James Johnson, Jr., Chair	900 North Ashley Drive Tampa, Florida 33602	James Martin, Jr., Vice-Chair William Scheuerle, Secretary
Phone: (813) 273-3660		Fax: (813) 273-3707

Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library Board

MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 4, 1997 PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
JOHN F. GERMANY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 4-6PM

CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Kay O'Rourke called the meeting to order at 4:10pm

ROLL CALL:

Secretary Rosa Goldsmith conducted a formal roll call for the meeting:

Library Board Members Present: Linda Arnold, Vice Chairman Kay O'Rourke, Chairman Elizabeth Blue, Catherine Kelley, Dora Reeder Nancy Crippen, Sonja Garcia, liaison Arnold Kotler, Gloria Abrams Helen Swisshelm

Library Board Excused: Rosa Goldsmith, Sandra Cameron Library Board Absent: Fred Hearns

Library Staff: Joe Stines, Director (via conference call) Jeannie Fletcher, Administrative Assistant Suzy George, Facilities Officer

Janet Lorenzo, Chief of Community & Access Jean Peters, Chief of Reference & Information David Wullschleger, Chief of Operations Patrice Koerper, Public Relations Coordinator

Special Guests: Mike Kelly, Director, Real Estate Don Harwig, Director, Facilities Maintenance

APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 23, 1997 MINUTES

Chairman O'Rourke called for corrections of the October 23, 1997 Library Board minutes.
As there were none, they were approved as written by general consensus.

PRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC/SPECIAL GUESTS:

1. Presentation of Rebate Check (Mike Kelly)- Mike Kelly, Director of Hillsborough County's Real Estate Department, was on hand to present a TECO Rebate check in the amount of $1725 for THPL lighting projects. Kay O'Rourke said she was delighted to receive the check for the Library Board.

2. Northwest Regional Library Update (Don Harwig and Mike Kelly): Mike Kelly said his department had just received information regarding the Northwest Regional Library. He asked Don Harwig to give a status report.

   Don Harwig explained that, when Northwest Regional Library was built, many modifications were made because of cost overruns. Materials were substituted and shortcuts were taken. While the building was attractive, there were problems with the management systems inside. Testing showed that moisture was entering the building through the walls and roof system. In spite of the fact that the roof had been replaced and the exterior had been sealed, problems had persisted. He noted that there were concerns about the health and safety of staff and customers.

   Mr. Harwig said a firm had been called in recently to do further testing. Colonies of fungus had been located in the air-conditioning system ducts. It was also determined that the area in front of the building had never been sealed. He explained that the air-conditioning system simply cannot handle the amount of moist air coming into the building. Damage is being done to the books and heavy odors are noticeable in spite of the fact that dehumidifiers are in place.

   In conclusion, Mr. Harwig said the ceiling, lighting fixtures, duct work and air-conditioning unit would have to be replaced. He said the project could be very expensive; the preliminary estimate, exclusive of the consultant's costs, is over $700,000. He noted that this figure does not include the cost of cleaning the books and re-locating the library temporarily. It is estimated that the project will take three months if the building is closed and six months if the building is kept open. He recommended taking the first course of action and said the Real Estate Dept. is looking for a temporary location.

   Mr. Harwig went on to say that he had taken a copy of the preliminary estimate to a second firm for a peer evaluation. The next step will be to look at the realignment of capital monies to cover the cost of the project. He said he had been assured that there should be no danger to staff so long as the growth of the mold and mildew can be controlled. Stressing that safety to customers and staff is a top priority, he said he would meet with Northwest staff during the week of Dec. 8th.

   Helen Swisshelm asked when the Northwest Regional Library last closed for repairs and how much the work had cost. David Wullschleger responded that roof work was done in 1994. The facility was also closed for repairs in 1995. Mr. Harwig said the cost of the repairs was approximately $200,000. Gloria Abrams suggested that the figure was probably even higher since other repairs had been made prior to 1994. Mr. Harwig agreed that amount spent on repairs could total as much as $250,000.

