body,date,page,text,path
LibraryBoard,2006-11-08,1,"CITY
OF
TERRA
Minutes of the
ALAMEDA FREE LIBRARY BOARD
November 8, 2006
The regular meeting of the Alameda Free Library Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Karen Butter, President
Ruth Belikove, Vice President
Alan Mitchell, Board Member
Leslie Krongold, Board Member
Mark Schoenrock, Board Member
Absent:
None
Staff:
Jane Chisaki, Library Director
Marsha Merrick, Recording Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
An asterisk indicates items so enacted and adopted on the Consent Calendar.
A.
*Report from Library Director highlighting Library Department activities for the
month of November 2006. Accepted.
B.
*Draft Minutes of the Regular Library Board meeting of October 11, 2006.
Approved.
C.
*Library Services Report for the month of September 2006. Accepted.
D.
*Report from Finance Department reflecting FY 2005-06 Library expenditures (by
fund) through October 2006. Accepted.
E.
*Bills for ratification. Approved.
Board President Butter requested that Director Chisaki make a notation on the Library
Services Report for the month of September 2006 which highlights the anomalies in the data
due to the Main Library closure. Director Chisaki will do so for future reference purposes.
President Butter inquired about the space rental in the budget, and Director Chisaki
confirmed that there will be no more budget activity in that area.
Board President Butter asked for a motion to accept the Consent Calendar as presented.
Board Member Mitchell so moved; Vice President Belikove seconded the motion which
carried by a 5-0 vote.",LibraryBoard/2006-11-08.pdf
LibraryBoard,2006-11-08,2,"Page 2 of 6
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
November 8, 2006
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Selection of Art for the New Main Library (J. Chisaki)
Director Chisaki spoke about accepting donations of art for the public areas.
Guidelines should be established first. A memo was circulated from J.S. May, the
Foundation's fundraiser consultant, which helped formulate the plan for the Gala
Fundraiser. The opinion was, if someone makes an offer of a donation (an item as
opposed to cash), apply these four questions as the criteria and if you respond yes to
each question, the donation should be appropriate. Is there a need for the gift? Is
there a location for the proposed gift? Will the donor cover the full costs for the
item? In other words, if there are ongoing operational costs, would the endowment
provide support for these future expenses? Does the donor understand that the final
design control exists with the projects leadership?
Board Member Krongold inquired if the Board would be asked to consider the gifts.
Director Chisaki welcomed this as she would not want to be the sole selection
authority. President Butter thought the questions were good; however, a process
would need to be established first. Member Schoenrock asked if there could be a
space reserved not for a gift, but for rotational purposes for local artists. Director
Chisaki stated she was going to ask the Alameda Museum if they had some items the
Library could display on a rotational basis as well. Vice President Belikove believed
it was important to consider the fact that the City has innumerable good artists who
have no venue. Belikove went on to say if you're going to select art it could be to
our advantage to have someone who knows something about art to sit on the
committee. The committee could consist of a mixture of board and community
members as well as artists or an art consultant. Vice President Belikove said that
many museums lend art to be displayed and that the Oakland Museum might be an
excellent source. Board Member Krongold mentioned art security as a pertinent
issue as well.
President Butter asked Director Chisaki to contact some of the other libraries in the
area and see what their policies might be in respect to public art display. This item
will be moved to unfinished business for more discussion at the December meeting.
B.
Alameda Free Library Foundation (A. Mitchell)
Board Member Mitchell expressed his concern prior to the Gala event, but was very
pleased at how it all came together in the end.
Board President Butter mentioned that she had talked to Jeptha Boone of the
Foundation and requested that he come to the January meeting to give the Board an",LibraryBoard/2006-11-08.pdf
LibraryBoard,2006-11-08,3,"Page 3 of 6
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
November 8, 2006
update on donation status, etc. Director Chisaki indicated that Sylvia Kahn was now
the Foundation President, so she should probably be the one to speak to the Board.
