Min - Library Board - 2000 - 11/07 - RegularMINUTES OF THE
ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
NOVEMBER 7, 2000
ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
TWO ALLEN CIVIC PLAZA
ALLEN, TEXAS 75013
I.
The regular meeting of the Allen Public Library Board was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
and a quorum was announced by Chairperson, Donna DrewsVanous. Board members
present were John Ross, Ruth Pringle, Cal Calvin, Frank Snidow, Jo Long and Marybeth
Bonczek. Also present were Barbara Buehler, Library Director, Peter Vargas, City
Manager, and Mary Vail, Consultant.
II.
The minutes of the October 3, 2000 meeting were approved as mailed.
III.
Peter Vargas, City Manager, and Mary Vail, Consultant, were in attendance to give the
board an update on status of proposed site for the new library building. Board members
were each given a written timetable of the Library/Civic Auditorium development
project. In September 2000, Peter Vargas and Mary Vail met with property owners to
begin the negotiation process for acquiring the property at the Library/Civic Auditorium
site. In December the City Council will adopt a resolution giving the City Manager
authority to purchase the property at the site.
IV.
Donna asked if the Library Board could be of any assistance during the period of time
during which the new Library is being planned, developed, etc. Mary Vail suggested one
idea might be for there to be one or two Library Board members who could act as liaisons
and report to the rest of the Library Board on matters concerning the new Library No
decision was made as Donna made the point all the Board members, especially the new
ones would most likely want to hear any updates at scheduled Library Board meetings.
Donna also asked if any of the property owners had misgivings about selling their
property In response, the Board was told authority to use eminent domain would come
into play if necessary to acquire any property
Frank asked if there were any ideas under consideration for the present Library once it is
vacated. Office buildings and a Municipal Court are just two of the possibilities under
consideration.
The City Manager showed the Board a design of a vision of the eventual central business
district, in which the new Library would be an anchor.
V. Cal voiced his support of Barbara on behalf of the Board noting he hoped she would be
given every opportunity to voice her opinion, concerns, and recommendations throughout
the planning and implementation of plans for the new facility
Minutes of the
Allen Public Library Board
November 7, 2000
Page 2
VI. Barbara reported on the NETLS workshop she, Cal and Wilma Smith (Of the Friends)
attended. The issue of advocacy was its focus. There is a tentative plan to invite
Representatives Madden, Shapiro, McCall, to a breakfast meeting before the next
Legislative session opens in Austin, Texas. The purpose is to make them aware of the
great need for financial support to public libraries from the State Government.
Meeting room policy discussions will be put on hold until the new year.
Cal proposed that the board consider having a "Get Acquainted Meeting" with Library
staff members and volunteers.
VII. The next meeting will be December 5, 2000.
VIII. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
These minutes read and approved this 7th day of December, 2000.
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Donna Drews Vanous, Chairperson Matyb Bonczek, Secretary
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