HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Library Advisory Board - Meeting Date: 1/11/2017City of Glendale
Library Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Glendale Public Library, Main Library, Large Meeting Room
5959 West Brown Street
Glendale, Arizona 85302
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
6:00pm
Call to Order – Chairperson Koory called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00pm.
Roll Call
Board Members in Attendance: Board Members Ndavu, Kocur, Johnson, Aborne, Heinzel, and
Chairperson Koory were present. Board Member Lund and Vice Chairperson Collett were
absent and excused.
Staff in Attendance: Michael Beck, Chief Librarian, and Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Arts and Culture
Program Manager, were present from the City of Glendale.
Approval of Minutes – December 14, 2016
Chairperson Koory called for a motion to approve the minutes.
Board Member Ndavu stated he would like the November 9, 2016 minutes regarding page 3,
paragraph 4, third sentence, to read as follows: Board Member Ndavu said he is aware that the
City of Glendale recycles the paper. He suggested staff consult with the Sanitation Department
and consider recycling paper from their weeded paperback books, which would create revenues
for the city.
Chairperson Koory stated that the November 9, 2016 minutes should reflect her compliment
thanking Ms. Figueroa for attending and transcribing the Board’s meeting minutes.
Board Member Johnson made a motion to approve the December 14, 2016 Regular
Meeting Minutes as corrected. Board Member Ndavu seconded the motion, which was
approved with a vote of 6 to 0.
Business from the Floor
Chairperson Koory asked for Business from the Floor. No one was present.
Heroes Park Branch Library Update
Chairperson Koory called for this item. Mr. Michael Beck, Chief Librarian, provided an update
on the next steps and the tentative timeline of the proposed Heroes Park Branch Library Design
and Architectural phase. He said on December 20, 2016, the City Council did approve the
design and architectural contract for the Heroes Park Branch Library. He said a meeting with
staff and the architect would be scheduled for the near future. He said the library will be
approximately 8,000 square feet.
He explained the building could be constructed as “hard build” meaning three sides would be
permanent with one side being prefabricated. This would allow for expansion if that were
Library Advisory Board Minutes
January 11, 2017
Page 2
decided upon in the future. He said there will be a meeting room for rent like the other libraries.
There would be a youth area, an adult and teen area. Mr. Beck said there would be a patio area,
the required restrooms, and the staff areas needed. Mr. Beck added it would be handicapped
accessible as required.
Mr. Beck said staff is working with the Arts Commission as well, since 1% of the cost of the
capital-improvement project should incorporate public art such as sculptures, art prints or art
incorporated with the building itself such as terrazzo flooring or wall paneling.
Mr. Beck explained the process stating there would be at minimum one public meeting where the
public has the opportunity to provide additional input or comments.
Chairperson Koory asked if the Heroes Park Library would be similar in size to the City of
Goodyear Library. Mr. Beck said yes, it would be comparable.
Board Member Kocur asked if there would be a story time room. Mr. Beck said yes, the
program room would double as a story time room.
Board Member Kocur asked if this would be a permanent building. Mr. Beck said yes, the
building would be constructed on a concrete slab. However there are options, such as three walls
could be permanent or ‘hard build’ with one wall possibly constructed with only drywall or pre-
fabricated materials, which would then be easily removable, should the building be expanded in
the future.
Chairperson Koory thanked Mr. Beck for the update.
Art and Culture Program Overview
Ms. Mojgan Vahabzadeh, Art and Culture Program manager, presented and provided an
informational overview of the City’s Public Art and Performing Arts Program.
Ms. Vahabzadeh provided a PowerPoint presentation for the Board. She said in 1983 the City
Council established that ½ of 1% of the total eligible CIP, Capital Improvement Program, be
deposited for the art fund. Therefore, the arts program is not funded through the general fund.
She continued by stating the Arts Commission in the City of Glendale was the first created
commission for the arts in the valley. In 1998, the ordinance was amended to include a funding
increase to 1%. In 2005, the ordinance updated the definition and clarified terms, Ordinance
2474, which outlines the guidelines of the Arts Commission.
She reviewed the RFP, Request for Proposal, process as it relates to the Arts Program. Although
the Arts commission does consult with the Council member of the respective district, the Arts
Commission does have the final say. She added that the Arts Commission can approve art
projects under $50,000.
