State Library Board Minutes

State of Connecticut, Record of Proceedings
November 24, 2003

Members present:
Judge Francis Hennessy, Larry Kibner, Fred Petersen, Bob Harris, Mollie Keller, Ann Clark, Joy Hostage, Lucy Gangone, Fran Rabinowitz (for Betty Sternberg)

Members absent:
Betty Sternberg, Judge Joseph Flynn, Ed Williams

Others present:
Kendall Wiggin, Jane Beaudoin, Lynne Newell, Rich Kingston, Sharon Brettschneider, Dean Nelson, Mary Louise Jensen, Bonnie Delaney (State Library), Les Kozerowitz (CLA), Chris Bradley (CLC), Deborah Zulick (CLC), Jane Bickford, Lynn Rosato (Bethel Public Library), Betsy Bray (ACLPD), Pat Holloway (CLC), Marge Storrs (Friends)

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Chairperson Ann Clark called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. Ms. Clark welcomed Lucy Gangone to the Board membership. Ms. Gangone is an appointee of the governor and is an employee of the Hartford Public Library.

Ms. Clark continued that Board member Betty Sternberg has been appointed the Commissioner of the Department of Education. Ms. Sternberg will be appointing Fran Rabinowitz as her permanent designee to the State Library Board. Ms. Rabinowitz was in attendance and was introduced to the Board.

The entire Board introduced themselves for the new members.

Ann Clark reported that since the last meeting, Board member Ed Williams has resigned. Ms. Clark stated that it is with regret that Ed Williams’ last official day on the State Library Board will be January 5, 2004.

MINUTES
It was MOVED (J. Hostage) seconded (L. Kibner) THAT THE MINUTES OF THE September 22, 2003, BOARD MEETING BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. PASSED with two abstentions (F. Rabinowitz, L. Gangone).

PUBLIC COMMENT
None.

STATE LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
Mr. Wiggin stated that he has nothing to add to his written report that is included in the Board’s packets.

OTHER REPORTS
Connecticut Library Association (CLA): President, Les Kozerowitz reported that at the CLA Executive Board meeting on November 6, 2003, the CLA Board adopted a minimum salary recommendation for professional library positions in Connecticut. The CLA Executive Board also finalized its legislative agenda for FY2004-2005.

Advisory Council for Library Planning and Development (ACLPD): Chairperson Betsy Bray reported that at their October meeting, the Advisory Council on Library Planning and Development approved the Library Service and Technology Act grants categories for FY2004. The grant announcement has since been mailed to libraries. Ms. Bray also reported that ACLPD has formed a joint Task Force on Connecticard with the Connecticut Library Association to examine the Connecticard program for possible improvements. A series of hearings will be held around the state in December and January to receive feedback from the library community.

Connecticut Library Consortium: Patricia Holloway, Chair of the Connecticut Library Consortium Board, distributed a handout updating the Board on the unique services provided by CLC. Ms. Holloway was very happy to report that the Connecticut Library Consortium now has permanent staff. Chris Bradley, Director of the CLC, introduced Deborah Zulick, a new permanent CLC employee.

Association of Connecticut Library Boards (ACLB): Sharon Brettschneider reported that the ACLB Annual Conference was held on October 9, 2003. The Annual Awards ceremony immediately followed the Conference. Mr. Wiggin stated that Ms. Brettschneider was the recipient of an ACLB Award for her services and hard work as liaison to public libraries. Kevin Johnson of the History and Genealogy Unit also received an award for his many visits to schools and other organizations, portraying Civil War soldier William Webb.

Friends: Marge Storrs reported that the Friends had their two Fall programs. The programs went very well but the attendance was low due to the late mailing of the announcement flyers. Ms. Storrs stated that the Friends have asked Patty Rowland to be the spokesperson for April’s Friends of the Library month. Mrs. Rowland has recently published her first Children’s book. Mrs. Rowland has not yet replied to this request. Carl Nawrocki is the Friends new Board member.

Advocacy Committee: No report at this time.

OLD BUSINESS
Budget Update: Mr. Wiggin reported that the Finance Committee of the State Library Board met on December 3 and 10, 2003. The Committee discussed the 7.5% budget reduction option that was requested by the Office of Policy and Management. The Finance Committee recommended a reduction option in compliance with the OPM request.

