HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-2003 Library Commission Minutes
SARATOGA LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
Saratoga Community Library
13650 Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
ACTION MINUTES
I. Call to Order
Chair Cross called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Chandra, Cross, Gipstein, Grover, Foscato, Johnson, Manzo
III. Report on Posting of Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda was properly posted on September 17,
2003.
IV. Oral and Written Communication
Building Bridges flyer distributed by member of the public (See Attachment A).
V. Approval of Minutes of May 28, 2003, Library Commission Meeting
Commissioner Manzo moved to approve the minutes of the June 25, 2003 meeting, as
amended. Commissioner Foscato seconded the motion and it passed 7/0.
VI. Old Business
a. Final Library Expansion Committee Update
Commissioner Manzo reported that the Library Expansion Committee held its final
meeting in August 2003. The project has been substantially completed on time and
under budget. A group has been formed to discuss how to dispose of remaining bond
funds, approximately $700,000 or $40 per household. Bond language prohibits
expending the funds on operations. Under consideration is using the money to
establish a Capital Improvement and Maintenance Fund. Participating in the dialogue
are Mayor Streit, Council Member Bogosian, Assistant City Manager Tinfow, Library
Commissioners Johnson and Manzo, Friends of the Saratoga Library Representative
McDonnel, and Citizens Oversight Committee Representative King.
Commissioner Manzo suggested that the Commission regularly review progress on the
Library's Punch List until its completion.
b. Conflict of Interest Reporting Form 700
Chair Cross encouraged the remaining two Commissioners not in compliance, to
complete the legally mandated reporting forms. Staff Liaison reminded Commissioners
the City Clerk was available to assist with completion of the forms, if necessary.
c. Community Room Policy
Community Librarian Barnes distributed current Community Room Policy (See
Attachment B) and reported that several groups have requested access to the
Community Room on Sundays. Barnes stated that most users of the room are non-
profit, some school groups use the room. Fees are currently under review by the
County. Members of the public representing various community groups gave
testimony about the need for meeting space on Sundays. Concerns regarding Sunday
hours for the Community Room include:
1. The library circulates the same nurnber of items in 4 hours on Sundays as it does
in 8 hours on the other days of operation.
2. Staff is limited on Sundays.
3. Limited parking may be an issue with neighboring churches' Sunday services.
Commissioner Manzo moved that a pilot program allowing Community Room Usage
on Sundays during normal Sunday hours of operation, 12noon to 5:00pm, be
implemented. The Community Librarian will have the discretion to determine the
duration and period. Commission Gipstein seconded the motion and it passed 7/0.
d. Santa Clara County Library Ballot Measure2004
County Librarian Cervantes gave an update.
1. Consultant completed first poll in June 2003.
2. 87% of Voters continue to support library at same rate ($33.66 per parcel).
3. 72% of Voters continue to support library at $50 per parcel.
4. 65% of Voters continue to support library at $68 per parcel.
5. Second poll to take place in October 2003 to be considered at JP A Meeting on
September 27,2003.
6. JP A to have a special hearing on Intent to Form a District at the October 2003
meeting.
7. Escalator and duration of assessment to be determined.
8. Cost to Santa Clara County Library system to put measure on ballot
approximately $462,00
9. Fund raising has begun.
10. Judy Johnstone and Virginia Parker are co-chair for Saratoga's Campaign
Committee.
11. Ifmeasure does not succeed in March 2004, retry again March 2005. Critical
that library secures funding prior to the sunset ofthe current assessment to
maintain service levels.
VII. New Business
a. Introduction of Arts Commission Liaison to Library Commission
Chair Cross introduced Art Commissioner Mary Lou Taylor. Art Commissioner Taylor
distributed Art in the Park flyer (See Attachment C) and communicated the need for
additional volunteers.
b. Art Display Update
Art Commissioner Taylor announced that the new library art exhibit was to be hung
next week. The theme in conjunction with Community Building Bridges Week and the
Pacific Scribe Guild is Scripts and Literature.
c. Photograph for Saratogan
Staff Liaison Bums took photographs of Library Commission to be included in the
October Saratogan along with an article about the Library Commission.
d. Teen Read Week - October 19 - 25
Staff Liaison Burns in collaboration with Teen Librarian Wiepking are preparing a
proclamation and poetry reading to occur at the October 15th Council Meeting. Student
poets will receive commendations.
e. Holiday Commission Meeting
Commissioner Manzo moved that the November and December Commission meetings
be combined and moved due to holiday conflict from the 4th Wednesday of the month
to Wednesday, December 10t\ at the Book Go Round. Commissioner Grover seconded
the motion and it passed 7/0. Chair Cross to reserve the Book Go Round.
Commissioner Manzo asked Staff Liaison Bums to research and report back to the
Commission the dates ofthe book drive for children.
VIII. Reports
a. Norm Kline, Councilmember - JPA Representative
Absent.
b. Melinda Cervantes, County Librarian
Distributed report (See Attachment D).
c. Anne Cross, Chair
Reminded Commission about the recognition and appreciation dinner.
d. Dolly Barnes, Community Librarian
. Acoustics are working well
. Circulation was 124,00 items in July 2003.
. Bringing volunteers on board in waves. Teens scheduled for training next week.
. 5 Minute parking being exploited. Asked city staff to speak to Code Enforcement.
. Cafe is open.
. Plans for technology classes are being developed.
e. Cathy Foscato, Friends ofthe Saratoga Libraries
Sorting book donations is ongoing. Book sale scheduled for October 4th and 5th in the
Community Room.
f. Lori Burns, City Staff Liason
Announced the success ofthe first All City meeting to discuss City properties and
encouraged Commissioners to attend second meeting to be scheduled.
IX. Adjournment
Commissioner Manzo moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Foscato seconded the
motion and the meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm. 7/0.
Prepared By:
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Lori i3'iims;' HR Analyst
868-1252 hr(@,sarato!!a.ca.us