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January 11, 2017
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Mr. Vahabzadeh noted a few of the art pieces located through the city and added each must be
maintained. She said staff does contact the original artist; however, if they are unavailable they
reach out to other artists who can complete the repairs.
She continued by describing the partnerships the Arts Commission participates in such as the
Performing Arts Partnership Program, funding for The Brelby Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park
program, and the possible Arts Incubator, which is city owned space which will allow artists to
showcase their works.
Board Member Kocur asked about the Plein Air Painting Event. Ms. Vahabzadeh explained the
event and its process and stated this year the event would be held on Saturday, February 4 during
the Chocolate Affaire at the Promenade on Palmaire in downtown Glendale.
In 2014, the Arts Commission created a funding opportunity for teen artists. This is an
opportunity to allow youth and teens to participate in creating a product such as that at the Elsie
McCarthy Sensory Garden Park. The artist worked with youth and teens from nearby group
homes who were interested in working through art to create and renovate the Sensory Garden
Park.
Ms. Vahabzedah distributed information regarding upcoming events, as well as a map indicating
where art pieces are located throughout the city.
For information and discussion.
Chief Librarian Update
Chairperson Koory called for the Chief Librarian Update. Mr. Michael Beck, Chief Librarian,
presented information and updated members on current library activities, operations and projects.
Mr. Beck announced the 21st Annual Arizona Songwriters Gathering will take place on Saturday,
January 28, 2017 from 10am to 4:30pm. He invited everyone to attend, to enjoy the event and the
great weather.
All in One Bill Pay Machines – Mr. Beck spoke about the pay machines located at the Foothills
Branch Library. He said they will be operational soon and staff will work to work out any
training issues with the machines in the coming weeks. Use of the machines will tentatively
begin on February 1, 2017. These machines will allow the patrons to pay fines in cash and will
free up the staff and allow them to take care of other duties or help patrons as needed.
Chairperson Koory asked if the bill pay machines would return change in coins only or if they
would dispense bills. Mr. Beck said he believed bills would be dispensed, but he will double
check on this and provide the answer to the Board Members.
Downtown Arts Incubator Concept – Mr. Beck said Ms. Vahabzadeh covered this item in her
earlier presentation. He added this would be an all-encompassing concept but staff will look at it
as a possible programming space, retail space and a work space as well. Staff will keep the
Board Members informed.
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January 11, 2017
Page 4
Library Updates – Mr. Beck provided information on the progress of the IDEA Center and all the
benefits it offers.
Chairperson Koory stated that Council Member Turner donated $15,000 of his discretionary
funds to the IDEA Center. Mr. Beck said those monies were used to purchase a green screen,
new computers, software, a smart TV, and a 3-D printer as well. He added Mr. Michael Schor
was working on sound deafening walls for the Center. Mr. Beck distributed information
regarding upcoming events taking place at the libraries.
Other – Mr. Beck stated that Board Member Hadden had submitted her resignation. Ms.
Vahabzadeh added the Glendale Arts Council would be holding an exhibit at Sahuaro Ranch
Park Fruit Packing Shed, January 11 through January 29. All the art work is for sale. Also, she
invited the Board Members to a very whimsical event called the Mad Hatter Tea Party, taking
place at the Chocolate Affaire on Saturday, February 4 in the evening from 5pm to 9pm. The
“Tea Party” would consist of a theatrical performance where those in attendance would be served
tea at a very long, long table, while enjoying a performance by aerialists.
Library Advisory Board Comments and Suggestions – Chairperson Koory asked for
comments or suggestions from the Board Members.
Board Member Aborne stated she is a subscriber to the Phoenix Business Journal and read the
article published in last Friday’s paper and was impressed by the article regarding the IDEA
Center.
Chairperson Koory stated The Glendale Star always has an article showcasing the Glendale
Libraries. She thanked those who provided the public relations and publicity for the libraries.
Adjournment – With no further business, Chairperson Koory called for a motion to adjourn.
Board Member Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Board Member Heinzel seconded the
motion, which was approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:01pm.
The next meeting will be held in the Large Meeting Room at the Main Library on
Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at 6:00pm.