HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-1999 Library Commission Minutes SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
Book Go Round
14410 Oak Street, Saratoga
Wednesday, November 10, 1999
7:00 p.m.
Minutes
I. Call to Order
Chair Marcia Manzo called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
H. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Chandra, Cross, Gipstein, Manzo, O'Donnell, Towse
Commissioners absent: Foscato
Others present: StaffLiaison Paula Reeve, Community Librarian Dolly Barnes,
Deputy County Librarian Julie Farnsworth, Jim Givens and Tom Blaisdell of
Friends of the Libraries.
lI1. Report of Posting of Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on
11/5/99.
IV. Approval of the Minutes
Commissioner Gipstein moved to approve the minutes of October 25, 1999.
Commissioner Towse seconded the motion, which passed 6/0.
V. Old Business
A. Welcome of new Commissioner Bobby Chandra
The Library Commission members welcomed Bobby Chandra who was
appointed to fill the vacant Commission seat. Mr. Chandra mentioned that
he is interested in contributing his knowledge to assist with the Library's
Internet system.
B. Review and Revise Needs Assessment
Chair Marcia Manzo presented a history of the development of the Needs
Assessment dating back to its incipience in 1991. After a lengthy attempt
at reviewing and revising the most recent version, the Commission
members unanimously agreed to delegate the task to a small sub-
committee consisting of Commissioner Sally Towse, Community
Librarian Dolly Barnes, and Staff Liaison Paula Reeve. The Commission
further directed the sub-committee to forward the updated Needs
Assessment to the City Clerk by Friday, November 12th for inclusion in
the packet for the November 16th Joint meeting with the City Council.
C. Awareness Program Update
Jim Ovens gave an overview of the Friends' Public Awareness Campaign
efforts leading up to the time the tracking poll was conducted. The
campaign has included several informational mailers to residents and
opinion leaders, as well as one-on-one outreach events at various locations
throughout Saratoga. So far, The Friends have invested $46,000 in the
Awareness Program, and expect the final costs to tally nearly $60,000.
Commissioner Cross made a motion to have the Library Commission send
a letter of appreciation to the Friends of the Libraries thanking them for
their generosity and assistance with this endeavor. Commissioner Towse
seconded the motion which passed 6/0.
D. Preparation for the November 17m Joint Meeting with the City
Council
Chair Marcia Manzo distributed copies of her draft report to the City
Council for the Commissioners' to review and comment on. The
Commission members unanimously agreed to accept the document and
were comfortable with the recommended $14 million General Obligation
Bond designation.
VI. Reports
A. Dolly Barnes, Community Librarian
Dolly Barnes reported that her staffhas been very supportive and
understanding while the Library Commission and she pursued having the
Library Bond Measure placed on the March ballot.
B. Jim Givens, Friends of the Libraries
Jim Ovens relayed that the Friends of the Libraries' operating budget is
$59,000, an increase of $20,000 over the $39,000 originally forecast. The
Mailing Committee deserves special recognition for having mailed about
39,000 pieces of mail this year. Some of these items included: the
newsletter, membership solicitations, and three separate mailings for the
Community Awareness Campaign. Lastly, The Friends have received just
shy of $1,000 in contributions donated in memory of Mayor Jim Shaw.
VII. Oral and Written Communications
Nothing was presented.
VIII. Adjournment
Commissioner Chandra moved to adjourn the meeting with Commissioner
O'Donnell seconding the motion. The motion carried (6/0) and the meeting was
adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Chair Manzo reminded everyone that the next meeting was scheduled for
Wednesday, December 8*, at 7:30 p.m.; at the Book Go Round noting that a
Christmas party would be held once the Commission's business was completed.
Respectfully submitted:
Paula E. Reeve
StaffLiaison to the Library Commission