Chisaki said that 346 tickets were sold for the Gala and $26,075 was collected.
Total expenses have not been calculated, so the final net figure is not yet available;
this will be disclosed at a future date. A lot of donations were made the night of the
Gala with the $100 shelves being the most popular item.
Board President Butter inquired as to how much of that money would go to the
Library. Director Chisaki responded that it would build the endowment which in
turn would be used for the Library when it had a future need.
The cleaning done before the Grand Opening was discussed; Director Chisaki said
the Foundation was only willing to pay half. The Library originally requested 1 day
of professional cleaning and ended up getting 1/2 days for the same cost.
The Foundation would like to do an annual fundraising event at the Library, but
Director Chisaki explained to them now that the Library is open, there wouldn't be
the anticipation of the new building as a big draw. Additionally, there would not be
an opportunity for day long set-up for the event; the Library is now open.
C.
Friends of the Alameda Free Library (M. Skeen)
Friends President Skeen said there was a membership table set up for the first four
days the Library was open and was happy to report they signed up 41 new members.
These new volunteers were interested in helping with the book sales or in the Café.
Café planning is moving along - they had hoped to be open the past Monday,
however, the refrigerator and microwave had not arrived yet. Hopefully, they will
be ready to open the Monday of Thanksgiving week. They have just enough people
to cover the 12 shifts with 2 people each shift. The Friends would like to get a few
more people who would be willing to be available on-call. Per Member Krongold's
inquiry, Feel Good Bakery will be the pastry supplier for the Café.
D.
Library Building Watch (M. Merrick)
Recording Secretary Merrick spoke about how busy things had been with preparing
for the Library opening. Getting the Library Building Watch ""out-the-door"" requires
several hours of work and that big a chunk of time has just not been available.
Consequently, no issue was released in October. No promises were made for a
November issue either, as things are still moving along at a very brisk pace. By
December, Merrick expects the Library to be a little more established, and things
will hopefully slow down a bit. The next issue that is released might include some
sort of newsletter re-naming contest, as ""Library Building Watch"" is no longer so
appropriate. Past issues may be displayed at the information desk with a sign-up
sheet near-by to try to generate interest in receiving the newsletter.",LibraryBoard/2006-11-08.pdf
LibraryBoard,2006-11-08,4,"Page 4 of 6
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
November 8, 2006
E.
Patron suggestions/comments (Speak-Outs) and Library Director's response.
Director Chisaki reported there had been no written speak-outs, but she has received
a lot of nice compliments as she walks through the building.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (Public Comment)
An audience member had several comments/observations about the new Library as follows:
the big windows fully-lighted at night may be a security issue if someone outside sees you
and decides to follow you when you leave the building; a remedy for this might be to put the
magazine racks on wheels so they could be rolled in front of the windows at night. The
children's area is right outside the Café and they could watch you as you are eating which
could be disturbing. The lighted reading/work tables aren't lit all the way to the edges and
give off a glare. If you are sitting with your back to the computers they give off a magnetic
field and people don't want that. Board President Butter asked Director Chisaki to look into
these issues.
LIBRARY BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Vice President Belikove spoke about volunteers in the Library, questioning if there would
be a coordinator. Director Chisaki indicated that the Library would be recruiting for a full-
time Library Technician, and one of their primary responsibilities would be volunteer
coordination. Names and contact information of the people who gave their time at the
opening events have been compiled and held on to for future volunteer opportunities. The
Library is currently working on recruiting some high school students to come in and shelve
books as the Library Aides can't keep up with the increased flow. The students could use
this opportunity to do their community service hours.
Vice President Belikove questioned the position of the Library Board in the community.
She would like to build some higher visibility thinking that some people don't even know
there is a Board. An example was given that at the Gala, other various groups were
represented on the stairs when the speeches were made, but no Library Board members.
