SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 23, 2015
The San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Central Library; Jean Brady, Chair, presiding. The meeting was called to order at 4:43 p.m.
TRUSTEES PRESENT
Jean Brady, Judy Cruz, Lora Devlon Eckler, Loyce Ince, Juspreet Kaur, Gloria Malone, Linda Nairn, Lupe G. Ochoa, Andrea Sanchez, Grace Marengo Sanchez, and Paul Stahl.
TRUSTEES ABSENT
No trustees were absent.
EX OFFICIO LIAISONS PRESENT
Tracey Bennett, San Antonio Public Library Foundation; Karen Matson, Friends of the San Antonio Public Library
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Tim Turner spoke regarding the Monte Vista Historical Association’s use of space within the Landa Branch Library. Mr. Turner said he feels the use is in violation of the deed restrictions and requested the Board consider terminating the agreement.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Library Director Ramiro Salazar announced that author/illustrator Yuyi Morales will have a reading and presentation at the Central Library on September 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Board Chair Jean Brady brought forth for consideration the minutes of the meeting on August 26, 2015. Loyce Ince moved to approve the minutes for the meeting on August 26, 2015 as presented. Gloria Malone seconded the motion. None opposed the motion and the motion passed.
CHAIR’S REPORT
Board Chair Jean Brady introduced and welcomed Juspreet Kaur who has been appointed as the new Trustee representing District 8. Ms. Brady said that Ms. Kaur brings expertise in strategic planning, teambuilding, and critical thinking, among other
skills. Ms. Brady informed the board that Ms. Kaur had received new Trustee orientation on September 18, 2015.
Ms. Brady also informed the Board that she had attended the City Council Meeting on September 10, 2015 where the FY 2016 Budget was adopted.
TRUSTEES REPORT
There were no reports from Trustees.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Library Director Ramiro Salazar referenced the written report included in the meeting packet. Mr. Salazar reported that the San Antonio Public Library was hosting a delegation (Director, Board Chair, Management Team) from the Seattle Public Library on September 24, 2015. The Seattle Team is visiting our site to learn about our initiatives, projects, and digital services. Mr. Salazar said that Vice Chair Paul Stahl will represent the board at a luncheon for the visitors.
Mr. Salazar referenced a New York Times article of September 22, 2015 The Plot Twist: E-Book Sales Slip, and Print Is Far From Dead” in the meeting packet that discussed the flattening out of demand for E-books. Mr. Salazar also advised the board that as of October 1, 2015, the San Antonio Public Library would no longer report to Mr. Xavier Urrutia, Acting Assistant City Manager. Mr. Salazar recognized and acknowledged Mr. Urrutia for his support of the San Antonio Public Library.
BUDGET REPORT
Department Fiscal Administrator Leo Luna referenced the written report included in the meeting packet. He reported that $31.5 million (90%) of the General Fund budget for FY2015 has been spent. Mr. Luna said that expenditures are on track for this time period and he is projecting the Library will be on budget at the end of the fiscal year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Executive Committee
Board Chair Jean Brady reported the Executive Committee attempted to meet but were unable to gather a committee. Ms. Brady said that she and Vice Chair Paul Stahl met with Library Director Ramiro Salazar to set the agenda for the September 23, 2015 Board of Trustees meeting.
Budget Committee
Budget Committee Chair Grace Marengo Sanchez introduced Library Assistant Director Kathy Donellan who reported the Budget Committee met on September 11, 2015. Ms. Donellan gave a brief presentation indicating that all items on the San Antonio Public
Library’s proposed budget had been adopted by the City Council.
Facilities Committee
Facilities Committee Chair Loyce Ince introduced Capital Projects Manager Rich Walker who stated that the Facilities Committee met on September 9, 2015. Mr. Walker delivered a project update on the following:
Collins Garden Branch Library Extreme Makeover and Great Northwest Branch Library Roof and Weatherization project.
Naming Committee
Naming Committee Chair Linda Nairn reported the Naming Committee did not meet this reporting period. Ms. Nairn said the committee will begin meeting and look at naming process in order to streamline it.
Public Relations Committee
Trustee Judy Cruz reported that the Public Relations Committee did not meet this reporting period.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Friends of the San Antonio Public Library
President of the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library (FOSAPL) Karen Matson reported that the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library Luncheon combining the fall membership drive with a recognition of Friends members will be held on November 15, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at La Hacienda de Los Barrios. Ms. Matson also reported that the last FOSAPL board meeting of the year will be on the same date, November 15, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the Encino Branch Library with a cupcake reception. Ms. Matson said that the FOSAPL Arts and Letters Awards would be presented to the winners on October 25, 2015 at the Central San Antonio Public Library auditorium. She announced the winners were Bernice Appelin-Williams-visual artist, Carol Coffee Reposa-San Antonio poet, Craig Sorgi-San Antonio violinist, and Enedina Casarez Vasquez-multi-media artist, poet and playwright (and former). Library Trustee
San Antonio Public Library Foundation
San Antonio Public Library Foundation (SAPLF) President Tracey Bennett reported that the SAPLF had chosen a contractor for the Latino Collection Resource Center on the first floor of the Central Library. Ms. Bennett said that the SAPLF is holding a reception/fundraiser for the Latino Collection Resource Center on October 14, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Ms. Bennett reported that the Schaefer fundraiser at Jane Schaefer’s home is scheduled for October 22, 2015. Ms. Bennett discussed the possibility of having a Spurs commemorative Library Card and said that the Spurs
Foundation was interested in this and she would begin to work on logistics.