   Gloria Abrams commented that she visits the Northwest Regional Library several times a week. She said there always seems to be some sort of problem. Staff could often be seen setting out wastebaskets and pots to collect rainwater and drape plastic over materials and furniture, for example. She stressed that this is no way to run a library. She also commented that the odor is very offensive and that the garage is unsatisfactory. Gloria said it was common knowledge that the building was a tragedy from the beginning.

   Gloria went on to say that much of the space in the NRW is unusable; she mentioned the loft as an example. She pointed out that it might be a matter of throwing good money after bad to patch up the building once again. Even when repaired the building will be inadequate in size. She said she felt strongly that repairing the building may not be the proper course of action. She encouraged the Library Board to examine other options. Gloria concluded by saying that a very intensive study should be done before any more money is spent.

   Joe Stines responded that he shared the same concerns. He said he would like to fix the problems at Northwest; however, the repairs won't change the fact that the building has been outgrown. He suggested that the matter should be brought before the Executive Team and added that, if it is necessary to re-locate, it would be just as feasible to do so for a year or more as three months. He agreed that all options should be looked at before another $1 million is spent on the current facility.

   Elizabeth Blue asked Mr. Harwig if there is any guarantee that the fungus can be completely eradicated. Mr. Harwig said a mechanical engineer from the University of Florida was recommending that all of the existing ductwork be replaced; a revolving door would also replace the two front doors. These enhancements, along with the new air-conditioner should take care of the problem.

   Arnold Kotler stressed that, before any decisions are made, the Library Board needs to consider what is in the best interest of the Library Board, BOCC and citizens of Hillsborough County. He expressed concern that the same mistakes could be repeated if there is another "patch-up". He suggested that the County and Library Board should form committees to study Northwest before anything more is done.

   Helen Swisshelm agreed and said she had heard all the same arguments before; $300,000 was spent 2-3 years ago to remedy Northwest's problems and yet they still exist. She insisted that the answer is not just to patch the facility up again. She agreed with Mr. Kotler and Gloria Abrams that the problems need to be addressed once and for all and said this would be the proper time to do a study of the building and the needs of the citizens in that area.

   Gloria Abrams thanked Arnold Kotler and Helen Swisshelm for their support and called for a comprehensive study to see how the problems can be addressed once and for all.

   Helen Swisshelm asked Joe Stines for his input. Joe said he agreed completely and suggested that several things need to be considered besides the current problem with air-quality and mildew if such large sums of money are going to be expended again. He noted that the building has been outgrown and the parking lot is inadequate. He added that it has been well over ten years since any planning had gone into the Northwest Library facility at all. He asked Mike Kelly if this would be the time to bring the issue to Dan Kleman's Executive Team.

   Mr. Kelly said "yes". He added that his department would be very willing to work with a committee and Budget Department staff to help resolve the problem. He cautioned that finding funding would not be easy, however, as this would be considered an unplanned expense.

   Helen Swisshelm asked if funding could come from the CIT. Mr. Kelly said most CIT money had been targeted for other projects. In order to spend $800,000 on NRW, the same amount of money would have to be cut from something else. He said it would be necessary to discuss alternatives with Budget staff. He added that he strongly supported conducting a master study and added that budgetary considerations would be part of that study.

MOTION:

Gloria Abrams made a motion that the Library Board work with County staff on a master study of the Northwest Regional Library to consider a full gamut of options (from renovation to building a new facility).
(Abrams/Swisshelm).

      - The motion passed unanimously.

Joe Stines asked if the Library Board would like Mr. Kelly and Mr. Harwig to continue to work to make the building as safe as possible for staff and patrons and to investigate sites for re-location. Kay O'Rourke said 'yes"; however, she cautioned that the Library Board would like to avoid the expenditure of large sums of money before a comprehensive study is done.

Gloria Abrams recommended looking for a temporary quarters in case it is necessary to close the building for repairs. She stressed that the Northwest patrons will be very upset if they are without library service for any length of time.

