1. Approval of Minutes from the December 2, 2009 Library Commission Meeting

Commissioner O'Connor pointed out a grammatical error in last month's minutes under section 7), Director's Report. She suggested a period in line 17 after the word "afternoon" and the word "This" to begin the next sentence. Ms. O'Connor made a motion to amend the minutes and Commissioner McElwaine seconded. The motion passed. Then Ms McElwaine moved, with Ms. O'Connor providing the second, to accept the amended minutes of the December 2, 2009 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners.

The motion passed.

2. Helen Caulton Harris:
Update - Library Director Search

A motion was made to go into Executive Session in order to discuss personnel matters. A roll call vote ensued: Craig Givens - yes; Stephen Cary - yes; Sheila McElwaine - yes; Vera O'Connor - yes.

The regular meeting resumed at 6:38 p.m.

3. Library Advisory Committee Reports:

Mason Square Branch Library: Commissioners are requesting an update from City Solicitor Ed Pikula regarding the departure and relocation of the Urban League (UL). Ms. Fogarty said that the UL would not be out by January 18th as they are working with the City Relocation Specialist and looking for another location. The Library Department is waiting for input from architect Steven Jablonski. In addition, according to Commissioner Givens, the Census Bureau is now using space in the Urban League's portion of the Mason Square Branch building. Ms. McElwaine voiced concerns about the pace of the exit of the Urban League and has requested weekly updates from the Library Director's Office concerning the progress of relocation of the Urban League and renovations at the Mason Square Branch. Ms. Fogarty assured Commissioners that the Director's Office and the City Law Department are doing all they can. A building program and architect are the next issues to be dealt with. Mason Square Library Advisory Board member Kat Wright asked that the Relocation Specialist, as well as Ed Pikula, be invited to the February Library Commission meeting.

4. Commission Sub-Committee Reports:
Social Media Policy

Postponed due to the absence of Commissioner Moriarty.

5. Chairman's Report:
By-Law Changes

Changes to the Mission Statement and By-Laws were discussed with Maria Puppolo of the City Law Department present. Concerning Article IV, Library Director and Staff, Mr. Givens questioned its relevance, since the Library Commission does not oversee the Library Director and staff.

Ms. Puppolo will investigate the section stating, "the mayor and/or designee will annually provide a formal review of the performance of the library director..." Ms. Puppolo related that the Library Commission could manipulate and change the mission and by-laws to reflect the ordinance changes.

Regarding Article VII: signing of library contracts. The Commission can vote on a dollar amount they would require for either the Chairman's signature or all commission signatures.

6. Director's Report:

None.

7. Other Business:

None.

8. Adjournment:

Mr. Cary adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.