Board of Library Commissioners Meeting
August 10 , 2005: Minutes
Barbara Garvey, Chair called the meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners to order at 4:55 p.m.
Library Commissioners Present:
Barbara Garvey
Sheila McElwaine
Vera O'Connor
Janet Denney
Craig Givens
Rudy Ruggeri
Library Staff Present:
Emily Bader, Library Director
Lee Fogarty, Assistant Library Director
Carol Leaders, Administrative Assistant
A motion to approve the minutes of the June 22, 2005 meeting passed unanimously.
Library Commissioner Reports: Janet Denney reported that on one of her visits to the Brightwood Branch she found it to be very busy. She also noted that she has been unsuccessful in attracting new members to Brightwood's Advisory Committee and asked for suggestions. Barbara Garvey suggested gathering people for special meetings rather than regular scheduled meetings who are interested in the Branch for specific projects and concerns.
Ms. Denney also reported that she recently walked through Merrick Park with a young family at which she indicated it was an uncomfortable experience. Ms. Garvey noted that discussions continue on what is the best approach to the continuing problems in Merrick Park. Mr. Ruggeri would like to see additional lighting as well as Park Rules and Regulations posted in Merrick Park.
Vera O'Connor attended the State Street Corridor meeting. A motion to appoint Ms. O'Connor as the Official Representative of the Springfield Library Commission was passed unanimously.
Buildings and Grounds Committee Report: Sheila McElwaine summarized her recent meetings regarding Merrick Park. Rules and Regulations signs have been sent to a sign company and will be posted both in English and Spanish. Pat Sullivan, Director of Facilities will help with the coordination of installing a fence, trash cans and re-locating plantings around the statue. Christ Church has installed additional lighting. Ms. Fogarty was notified by the Springfield Museum Association that an Engineer from Northeast Utilities was looking into installing additional flood lighting on the Library building looking down onto Merrick Park. Ms. McElwaine spoke to a representative from Open Panty in regards to resolving the trash problem in Merrick Park.
Handicap Access - Ms. McElwaine reported that the AAB and SMA were ready to agree that the AAB does have jurisdiction in regards to the Springfield Library Commission complaint.
Central Library Security - Ms. Bader and Ms. McElwaine met with Mr. Plasse, Director of Security for the SMA. Ms. Bader is in the process of writing a cost analysis report on Central Library Security and will be forwarding the report to Mayor Ryan. Ms. Fogarty recently had a conversation with the Library Director of the Seattle Library to discuss similar problems and how they handle them. It was recommended that Ms. Fogarty have a second conversation the Seattle Library regarding outsourcing Security versus hiring their own.
Ms. Bader and Ms. McElwaine will work on revising the Library Behavior Policy that will include an appeals policy. Ms. Denney expressed concern for those who cannot read or write.
Mr. Ruggeri suggested the library provide someone to assist with expressing one's concerns. Mr. Givens recommended a form letter be developed for one's signature.
Ms. Garvey thanked the Buildings and Grounds Committee for all their work on the Merrick Park project.
Other Business - Ms. Bader announced the Library Staff Development Day has been scheduled for Friday, September 23rd. The morning portion of the day will focus on the Library's Strategic Plan with Alan Brickman facilitating. The afternoon program will include an update on the Reader's Advisory and One Book projects. Ms. Garvey will extend an invitation to the Mayor to kick off the day's program. Ms. McElwaine suggested a proclamation be developed to thank staff.
Meeting adjourned at 5:46 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Vera O'Connor
Approved: September 15, 2005
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