Legislative Update: Mr. Wiggin stated that he continues to meet regularly with the CLA Legislative Committee. Ratification of Vote by Mail for Staff Development (half) Day: It was MOVED (J. Hennessey) seconded (J. Hostage) TO RATIFY THE MAIL VOTE FOR THE STATE LIBRARY’S ALL STAFF (HALF) DEVELOPMENT DAY. PASSED with two abstentions (L. Gangone, F. Rabinowitz)

NEW BUSINESS
State Library Board’s 2004 Meeting Calendar: At every November meeting the State Library Board determines its meeting calendar for the following year. It was MOVED (F. Petersen) seconded (B. Harris) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES THE FOLLOWING DATES FOR ITS REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS IN THE YEAR 2004: JANUARY 26, MARCH 22, MAY 24, JULY 26, SEPTEMBER 27, NOVEMBER 22. PASSED unanimously. State Public Library Construction Grant Recommendations: Mary Louise Jensen explained the 2003-2004 State Public Library Construction Grant Recommendations. Grant funding is divided into 80% for Category #1 and 20% for Category #2. Category #2 did not have any applicants so all the funds were allocated to Category #1. It was MOVED (F. Hennessey) seconded (J. Hostage) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES THE $500,000 STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANT FOR THE NEW MILFORD LIBRARY WITH THE STIPULATION THAT SOIL-BORING TESTS AND THE ARCHITECT’S LETTER ABOUT THE SOIL BE SUBMITTED TO STATE LIBRARY STAFF BEFORE SIGNING WITH A BUILDING CONTRACTOR. BE IT FURTHER MOVED: THAT THE WINDSOR, WESTBROOK, AND ESSEX PROJECTS BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST UNTIL JUNE 30, 2004 WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IF AT LEAST $500,000 BECOMES AVAILABLE PRIOR TO JUNE 30 2004, THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD MAY APPROVE THE REMAINING PROJECTS IN ORDER OF PRIORITY. PARTIAL GRANT AWARDS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD. PASSED unanimously. Changes to the State Public Library Construction Grant for the Bethel Public Library: Mary Louise Jensen introduced Jane Bickford, Architect for the Bethel Public Library and Lynn Rosato, Director of the Bethel Public Library. Bethel’s bids for construction work came in over budget. Bethel would like to modify their plans by leaving the second floor of the addition unfinished and not renovate the original library until a later date. This would reduce the library’s services as defined in the building program but not change the square footage of the project. It was MOVED (F. Hennessey) seconded (J. Hostage) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES BETHEL PUBLIC LIBRARY’S REVISIONS TO ITS $500,000 STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANT WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE FOR THE LIBRARY SHALL NOT BE REDUCED FROM THE ORIGINAL GRANT. PASSED unanimously. Appointments to Connecticut Digital Library Advisory Board (CDLAB): Sharon Brettschneider reported that CDLAB members may serve for two two-year terms. The terms of four members will expire on December 31, 2003. The CDLAB decided to offer the incumbents a second term. Applications were sought for two incumbents that did not wish to serve another term and one Board member that resigned at the September Board meeting. The CDLAB Nominations Committee met by conference call to discuss the eleven applications received for membership consideration. The Nominations Committee made its selections and is now looking for State Library Board approval. It was MOVED (B. Harris) seconded (J. Hostage) THAT THE BOARD APPROVES THE APPOINTMENTS OF BARBARA JONES, DAVID BRETTHAUER, JANET CROZIER, JENIFER O’CONNOR AND ELIZABETH FRECHETTE TO THE CONNECTICUT DIGITAL LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD FOR A TERM OF JANUARY 1, 2004 TO DECEMBER 31, 2005. PASSED unanimously. FY05 Budget Reduction Options: The State Library Board Finance Committee, which consists of Ann Clark, Bob Harris, Fred Petersen and Ed Williams, has met. The Finance Committee feels strongly that the State Library has already suffered many cutbacks. The Committee further stated that it would be in the State Library’s best interest to submit a reduction plan so that OPM doesn’t randomly make its own budget reduction decisions concerning the State Library’s budget. The two areas that the Finance Committee suggested proposed reduction options were in the State Grants to Public Libraries category and the Connecticard Program. Because this matter was put forward by the State Library Board’s Finance Committee, it is not necessary that a Board member move this item. It was seconded (L. Kbner).
WHEREAS, THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD RECOGNIZES THAT ALL PROGRAMS OF THE STATE LIBRARY ARE NOW LIMITED TO THOSE PRESCRIBED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW, AND;
WHEREAS, THE BUDGET TO CARRY OUT THESE STATUTORY PROGRAMS IS ALREADY INADEQUATE, AND;
WHEREAS, THE LIBRARY BUDGET HAS SUSTAINED SEVER REDUCTIONS OVER THE LAST DECADE THAT HAS LEFT THE LIBRARY WITH ONLY CORE OPERATING SERVICES AVAILABLE, AND;
WHEREAS, THESE REDUCTIONS HAVE WEAKENED THE FISCAL VIABILITY OF THE LIBRARY TO THE EXTENT THAT IT IMPERILS THE MISSION OF THE LIBRARY AND STATE-WIDE PROGRAMS, AND;
WHEREAS,THE OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT DIRECTED THAT “AGENCIES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT REDUCTION OPTIONS EQUAL TO 7,5% OF THEIR FY05 APPROPRIATION.”
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT IN THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION, AND AS DEVELOPED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD, THE LIBRARY BOARD RELUCTANTLY DIRECTS THE STATE LIBRARIAN TO SUBMIT TO THE OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT A PROPOSAL TO MEET THE REDUCTION OPTIONS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DIRECTIVE OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2003 AS FOLLOWS: (IN PA 03-01, JUNE 30 SPECIAL SESSION) REDUCE LINE T2028 BY $347,109 – GRANTS TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES (LEAVES A ZERO BALANCE) REDUCE LINE T2029 BY $415,629 – CONNECTICARD PAYMENTS (LEAVES A BALANCE OF $260,399). THESE REDUCTIONS WILL REQUIRE STATUTORY REVISION. PASSED unanimously. Loan of Three Firearms to the University of Hartford Museum of American Political Life: Dean Nelson reported that the University of Hartford has requested the loan of three firearms for their temporary exhibit “Connecticut Originals.” The exhibit will be in the gallery of the Museum of American Political Life at the University of Hartford from February 6, 2004 to May 16, 2004. Prior approval from the State Library Board is required for any collection firearm to leave the museum. It was MOVED (F. Hennessey) seconded L. Kibner) THAT THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPROVES THE LOAN OF ACC.#1996.148.1 MODEL 1816 NORTH PISTOL, ACC.#2001 MODEL 1851 COLT NAVY REVOLVER; #53,380 AND ACC. #2000.38 MODEL 1860 COLT ARMORY REVOLVER; #41.570 TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD FOR THEIR TEMPORARY EXHIBIT “CONNECTICUT ORIGINALS” SUBJECT TO THE DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC DATES OF THE LOAN AND FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1) A CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN $11,000, 2) DETAILS OF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FIREARMS WHILE IN CUSTODY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD, WHICH SHALL BE SATISFACTORY TO THE STATE LIBRARIAN OR HIS DESIGNEE, 3) PAYMENT OF ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOAN, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO INSURANCE AND SECURITY, 4) CREDITS FOR THE CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM IN ALL CATALOGS AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AND ON EXHIBIT LABELS. PASSED unanimously.