Sonja Garcia asked about the urgency of the current problems; she wondered if the building could be kept open while a 2-3 month study is done. Mr. Harwig said he had referred this question to two consultants. One had given verbal assurance that there is no danger to staff and customers. He felt the dehumidifying equipment should ameliorate the problem now that the dry season is here. He said he would see that that would see that the new equipment is installed and that the areas in the front of the library are sealed. These measures should have a stabilizing effect even though long-term solutions still need to be found.

Joe Stines suggested setting up a meeting with Mr. Harwig, Human Resources personnel and Risk Management personnel, to discuss what would be best for the Northwest Library staff. He expressed concern for one staff member who is pregnant and others who already have respiratory problems. He said he felt a great responsibility to do what is best to protect all concerned. Mr. Harwig said he agreed completely.

Arnold Kotler asked how much it cost to build the facility initially (exclusive of books, furniture, etc.). Mr. Harwig replied that the building cost between $1.25 million and $1.5 million. Mr. Kotler expressed concern about spending close to that amount just to repair the current problems. He stressed again the importance of determining what course of action is in the best interest of the Library Board, BOCC and taxpayers.

Joe Stines asked Mr. Kelly if any preliminary work had been done on finding a rental in that area. Mr. Kelly responded that Charlie Prather is already looking.

Elizabeth Blue asked about the cost to repair the damage to books. Mr. Harwig responded that there had been damage in only one area of the library. Suzy George confirmed that very few books have been affected. Mr. Harwig said he was looking into a product that can be used to wipe them down.

Gloria Abrams pointed out that it had been necessary to clean the books in the past. Joe Stines confirmed that this was true. Elizabeth Blue said it would cost a lot more money if books need to be replaced and said the investment in materials should be considered as well as the danger to employees and customers.

Mr. Harwig thanked the Library Board for the opportunity to address them personally about the issue. He said he would keep Mr. Stines and staff informed of any developments. He stressed that he would like to see the problem handled properly.

The Library Board thanked Mr. Harwig and Mr. Kelly for all their efforts on behalf of the Library system.

Kay O'Rourke asked if anyone else had comments or questions regarding Northwest Regional Library. Sonja Garcia asked about the responsibility of the original construction company. Joe Stines responded that the both the builder and architect have gone out of business.

Helen Swisshelm asked about the culpability of the company who did the $300,000 worth of repairs. She said it sounded as if they didn't accomplish what they were contracted to do. Joe responded that most of the money had gone to the roofer. The roofer had done the best he could considering the roof design. Joe said the design itself has exacerbated the problem. Suzy George confirmed this but said the biggest problem seems to be that the air-conditioning units can't handle the humidity inside the building.

Kay O'Rourke asked if a Library Board member could be included in any discussions between Library Services, Real Estate and Facilities Maintenance. Joe said "yes" and suggested that the project be assigned to the Planning Committee.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Internet Use Subcommittee:

Sonja Garcia began her report by saying that Joe Stines had done an excellent job of presenting the Internet Use Subcommittee's recommendations to the BOCC on November 19. She said several Library Board members came to offer support: Helen Swisshelm, Gloria Abrams, Arnold Kotler, Elizabeth Blue were in attendance. She thanked them very much for coming.

Sonja explained that the Committee met with opposition to their Internet Access Management Plan. In spite of the strong support of Jan Platt and two other Commissioners, the BOCC voted to ask Dan Kleman to study this issue and bring back a recommendation. The move created some concern among the Internet Use Subcommittee members as they felt they had taken a very responsible approach in dealing with the issue. She said the Internet Use Subcommittee would need to be prepared to respond should the Commissioners have questions or concerns in the future. She pointed out that Joe Stines had also spoken to Mr. Keel and Mr. Kleman. She asked Joe to share the gist of those conversations.

Joe said he had met with Mr. Kleman and Mr. Keel via conference call. Mr. Kleman obviously had been placed in a difficult position. He felt Commissioner Chillura would want to see filtering included in the Library Board's plan whereas Commissioner Hart said he trusted in Mr. Kleman's discernment. The latter also expressed support for the Library Board, saying that he understood how hard they worked to research the issue.

