HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-16 BOLT MINS l
Minutes
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
December 16, 1997 LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM 3:30 PM
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Clover, Vice Chair Alexander, Trustees Valdovinos,
Viesca and Student Member Pena
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Trustee Charett(excused)
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Library Director Palmer;Deputy City Manager, George
Krempl;Principal Librarian, Paula Brown
OTHERS PRESENT: Robert Coye, Ignacio Valdovinos
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -Meeting of November 19, 1997
Not Available
II. CONTINUED MATTERS'
A. Library Master Plan
Director Palmer turned the meeting over to Beverley Simmons,Library
Consultant, with David M. Griffith and Associates. During the process of revising
the Library Master Plan, David M. Griffith and Associates will interview a wide
variety of community leaders, among them the City Manager, Mayor and Council
members, the Friends and the Library Board of Trustees.
Beverley Simmons briefly brought the Trustees up to date on her background.
Preliminary work on revising the Library Facilities Master Plan falls into four
categories.
1. Numbers and Growth -Develop a profile document of the library services
currently provided and some detailed demographic and growth projections
for this community over the next ten year planning period. This will help
in understanding the community and the direction of current growth
taking place in the city.
Library Board of Trustees -2 - December 16, 1997
2. Community input
3. Existing standards - The Growth Management Oversight Commissions
threshold standards will be evaluated to see if they are still appropriate for
this community.
4. Alternatives for Library Services - Alternatives are also being examined to
provide service for the eastern and southern parts of Chula Vista.
Mrs. Simmons asked questions about: -
The overall quality of services offered to the community.
The Trustees are proud of Chula Vista's libraries and the services provided. Though they did not
feel the EastLake Library adequately served the east side of Chula Vista. Chair Clover stated that
there was a warm quality here not found in other libraries.
What improvements the Trustees would like to see in the Library
An improved book budget, all library services, including computer services. Need to serve the -
student population better. Need to expand services into the eastern territories. Need to expand
outreach to elementary schools. Reference materials at the EastLake Library.
What are the particular strengths of the Library System
Library Staff, Spanish language collection, Literacy Center, Japanese Collection
Is EastLake a successful effort/partnership, and does it provide for the vast area of
services?
Trustees felt that Library staff have done an admirable job under difficult circumstances. To be
successful a library must have access and visibility, neither of which are available at EastLake
High School. Trustees did not fee that this library fits the area. This library is not accessible to
mothers and young children during the day. Trustees felt that this was a band aid approach to
providing library services to this rapidly growing area.
Which geographic areas of the city are under-served?
Trustees agreed the area east of 805 is under-served.
What groups are not well served, what other areas of the population should the libraries
try to reach?
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Library Board of Trustees - 3 - December 16, 1997
Chair Clover would like to see outreach service to elementary school children who have limited
access to library facilities. Recent reductions in class size have turned the school libraries into
classrooms limiting access to libraries even more.
If EastLake is not a successful partnership,would you be comfortable abandoning that the
facility, and if so, where should that be.
Trustees explained that EastLake Development has offered a storefront area in that area. The
entire area will have to be looked at because of the increased development east of 805.
What site would you pick?
Trustees felt the H Street/Paseo Del Rey site is excellent with proximity to four elementary
schools within walking distance as well as two junior high schools and one high school. After that
library is built, the City will have to look at EastLake and Otay Ranch.
One part of our study is to evaluate the standards. In this portion of the master plan we
will look at defining and refining what adequately staff libraries should be.
This has to dovetail into what we see as the future of libraries. There will be a higher level of
technology. Will need to know what libraries are going to look like to know what will be
required.
What is the Board's role/interaction with the Growth Management Oversight Committee?
The Library Board works in an advisory role.
Beverley Simmons reported she will be back on a monthly basis and would be delighted to hear
from the Trustees. She will report to the Trustees the results of the telephone pole in late
February or March.
The Library Board should meet to give the Growth Management Oversight Committee its
recommendations. Chair Clover would like to hold a Council workshop to present their views to
the Council.
11 COMMUNICATIONS
A. Friends
None
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Library Board of Trustees -4 - December 16, 1997
B. Public Comments
Mr. Coye reported that the sign board had not been changed. He also suggested
that meetings be scheduled at Eastlake, South Chula Vista Library and the
Museum.
C. Written Comments
None
D. Board Comments
Trustees wished each other a happy holiday season.
VL ADJOURNMENT-The Library Board meeting adjourned at 5:05 pm. The next Library
Board of Trustees meeting will be held on January 28, 1997.
COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The City of Chula Vista, in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests
individuals who may need special accommodation to access, attend and/or participate in a City
meeting, activity or service request such accommodation at least forty-eight hours in advance for
meetings and five days for scheduled services and activities. Please contact JoAnn Howard for
specific information at 691-5193 or Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf(TDD) (619) 476-
5357. California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired.