HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-2008 Library Commission Agenda Packet
City of Saratoga
Library Commission
AGENDA
DATE: December 3, 2008
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
Book‐Go‐Round
14410 Oak Street
Saratoga, CA 95070
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call: Chiou, Lemmon, Khan, McBane Mulford, Nilan
3. Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for
this meeting was properly posted on November 26, 2008.
4. Accept Agenda Items and Order: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code
Section 54954.2.
5. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting— October 22, 2008
6. Oral & Written Communication: Any member of the public may address the Commission about any
matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not
comment on the matter, but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
7. Old Business
A. Building Maintenance Update
B. Library Commission Application and Interview Process
C. Long Term Planning for LCIF Update
8. New Business
A. Commission Annual Activities Overview
B. LCIF Fund Review and FY 2009/2010 Budget Allocation Planning
9. Reports: (This section is informational only; no actions will be taken.)
A. Melinda Cervantes, County Librarian
B. Barbara Morrow Williams, Community Librarian
C. Sam McBane Mulford, Chair
D. Judy Johnstone, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries
10. Agenda Items for Next Meeting – February 25, 2008
Future Library Commission Meetings:
- February 25, 2009
- April 22, 2009
- June 10, 2009
11. Adjournment
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability‐
related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at
408.868.1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full
business day before the start of the meeting.
Library Commission Agenda Note:
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the
Library Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City Manager at
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the
agenda are made available for public review at the office of the City Manager at the time they are distributed to
the Library Commission.
Certificate of Posting of Agenda:
I, Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the
meeting of the Library Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on November 26, 2008, at the office of
the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga CA 95070 and was available for public review at that
location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at http://www.saratoga.ca.us/boards‐
commissions/library/index.html.
D R A F T
CITY OF SARATOGA
LIBRARY COMMISSION
MINUTES
DATE: October 22, 2008
TIME: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Community Room
Saratoga Library
13650 Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
1. Call to Order
Chair Nilan called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Commissioners present: Chiou, Lemmon, Khan, McBane Mulford, and Nilan. Others
present: County Librarian Melinda Cervantes, Saratoga Community Librarian Barbara
Williams, Saratoga Administrative Analyst Crystal Morrow, Saratoga Facilities Maintenance
Supervisor Thomas Scott, Friends of the Saratoga Libraries Community Relations Manager
Judy Johnstone.
3. Report on Posting of the Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on June 4, 2008 (Morrow).
4. Accept Agenda Items and Order:
No additional items were added pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. McBane
Mulford moved to accept the agenda items and order, seconded by Nilan. Motion passed 5/0.
5. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting August 27, 2008.
Lemmon moved to approve the minutes from the August 27, 2008 meeting, seconded by
Nilan. Motion passed 5/0.
6. Oral & Written Communication
No oral or written communications were presented to the Commission.
7. Old Business
A. Building Maintenance Update
Thomas Scott reviewed the memorandum re: Library Projects Update that was distributed
as part of the Commissioners’ agenda packet. As of October 7, 2008, the following
facilities items have been completed at the Library:
∗ PG&E has completed putting Metro/PCS on their new meter and the plan is to move
the City over next week.
Saratoga Library Commission
October 22, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 6
∗ The hazardous material located in the transformer enclosure has been removed and
the site has been cleaned.
Projects being worked on:
∗ Working on correcting the Children’s area lighting problem. Have received the
product specifications and design from the Lighting Design Company. Will be
working on doing a bid package for this project that can be sent out for bid.
B. LCIF Long-term Planning
∗ Nilan and McBane Mulford need information from the City’s Finance Director to
establish longer term planning. They have reviewed the County Library’s
assumptions regarding capital improvements projected out over time.
∗ Regarding any reconfiguration or new construction within the library, it would be
best to contact Mark Schotz, the original building Architect with Field Paoli.
∗ Nilan, McBane Mulford, Williams and Scott will meet to establish articulation of
issues and criteria for a successful solution. Funding was allocated in this fiscal year
for design of a solution if necessary. Engaging Field Paoli in the design of a solution
would require the City to contract directly, and Scott would identify coordination
with Williams and any others necessary for collaboration and decision making.
∗ Morrow will follow up on the appropriate process regarding sole source vs. an RFP
processes, as we would prefer to engage the original building architect. The City has
implemented a new system in their Accounting and Legal departments. Scott
believes he has discretion for contracts below 30k. The city would hold the
contractual relationship with the architect; the Commission would appropriate LCIF
dollars for the contract.
