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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Library Advisory Board - Meeting Date: 3/11/2015 City of Glendale Library Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Main Library, Large Meeting Room Glendale Arizona 85302 Wednesday, March 11,2015 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Aborne called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00pm. Board members Shelly, Bolognini, Fallucca, Collett, Sommer, Wilson, and Chairperson Aborne were present. Board member Grajeda was absent and excused. Michael Beck, Chief Librarian, and Karen Reed, Library Manager, were present from the City of Glendale. Chairperson Aborne stated there were members in the audience present. ii. Approval of Minutes—February 11.2015 Chairperson Aborne called for approval of the minutes. Vice Chairperson Wilson made an addition to page 6 regarding the number of computers available. She asked that it read computers, laptops, and other devices. Vice Chairperson made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Board member Shelly seconded the motion,which was approved unanimously. III. Business from the Floor — Chairperson Aborne called for any Business from the Floor. There was none. Iv. Building Citizen Comments Into Action — A lot of citizen input and library advocacy was generated throughout the proposed sale and relocation of the Foothills Library concept. As a Board, the discussion would generate ideas how best to turn citizen comments and input into actionable items for the library system. The Board discussed what information would be included going forward to show the City Council the lack of citizen support regarding the proposed sale. Board member Sommer asked if the comments could be quantified as to how many concerns were received regarding a particular issue or concern. Mr. Beck said yes. Vice Chairperson Wilson stated she recalled last year surveys were distributed to the public for community input asking what they would like to see or what are their interests. Mr. Beck said that could be incorporated into the Strategic Plan. Minutes - Library Advisory Board Meeting March 11, 2015 Page 2 Vice Chairperson Wilson felt it was important for the library to work with the city to achieve its goals whatever they might be. Board member Fallucca would like to see Mayor and Council spending more time at the libraries. She does see them at business openings and other facilities, but she does not see them visiting the city libraries. She felt this would show their support to the community. This should be a priority to interact with the citizens of Glendale. Chairperson Aborne reminded that Wee Readers is still occurring at the Glendale Gallery at Westgate and she would like to see more efforts in place to keep the public aware of this program. Board member Fallucca said the Valley Metro shuttle bus has moved into the FRAC meaning those riding the bus are parking in the lot. She said a lot of parking is being lost in this already crowded parking lot. She was also concerned about the need for disabled parking spaces. Vice Chairperson Wilson asked if the sale of the library does not occur could the kitchen be utilized at the FRAC to possibly teach a class on catering, packaging food, etc. Ms. Reed said this has taken place in the past. She said staff tried not to duplicate any programs and there are cooking programs already scheduled. She said something such as a cooking lesson could be offered maybe quarterly. Chairperson Aborne asked if the library was headed into the S.T.E.A.M. Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics direction rather than S.T.E.M. Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. Ms. Reed said not at this time. She added that the S.T.E.A.M. program was offered last year due to funding received from the State Library. Vice Chairperson Wilson asked that increases in library open hours be included in the library's planning moving forward. No motion was required. v. Chief Librarian Update Chairperson Aborne called for this item. Mr. Beck provided a brief update on the Velma Teague Renovations scheduled to begin March 12, 2015. He explained all the improvements that would be taking place. In addition, Mr. Beck said the carpet in the Main Library would be replaced as well. He provided carpet samples for the Board to view. He distributed a copy of the Annual Survey,which will be distributed to patrons soon. Minutes - Library Advisory Board Meeting March 11, 2015 Page 3 Board member Fallucca said she would like to include on the survey asking the public if they felt their concerns were heard regarding the sale of the Foothills Library. The Board discussed some possible changes they would like on the survey such as larger font, reorganizing the rating schedule as listed from 0 to 3, and include "not applicable" as an option. Mr. Beck spoke on the Main Library Job and Career Help Concept, which he indicated would be moving forward. He said they are taking a look at establishing a location for job assistance and related resources. Mr. Beck provided information regarding E-rate, a federal program, which provides discounts on telecommunications. Next, he spoke about National Library Week that will take place April 12 through 18, 2015. Chairperson Aborne suggested the Board promote