HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-1995 Library Commission Minutes.................................................................................................................................................................................... ,,,,,,,,
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Saratoga Library Commission Meeting
Saratoga City Hall - Administrative Meeting Room
July 19, 1995
7:30 p.m.
Action Minutes
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Towse at 7:30 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Ceppos, McLaughlin, Sessler, Towse
Commissioners Absent: Foscato (out-of-town), Grantham (out-of-town), Manzo (out-of
town)
Others present: Dolly Barnes, Saratoga Librarian, Susan Fuller, County Librarian, Jim
Givens, Treasurer - Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
III. Report on Posting of Commission Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda was properly posted on July 13,
1995.
IV. New Business
A. Recommended method to provide for Sunday hours for the Saratoga
Community Library
Discussion relative to funding for Sunday hours which will not be funded in
whole or part by the City of Saratoga for the 1995-1996 fiscal year.
1. Susan Fuller reported on the options for funding available through
shifting materials budget funds and/or shifting staff hours.
Options:
a) Shift hours - factors:
a. consistent schedules
b. Measure A rewards
c. staff- quality. fewer lines. programs
d. volunteer help
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SHIFT HOURS - OPTION 1: Thursday pm year-round is about =
Sunday hours during school year.
Pro: (a) Th pm pattern not yet established (b) Th pm is historically
slow (why it was not available previously) (c) no childrens
programs
Con: (a) school night (b) hours have been publicized (c) public
will perceive as cut
SHIFT HOURS - OPTION 2: Cut Fri/Sat 10-noon year-round
Pro: (a) used to pattern (b) not an evening (c) cut on single shift
Con: (a) childrens programs Friday AM (b) cuts weekend hours
(c) Saturday is one of busiest days (d) confusion re open hours
(e) decreases "quiet" time available for adults (f) businesses use
Library in AM (g) *cut*
b) Shift materials budget $ to personnel budget
1991-1992:$224,098
1992-1993:$175,430
1993-1994:$135,171 - budget $ without add-ins $55,608
1994-1995:$171,488 (estimated approved budget - no gifts; no
Friends)
1995-1996:$272,596 (budget only )- no gifts.
$83K materials (CSA include)
$354K -- materials budget at 14% of total
CSA $ ($150K for platform; $130K for salaries; $83K for
matedab: $363K for use O SCL)
PROs: (a) maintains hours (b) less confusing (c) circ levels (d)
size $ is manageable (e) temporary (f) historically gifts have been
substantial
CONs: (a) reduces book budget (b) sets precedent (c) not a long-
term solution
2. Jim Givens, Treasurer, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries presented an
offer from the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries.
The Friends Board held a meeting on Monday, July 10, and voted to
offer a $23,085 grant to the Library for the 1995-1996 year to fund
Sunday hours from September 1995 through May 1996. Givens stated
that the Friends had intended to give $60K to the Library during 1995-
1996, as they had in 1994-1995. Friends donations comprise 5% of the
Saratoga Library budget.
Friends' concerns were as follows:
a) cut in hours will result in corresponding drop in circulation which will
affect Saratoga's share of the formula monies
b) cut in hours might be perceived as "bad faith" from voters
c) who is affected?
d) actual revenues unclear
e) Friends' support for Library is on-going; this seemed a clear need
f) Council's need - Council support of Friends is long-standing
g) How can problem be solved with the least negative public impact?
DISCUSSION:
PRO: (a) maximum service level (b) immediate solution (c) Friends
would receive public credit and recognition (d) doesn't cut into book
budget (e) buys time for investigation of other alternatives
CON: (a) funding source is not predictable. Friends cannot be expected
to fund every year. City needs to reinstate funding ASAP (b) solution is
not permanent (see (a)) (c) Friends had other intents for $ donated - this
will impact their other gifts.
3. Deputy Chair Ceppos moved, Sessler seconded to gratefully accept
Friends' offer to pay for Sunday hours for the 1995-1996 fiscal year.
Motion passed unanimously.
Chair Towse directed to write letter to Friends, accepting offer, and write
letter to City Council, detailing Sunday hours provision for 1995-1996.
Chair Towse specifically directed to reiterate to City Council,
Commission's request that City reinstate funding for Sunday hours as
soon as possible.
V. Adjoumment
The meeting was adjourned. Next meeting will be August 23, 1995 at 7:30 p.m. in the
Community Room at the Saratoga Community Library. Deputy Chair Ceppos will chair
meeting as Chair Towse will be out-of-town.
Sally~_~wse, ribrary Commission Chair