The meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners was called to order by chairperson Patrick Markey at 9 a.m.
Present:
Patrick Markey, Chair
Bettye Webb
Helen Boyle
Jennifer Dugan Murphy
Staff Present:
Emily Bader
Lee Fogarty
Carol Leaders
Mr. Markey and Ms. Bader discussed the transition of library space at Mason Square. The Library will remain open at Mason Square through August 1st, 2003.
Ms. Bader reported that Mr. Jablonski will help design a new layout in the annex space at Mason Square, (which was originally Read/Write/Now space) to meet ADA requirements and accommodate library materials. Existing shelving from Mason Square will be used along with extra shelving from Pine Point.
Mr. Markey contacted the Sheriff's Dept. for assistance with grounds keeping at the branches.
Volunteers have been very helpful with the mowing at the Forest park Branch.
Ms. Bader reported that the library maintenance person has been working at getting the lawn sprinklers turned on at the branches.
Mr. Markey discussed the status of the closed branches. East Springfield and Forest Park boilers are in bad shape. East Springfield boiler is cracked and Forest Park needs to be repaired. John Mastrangelo of the City of Springfield facilities department is assessing the equipment. There was some water damage at the Forest Park Branch which is in the process of being cleaned.
Mr. Markey requested copies of the Caolo & Bieniek engineering study, regarding all library facilities, be made available to the Commissioners. Copies will be available at the next meeting.
Mr. Markey scheduled a tour of library branches for Saturday, August 2, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. Library Commissioners will meet Library Staff at the Sixteen Acres Branch.
It was agreed that the Springfield Board of Library Commissioners will meet every other Tuesday, at 5 p.m. in City Hall until further notice. The Commission will meet once per month as soon as the Library's situation is more settled.. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29th at 5 p.m., with the next meeting on August 12th and so on.
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners will be scheduling an orientation with the Springfield Board of Library Commissioners to discuss library certification and budgets.
The Commissioners agreed to communicate by e-mail with the exception of Ms. Boyle, who will be notified by phone and mail.
Mr. Markey reported that he spoke with a number of City Councilors who pledged their support of the library and agreed to vote back funding to the library if additional funds are restored to public safety.
Ms. Bader reiterated that if the $500,000 cut from the personnel line of the budget is not restored, branch hours will remain as is.
Councilor Foley has scheduled a Financial Committee Budget Hearing for Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 5:15 p.m., Room 200 at City Hall.
Mr. Markey requested a copy of the UMASS study, regarding usage and hours, be available to the Commissioners. Copies will be handed out at the July 29th meeting.
As soon as the budget is approved, Ms. Bader and Ms. Fogarty will provide recommendations to the Commissioners pertaining to library hours schedules. The focus will be to meet the neighborhood's needs.
Ms. Bader stressed that the Library is required by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to provide unique hours in order to receive State funding, so it may not be possible to open the preferred schedule at each location.
Mr. Markel asked for a list of Trust funds that will be transferred from SLMA to the City. Ms. Fogarty will request the information from Mr. Dunbar.
The City of Springfield Election Commission has requested to use the Pine Point and Sixteen Acres Branches for the Sept. 16th and Nov. 4th elections. In order to meet their request, the branches will have to be closed to the public. After some discussion, Mr. Markey moved to close Pine Point and Sixteen Acres Branches on Sept. 16 and Nov. 4th for the elections. MOTION CARRIED with one opposed.
It was recommended by Ms. Bader and Ms. Fogarty to open the Pine Point Branch Library on Fridays, commencing August 1st with hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This recommendation was based on the current budget and lack of staff. It was noted that this is a temporary situation with the ultimate goal is to expand hours in the Fall.
A motion was made to accept recommendation to open the Pine Point Branch on Fridays, starting August 1st, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MOTION CARRIED
The Central Library is receiving last minute services; cleaning, equipment, carpeting and painting. Staff are moving back into their respective offices. Ms. Bader also commented on how the staff have been such troopers under such difficult conditions during this past year.
Meeting adjourned 10:10 a.m.