the proclamation and she distributed a flyer inviting the public to participate in the weeklong celebration. She asked if there would be a traveling proclamation. Ms. Reed said the language of the proclamation could be posted at each library with the original potentially being posted at the Main Library. Ms. Reed provided information on just a few of the upcoming programs being offered at the city's libraries. One of the programs coming into the Library is the Arizona Broadway Theater performance of The Emperor's New Clothes at the Main Library A comment from the public was that people paying membership to the FRAC must give up their room for non-paying members from the Library in the event the Library is sold. vi. Library Advisory Board Comments and Suggestions — Chairperson Aborne asked for comments. Members provided comments and shared observations regarding the two most recent Board meetings. Chairperson Aborne stated she had forwarded an email to Mr. Beck and asked for a follow up. Mr. Beck said that the information regarding restrictions on the warranty deed has been forwarded to the City Attorney's Office and no response has yet been received. The Board had a brief discussion regarding the Open Meeting Law specifically when sending emails to other Board members. Mr. Beck explained to the Board how to avoid a quorum via email. Chairperson Aborne stated she protects her email address and recently her email address was distributed to over 35 persons. The email was sent by an employee from a city department. She requested a policy be established through the City Manager where if a board member or commissioner must be contacted via email it should be through "blind copy". Minutes - Library Advisory Board Meeting March 11, 2015 Page 4 The Board expressed their concern regarding how the City Council would receive or has received all the public comments regarding the sale of the Library. Mr. Beck said a summary would be provided to the Council. Board member Fallucca read to the Board an email between Dr. Goeppinger and Erik Strunk requesting he modify the presentation to be presented in Council Workshop later that day due to negative feedback from the public. She felt the leader of the presentation was Midwestern University and they were directing the city. Chairperson Aborne referred to an email obtained through the Freedom of Information Act specifically regarding the inclusion of the Chihuly on the Midwestern University offer. She commented on an email regarding the purchase price of the library and artwork that was inconsistent with what she had discussed with Erik Strunk. Vice Chairperson Wilson read an email from Dr. Goeppinger to Erik Strunk stating her feelings regarding the city's presentation and Dr. G's hopes that as the city proceeds with public meetings that they would find some citizens open to the proposal. Chairperson Aborne commented on the email Board member Wilson read and the response from Julie Frisoni to "Dr. G". Board member Fallucca read an email from Karen Owens, a staff member of Midwestern University, to Dr. Goeppinger regarding how the library would be "of far better use for MWU"." And"how beneficial it would be for MWU to own that property". Vice Chairperson Wilson commented that there were one or two meetings between the city staff and MWU staff. Vice Chair Wilson voiced concern regarding collaboration on the presentation between MWU and the City and showing only the pros of the sale and not showing any cons. Chairperson Aborne read an email regarding the February 17, 2014 offer to City Manager Brenda Fischer which spoke of the current "financial constraints on the city of Glendale" and the "dwindling use" of the traditional library" which also stated they expressed sincere interest in purchasing the property. Chairperson Aborne stated concern that changing the zoning designation from the current restrictive governmental designation to an educational facility designation after the purchase would increase the value of property to much higher than $5 million. Chairperson Aborne stated concern regarding an"update" at a Council meeting on March 14, 2014 regarding the proposed sale of Foothills Library that did not appear to fit within the formal timeline. Minutes - Library Advisory Board Meeting March 11, 2015 Page 5 Board member Shelly stated that she felt there was a lack of sensitivity as to how the issue had been conducted. Board member Bolognini suggested that each Council member be aware that Library Week is coming and encourage him or her to participate and show that they are concerned about the libraries. Vice Chairperson Wilson asked if it would be appropriate to invite Council to summer reading. Board member Bolognini said more marketing is needed for library events. Board member Sommer said the community input and participation was very refreshing and she is ready to move forward in a positive manner. Chairperson Aborne suggested the summer meetings no longer vacate at an early date as they have been in the past. vii. Adjournment—Chairperson Aborne called for a motion. Board member Shelly made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Board member Sommer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:14pm. The next regular meeting will be in the Large Meeting Room at the Main Library on Wednesday,April 8,2015,at 6pm.