BREWER PUBLIC LIBRARY - Library Board Minutes - May 12, 2003

Present: Carey Bradley, Carol Clausius, Elda Fry, Nancy Keegan, Larry Loomis, Norm Sandmire, Lewis Van Vliet

Library Director: Michele Nolen-Karras

Absent: Debra Liegel

  1. The meeting was called to order by President Norm Sandmire at 6:00.
  2. President Sandmire indicated that the meeting had been properly noticed.
  3. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Carol Clausius, seconded by Nancy Keegan, to accept the minutes of the May 5, 2003, meeting. Motion carried.
  4. Director's Report:
    1. Received a bid from A-1 Seamless Gutter in the amount of $1347.00. Price is for replacing present gutters. Contractor indicated that soffitts and facia should be repaired or replaced prior to installation of new gutters.
    2. Presented a handout with information regarding present library employee hours.
    3. Gave signed copy of Affirmation of Free Library Services to Norm Sandmire to present to City Council. Will send copy to the county's clerk.
  5. Discussion issues related to part-time request from Mayor:Discussion centered around hours, available budget monies. Library funding, particularly maintenance of effort, is monitored by SWLA. Non-compliance is reported to the state. If Brewer Library intentionally circumvents the law, loss of services, aids, etc. would take effect. Library allocation for budget purposes: County's contribution: Determined by circulation City's contribution: Must be at least equal to 3-year average but not less than 3%. Discussed volunteers vs. paid employees and other personnel concerns.
  6. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Larry Loomis, seconded by Nancy Keegan. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,

Elda Fry, Secretary

Minutes of Joint Meeting with City Personnel Committee - May 12, 2003

Present: Carey Bradley, Carol Clausius, Elda Fry, Nancy Keegan, Larry Loomis, Norm Sandmire, Lewis Van Vliet

Library Director: Michele Nolen-Karras

Absent: Debra Liegel

  1. The meeting was called to order by President Norm Sandmire at 7:00.
  2. President Sandmire announced that the meeting had been properly noticed.
  3. Discussion: Discussion took place regarding staffing needs at the Brewer Public Library and, specifically, around the letter received from Mayor Rita Kidd with the directive, "Effective immediately, all permanent part-time employees will be limited to working 20 hours per week." Discussion opened with comments from the mayor regarding budget issues. President Sandmire, speaking for the Library Board, stated that Michele Nolen-Karras is working with an approved budget and a staff that she inherited and it seems unfair to require that she make immediate cuts.

    Motion was made by Carey Bradley, seconded by Lewis Van Vliet, to go into closed session. Motion carried.

    Following a lengthy time of questions and input from the board and the committee, the city was asked by Lewis Van Vliet if they would back off on the directive of the letter until July 1. At that time we would review the budget and make cuts if the funding so required. Mayor Kidd indicated that she would have to discuss the matter further with the Personnel Committee.

    Motion was made by Lewis Van Vliet, seconded by Carol Clausius, to go out of closed session. Motion carried.

  4. Adjournment: Motion by Larry Loomis, seconded by Carol Clausius, for adjournment. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,

Elda Fry, Secretary