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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/95 Library Board MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF THE CITY OF THE COLONY NOVEMBER 16, 1995 A REGULAR SESSION of the Library Board of the City of The Colony Texas, was called to order by Chair Kruzich at 7:05 p.m. Present: Diana Kruzich Place 2 James Althaus Place 3 Dorian Barton Place 4 Wayne Bullard Alternate 1 Joan L. Sveinsson Library Director Sandra Vondersaar Secretary Absent: Patricia Riggs Place 1 (Personal Business) Jayme Skelton Place 5 (Car Trouble) 1. citizen's Input. None. 2. Discussion of goals, objectives, and long range plans. Architect Bill Hidell of Hidell Associates Architects conducted a slide presentation regarding design of a new library facility or renovation of the existing building. Mr. Hidell suggested those involved in the decision making take tours of other libraries, observing and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of those buildings. Planning should also involve members of the community in developing design concepts. Mr. Hidell made the following suggestions for the design: 1. Visual control of the entire building from the Circulation Desk to optimize security and provide easy orientation for patrons. 2. A Court Yard would add esthetics to the facility and may be used for receptions, meetings, storytimes, and other events. 3. Smmll and large meeting rooms for use as study areas, tutoring, audio/visual viewing, computer rooms, civic organization meetings, and classes. 4. Plan for future expansion. 5. Indirect lighting to reduce eye strain and computer glare. Mr. Hidell furnished the Board with information directly related to the present facility and future possibilities. Per national guidelines, to serve our 1990 population, our facility should be approximately 19,000 square feet. The following factors were presented in regard to expansion of the existing building, at an estimated cost of 1.4 million dollars: __ 1. The maximum expansion at the current location would bring the facility to a total of 21,000 square feet. 2. Two entrances are needed to the building, with visual control of both from the Circulation Desk. 3. Drive-up window to be open for scheduled pick-up times. 4. Present restrooms do not meet ADA requirements; major renovation would be required. 5. Estimate $52 per square foot to renovate existing building including foundation repairs. 6. Recommend 12 foot ceiling height for indirect lighting. 7. Basically, to be done correctly, we would need to totally renovate the existing facility, taking it down to the slab. New construction of a 21,000 square foot facility would cost a minimum of $1.7 million and could include: 1. Meeting room to accommodate 100 people. 2. Instructional areas including study and computer space. 3. Storage areas for visual and sound equipment. 4. Local history displays/archives, (museum). 5. Display space (displays to promote the collection). 6. Childrens' programming space. 7. Senior Citizen's meeting space. 8. Gift shop for Friends of the Library. Note: any dollar figures quoted are only good for 12 months. Mr. Hidell could furnish a design package including a model, photographs, drawings, and a cost estimate on the above, for a fee. He emphasized the importance of City Council support in order for a Bond package to be successful. He also recommended that we stress the use of the existing building by other city departments by including the renovation costs for that purpose and the construction of a new library building in the bond package to convince all involved that this is a city wide issue. Director Sveinsson stated City Manager, Johnny Smith was hoping for State grant funding, but Mr Hidell informed her that money is no longer available. Mr. Hidell also stated studies show library circulation increases by 30 percent after renovating or constructing a new facility. A meeting with Mr. Hidell, City Manager Johnny Smith, Finance Director Tony Johnston and Director Sveinsson will be scheduled, hopefully in advance of the December 6, 1995, Capital Project work session. Chair Kruzich suggested the Board, Director Sveinsson and City Manager Smith plan a van tour of local public libraries in the near future. 3. Chairman's report. The City Christmas Parade will be December 12, 1995, at 10:00 a.m. The theme this year is "Cowboy Christmas." Youth Services Librarian Debbie Brightwell invited the Board members' children to dress Western and ride the Library float. Ms. Sveiasson will be riding the float disguised as a book. The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale/Craft Bazaar will be December 2, 1995, in the Library Meeting Room from 10:00 - 4:00 p.m. Director Sveinsson stated that the Board's request has been submitted to City Council to change the structure of the Library Board to a seven member board, without alternate positions. She also reminded Board members up for re-appointment, (Diana Kruzich, Patricia Riggs, James Althaus, and Wayne Bullard), to respond to the City Secretary's Office a.s.a.p, if they wish to be reappointed. 4. Library Director's report. Director Sveinsson stated the Secretary's position has been filled by Sandra Vondersaar. An order will be placed in December for four new computers. If they are in stock, delivery date should be no later than January. Ray Grimes, the city's computer consultant, is assisting in tracking down some problems experienced with the local area network. The file server needs to be budgeted for replacement next fiscal year. Upon request, the Denton County Museum will loan displays to our library in secured display cases, which the museum can provide. The Youth Services Librarian has increased children's programming. A puppet show will be held Saturday, November 18 and one weekly preschool storytime has been added. Library Page Karen McCuiston is helping with the puppet show. Lori Harlan, Director of Economic Development, is publishing a City newsletter with assistance from the High School Journalism Class. The 50% special on library fines has been implemented, but needs more publicity. The new telephone service is moving forward. The Library should _ receive all the features requested. A clarification on job descriptions is being checked out with personnel and ADA. Some paring down may be in order. Morris Seay is trying to secure The First Baptist Church for the Library Foundation Banquet/Fund Raiser. It is scheduled for the evening of April 20, 1996. The Library Foundation is in need of additional board members. 5. NTRLS System Representatives's report. James Althaus will be attending the Regional meeting in Grapevine on November 17, 1995. 6. New Technologies Committee report. None. Meeting Adjourned 9:12 p.m. Diana Kruzldh, Cha~r rsaar, Secretary