Belikove would like to reposition the board as a significant part of the community. Director
Chisaki did not know who was going to speak until the day before the event. Admittedly, it
was not a well-done speaking ceremony. She felt there were a lot of people unrepresented.
When community meetings are held to discuss branch improvements, Director Chisaki
expects the Board to take a big role in the decision-making process. Board Member
Krongold brought up training the Board had received a couple years back on what their
role/goals should be. She will look for her notes from that. President Butter suggested the
issue be agendized for broader discussion at the December meeting.
Board Member Mitchell said that since we' re not getting many complaints something must
be going right. Board Member Krongold said that in a class she takes, she has overhead
many positive comments herself from people that don't know she is a Library Board
member. President Butter congratulated Director Chisaki and her staff for their successes.",LibraryBoard/2006-11-08.pdf
LibraryBoard,2006-11-08,5,"Page 5 of 6
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
November 8, 2006
President Butter would like to formally recognize the Friends of the Library for all the work
they' ve done, perhaps as a resolution of appreciation. This could be prepared by the Board
itself or perhaps by the City Council. The Board could ask the City Council to declare
Friends of the Library Day. Director Chisaki said that in the last fiscal year, the Friends
have given the Library almost $100,000. Friends President Skeen will check to see when
their anniversary is, and that might be an appropriate day to designate.
DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS
Director Chisaki indicated that in the 4 1/2 hours the Library was open, slightly less than
2,000 people came through the doors on Opening Day. Friday, almost 3,000 people came in
and there were no special programs that day. A little more than 5,500 people came through
on Saturday, which was Family Day. From Sunday through just before the board meeting
an additional 13,000+ people had visited the Library. 650 new applications for Library
cards had been received. Director Chisaki is hoping for the daily door count at the Main
Library to settle to about 1,200 people a day.
The book drop signage is not in place yet. Signs have been taped on the front door directing
people to put their items in the book drop on the wall, as opposed to bringing them inside to
return them.
Eight different groups have been booked into our meeting spaces, and there are many more
vying for their use. The Library is not prepared to allow room use during the hours we are
not open yet, as staff would have to work extra hours at night and also be the only one in the
building. The cost of an attendant is covered in the policy; the group using the room would
be required to pay $25 per hour. The attendant would probably be a Library Technician;
they would have to be responsible for checking the building, setting the alarm and locking
up when the group was finished.
The CALTAC Workshop, the Alameda Youth Collaborative, the Alameda Lupus Group, the
Friends and Foundation, the Mayor's Conference and Becker Media have all been booked
into the meeting rooms. The Alameda Art Association is also considering meeting here.
Board Member Krongold loved the wood rabbit sculpture in the children's area. Staff has
been instructed to ensure there are always books on it, as it appears to be a staircase and the
children are climbing all over it.
Honora Murphy may be hosting a fundraiser to get the additional art pieces funded,
including the standing bronze sculpture for the lobby area, and a trellis that would go on the
wall in the children's area. Both these pieces are by artist Michael Carey, and have not been
commissioned yet.
The Board inquired about pictures taken at the dedication. There were a few photographers
present, not all of them invited. In fact, Director Chisaki has already received a CD of
pictures taken by a David Duffy - someone she did not know. The person that had been
invited to take digital pictures was Patrick Tracy, and he is supposed to send in a CD. Stan",LibraryBoard/2006-11-08.pdf
LibraryBoard,2006-11-08,6,"Page 6 of 6
Minutes of the Alameda Free
Library Board Meeting
November 8, 2006
Bunger's brother, Craig Bunger, videoed the event, as did Frank Green from AP&T. He
will send Director Chisaki a DVD, and also broadcast the event on the AP&T Alameda
channel. Press releases had been sent to the Journal, the Sun, the Times Star, the Chronicle,
several radio stations and all the television stations. It is unknown which of these groups
actually showed up at the event. Stan Bunger gave a couple of plugs on KCBS in the
morning before the ceremony.
