purchase Best Sellers. She felt they are spending too much money on books that have subjects that have been written and rewritten. She said the library is here to educate not entertain. She requested information regarding the dollar amount spent on purchasing these types of books and circulation statistics. Ms. Kennedy said she would provide the information at a future meeting. 3 Board member Bolognini said they need to cater to the citizens'wants. Board member Shelly said the library needs to fulfill its mission by providing information and recreational reading. Board member Fallucca said that there are adults who have raised children and no longer looking for educational materials,but want to read for entertainment. Board member Aborne asked for information to register for the Advance Board and Commission training class provided by the city. ADJOURNMENT — Board member Bolognini made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Board member Drake seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:39pm. 4