Joe continued by saying that Mr. Kleman would be coming to the Library in mid-December for a one-on-one session to learn more about the Internet and added that he might also want to meet with the Internet Use Subcommittee or the full Board in January.

Arnold Kotler said he had spoken to Mr. Kleman prior to the November 19th BOCC meeting. The latter was not sympathetic to the BOCC's pre-empting of the issue. Mr. Kotler said Mr. Kleman is a very rational man who would be glad to receive the input of the Internet Use Subcommittee. He suggested putting everything in writing so Mr. Kleman would have handouts to refer to. Joe agreed and said Mr. Kleman might even want to meet with Library Board members one-on-one so as to learn as much as possible about the issue.

Elizabeth Blue expressed concern that the BOCC overlooked the fact that there are separate computers, with limited access, in the children's sections of the library. She pointed out that children's computers are essentially being blocked right now. Elizabeth went on to say that recent newspaper articles (four dated Nov. 15th, two dated 11/20 and one dated 11/24) indicated that children under the age of 18 will not be able to access the Internet without a library card. She pointed out that this is false; children can access Internet on the children's computers but they do not have full, "open" access. She said she didn't want people to think that children would not be able to get on the Internet at all without parental permission. She expressed concern about the amount of misinformation being circulated.

Joe Stines agreed that the public is misinformed. He said his office had received a number of calls from people under the impression that children can walk in off the street, read Playboy, and access pornography.

Sonja Garcia asked if it would be appropriate to outline for the BOCC how the Internet Use Subcommittee had come to its conclusions. Elizabeth Blue said she thought it would be very appropriate. She reminded the Library Board that the Assistant County Attorney for Library Services had cautioned that it is not legal to bring adults down to the level of a six-year old.

Gloria Abrams asked if it would be proper to invite the Commissioners to attend an Internet workshop. She suggested that the media could also be invited. Joe Stines responded that this would be a very good idea. He suggested starting with a workshop for Mr. Kleman and going from there.

Helen Swisshelm commented people seemed to be overlooking the fact that the Internet Use Subcommittee will continue its work in the future. She suggested that this should be relayed to all concerned parties and the public.

MOTION:

Sonja Garcia moved that the Library Board ask staff to prepare a letter, for the Chairman's signature, to the editors of the major newspapers regarding the Library Board's approved plan for the management of Internet access.

The motion was seconded by Helen Swisshelm.
(Sonja/ Swisshelm)

Patrice Koerper expressed concern that such a letter might precipitate even more reaction from the public. She said going to the press at this point in time could backfire. She cautioned the Board to proceed carefully and it could be considered an aggressive action. She suggested preparing the letter but waiting to send it until after Mr. Kleman makes his recommendation. She said there had been relatively few calls from the public and cautioned the Board to proceed carefully.

Joe Stines disagreed strongly. He agreed that the letter should be sent; however, he stressed that the tone should be positive. He expressed concern that the facts have not been relayed to the public especially where children are concerned. He asked Jean Peters to relay an experience she had with a very concerned customer recently.

Jean explained that a lady had called after listening to a Christian radio station. The caller had been given the impression that pornography is available for children in the Library. Obviously, she was extremely concerned. When Jean explained what actions had been taken by the Library to protect children, she felt much more comfortable. Jean said this indicated to her that there is quite a bit of misinformation in the public sector.

Joe agreed that the caller was typical. He suggested that it would be a good first step for the Library Board to draft a letter to the editors on this issue. Parts of the letter could then be used as a handout. He suggested listing a number for people to call for more information.

Helen Swisshelm also liked the idea of taking a pro-active rather than reactive approach. Sonja Garcia agreed but said the letter should be sent for the purpose of education rather than to support one position over another. Kay O'Rourke also supported this approach. She said she understood Patrice's concerns but wanted to emphasize that the Library Board is an active Board--not a passive one. She agreed that an informative letter should be sent to the BOCC.

