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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-03-2010 Library Advisory Board Minutes May 3, 2010 The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair, Ethel Rowland at 6:05p.m. in the Fort Pierce Branch Library. Members in attendance: Ethel Rowland, Allen Miller, Eloise Cumings, Linda Hudson, Corky Behncke, and Carnelle Clifton. Susan Jacob, Acting Library Manager, Beth Ryder, Housing and Community Services Director and Katherine McKenzie Smith, Assistant County Attorney and Vivian McWilliams, Library Executive Assistant were also in attendance. Members absent: Rudy Widman and Marjorie Harrell. The minutes of the March 16, 2009 were verbally delivered from memory by Ethel Rowland and will be written up by Ms. McWilliams and approved at the next meeting. New Business: Beth Ryder introduced herself as the Housing and Community Service Director. After the County downsized from 18 departments in to 9, Beth is now director of the Library and Veterans Services. She is challenged and thrilled in her role and is learning more about the Library system. Beth is confident the Library will continue on in these not so easy times with all the budget cuts. Susan Jacob Acting Library Manager introduced herself. She has been Acting Manager for five weeks since the retirement of Susan Kilmer. Susan has worked the St. Lucie County Library System for 7.5 years in the capacity of Branch Libraries Manager. She has 25 years of library experience working in public libraries in Boston and Atlanta. Susan Jacob reported that, between her and Ed Werner they have been able to move forward on many projects in these last few months. For example, they successfully completed the State Aid Grant application. Susan looks forward in her new role at the library. Katherine McKenzie Smith, Assistant County Attorney, introduced herself and stated that she was here to help Beth on legal matters. The Board re-introduced themselves to each other – Allen Miller has been serving on the Library Advisory Board for 20 years. The Boards role is to lobby the County Commissioners for funding. Carnell Clifton represents the Friends of the Library, serving as president. The Friends help the Library with funds including the expansion of the Hurston Branch Library. The th Friends is instrumental in the Zora Fest, selling books. April 26 was the Volunteer Luncheon with 60 – 70 volunteers in attendance. Eloise Cumings a new member that was appointed in 2008 by Paula Lewis. Eloise works for Oculina Bank as a branch manager on the island. Linda Hudson is a volunteer with the Genealogy Society that meets every Tuesday at the Fort Pierce Library and the historical Society at the museum. Linda is also a member of the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee for the City of Fort Pierce. Cory Behncke is very busy serving on several committees such as the Legal Board of Women’s Voters serves as Vice- President of the Democratic Women’s Club, the Early learning Coalition and Life Long Literacy. Corky is a notary and has married 3 couples. Corky is currently working with Hospice to build a counseling center. Ethel Rowland is Vice-chair who was appointed by Doug Coward. Ethel is also the Chairman on the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, Drug Policy Reform Committee Chair and she just started Toastmasters of Port St. Lucie. Susan Jacob spoke about the Changes in Library hours due to a 32% reduction in library staff. This has had a major impact on the Library’s ability to provide coverage during the hours they are presently open. The proposed revisions in service hours will minimize incidents of emergency closures due to insufficient staffing. These revisions will be voted on at the BOCC meeting on 5/11/10. Library Advisory Board voted to approve these changes. Corky Behncke made the motion to approve and Linda Hudson seconded. The motion was passed. Ms. Jacob stated the Library is in the process of getting WI-FI installed in all Library branches. The Morningside Library will be the first installed due to demand. The Library WI-FI will only be available during Library hours. The County’s IT department has figured out a cost effective way to do this. Ms. Ryder spoke and stated that County Administration realized that the BOCC had never approved a County Internet Use (e.) and Confidentiality policy (h.) Both have been written (attached) and will go before the BOCC on May 11, 2010. Corky Behncke made the motion to approve and Eloise Cumings seconded. The motion was passed. Distribution and review of the new BOCC Advisory Board Procedures- A brief discussion took place about the Status of the LAB as an Ad Hoc Committee. It was noted that an attachment stating that was not included in the packet. That statement will be located and attached to these minutes. Assistant County Attorney Katherine McKenzie Smith reviewed the Sunshine Laws. All LAB members were given a booklet reviewing this. Ms. Smith spoke to several points, but particularly stressed that all communication about Library matters must take place during meetings. If information needs to get to the LAB, use Susan Jacob as a conduit to distribute the information. Election of New Officers was deferred until the next meeting. Linda Hudson made the motion to defer the election and Corky Behncke seconded. Board Comments: The Library Advisory Board wants to convey a message to Susan Kilmer that the Board is very appreciative of her. The Friends Board is starting a children’s book collection in Susan Kilmer’s honor. The Library Advisory Board will also participate. Susan Jacobs will attend all Library Advisory Board Meetings LAB did not set a next meeting date. Meeting was adjourned by Vice-Chair Ethel Rowland at 7:10 PM.