SPECIAL MEETING

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

October 6, 2006

1. CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order by President Kawase at 2:30 p.m. in the Library Board Room.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Mr. Kawase, Mrs. Britt, Mr. Buck (arrived at 2:45 p.m.), and Mr. Georgieff

Absent: Mrs. Mann

Staff Present: Al Milo, Library Director

Joanne Hardy, Adult Services Division Manager

Jeanette Pham, Children’s Services Division Manager

Sandy Lamoureux, Circulation Manager

Betty Schwarzkopf, Administrative Secretary

Public: Foundation Board Members: Floyd Sabins, Maxine Allen, Jim Kilponen, and Carolyn T. Johnson

2. VISION OF MAIN LIBRARY SPACE NEEDS FOR THE NEXT CENTENNIAL:

President Kawase opened the meeting by explaining that the purpose was to identify specific space needs of the Main Library.

Director Milo distributed copies of the following documents: “Fullerton Redevelopment Agency List of Potential Bond Projects,” and a list of “Expansion & Renovation Needs of the Main Library.” The list included needs identified from previous meetings and studies over the past 10 years. Mr. Milo explained that the Redevelopment Agency had requested City department heads to submit projects and estimated costs for potential bond projects. Using the cost of the Children’s Library expansion in 2000 as a guide, he submitted an estimated $6 million for Main Library expansion and renovation, including a parking structure (100 spaces). In answer to an inquiry, Mr. Milo said the Agency does not have to go to the voters in order to issue a bond.

Mr. Georgieff expressed concern that if Redevelopment funds should not become available, the project will die without an alternative funding plan.

Mr. Kawase said the Board should aggressively pursue Redevelopment funds and go ahead with a general plan.

Mrs. Britt noted from past studies and discussions by the Board that there is a need for space for young adults and she explained her vision of what the space should be like from her visits to other libraries who offer such programs.

There was consensus to go through the previous lists to identify and prioritize 4-5 needs that would benefit the library.

Mr. Georgieff said the entire library should be redesigned to create space for young adults and to increase space for the local history room. He suggested using the existing meeting rooms and the basement area for increased space.

Mr. Buck said there isn’t much that can be done until there is a design. Mr. Milo agreed and said nothing specific can be determined until an architect is on board. Mr. Kawase said that should be a top priority but first the needs should be defined.

Adult Services Division Manager, Joanne Hardy noted the congestion in the middle of the library due to the concentration of the public computers. A discussion resulted regarding the possible relocation of the public computers and the need for a new Reference desk.

The following priorities were identified:

1. Redesign the Reference area, including relocation of the public computers to a separate computer lab.

2. Design an area, with multimedia features, specifically for young adults.

3. Expand the Launer Local History Room.

4. Additional parking for library patrons.

Children’s Services Division Manager, Jeanette Pham, identified the need for a children’s computer lab and a quiet area for doing home work, as well as a children’s theater.

Mr. Georgieff suggested that the Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library might be approached for funds to hire an architect.

Mr. Georgieff moved and Mr. Buck seconded that the Board of Trustees direct the Library Director to investigate the cost of architectural drawings and financial costs for a library expansion and specific assessment analysis. The motion was approved.

Mr. Georgieff suggested that the project be ready for announcement during the Library’s Centennial year.

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Mr. Sabins commented that the selection of a specific construction project is needed in order to get the public’s attention. Mr. Kilponen said the Foundation should not be deciding on the project. That should come from the Board of Trustees, but he added that fund-raising is easier for a large project and the Board should think big. Mrs. Johnson agreed with Mr. Georgieff that the board should begin by defining and prioritizing the library needs. Mrs. Allen also agreed and said the need should be defined and then a professional should reconfigure and design it.

4. ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Britt moved and Mr. Georgieff seconded that the meeting adjourn at 4:30 p.m. The motion carried.