Patrice Koerper pointed out that any response at all would be construed as a rebuttal especially since the issue has been tabled until Dan Kleman can make his recommendation. She suggested that, if a letter is sent, it could be formatted as a fact sheet with a number to call for more information.

Catherine Kelley suggested that copies of the letters to the editor be sent to the BOCC, Dan Kleman and Jimmie Keel with a cover letter explaining the Library Board's action. She said she would like to see the Commissioners get the letter first. Joe Stines agreed that this would be very appropriate. Helen Swisshelm also supported the idea.

Sonja Garcia pointed out that it would not be her intent to refute any Commissioner's position in the letter. She said she would simply want to explain the Library Board's careful approach to the issue. The letter would also be for the benefit of the public. Gloria Abrams agreed strongly that the letter should be in no way a rebuttal; rather it should be sent for the purpose of providing information.

Joe Stines commented that staff had been very supportive of the approach taken by the Internet Use Subcommittee. He pointed out that, after he appeared before the BOCC to discuss the Internet, he held a workshop on this subject for department heads and site coordinators. 38 staff members were asked to vote by secret ballot on the plan approved by the Library Board. 30 out of 38 did not support the use of filtering at the current time because they felt it would do more harm than good. Two were strongly in favor of filtering and eight supported filtering to some degree but specified that they would only like a product such as WebSense which allows for some control. Joe said he felt comfortable saying that staff not only support what has been done but also applaud the approach taken by the Library Board. Joe agreed that the Library Board should follow through with their recommendation with the understanding that the BOCC can overrule any decisions that have been made.

The Library Board amended the motion as follows:

That copies of the letter to the editors be sent to the BOCC, Dan Kleman and Jimmie Keel, with a cover letter.

That the Library Board retain the option of hand-delivering the letter to editorial staff of the Tampa Tribune so as to more thoroughly explain the Library's position on managing Internet.

Gloria Abrams asked if a letter to the editors would be the proper format to use. Arnold Kotler suggested that the Library Board members make appointments with the editorial writers who usually write for the Tribune and St. Petersburg Times. Gloria suggested that the newspaper reporters would not be as thorough as the Library Board would be in relaying information on the issue.

Joe Stines suggested that personal visits to the editorial writers of the Times and Tribune would be another very good approach. He added, however, that Library Board members should provide a fact sheet. He left the means of conveyance up to the Board.

Mr. Kotler said he had spoken to an editorial writer named Mr. Kennedy who covers Library-related issues for the Tribune. He said he would not be writing any editorials in the near future but added that he would be very receptive to meeting with the Library Board before he does. Arnold asked the Board how they would feel about visiting Mr. Kennedy.

Patrice Koerper reiterated that, regardless of the method being used, any response at all would require that the Library Board be prepared to respond further on the issue. She also called attention to the fact that the Times has already published an editorial in favor of the Library Board's actions. She suggested that, if Library Board members meet with either of the editorial departments, they should arrive with written information in the form of a letter and/or fact sheet. She said they would ask for details. Patrice also suggested that the Library Board would have less control if this approach were taken.

Sonja Garcia agreed and said several Library Board members had already spoken to both newspapers. She suggested that, if something were sent in writing, they might print the letter verbatim. Gloria Abrams suggested that, if the Board met with the editors and simply brought along some information, there would be no guarantee anything would be printed at all.

Kay O'Rourke suggested that the Library Board read the newspaper article from the 12/4 edition of the Temple Terrace News that was included in the handouts. She pointed out that not all articles had been negative; nor is the Library Board looking for 100% support. She said she would not want to look to the newspapers for support so much as to educate them.

Joe Stines said he felt a letter to the editor would be the best way to get the Library Board's words into print. He suggested the possibility of meeting with Tribune staff and hand-carrying a letter since the Tribune had yet published an editorial. Catherine Kelley also agreed but emphasized that an educational approach should be taken.

Kay O'Rourke said a letter and fact sheet would be useful for Library Board members when they questioned by reporters. She said it would be good for everyone to be able to provide the same facts.

