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05-09-2005 (Library) Minutes RITA & TRUETT SMITH LIBRARY BOARD BOARD MEETING The Library Board of the City of Wylie met in regular session on May 09, 2005, at the Library. The attendees were: Present Shirley Burnett Grace Morrison Mary Vaughan Joe Murphy Absent Valli Hoski Mary Johnston Guests Mark Roath, Wylie City Manager Jim Griffin Call to Order Citizen Participation Presentation Mr. Mark Roath, Wylie City Manager, updated the Board about the Library Director search a new Library Director and plans for building a new Library. Mr. Roath informed the Board that the deadline for applications for the director position is May 13. Currently, the city had received 16 applications and filling this position is a top priority. Current plans are to bring in all applicants who are selected to be interviewed in on the same day. The City Manager plans to have a reception to give the Library Board and Friends of the Library Officers an opportunity to meet the applicants .The City Manager will make the final decision. The next topic addressed was the Citizen's Bond Committee and their charge to recommend a bond package and potential projects. One problem the committee will study is whether to recommend a single bond or recommend a larger bond package that will be sold in increments over the years. Presently, the committee is on schedule and should be able to complete their work on June 21. If there is an election, it will be held in November. Mr. Roath distributed copies of the Brinkley-Sargent Power Point presentation of the facilities study. Pertinent observations about the Library included in the study were pointed out to the Board. Mary Vaughan inquired about the Library's current square footage and was informed that it is currently at seven thousand square feet. City Manger proceeded to discuss several of the development plans for the Wells' property. There are almost three hundred acres that have been purchased for development by the city. One plan being discussed is locating several buildings together. Another approach would be to scatter the facilities around the city. Potential benefits of combining buildings would be to save construction costs, bring city staff closer together, and to make conducting business for citizens more convenient. Mr. Roath then opened the meeting to questions. Grace Morrison inquired if the Wells' property had any suggestions or preferences about property development. The City Manager informed the Board that the seller's of the property indicated the land should be used for municipal purposes and that would include Parks and Recreation. Additionally, the sellers retain eighty percent of the mineral rights while the city retains the other twenty percent. They do not have the right to drill without the city's approval. Shirley Burnett asked if there had been any discussion of combining the Library with a Recreation Center. There has been some discussion but nothing on paper, according to the City Manager. Mr. Roath then spoke briefly about the budget process and encouraged the Board to let the Interim Director, Donna Shirley, aware of anything they believed should be considered for next year's budget. He then pointed out that the new fourteen parking spaces had been completed under the amount budgeted for the project. Shirley Burnett then inquired if there was any chance of the library getting 4B back. The City Manager had not heard anything but stated he would check on it. He then pointed out that the city has been listed as one of the top fifteen mid size businesses. To conclude the presentation, the City Manager presented the 2004 Achievement of Excellence Award to the Rita and Truett Smith Public Library from the Texas Municipal League of Library Directors. The library was one of sixteen of five hundred and sixty- five libraries to receive the award. Mr. Roath complimented the staff for the work that was done to receive this recognition and the Board for their support and direction to make the award possible. Closing comments informed the Board about the website for community input to go to the Citizen Bond Committee. Mary Vaughan then inquired about new equipment that the previous Library Director, Mignon Morse, had stated needed to be replaced. Donna Shirley informed the board that new desensitizer's had been ordered and should arrive shortly. She also pointed out the arrival of new magazine displays and new display furniture for new books. Action Items 1. Consider and act upon the approval of the Minutes from the March 14, 2005, meeting. Minutes were approved as read. Discussion Items 2. Discuss March Monthly Report Donna Shirley gave the number of library visits and books processed. Some discussion was given to limiting donations from the public while the library is short one position. The library experienced high attendance for the caricature artist program and the magic program, which were well received by the patrons. Mignon made the final publicity arrangements for the Summer Reading Program, as well as submitting the information for the game board. The Board was informed that Tricia Smith will be acting as Children's Coordinator until that position is filled and that Dona Weisman will continue to help part-time throughout the summer. The Board was handed a copy of the game board and print outs about the Summer Reading Club performers. Program times were discussed to ensure that the library remains within the fire code standards. Donna reminded the Board about the Scholastic Book Fair and made them aware that it will only run from Monday through Wednesday this year. Grace Morrison asked Jim Griffin if he would care to comment about the Citizen's Bond Committee. Jim explained to the Board his previous involvement in constructing a new library and his interest in any new library building having a room devoted to local and state history. Joe Murphy pointed out that he receives many comments that citizens are not aware that Wylie has a library. Grace reemphasized to the Board to encourage citizen comments through the Citizen Bond Committee website. 4. Discuss Meeting Dates for Future Board Meetings. June 13, 2005 is the next Board meeting date. 5. Discuss packets for new city council members. Donna asked the Board for suggestions of items to be included for packets distributed to newly elected city council members. Joe suggested that they be invited to the next Board meeting. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.