Board Member Mitchell complimented both Director Chisaki and Board President Butter
for the talks they gave. He thought they were excellent, succinct and to the point.
Director Chisaki mentioned that staff has worked incredibly hard to get the Library ready
for this opening, and once it opened, they had been real troopers. The long hours that have
been put in, and the lack of complaints have been amazing. Vice President Belikove
inquired if there was anything the Board could do to honor the staff. This will be given
some thought; suggestions are welcome. City Manager, Debra Kurita, will co-host a coffee
and pastry event with Director Chisaki, to thank the staff for the successful opening as well.
The branch staff also deserves recognition for carrying the load while the Main Library was
closed, which was considerable.
Community meetings for branch improvements will probably be scheduled to begin in late
January, once things are a little more settled. Councilmember Matarrese has a flyer out
regarding this already, asking the community for ideas on what could be done to improve
the branches.
ADJOURNMENT
Board President Butter called for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m. Board
Member Mitchell SO moved, Board Member Krongold seconded the motion, and it was
carried by a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Chisaki
Library Director and
Secretary to the Library Board
This meeting's agenda was posted 72 hours in advance in accordance with the Brown Act.",LibraryBoard/2006-11-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2006-11-08,1,"MINUTES OF
RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2006
2226 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
(510)747-7529
DATE:
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
TIME:
7:00 p.m.
PLACE:
Room 360, City Hall, Santa Clara Avenue and Oak Street, Alameda, CA
94501
1.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Terri Ogden, Vice Chair Jo Kahuanui, Commissioners Michael Cooper,
Jay Ingram, Christine Johnson, and Bruce Reeves
Absent:
None
Staff:
Dale Lillard, Director
Jackie Krause, Senior Services Manager (SSM)
2.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
A.
Nomination and Selection of Chair
M/S/C
REEVESIKAHUANUI
(unanimously approved)
""That Terri Ogden be elected Chair of the 2006-07 Recreation and Park
Commission.""
B.
Nomination and Selection of Vice Chair
M/S/C
JOHNSON/REEVES
(unanimously approved)
""That Jo Kahuanui be elected Vice Chair of the 2006-07 Recreation and Park
Commission.'
3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of June 8, 2006 Recreation and Park Commission Meeting.
M/S/C
REEVESIKAHUANUI
(approved)
""That the Minutes of June 8, 2006 Recreation and Park Commission are approved.""
Approved (5):
Ogden, Kahuanui, Cooper, Johnson, Reeves
Abstention (1):
Ingram
- 1 -
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Minutes
Wednesday, November 8, 2006",RecreationandParkCommission/2006-11-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2006-11-08,2,"Minutes of July 13, 2006 Recreation and Park Commission Meeting.
M/S/C
KAHUANUI/INGRAM
(unanimously approved)
""That the Minutes of July 13, 2006 Recreation and Park Commission are approved.""
Minutes of September 14, 2006 Recreation and Park Commission Meeting.
M/S/C
KAHUANUI/COOPER
(unanimously approved)
""That the Minutes of September 14, 2006 Recreation and Park Commission Meeting
with corrections stated by Commissioner Ingram if warranted.""
Suggested corrections were:
Check tape for Mr. Knopf's comments on not being able to put a pool in the
area due to open space being built over concrete (page 3, paragraph 6).
Meeting tape was checked and comment is correct.
Check tape for Mr. Knopf's statement that he felt that the area was within the
National Park and Recreation ratio of open space to residents (page 4,
paragraph 7). Meeting tape was checked and statement was corrected.
Check tape of minutes for Commissioner Ingram's comments on swapping
property (Alameda Point Pool). Meeting tape was checked and no comment was
made about swapping property.
4.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA
(Any person may address the Commission in regard to any matter over which the
Commission has jurisdiction or of which it may take cognizance that is not on the agenda.)