∗ Resolving the café issue is deemed essential to the total program of the library per
Morrow Williams.
C. Library Commission Position Update
Two terms of the five commissioners have been extended to April 2009 from October
2008 (Nilan and Chiou) to address the issue of commission continuity and minimize the
number of vacancies that arise at any one point in time across all commissions. Ideally,
an even number of commission positions will end their terms every two years; this issue
will be addressed in January during the Council Retreat. The intent is to develop a plan
that staggers commission terms, and may result in terms across all commissions ending in
a rotating quarterly basis. Interim new commissioners may have terms that accommodate
any adjustments necessary to implement the plan when decided. The current terms are as
follows:
April 2009 Roxanne Nilan (Chair)
October 2011 Sam McBane Mulford (Vice Chair)
April 2009 Alice Chiou
April 2009 Helen Lemmon
October 2011 Javed Khan
From the previous vacancy posting, one application was received. However, this
individual had not attended a commission meeting, which is a requirement for a valid
application.
Saratoga Library Commission
October 22, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 6
This commission was previously interested in providing input on questions for the
supplemental questionnaire. The issue identified was that the questions for current
(reapplying) members should acknowledge their experience on the commission and
therefore be different than or supplemental to those questions for new applicants. This
allows Council to compare experience and previous contributions of a sitting
commissioner to the experience and potential contributions of a new applicant, and make
decisions for appointment accordingly.
∗ Interview issues – it would help to have an exit interview with outgoing
commissioners; related to that are the council agendas and priorities for applicants.
∗ Khan was impressed with the process he just experienced as a new commissioner; it
exposes the candidate the scope of the role and responsibility. Attending a council
meeting in addition to a Commission meeting is very beneficial as it provides
perspective as to how local government works. He felt that there should be an
opportunity for an applicant to interview with the sitting commission members.
∗ Cervantes suggested that since this is done in many other local and regional cities, it
might be worthwhile to benchmark their processes and especially their application
forms and questions.
∗ Council approves the Monte Sereno selection (nomination). It is most likely the
Council’s discretion as to whether they choose to interview a returning commissioner
if there are no other applicants for an open position.
8. New Business
A. School-day Afternoon Student Discipline Issues
∗ Closure of the Warner Hutton House to teen activities has resulted in a significant
increase in the number of teens (mostly from Redwood Middle School) at the library
on school day afternoons. While most are there to study, there are ten to fifteen
students who pose ongoing discipline problems. The Library has established a
progressive discipline policy: first, a verbal warning, then a 15 minute time out.
Subsequent issues result in staff asking the individual to leave the Library, and parent
contact before the student is allowed to return.
∗ Staff is stretched to deliver library services and programs; dealing with discipline
issues is disruptive not only to staff but other library users, including other teens who
would like to use the library to finish schoolwork.
∗ A Library goal is to reduce noise and confusion in the library by addressing the café
issue. Staff ‘turn’ the tables every 30 minutes (those who are seated in the café, to
study or socialize, are asked to move to another part of the library if they have been
there longer than 30 minutes). The café is the only ‘sanctioned’ place to eat in the
library, but if a few monopolize the tables, others cannot enjoy the space. Also, the
group study room may be reserved for teen study in the afternoon.
∗ Staff now allow people to take drinks into the other parts of the library as long as they
are covered. Unfortunately, staff continue to find food wrappers in the stacks, but
Morrow Williams feels we are swimming upstream on the food issue.
∗ Staff is looking at two major strategies:
Saratoga Library Commission
October 22, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 6
(1) Developing a relationship with Redwood Middle School and other community
groups, to encourage them to provide adult monitoring, and to assist with
managing those teens kids who use the library as an interim spot before they are
picked up by parents, but who appear to have little to do…
(2) Enclosing the café area to contain the noise.
∗ Another significant issue involves the lingering of these children after closing, when
parents are late picking them up. On Friday nights, there may be 15 to 20 kids
waiting outside. Initially staff stayed out of concern for the children’s safety,
particularly with winter darkness. It was noted that in Saratoga, a child aged 14 and
under is considered abandoned if left unattended by a parent or guardian for a
specified period of time, and the police need to become involved. The following
measures are being used or considered:
(1) The Library is actively promoting a brochure – The Kids & Law – that covers
issues for parents and educates them and their children as to the laws and
regulations.
(2) The Sheriff could send a patrol around 6 pm on Fridays. Parents may assume that
staff will stay after closing. Private schools or day care centers usually fine a
parent a considerable amount for picking up their child late, which acts as a
reminder.