STAFF REPORTS
Status Report on Texana
Library Director Ramiro Salazar introduced Public Services Administrator Ruth Chiego who reported that Texana hours will remain the same with the Department open to the public 40 hours each week. Ms. Chiego said the Library is recruiting a Manager for Texana and is advertising national and locally for this position. Ms. Chiego said that starting October 1, 2015 the 6th floor will be open the same hours as Texana (Tu/Th 12 pm-8 pm, W/F/Sat 9 am-5 pm). Ms. Chiego said that Marketing is working to develop a high visibility campaign for Texana and sixth floor services.
Report on Library’s presence at the Alamo City Comic Con
Adult Services Coordinator Dianna Morganti delivered a presentation of the Library’s presence at the Alamo City Comic Con. Ms. Morganti reported that over 90,000 people attended this year and that the library’s presence reached a great deal of future patrons with library promotional materials given out at the event. Ms. Morganti said that the SAPL booth, Reading Lounge, Story Times Area for children, and Superhero photos were especially popular. Ms. Morganti said she was grateful to the many staff who worked on creating a strong presence at this event including preparation and volunteering at the event itself.
NEW BUSINESS
Review and consider approval of the Library’s holiday schedule for Fiscal Year 2016
Library Director Ramiro Salazar presented the proposed Library’s holiday schedule for approval. Mr. Salazar said that the schedule is similar to the City’s holiday schedule with the least impact to public service. After a brief discussion, Lora Devlon Eckler motioned to approve the schedule and Lupe Ochoa seconded the motion. Ms. Brady called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
Review and consider approval of the Library Board meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2016
Library Director Ramiro Salazar presented the proposed Library Board meeting schedule for approval. Mr. Salazar said that the schedule follows the pattern from the previous year’s schedule. After a brief discussion, Grace Marengo Sanchez motioned to approve the schedule and Juspreet Kaur seconded the motion. Ms. Brady called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
Review and consider approval of Memo of Understanding between San Antonio
Public Library Foundation for the construction phase of the Latino Collection and Resource Center.
Assistant Library Director Kathy Donellan presented information to the Trustees regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the San Antonio Public Library and the San Antonio Public Library Foundation for Improvements to the Central Library to Construct the Latino Collection and Resource Center. Ms. Donellan referenced the MOU available to the Trustees as a handout. After discussion, Lora Devlon Eckler motioned to approve the MOU and Judy Cruz seconded the motion. Ms. Brady called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
Status report on revisions to the Library Strategic Plan
Data and Performance Manager David Cooksey presented a status report on revisions to the Library Strategic Plan. Mr. Cooksey said that three years into our 5 year Strategic Plan, much has changed resulting in our need to update the plan to capture our experiences and to develop ways to gauge and measure our outcome. Mr. Cooksey said that a new plan will be presented to the Board at the next Board meeting.
Election of the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees Officers in accordance with the Library Board of Trustees By-laws
Nominations Committee Chair Lupe Ochoa presented the slate of offices as recommendations by the Nominations Committee:
Chair Paul Stahl
Vice Chair Linda Nairn
Secretary Loyce Ince
Treasurer Judy Cruz Immediate Past Chair Jean Brady
Board Chair, Jean Brady asked if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none. Lora Devlon Eckler motioned to accept the slate of candidates and Lupe Ochoa seconded the motion. Ms. Brady called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Review and consider request from the “San Antonio Public Library Foundation for naming opportunities
Library Direction Ramiro Salazar asked the board to consider the San Antonio Public Library Foundation’s request to bypass the naming opportunities process and approve naming the North Courtyard at the Mission Branch Library for Mr. John Santikos if the Foundation’s proposal to the Santikos Foundation through the Area Foundation is approved. Lora Devlon Eckler asked Library Staff to review prior Library Board action regarding the naming of the North Courtyard at Mission Branch Library and offered ideas
for alternative naming opportunities. Ramiro Salazar said Library Staff would research the naming history of the North Courtyard. After discussion, Andrea Sanchez motioned to waive the naming opportunities process for this request and provide flexibility with the naming opportunity at the Mission Branch Library with Library Staff’s input and Gloria Malone seconded the motion. Ms. Brady called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 (Consultation with attorney), the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees entered into executive session at 6:42 p.m. for deliberations about matters related to the agreement with the Monte Vista Historical Association. No action was taken during executive session and the Library Board of Trustees reconvened into regular session at 7:24 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion and possible action regarding matters related to the agreement with the Monte Vista Historical Association
No action taken.
NEW BUSINESS
Review inventory of Library capital projects to be considered for 2017 Bond Program and take appropriate action
Library Director Ramiro Salazar introduced Assistant Library Director Kathy Donellan who delivered a presentation on the Library capital projects to be considered for 2017. Ms.
Donellan delivered a presentation and after discussion on this matter the Library Board’s consensus was to continue this item at a future meeting. No action was taken at this time.
Adjournment
Andrea Sanchez moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m. Loyce Ince seconded the motion. None opposed and the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Loyce Ince, Secretary
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The minutes of the meeting on September 23, 2015 were approved as presented on October 28, 2015.