Commissioner Ingram recognized Jean Sweeney who was instrumental in helping with the
City obtaining the Alameda Beltline Property and thanked her for all of her work.
5.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
6.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Review of Assembly Bill 1234 - Ethics Training - (Discussion Item)
Director Lillard explained to the Commission that a new law effective January 1, 2006
requires certain elected and appointed officials as well as members of local legislative
bodies to receive a minimum of two hours of ethics training every two years. The Institute
for Local Government has identified a number of options available to meet the
requirements of the training. There is a self-study program which is included in the
- 2 -
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg
Minutes
Wednesday, November 8, 2006",RecreationandParkCommission/2006-11-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2006-11-08,3,"Commission packet to use and additional options for ethics training, which are continuously
updated, are described at the Institute for Local Government website at
www.ca-ilg.org/ab1234compliance.
Commissioners are to complete the tests and return to the Recreation and Park
Department. ARPD will mail test to the Institue for Local Government and in return will
receive certificates of completion. These certificates will then be forwarded to the City
Clerk and are good for two years.
B.
Review of Recommendation from Field Allocation Committee Regarding
Godfrey Park Field Renovation - (Discussion/Action Item)
Director Lillard stated that the Field Allocation Committee met regarding the Godfrey Park
Field Renovation. The Committee unanimously approved Option B of the renovation plan.
Option B basically flips the field from where it is now. The area at the end of Seminary will
be made into a parking lot to help ease the on-street parking if funding allows.
Commissioner Ingram asked if there will be a storage shed for groups (e.g., Little League,
Alameda Soccer, etc.). Director Lillard stated that there would be space where the parking
lot is, but it is up to the individual groups on whether they will install a shed/container.
Chair Ogden asked if there will be walkways around the field. Director Lillard stated yes
and the field will meet ADA requirements. If the Commission approves this conceptual
plan for renovation then the Engineering Department will do the specifications and
drawings. Then before the project goes to bid it will come before the Commission again
and the plan will show pathways, how tall fencing is, etc. for final approval.
Commissioner Ingram asked if the little fields were for U6 and U8 soccer fields. Director
Lillard stated yes and that the soccer club agreed with the conceptual plan.
Commissioner Cooper asked where is the back tee on the par three on the south course. If
someone hits a horrendous pole to the left is there a chance that someone could get hit.
Director Lillard stated no. Staff looked at the golf course and the golf ball have not been
coming over the fence. When the final drawing comes back we will ask them to include the
golf course for reference. We can look at fencing options on the golf side too.
Commissioner Ingram asked if all of the funds are going into the field and turf. Director
Lillard stated that the funds are for field improvements (e.g., irrigation, drainage, turf, etc.).
If funds are available then the parking lot could be done.
Commissioner Cooper asked if the big tree in left center field would go. Director Lillard
stated that it would have to go. Any tree removed will be replaced.
Commisisoner Ingram asked about renovation of the playground and when it would be
done. Director Lillard stated that the playground is scheduled to be renovated in 2008.
- 3 -
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg
Minutes
Wednesday, November 8, 2006",RecreationandParkCommission/2006-11-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2006-11-08,4,"Director Lillard stated that the user groups asked that the construction not begin until June
2007. Staff has agreed to their request.
M/S/C
REEVES/KAHUANUI
(unanimously approved)
""That the conceptual plan (Option B) be approved.""
Approved (6):
Ogden, Kahuanui, Cooper, Ingram, Johnson, Reeves
Commission Cooper asked what would be done about the gophers in the park. Director
Lillard stated that there is a wire mesh that will be laid down before the sod is installed to
help with the situation.
7.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.
Status Report on Veteran's Building - (Discussion Item)
Commissioner Ingram introduced Dick Rutter, A. Rule Designs Principal Architect, and
Annie Rutter, A. Rule Designs Design Principal, to the Commission. They have been
working on a Remodel Project Priority Matrix for the Veteran's Building with staff and the
Commission to assist in performing improvements/renovations to the building.