(3) Development of great teen library programs after school – with a new teen
librarian, the Library hopes to develop positive opportunities for these kids.
(4) Other practices include a proactive discussion with parents as they arrive late
explain the issues and concerns. It was noted that the discipline issues discussed
above are not the same children as those left behind after hours.
∗ Next steps – a role for the commission in resolving the issue.
(1) Nilan would like to facilitate conversation with the PTA, Schools, etc. and
address this as a community issue and resolve it from multiple perspectives. This
is an opportunity for a powerful community.
(2) The café issue will be addressed with improvements to the door/opening.
∗ SCC also will be looking at this as a system wide issue, as part of the concept of a
seamless web of education from libraries and schools; the perspective is not that this
is a ‘bad kid’ or ‘poor parenting’ issue.
B. Election of New Chair and Vice Chair
∗ Nilan moved to nominate McBane Mulford as Chair, seconded by Chiou. Passed
unanimously 5/0.
∗ McBane Mulford nominated Khan as Vice Chair, seconded by Nilan. Passed
unanimously 5/0.
9. Reports
A. Melinda Cervantes, Director, Santa Clara County Library
∗ The new PC network is up and running and patrons seem to enjoy the full range of
features including MS Office software, plug-ins for various hard drives and greater
network stability.
∗ The Silicon Valley Library System has merged with three other Bay Area Systems to
form the nine-county Pacific Library Partnership System. Greater opportunities to
Saratoga Library Commission
October 22, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Page 5 of 6
join together to promote and advocate for libraries as well as efficiency of operation
were the primary reasons for the merger.
∗ Library staff would like to congratulate the Friends of the Morgan Hill Library for the
Baker & Taylor Award and honor by FOLUSA. The American Library Association
2008 Annual Conference was held in Anaheim along with the Urban Libraries
Council Foresight2020 Fast Forward.
∗ The 2009 Silicon Valley Reads selection is Not a Genuine Black Man: My Life as an
Outsider by Brian Copeland. Copeland moved to San Leandro in the early 1970s
when he was eight and San Leandro was considered one of the most racist enclaves in
the nation. Copeland is an award-winning writer, comedian, television host, radio
personality, and actor.
∗ The American Library Association 2008 Annual Conference will be held in Anaheim,
CA from June 26 – July 2. Also in Anaheim, as part of the Foresight 2020 Initiative,
the Urban Libraries Council hosted Fast Forward a one day conference devoted to
creating a competitive edge for public libraries through strategic thinking about
advances in technology, the kinds of knowledge that will be in demand and new
trends in individual and social learning.
∗ The next regular meeting of the Library JPA Board is scheduled for Thursday,
October 23, 2008 at 1:30pm at the Library Administration Offices in Los Gatos. The
Board will consider the FY2008 Year-End Fiscal Report, the lease for the new
Milpitas Library and the acceptance of numerous donations and grant awards.
A. Barbara Morrow Williams, Community Librarian – Issues and Program Overview
∗ The library co-sponsored with AAUW a program on October 4, “A Practical
Perspective on the Impact of Immigration on Education”. Roberta Lynch, an ESL
Instructor in the local high schools, presented.
∗ The Library will also co-sponsor with AAUW a presentation on the Cervical Cancer
Vaccine Program on November 15th.
∗ Teen Librarian Lisa Pirlot and Adult Program Librarian Michele Huie presented a fun
filled afternoon for teens and tweens with Guitar Hero, Dance, Dance Revolution, and
an assortment of games made possible by a grant from the Friends of the Saratoga
Libraries. 25 kids participated in the program held in the Community Room.
∗ Barbara Morrow Williams and Children’s Program Librarians Peggy Baker and
Cindy Wee hosted the Foothill PTA in the Community Room. After their regular
PTA meeting, Peggy and Cindy introduced them to the various online databases. The
hour long session was well received by twenty-one parents, including two first
fathers. St. Andrews parents will be visiting Saratoga on October 30th for
introductions to library databases.
∗ Branch total circulation for September 08 figures 123,840 up from the same time last
year of 115,717 – an increase of over 8,000, making Saratoga fourth in the County
Library System.
∗ The Library also experimented with a drop-in database training on Wednesday,
October 22nd, and will continue to experiment with a weekly drop-in session through
the end of the year.
∗ The Library will host a Plane Tree Health Library event on November 13th. Plane
Tree is a local health library that provides reference services to library customers.
