BM 2000-03-09 LBWILLIAM T. COZBY PUBLIC LIBRARY
LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
March 9, 2000
The William T. Cozby Public Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday
March 9, 2000 in the Board Room at the William T. Cozby Public Library.
1. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Carol Ann Myers at
7:05. Other board members present were Jeanne Heath, Nancy LeMay, Douglas Glantz, Patricia
Samms, and Jane Darling. Staff in attendance were Library Director, Kathy Edwards and
Children's Librarian, Debbie Brightwell.
2. READING AND APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 10,
2000 - Jeanne Heath motioned to approve the minutes as read, and Doug Glanz seconded the
motion. All were in favor and the minutes were approved.
3. CITIZENS APPEARANCES - None
4. LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Discussion on 00/01 Budget/implementation electronic resources: City officially kicks off
budget on 3/21. We have started gathering information and have set up a system whereby staff
will be responsible for specific accounts. They will gather input, review last year' s and this year-
to-date spending and make recommendations for current FY 99/00 expenses and proposed FY
00/01 expenses. An enhancement will be submitted to upgrade or replace our DYNIX system.
The system must be replaced by June 01. Enhancement will include replacing terminals with
microcomputers and adding microcomputer workstations for the client/server environment. Adult
shelving ranges will be moved so that new microcomputer workstations can be placed line-of-site
to staff so that they can assist patrons in using electronic resources. Power and data will also be
needed to accommodate the workstations. We are also looking at personnel needs and
workloads.
Update on non-voting student member: City Council receives copies of all Board minutes.
February' s minutes outline discussion of this item. We will notify all board members of the next
date that Carol Myers gives the Quarterly Report to Council.
Texas State Librarian's Speech (Peggy Rudd): Peggy has a direct approach to her new job.
She has strong feelings and supports direct aid to public libraries. We will continue to apprize
Board members and seek their support on preserving Texas Library Systems. Coppell receives
state support through its membership in the Noaheast Texas Library System (NETLS). Pat and
Jeanne, NETLS representatives have heard her speak.
Discussion on reciprocal borrowing: We are discussing with other cities the process of
reciprocal borrowing. Coppell residents currently receive reciprocal borrowing privileges from
PIano, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Irving, Frisco and Carrollton. We want to expand that dialog
to other nearby cities. Board members expressed support of this concept.
5. DISCUSSION ON OPEN RECORDS TRAINING
Carol Myers and other Board Chairs met with Bob HageL City Attorney on Wednesday, March
8, 2000. Bob advised the chairs on the Open Meeting Laws and the need to adhere to Board
Agenda items. This included citizen appearances. Citizens could address the Boards, but could
not expect any action without first having an agenda item posted. Bob also advised that board
members not "chain" and discuss board issues outside meetings. Nor should they conduct "straw
polls". If an item needs to be discussed and/or an action taken, it needs to be on the agenda.
Agendas could be re-ordered to accommodate schedules.
6. DISCUSSION ON FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Derek Mosbarger and Deborah Carr were not at the meeting. An item will be added to next
month' s agenda so that they can report on their efforts to contact the Friends. Jeanne Heath will
try and contact.
7. DISCUSSION ON TEEN VOLUNTEERS
Debbie Brightwell discussed several scenarios to encourage teen participation in library programs.
She and Pat Samms have recommended a structured volunteer program for this summer to allow
teens who are at least 12 years of age, to assist in the summer reading program. Since the city
requires its volunteers to be at least 16 years of age, Vivyon Bowman, Risk Manager, will review
the recommendations to insure that the city can accommodate younger volunteers. Board
members were enthused at the prospect of having teen volunteers. Discussion also included a
Teen Book Discussion Club and networking with Parks and Recreation.
8. OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY BE LEGALLY CONDUCTED -
(A) Postponement of April Board Meeting - Board discussed moving the April meeting to
Thursday, April 20 from Thursday April 13. Kathy and other professional staff will be at the
Texas Library Association meeting in Houston. Doug motioned to move the meeting to April
20th. Nancy LeMay second. All were in favor and the motion carried.
9. ADJOURNMENT - Doug Glantz motioned and Nancy LeMay seconded to adjourn at
8:20. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen P. Metz Edwards
Library Director
Approved as corrected 4/20/00
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