Nancy Crippen asked if the Library Board would be able to review the letter before it is sent out. Kay O' Rourke asked if this would be possible. Joe Stines said every Board member should have a chance to review and comment. She also suggested that a vote of approval could also be taken by phone.

Joe Stines summarized the motion as follows and asked if the Board agreed i.e., that the Library Board write a letter to the editors of the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times, and retain the option of delivering the letters in person. Advance copies would be sent to the Board of County Commissioners with a cover letter explaining the Board's action.

Helen Swisshelm called for a vote.

The amended motion was recorded as follows:

• That the staff prepare letters, for the Library Board Chairman's signature, to the editors of the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times, regarding the Board's approved Internet Access Management plan.
• That the letters be hand-delivered in person so as to allow the Library Board to speak personally to the editorial writers.
• That copies of the letter and cover letters be sent concurrently to the Board of County Commissioners, Dan Kleman and Jimmie Keel to explain the action the Board is taking.

      - The motion passed unanimously.

It was further agreed that the letters should:

1. Seek to educate rather than offer a rebuttal.
2. Focus heavily on Internet access for children.
3. Stress that the work of the Internet Use Subcommittee is on-going.
4. Include a fact sheet.

Joe Stines asked if the Library Board would like to extend a formal invitation to Mr. Kleman and the BOCC to attend a workshop in January to learn the Internet.

MOTION:

Gloria Abrams made a motion that the Library Board officially accept Mr. Kleman's proposal to attend a workshop on the Internet and that the same invitation be extended to the Board of County Commissioners. The motion was seconded by Nancy Crippen.
(Abrams/Crippen)

      - The motion passed unanimously.

Planning Committee:

Linda Arnold gave the Planning Committee report for Sandra Cameron. She reported that the Planning Committee met at the Eastlake Branch Library on November 13, 1997 in hopes of answering the following questions:

1. Is Eastlake a duplication of service?
2. How can Eastlake's current resources be best utilized?

Because of heavy rain that day, a driving tour of the area was not possible; however, the committee members were able to gather more information and fill out siting documents for the branch. She said Sandra Cameron would have the results for the next meeting.

Linda went on to say that the committee walked through the mall and found that the large department stores are moving out; these include Montgomery Wards, Dillards and JCPenny. Only the specialty shops seemed to be doing a significant amount of business. Linda noted that this could change after the holidays. Joe Stines pointed out that one of the small card shops is definitely closing. He agreed that there could be almost no stores left after Christmas and added that, if the branch does stay open, cutting hours would have to be considered. He said he would not want staff there alone in the evening.

Linda pointed out that re-location seems to be inevitable as the lease is due to expire in June, 1998. She said the Planning Committee is considering sites in Mango, Dover and Seffner.

Joe Stines commented that the Library Services Dept. had received an Administrative Referral from a citizen who is concerned about a rumor that Eastlake may close. The individual was briefed and then invited to attend a Library Board meeting or Planning Committee meeting to discuss the issue. He said other citizens may also want to attend at some point.

Joe continued by saying that staff is working on a survey to determine which branch Eastlake's current patrons would use if the current facility is re-located. He said the Real Estate Dept. is looking for rental space in the area south of Hillsborough Ave. or on MLK, east of the current location. He also called attention to the November statistics which indicate that College Hill's circulation is now only 500 books shy of Eastlake's. He said he felt College Hill would absorb most of Eastlake's business, with Temple Terrace handling most of the remainder. He added that the stats continue to decline at Eastlake.

Helen Swisshelm asked when Temple Terrace would re-open. Joe replied that he had been told it should re-open in mid-March or early-April. The project seems to be ahead of schedule.

Public Art Committee Reports:

Port Tampa:
Helen Swisshelm said she and Dora Reeder attended the last meeting regarding public art for Port Tampa. The general consensus was that the artwork should be placed outside the building since the inside is a piece of artwork in itself and as much space as possible is needed for books and patrons. She said there would be another meeting on Monday, Dec. 15 at the Port Tampa Library, 4:30-5:30. A final decision should be made at that time. A nautical theme is being strongly considered.

