1. Approval of Minutes from the May 4, 2011 Library Commission Meeting

Chairman Cary first welcomed newly appointed Library Commissioner Krysta Fyntrilakis, stating that her exceptional Springfield Library work history and insight into the field will add immeasurably to her ability to serve as a Commissioner.

Chairman Cary made a motion to accept, with Commissioner Moriarty providing the second, the minutes of the May 4, 2011 meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners.

The motion passed.  

2. Library Advisory Committee Reports:

None.

3. Commission Committee Reports:

Ms. Fogarty, Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Moriarty met to discuss and develop the draft for a Recognition / Naming Policy for the Library. Mr. Moriarty viewed samples from other libraries and mentioned the possibility of including “Gifts in Kind” in our policy. The draft will be finalized and hopefully a vote can be taken at the August Library Commission meeting. Ms. Fogarty explained that the completed draft will need to be sent to the City Law Department for review.

The possibility of a “wish list” (donations made to a specific branch to purchase certain items) for each branch was discussed. Ms. Fogarty stated that this had been done some years ago.

4. Chairman's Report

Conversation centered on the recent June 1 tornadoes that struck our area, with Mr. Cary expressing the need for an Emergency/Disaster Plan. Ms. Fogarty and Ms. Leaders stated that the Library must follow the policies as directed by City Hall.

The development of a parking lot next to the Liberty Branch Library was discussed. The estimated cost for the project keeps increasing, although Ms. Fogarty stated that City of Springfield Executive Director of Parks, Facilities and Recreational Management Patrick J. Sullivan has provided some input and options. Safety and impact to the area are concerns voiced by Ms. Fogarty. Attorney Stephen Buonicotti is now handling the legal issues and Bill Metzger has put together a City Council proposal.

5. Director's Report:

Ms. Fogarty reported on her recent trip to New Orleans to attend the American Library Association (ALA) Conference, saying that the highlight was accepting an Urban Libraries Council Award: Springfield City Library was given a 2011 Top Innovators Award for it's a Brighter Future for Springfield Today Strategic Plan to position the Library as a key resource and core service. A newspaper article on the award will be printed in The Republican on Wednesday, July 20.

The FY12 Budget was discussed. Ms. Fogarty explained that the City passed a 2% budget cut and then added a 5% budget cut across the board. The Library had to cut an additional $72,000 leaving no discretionary monies. Library hours at some branches were cut, the library materials budget is $100,000 less than last year, and the City Facilities Dept. will not be mowing lawns and taking care of the grounds at the branches. The $55,000 lease for the East Forest Park Branch came up, as did the possibility of sharing space with a proposed new Senior Center in the Blunt Park area.

6. Other Business:

Mr. Moriarty mentioned the possibility of holding Commission meetings at some of our other branches, explaining that the visibility of the meeting might bring people in to listen.

7. Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.