Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-25-1975 Library Commission Minutes LIBRARY CO~ISSION MINUTES JUNE 25, 1975 I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Campbell, Isaak, Miller, Moss, Earley, Falltrick, & Olsen Absent: None Guests: Mr. Robert F. Beyer, City Manager, Ms. Pamela Hook, Regional Librarian and Miss Barbara Campbell, County Librarian. B. MINUTES It was pointed out that under item I~ paragraph 2, that the second sentence should read "budget for furniture for the Saratoga Library and for full year operations for the Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Los Altos facilities." It was moved by Commissioner Isaak and seconded by Commissioner Miller that the minutes be approved as amended. At this point in the meeting Commissioners Earley and Olsen arrived. II. STATUS REPORT ON PROPOSED LIBRARY FACILITY The City Manager then reviewed in detail the negotiating process which has taken place concerning the recommended library site on Saratoga Avenue near Cox. He indicated the perameters which have been the basis for negotiations and some of the problems which he has been having concerning arriving at an agreement with the property owner. He pointed out that there are basically two different object- ives which are trying to be reached, that of the City and that of the property owner, and they do not seem to be in concert at the present time. He indicated he was in the process of taking a recommendation to the City Council at its next regular meeting to terminate discussions because of the time element involved and because we have not been able to work out an agreement. He further pointed out that he was recommending an alternate site for consideration by the Council on Saratoga Ave. near Sacred Heart Church on City owned property. This is necessary because of the time constraints to date and was further recommending that the City Council hold a public hearing prior to making a final determination on the alternate site. Commissioner Earley then reviewed the history of the site selection for the library and indicated that the Commission had supported the site which was ultimately approved by the City Council and has been under discussion. However, he felt very strongly that the time factor was very important since the passage of the bond issue and indicated that he did support the proposed site location. He further emphasized that there was a possibility of using a portion of the church parking which would add to the site. Chairman Campbell also indicated his support for this site as it was in the vicinity of the site previously supported by him. The Commission discussed further the various advantages and disadvantages of the proposed site. About this time, Mrs. Falltrick arrived. After further discussion, Commissioner Earley moved and it was seconded by Commissioner Isaak that the Commission indicate to the City Council its support for the recommend- ation for the alternate site and urge the Council that if this site is chosen to further explore the joint use of the church parking lot. The City Manager was requested to submit a recommendation to the City Council to this extent. The motion was unanimously passed. Commissioner Miller then suggested that many people will not be familiar with the process that has been undergone for the negotiations and indicated that it would be well to put notices in the library concerning the proposed public hearing at the City Council meeting. It was further felt that the City Manager should use every method possible to present the history of negotiations in the discussions that might bring about this change of site location. III. REPORT FROM COUNTY LIBRARIAN 1. Miss Campbell reported that negotiations had not been too successful and there was a possibility of a County strike occurring on Tuesday, July 1. She indicated that there are only 5 supervising librarians not covered by employee organizations and therefore there would probably be a problem in keeping the libraries open. She further indicated that they were concerned about the level of service provided during the strike and would make every possible attempt to maintain the library operations during this period of time. 2. Miss Campbell then commented that to balance the library budget at the present time would take a 3¢ tax rate increase. The problem is that the board is committed to a no tax rate increase and indicated that this is the nub of the problem. She further reviewed the areas of possible cuts to reflect the boards position indicating this would have to amount to approximately $300,000. She reviewed in some detail the alternatives available to her and the staff and that the first level of cuts would be in some of the services other than books. This would be in the area of film checking. The second level of cuts if it was necessary would be in salaries and the third area would be in books if it had to go that far. The Commission then discussed with Miss Campbell the concepts of levels of service and the various alternatives for the cuts and the impacts on this level of service. 3. Miss Campbell then verified the tour to San Francisco on Sunday,June 29th, to review the library furniture exhibit at the California Library Association Conference. She indicated that those that could not attend on Sunday that possibly the exhibits could be reviewed Monday through Wednesday. She felt that this would be advantageous to all members of the commission in that there would be a good chance to review some of the furniture alternatives available which will be under consideration in the new library facility. Regional Librarian, Pamela Hook, then reported on the steps being taken to inform particularly Los Gatos residents of the new non-resident fee for use of County libraries. She indicated that they had been receiving some problems on this because people in Los Gatos who were used to using the County library system were having some problems with this new polizcy of the County. Commissioner Isaak then reported that he had been appointed by the City Gouncil to the recently established Needs Assessment Task Force for the City. There being no further business the meeting was ]adjourned at approximately 9:15 P.M. ~pectf~bmi tted, Secretary !