Dora Reeder mentioned that there is concern about a small, triangular area in the front of the library which is owned by the City of Tampa. She said it could present a safety hazard. Helen Swisshelm commented that a Port Tampa resident is going see if the City will donate the small parcel to the County. She suggested that it could be used for the artwork.

Joe Stines said he had spoken to the Real Estate Department and they will work toward acquiring the plot. He agreed with the safety concerns and said it would be a nice place for the artwork as it's very visible. He didn't anticipate any problem with the acquisition.

Helen Swisshelm announced that the Port Tampa Library would be having its promenade on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 12-5. Tickets to tour beautiful homes in the area were available for purchase at the Masonic Lodge (next to the community center). She invited the Library Board to attend. Joe Stines said part of the Commerce Bank Building should be open to the public as well. Jan Abel, the architect for the building, would be on hand to answer questions.

Helen thanked Joe and said she was glad to know that.

Budget Committee:

Helen Swisshelm reported that nothing had been finalized regarding the Director's salary; however, the County was proposing a substantial raise and would consider a reclassification of his position from a category from a 26 to a 27. Joe Stines confirmed that he had been assured of this. Helen said the Board would expect the action to be retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year.

Joe Stines commented that the budget sheets included in the mailout did not include rollover money from last year that was encumbered. David Wullschleger confirmed that there would be carry over from 1997 and the addition of three new grants for the FY98 figures.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT:

Frontier in America Exhibit:

Joe Stines invited the Board to attend the opening of the Frontier in America Exhibit, Sunday, Dec., 2:00 pm James Tokley is main speaker. He said the exhibit would be displayed in the Fine Arts Department of the John F. Germany Public Library.

Training Update:

A second round of Spanish Language classes has been completed. Thirteen staff members took a basic course in order to communicate with Spanish-speaking customers on an elementary level. All staff members had volunteered to take the class on library time. He said he was very proud of all staff members who participated.

Gates Grant:

Joe was happy to announce that Jackie Zebos is almost ready to submit the Library's Gates Grant applications. He said THPL has gotten support from the Urban League and the Hillsborough Literacy Council. If the grant is awarded, THPL will be able to establish computer labs at the John F. Germany Public Library, COL and Ybor.

FCC Discounts:

Staff continue to work on getting FCC discounts in hopes that the effort will result in reduced costs for telephone and data lines

When Joe asked for comments or additions, Helen Swisshelm complimented staff on the tax form information sheet that will be available for customers soon. Janet Lorenzo explained that staff had prepared an over-sized bookmark listing the branches where tax forms will be available, types of tax guides that are available, telephone numbers for tax information and the tax-form on-line address. Helen thanked Joe Stines for following up on this issue.

NEW BUSINESS:

MacDill AFB Library:

Joe Stines called attention to recent newspaper articles which indicate that the MacDill AFB Library will be contracted out. He asked the Library Board if he should look at the possibility and discuss options with the Budget Dept.. He noted that the library is very much a public facility although it serves the base. He said it could be a nice complement to the Port Tampa Library. He went on to explain that in other parts of the country government is beginning to farm out similar operations and public libraries have taken them over.

Gloria Abrams said it sounded like a federal mandate with no money behind it. Joe replied that there is money behind the library; the federal government would like to eliminate personnel costs by contracting for staff. He said several public libraries have gotten involved in similar arrangements and none have lost money. He added that there would probably be an interlocal so that all citizens of Hillsborough County could use the facility.

Helen Swisshelm asked if the subject could be brought up at the next Board meeting. Joe responded he simply wanted permission to look into the possibility.

Helen Swisshelm said she didn't feel there would be any harm in looking so long as no commitments are made. Gloria Abrams agreed that, if the Library Board is going to consider the possibility, more facts would be needed anyway. Joe said he would do what he could and bring more information to the Board.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm

Next Library Board Meeting:
         Date: January 22, 1998
         Time: 4pm-6pm
         Location: Ruskin Branch Library

                 - Unless notified otherwise