Min - Library Board - 2001 - 06/05 - RegularMINUTES OF THE
ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
JUNE 5, 2001
ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
TWO ALLEN CIVIC PLAZA
ALLEN, TEXAS 75013
I. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Donna Various, Board Chair. Board
members present were Cal Calvin, Frank Snidow, Ruth Pringle and Various. Peter
Vargas, City Manager and Barbara Buehler, Library Director, were also present.
II. Various switched the agenda order slightly to permit Vargas to update board members on
the progress of the library building project. Vargas shared that one parcel of the proposed
library site has been closed on and two other properties should be closed on within a
week. Offers have been made on all the properties; a reappraisal is being done on the
office property The city attorney has been instructed to begin condemnation procedures
on the large open 6+ acres as the owner refuses to deal with the city.
The city is currently in contract negotiations with the architectural firm and expects to
have approval of that on the council's agenda on either the second meeting in June or the
first meeting in July.
Vargas asked that the board members give some thought to uses for the
auditorium/meeting room in the new facility. This will help determine final design and
therefore costs for that part of the facility. He emphasized that the major function of the
building is a library and the meeting room a secondary function. He suggested that the
Economic Development Director's help be enlisted to survey the corporate/business
community to determine potential uses of a meeting facility He also suggested that the
Dallas Public Library be interviewed re uses of their auditorium facility and that the
library master plan developed last year be referred to as well for direction. Vargas took
several questions from the members before he departed.
III. The minutes of the May 1, 2001 meeting were approved as read
IV. Barbara gave an update on the activity of the 77's Legislature, particularly as it pertained
to libraries. The direct aid plan was passed by both houses although it was not funded at
the requested level, and will go to the governor for his signature. The important step of
getting this item onto the regular budget is considered a victory Other measures passed
were increased funding for materials for school libraries and an increase for the Talking
Books program which serves the blind and physically disabled. Measures that failed
dealt with filtering library computers and UCITA.
V. Board members were informed that the Friends of the Library have been awarded the
Library Leadership award which will be presented at the June 13 NETLS quarterly
Minutes of the
Allen Public Library Board
June 5, 2001
Page 2 of 2
membership meeting in Dallas. Several Friends' board members and Cal Calvin as Allen
Public Library's lay representative will accompany Barbara to this meeting and luncheon.
VI. The activity report and suggestion box forms were reviewed. Buehler noted that even
with the increase in the borrowing period from 2 to 3 weeks for most items, circulation
Statistics have been maintained and increased.
VII. The board discussed the proposed meeting room policy changes. It was felt that
eliminating fees for local non -profits could generate much good will for the library
Buehler will continue to work on the policy as the board members present wished to have
input from the entire board before finalizing the policy.
VIII. The board decided not to meet in July as the regular meeting would fall the eve of July
4" If a need arises, a special called meeting could be called later in the month.
Otherwise the next scheduled meeting will be August 7, 2001.
IIX. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
These minutes read and approve this 7th day of August, 2001. p
Donna Drews Vanous, Chairperson Mkrybgkh Bonczek, Secretary