ALACHUA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 19, 2009 – 5:30 PM

FOUNDATION ROOM, HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY

401 E UNIVERSITY AVENUE, GAINESVILLE, FL

PRESENT: Chair Dorothy Field, Vice Chair Kim Worley, Trustees Carol Higman, Ryan Litsey and Harold Wilber

ABSENT: Trustee Vivian Filer and Joel Buchanan

ALSO PRESENT:  Library Director Sol M. Hirsch, Administrative Services Division Director Shaney T. Livingston, Public Services Division Director Elizabeth Curry, Support Services Division Director Marlene Harris, Financial Services Administrator Debra Jackson, Assistant to the Director Terry Rasch, Administrative Assistant Jan Scales, Foundation Chair Laura Shaw and Joanne Auth.

I.        CALL TO ORDER AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm.  Mr. Hirsch requested the addition of Item III.A. Introduction of a New Staff Member.  Ms. Higman moved approval of the agenda as amended.  Mr. Litsey seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

II.      MINUTES OF MEETINGS

The Minutes of July 15, 2009 were approved as distributed.

III.              GUESTS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

A.     Introduction of New Staff Member

Mr. Hirsch introduced Debra Jackson, Financial Services Administrator, in Administrative Services Division.

IV.             COMMITTEE REPORTS

A.       Friends of the Library Report 

Ms. Higman, Trustees Representative, reported that FOL will have another float in the University of Florida Homecoming Parade.  FOL members and ACLD staff are working together on this project.  Mr. Hirsch added that since the Fall Book Sale is around the same time as the parade, staff will take the lead in construction and decorating the float.  He also reported that an application has been submitted to have a newly wrapped Bookmobile in the parade.  The Friends of the Library Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2009.                      

B.       Foundation Board of Directors Report

Mr. Wilber, Trustees Representative, deferred the report to Ms. Shaw, Foundation Chair. 

Ms. Shaw reported on the status of the Endowment Fund. 

She reminded Trustees that the Foundation Annual meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the Headquarters Library on the Main Floor.

Ms. Shaw also reported that the Foundation is continuing to pursue author Michael Connelly for the next Foundation Gala.

V.              UNFINISHED BUSINESS

                               (There were no items submitted in this category.)

VI.             NEW BUSINESS

                        A.    Policy Statement “Gifts and Donations”

Mr. Hirsch presented the item.  The County Attorney and County Finance Director reviewed and approved the proposed revisions.  Ms. Worley moved approval and forwarding to the Governing Board with a recommendation for approval.  Mr. Wilber seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

B.     Potential Library Site – Cone Park

Mr. Hirsch, Library Director, reported that there has been a lot of interest in partnering with Libraries since the opening of the Library Partnership Branch.   The City of Gainesville has approached the ACLD regarding a library as part of a proposal for development of Cone Park through Wild Spaces and Public Places tax revenues.  Mr. Hirsch reported that he attended a meeting with a City of Gainesville Representative, a private developer and the person who donated the land to the City for Cone Park.  They are planning to make a $2.5 million proposal to the City for a regional park to include soccer field, a track, basketball court, softball field, concessions, restrooms, etc., and would like to also propose a library on the site.  Mr. Hirsch and staff will be evaluating the site for the purpose of a library but asked that the group not delay their project proposal as the Library would need at least 90 days to complete an evaluation.  He will also be meeting with the Assistant City Manager; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director; Community Redevelopment Agency Director and the City’s Planning Director and Planning Manager.  Mr. Hirsch will keep the Trustees informed regarding this potential site for an Eastside Library.   

VII.            INFORMATIONAL ITEMS THAT REQUIRE NO ACTION

A.       Monthly Report (July  2009)

B.       Library District Press Releases & Publicity

Mr. Hirsch commented on the Grand Opening of the Library Partnership Branch and the national coverage received with articles appearing in Library Journal and Hot Line.

C.       ACLD Public Budget Hearings Fiscal Year 2009-2010

Mr. Hirsch reminded Trustees of the September 9 and September 23, 2009 Public Budget Hearings at 5:30 pm in Meeting Room A of the Headquarters Library.

VIII.                       BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMENT

Mr. Wilber commented on High Springs Branch open house celebration for Alice Brown on completion of her MLS degree. 

IX.             CITIZEN COMMENT

Ms. Shaw commented on her conversation with the Cedar Key Librarian.

Ms. Auth commented on the location of Board agendas on the ACLD website.

X.              ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 6:08 pm.