150th Anniversary Committee: Ken Wiggin stated that the State Library will be 150 years old next year and that this is a monumental event. Mr. Wiggin feels that this is a very opportune time to celebrate with a commemorative celebration. The State Library doesn’t have any funds for a big elaborate function but Mr. Wiggin feels that with some creativity this milestone can be acknowledged appropriately. At the very least the Anniversary can get some publicity. Mr. Wiggin feels that a Committee that includes representation from the Library’s constituencies and state officials, should be established. It was further suggested that State Library Board members and the State Librarian may make recommendations to the Chair for appointments to the Committee. It was MOVED (J. Hostage) seconded (B. Harris) THAT THE CHAIR OF THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTS A COMMITTEE, BROADLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LIBRARY, ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM COMMUNITY AND TO INCLUDE APPROPRIATE STATE OFFICIALS, TO PLAN FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY. MEMBERS OF THE STATE LIBRARY BOARD AND THE STATE LIBRARIAN MAY RECOMMEND INDIVIDUALS. THE STATE LIBRARIAN SHALL SERVE AS CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE. THE COMMITTEE SHALL BE DISSOLVED ON DECEMBER 31, 2004. PASSED unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Clark stated that she attended the State Library’s All Staff Development (half) Day. Ms. Clark thought that the event was well planned and left feeling that it was a good experience for everyone involved. Ms. Clark stated that she knows the State Library staff do extraordinary work and that the entire Board join her in thanking them for making being a State Library Board member a pleasure. Ms. Clark added that the staff carry out the charge of the State Library with a great attitude and with great efficiency. ********************************************************************************************* At 2:04 p.m., it was MOVED (F. Petersen) seconded (B. Harris) TO ADJOURN. The next meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2004, at 1:15 p.m. (lunch at 12:30 p.m.) location to be determined.

Respectfully submitted,

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Kendall F. Wiggin, Secretary

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Jane Beaudoin, Recorder