Director Lillard thanked Mr. and Mrs. Rutter for all of their hard work.
Dick and Ann presented the matrix to the Commission for their perusal. The Matrix
included:
Remodel Projects Priority Matrix for the Veteran's Building located at 2203 Central
Avenue in Alameda, California. A priority list of remodel projects as discuss on a
building tour on March 28, 2006.
Floor Plans of the existing conditions of the Veteran's Building keyed to the Matrix.
Kitchen Remodel Worksheet.
Bathroom Remodel Worksheet.
The Matrix included cost estimates for potential projects, such as the renovation of the
downstairs kitchen and banquet rooms, upgrades to the main floor auditorium and
improvements to the stage. Listed below is a summary of the estimated costs for the
identified projects:
Kitchen
$525,000
Banquet Room
$150,000
Auditorium
$125,000
Stage
$ 40,000
$840,000
The above figures do not include estimates for project management, inspections, permits,
or contingencies. All costs for completing the identified projects are between $1.5 and $2
- 4 -
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg
Minutes
Wednesday, November 8, 2006",RecreationandParkCommission/2006-11-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2006-11-08,5,"million (when funding for construction management, inspections, and contingencies are
included). The report contains valuable information regarding the building and was
prepared on a pro-bono basis.
The Matrix was designed to grow and change. It is also designed to allow the Recreation &
Park Department to prioritize Upgrade Projects incorporating available income streams and
fundraising opportunities into the decision making process. Order of Magnitude Budget
Costs are provided with each project listed on the Matrix to aid in making these decisions.
Each project listed on the Matrix must be developed into a set of Construction Documents
sufficient for Building Permit issuance and then provided to General Contractors who can
then bid on the documents. Only then can a truly accurate picture of actual costs at a
single point in time be obtained.
Ms. Sweeney, Alameda resident, stated that their groups focus has been to get the kitchen
up and running. Would they have to worry about handicap access? Mr. Rutter stated that
20 percent of the kitchen costs would have to go toward accessibility upgrades. Mrs.
Rutter stated that as long as the project was drawn out and held a pre-application meeting
with the City and there was an agreement the permit can be kept open for a year and then
renew it. As long as you make an effort, civil law will not jump at you, as long as you have
someone retained, drawings are happening and there are plans.
Commissioner Ingram stated that he felt it was not the Commission's purview to worry
about paying for the renovation. He felt that the Commission could get the plan together
and then the Council would have to decide on whether they would fund any of the projects.
Commissioner Ingram thanked the Rutter's for all of their help.
8.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARK
DIRECTOR
A. Park Division
See November 1-30, 2006 Activity Report.
B. Recreation Division
See November 1-30, 2006 Activity Report.
C. Mastick Senior Center
See November 1-30, 2006 Activity Report.
D. Other Reports and Announcments
-
Status Report on Transportation Master Plan Committee (Commissioner
Johnson)
No report at this time.
- 5 -
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg
Minutes
Wednesday, November 8, 2006",RecreationandParkCommission/2006-11-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2006-11-08,6,"9.
STATUS REPORT ON ONGOING PROJECTS
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Bayport Park was held on Friday,
October 27, 2006.
Council allocated funds for the purchase of the Alameda Beltline. They are forming a task
force that includes both the Alameda Beltline and Estuary Park for development of the
parks.
Krusi Park Playground renovation is completed. All fire damaged equipment was replaced.
The Recreation and Park Department had to pay approximately $20,000 for the repairs. A
few donations ($1,200) were received to help with the cost.
10.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL
The Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2006,
at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall. The synthetic ice skating rink will be available again this
year.
11.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
12.
SET DAY FOR NEXT MEETING
December 14, 2006
13.
ADJOURNMENT
- -6- -
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg
Minutes
Wednesday, November 8, 2006",RecreationandParkCommission/2006-11-08.pdf