CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order by President Carolyn T. Johnson at 1:30 p.m., in the Library Board Room.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Lee, Mrs. Mann, Mrs. Britt, and Mr. Hostetter

Staff: Al Milo, Library Director
Betty Schwarzkopf CPS, Administrative Secretary

Guest: Doris Van Natta, President of Friends of the Library

MINUTES OF JULY 25, 2002:

Mrs. Mann requested that on Page 2, Item 5 (c), sentence two should be corrected to read: "There will be a meeting to prepare for the Hunt Branch birthday celebration in the Library Board Room at 9 a.m. on July 30th." Mrs. Mann moved and Ms. Lee seconded that the minutes be approved as corrected. The motion carried.

WARRANT REGISTER FOR AUGUST 2002:

Ms. Lee moved and Mr. Hostetter seconded that the warrant register in the amount of $36,038.88 be approved. The motion was approved.

EXPENDITURE SUMMARY FOR AUGUST 2002:

There was an inquiry regarding line item no. 6409 (Electronic Resources) in the amount of $44,396.00, Mr. Milo responded that it was a one-time only expenditure for the annual subscription magazine databases. The report was filed.

REPORTS:

1. Library Director

   There was discussion regarding the new "Fullerton Public Library" sign on the Commonwealth Avenue side of the building. Mr. Hostetter said he would be glad to assist with specifications for lighting the sign. He said when lighting was designed for the "Flight" sculpture adjacent to the Main Library, that underground wiring was included for lighting the library sign in the future.

   Mr. Milo said that the bookmobile was out of service for several days during the month due to a faulty generator. It has been repaired and the bookmobile is back on the road again.

   The State budget has still not been approved so it is not yet known if there will be State revenue cuts and the dollar amounts of those cuts, e.g., Public Library Fund.

2. Friends of the Library

   President Doris Van Natta reported that the Friends are preparing for the one-day paperback book sale on September 7th.

3. Library Foundation

   The Foundation board did not meet in August. There was nothing to report.

ACTIVITY REPORT FOR JULY 2002:

The July report was the first report of the new fiscal year. The majority of categories reflected an increase over the previous year. The report was filed.

OLD BUSINESS/NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROPOSALS OF FINALISTS:

1. Crotty Consulting Inc./David Binder Research (San Diego, CA)

   Director Milo introduced Christopher Crotty. He explained that the finalists had been invited to the meeting to answer questions the Board had regarding their written proposals. Mr. Crotty responded to the Board's questions.

   Questions:

   What type of methodology would be used? Would there be focus groups? Is there a danger of losing people because of the time of day calls are made? How do you reach populations not now using the library? How would you reach the Hispanic and Korean populations not on the voters registration? Is there a way to find out where the random calls are made within the city? Would the Board of Trustees have input on the questions asked in the study? Will there be graphs and charts? What are variable techniques? Would a community meeting be included in the report? Is there a timeline? Mr. Crotty was thanked and excused from the meeting.

   Director Milo introduced Rick Sarles of Godbe Research and Analysis (Carlsbad, CA). Mrs. Sarles responded to the Board's questions.

   Questions:

   Would there be focus groups? How long would each call take? Would the caller identify him/herself as a library representative or as a consultant? Can Board of Trustees' questions be used? Would the calls be only in English? How do you make sure different groups are reached within the city? Does your firm become involved with the Prop. 14 process? Will data include graphs and charts? Are there sample survey questions? How long will it take to complete the survey and report? Will the report include a community meeting? Mr. Sarles was thanked and excused from the meeting.

   The Board deliberated to discuss the merits of both consulting firms. Director Milo shared with the Board the results of telephone calls he had made to references listed by both firms.

   Mrs. Britt moved and Mrs. Mann seconded that the firm of Godbe Research & Analysis be selected to conduct a community needs assessment for the library. The motion carried with a 4:1 vote.

ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS:

There were no donations.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Director Milo read a letter from former Library Director Harry Rowe who sent his regrets to the Hunt Branch birthday invitation. In his letter he also included recollections of the branch's history.

BOARD MEMBER ROUND TABLE:

Ms. Lee said she will be on vacation and will not be able to attend the next Board meeting. Ms. Lee also reminded the board members that her term will be up at the end of the year and encouraged them to begin thinking about her replacement.

Mrs. Britt reported on a CALTAC board meeting and said she would like to discuss the "digital divide" at some future meeting. Mrs. Britt said she took her grandsons to three different children's libraries over the summer and Fullerton's is the best.

Mrs. Johnson asked the board members to think long-range when thinking about the needs assessment.

Mr. Hostetter said he has taken a temporary job assignment from October through January in Culver City. He may not be able to attend all the board meetings over the next three months.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There were no public comments.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Hostetter moved and Mrs. Mann seconded that the meeting adjourn at 4:21 p.m. The motion was approved.