Saratoga Library Commission
October 22, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Page 6 of 6
∗ After-school short term strategies – such as a progressive discipline policy – have
been moderately successful on a day to day basis, but the Library still welcomes the
collaboration of the community to develop long term strategies to assist with the
dozens of unsupervised students who come daily to the Library. The Library is the
only free/no cost after school venue for students. According to long term staff
members, Warner-Hutton House in Saratoga was low-cost, and took much of the
pressure off the library when it was open. Now that is closed, the only other choices
for families charge substantial fees, and in the is economic climate many seem to
choose the free library.
B. Judy Johnstone, Friends of the Saratoga Library
∗ Membership drive began two weeks ago – renewal notices have gone to all existing
members and a mailing to all residents will go out this week.
∗ On November 5th, a breakfast club meeting will be held with the author of Wild
Goose Chase, Teri Thayer.
∗ The Friends are conducting outreach to the community explaining that Monday hours
are temporary and a source of financing is necessary to maintain those hours within
the community. The Friends are currently integrating the AAUW and League of
Women Voters into the community wide discussion.
∗ The National Friends of the Library Week occurs this week. The Friends of the
Saratoga Libraries are now a member of the national association – Friends of the
Library USA (FOLUSA).
C. Roxanne Nilan
∗ Barbara asked the City to conduct a formal study of the parking, circulation and other
issues on the site. The report will be shared with Barbara and the Commission.
10. Agenda Items for Meeting December 3, 2008 (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Book Go
Round)
A. LCIF Fund Review and FY 2009/2010 Budget Allocation Planning
B. Library Commissioner Application and Interview Process
C. Long Term Planning for LCIF Update
11. Adjournment
Chair Nilan adjourned the meeting at 2:08 p.m.
City of Saratoga Facilities Department
Memo
To: Library Commission
From: Thomas Scott, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Date: November 26, 2008
Re: Library Projects Update
As of November 26, 2008, the following facilities items have been completed
at the Library:
• Providing documentation and information about the Library HVAC
system to the Contractors that are working on repairing the system.
• On November 24th PG&E installed the new meter for the City in the
Electrical Room.
Projects being worked on:
• Transferring the City’s electrical usage to the new PG&E meter.
• Working on correcting the Children’s area lighting problem. Getting
bid and paperwork from Contractor to do this project.
• Working on getting all of the outside lights operating on the site.
COMMISSION APPLICATION
The information on this application, except for
your address, telephone number and any listed
references is considered public information
and will be furnished to any requesting party.
CITY COUNCIL
The City Council is the governing body of the City. It is vested with broad powers in areas
of legislative policy, budgetary allocation and service delivery. As an elected body, the
Council represents the entire community and serves as the “Board of Directors” for the
municipal corporation. The City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every
month. Site visits are conducted at 3:00 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding the Wednesday
meeting.
CITY COMMISSIONS
City Commissioners are essential to the City’s commitment to developing policies and
services which adequately reflect the needs of the community. Commissioners’ work closely
with the City Council and the City staff, as well as with fellow Commissioners, all of who
pay a critical role in the City organization. All Commission members serve without pay.
Commissions are appointed by the City Council to provide ongoing citizen involvement in
major policy areas. The establishment of Commissions is determined either through Council
ordinances or through resolutions. As advisory bodies, commissions provide ongoing
recommendations to the City Council regarding special program areas, hold public hearings
to solicit community opinion on current issues, and surface issues which the Commission
believes should be addressed by the City. Commissions do not have administrative oversight
or authority; the Planning Commission, however, does have significant decision-making
authority. These decisions must be consistent with the State Law and City ordinances, but
usually are final unless they are appealed to the City Council.
Citizens are encouraged to apply at any time to serve on the various City Commissions, all of
which have seven members. Appointments are made throughout the year as terms expire or
vacancies occur. Applicants must be Saratoga residents, at least eighteen years of age, and a
registered voter in the City of Saratoga. Appointments are for four-year terms, except in
cases where an appointment is made to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term. Members of all
the City’s Commissions, except for the Youth Commission, are required to file an
annual Statement of Economic Interest with the Fair Political Practice Commission
(www.fppc.ca.gov).
The City of Saratoga does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, age, or disability in the provision of service.
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PLANNING COMMISSION
Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. - Civic Center Theater. Site visits are conducted at
3:00 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding the Wednesday meeting.
The Planning Commission advises the City Council on land use matters such as the General
Plan and specific plans, zoning and subdivisions. The Commission plans for the future for
orderly physical development of the City, and informs and educates the public on current
land use and urban planning issues. In many areas the Planning Commission also acts as a
legislative body in making determinations within the framework of applicable State laws and
City ordinances. Ultimately decisions on land use reside with the City Council. Members
are required by State law to file an annual Statement of Economic Interest with the Fair
Political Practice Commission.
ARTS COMMISSION
(Commission suspended per Resolution 05-032)
The Arts Commission function is to present, promote and invigorate the artistic and cultural
vitality of the community of Saratoga. The Commission is an advisory agency to the City
Council. The Arts Commission is not authorized to set policy or give direction to City staff.
The Commission is authorized to investigate, review, and analyze issues and make
recommendations to the City Council
FINANCE COMMISSION
(Commission suspended per Resolution 05-032)
The Finance Commission reviews the City’s annual audits and budget preparation, and
presents recommendations or comments as appropriate to the City Manager and to the City
Council. The Commission also undertakes and performs any other specific tasks as may be
assigned from time to time by the City Council.
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Meets 2nd Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - Warner Hutton House
The Heritage Preservation Commission functions as a liaison working in conjunction with
the City Council and Planning Commission and the agencies and departments of the City to
implement the City’s Heritage Preservation Ordinance. This includes conducting surveys of
properties within the boundaries of the City of Saratoga for the purpose of establishing an
official inventory of heritage resources and recommending to the City Council specific
proposals for designation as a historic landmark, heritage lane or historic district. One
member is nominated by the Saratoga Historical Foundation and at least one member must be
trained and experience in the field of construction and structural rehabilitation, such as a
licensed architect, engineer, contractor, or urban planner.
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LIBRARY COMMISSION
Meets Quarterly Wednesday, 12 noon – Community Room, Saratoga Library
The Library Commission provides counsel and recommendations on library policies,
budgets, plans and procedures to the City Council, City Staff, the Santa Clara County Library
Staff, and the Saratoga Library Supervisor. The Library Commission has no administrative
authority over the Library’s operations but does participate in the general planning of the
library operation and library related programs and policies. One member is nominated by the
City of Monte Sereno.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
(Commission suspended per Resolution 05-032)
The Parks and Recreation Commission advises the City Council on design, use,
development, financing, care and maintenance of parks and playgrounds; landscaping along
thoroughfares and other city streets, walkways, pathways and equestrian paths, and other
such matters as may be requested by the Council. The Commission also advises and makes
recommendations concerning programming and implementation of the City’s recreation and
leisure activity programs.
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISISON
The meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and are held in the Administrative Conference Room
13777 Fruitvale Avenue.
The Traffic Safety Commission investigates, reviews and analyzes issues and makes
recommendations to the City Council in the areas of overall public safety, crime and fire
prevention, traffic safety and other related areas. The Commission increases awareness of
and attention to the public safety needs of the community by improving communications and
involvement among the community, the City government and the public safety agencies on
services, needs and programs. As an advisory agency, the Commission is not authorized to
set policy or give directions to public agencies such as the Sheriff’s Office or to City Staff.
υυυυ
If interested in serving on one of the various commissions, please complete the attached
application and supplemental questionnaire and return it to the City of Saratoga, City Clerk’s
Office, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA, 95070. If you have any questions, you may
call the City Clerk at (408) 868-1269. The application is also on the City’s website
www.saratoga.ca.us. Applicants must attend a commission meeting prior to
participating in the interview process.
CITY OF SARATOGA
COMMISSION APPLICATION FORM
DATE: ______________________________
COMMISSION APPLYING FOR: ______________________________________________
MS.
MRS.______________________________________________________________________
MR.
TELEPHONE: ______________________________________________________________
HOME WORK
EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________
YEAR YOU BECAME A SARATOGA RESIDENT: _____________________
ARE YOU A REGISTERED VOTER IN THE CITY OF SARATOGA? _______
WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO ATTEND DAYTIME MEETINGS? __________
WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO ATTEND EVENING MEETINGS? __________
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN EACH OF THESE AREAS
CURRENT OCCUPATION AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
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EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS:
REFERENCES: (Provide Name and Phone Number)
1. _________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
PRINT NAME: _____________________________________
SIGNATURE: ___________________________________ __
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LIBRARY COMMISSION
SUPPLEMENTAL
QUESTIONNAIRE
Please print or type your answers to the following questions and submit with your completed
application. You may submit additional sheets if necessary, to complete your answers.
1. If appointed, what qualities, experience and expertise would you bring to the Library
Commission?
2. Describe your involvement and/or experience with libraries.
3. What do you consider major (or minor) issues facing the Saratoga Community Library and/or
public Library systems?
4. What is it about this Commission that interests you?
5. What do you think the Library Commission does?