ALACHUA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010, 5:30 PM
HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY, FOUNDATION ROOM,
401 EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE, GAINESVILLE, FL

PRESENT: Vice Chair Kim Worley, Trustees Vivian Filer, Carol Higman, and Ryan Litsey

ABSENT: Chair Dorothy Field

ALSO PRESENT: Library Director Sol M. Hirsch, Assistant to the Library Director Terry J. Rasch, Financial Services Administrator Debra Jackson, Administrative Services Administrator Suzi Blaze, Administrative Assistant Jan Scales, Staff Assistant Stephanie Ksionzyk, Foundation Chair Marjorie Alexander, and Joanne Auth

I. CALL TO ORDER AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The meeting was called to order at 5:32 pm.

II. MINUTES OF JANUARY 20, 2010 MEETING

The minutes were approved by consensus.

III. GUESTS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of Carol A. Higman and Harold B. Wilber, Board of Trustees Members – Ms. Field, Trustees Chair

Ms. Worley, Trustees Vice Chair, reviewed Ms. Higman’s accomplishments during her two terms served on the Board of Trustees and presented Ms. Higman with a plaque denoting staff’s and Trustees’ appreciation for her service to the Board and the Library District.

Ms. Worley reviewed Mr. Wilbur’s accomplishments during his one term served on the Board of Trustees. Mr. Wilbur was not present, and staff ensured he would receive his plaque.

IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Legislative Committee Report – Ms. Field, Trustees Chair and Mr. Litsey, Committee Chair

Mr. Litsey, Trustees Legislative Committee Chair, reported that the meeting with the State Legislative Delegation at the Library Partnership went well. Representatives Boyd, Cretul, and Chestnut and members of Senator Oelrich’s staff were present and receptive to Library issues and concerns.

Mr. Hirsch spoke on the recent elimination of State Aid to Public Libraries. There has been massive response throughout the state in support of reinstating State Aid, and the press has been positive. Because this has occurred mid-session, there is still time for constituents to advocate.

Ms. Filer, Trustee, spoke of the award presentation for the Library District’s intern program as a possible opportunity for staff and Trustees to speak with the legislators about the State Aid issue.

B. Pension Advisory Committee Report – Ms. Field, Committee Chair and Mr. Hirsch, Library Director

Mr. Hirsch reviewed the Pension Advisory Committee’s recommendations on the Pension investment policies that were forwarded to the Pension Board of Trustees. These recommendations included changes to formatting, target allocations, foreign equities, and the development of a blended portfolio.

C. Friends of the Library Report – Ms. Higman, Trustees Representative

Ms. Higman, Trustees Representative, was unable to attend the last Friends of the Library meeting. Mr. Hirsch reported that the Friends of the Library are busy preparing for the Spring book sale. The Friends also are preparing a basket to be raffled off at the Florida Library Association’s Annual Conference, and this year’s theme is gardening.

D. Foundation Board of Directors Report - Ms. Alexander, Foundation Board of Directors Chair

Ms. Alexander, Foundation Board of Directors Chair, reported that during the re-opening of the Millhopper Branch, the Foundation presented a check for the Snuggle-up center at the branch. She expressed her gratitude that Jail Librarian Linda Cue spoke to the Foundation and reported that tickets for the Gala that will be held on November 7, 2010, will go on sale in August.

Mr. Hirsch noted that Ms. Alexander attended Library Day in Tallahassee and has begun volunteering at the Library Partnership. Staff appreciates the donation of her time and advocacy.

V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(There were no items submitted in this category.)

VI. NEW BUSINESS
(There were no items submitted in this category.)

VII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS THAT REQUIRE NO ACTION
A. Monthly Reports (January and February 2010)

Mr. Hirsch reported that all categories on the statistical report for February 2010 have increased as compared to last year. The only exception was the number of volunteer hours, due to the various projects that were occurring during February 2009.

B. Library Press Releases and Publicity

Mr. Hirsch briefly reviewed the attached information.

C. Millhopper Branch Library Grand Opening Report

Mr. Hirsch reported that during the two and a half hour grand opening of the Millhopper Branch on February 26, 2010, over 700 people entered the library. Since then, the branch has been extremely busy, and there has been a great deal of positive response from patrons.

Mr. Hirsch reported that the Division of Blind Services has approved the installation of vending machines and a snack area in the newly renovated branch. The Division of Blind Services will have ownership of the operation and staffing of the area.

D. Appointments to the Alachua County Library District Board of Trustees

Mr. Hirsch informed the Trustees of the new appointments to the Board. Xavier J. Monroe will serve a three year term as a City of Gainesville representative, Gloria A. Moore will serve a three year term as an Alachua County representative, and Sheila Dickison will serve the remaining one year of a three year term as an Alachua County representative. The new members will attend their first meeting as Trustees on April 21, 2010.

E. Governing Board Action on Board of Trustees Recommendations
 Library Director’s Performance Evaluation
 Long Range Facilities & Service Plan Fiscal Years 2010-2015

Mr. Hirsch reported that the Governing Board approved the Board of Trustees recommendations for the Library Director’s Performance Evaluation and the Long Range Facilities & Service Plan Fiscal Years 2010-2015.

F. Florida Library Association’s Library of the Year Award

Mr. Hirsch informed the Trustees of the Library of the Year Award and that the Library District is honored to receive the award.

G. State Library & Archives of Florida - Exemplary Project Recognition Program - Partnership Branch Library & E-Government Services

Mr. Hirsch reported that the Library District’s Library Partnership and E-Government Services have been selected as an LSTA Exemplary Project by the State Library of Florida. Mr. Hirsch will be present for recognition at the next Library Director’s Meeting.

VIII. BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMENTS

Ms. Filer commented that she has observed patrons smoking within 50 feet of the Headquarters Library entrance, despite the sign prohibiting it. Mr. Hirsch reported that the security guards ask patrons to move away from the entrance while performing their rounds outside. Also, the cement bench that had been next to the door has been moved to deter patrons from smoking close to the building.

IX. CITIZEN COMMENT

X. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 6:23 pm.