HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary - 2007-10-17BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
- ~ KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Board Meeting of the Kitchener Public Library Board was called to
order at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, by Chair, Mr. Dan Cgrli, at
the Forest Heights Community Library.
TRUSTEES PRESENT
Mr. Dan Carli, Ms. Beth Esenbergs, Mr. Mike Farwell, Councillor Kelly
Galloway, Ms. Lynn Gazzola, Mr. Bruce MacNeil, Ms. Sue Morgan.
Ms. Sonia Lewis, Secretary-Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer.
STAFF PRESENT
Ms. Sabina Franzen, Ms. Ann Wood, Ms. Gloria Griggs.
REGRETS
Ms. Lesa Balch, Mr. Brian Burnley, Mr. Leszek Jankowski, Mr. Peter Sweeney,
Councillor Berry Vrbanovic.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Ms. Susan Bloos, Manager, Forest Heights Community Library.
OVERVIEW OF FOREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Ms. Susan Bloos thanked the Library Board for visiting the Forest Heights
Community Library. She described how the community shapes the branch and
how the branch, in turn, responds to the changing needs of the community.
Increased usage in reserves, bookable computers and new customers joining the
library at Forest Heights reflect a very busy and dynamic branch which
celebrated its 30ti~ birthday in 2006. A full range of services are offered which
include both children and adult programs, a homework help centre, outreach
visits to schools and the rental of the branch's meeting room.
Kitchener Public Library Board 2 October 17, 2007
A partnership with the adjoining Forest Heights Community Pool was fostered
with the Twilight Tales and Pool Plunge program. Two successful campaigns
with the City of Kitchener's Aquatics department called Book Sanr~rt Water Sanr~rt
in 2006 and Dive Into Reading in 2007 which involved the two School Boards
further promoted usage of the library and the city's community pools.
The branch has partnered with the Forest Heights Collegiate Institute by
working closely with its ESL department and more recently, the arts department
this year. Selected student art is displayed on a monthly basis in the library's
meeting room.
In September 2004, Forest Heights Collegiate Institute became a magnet school
for new immigrants which has led to new projects and partnerships. Nineteen
different immigrant groups settled in the Forest Heights catchment group. The
library works closely with the Settlement and Education Partnership in Waterloo
Region (SEPWR). More library funds have been allocated to the ESL and
literacy collections at Forest Heights, Rosetta Stone software was purchased and
installed on library computers and onsite meeting room space allocated to the
SEPWR intake workers for use at designated times. The library also subscribed
to Newspaper Direct in Hindi and Arabic to meet the growing needs of the local
community.
Intergenerationalpnrtnerships with Bankside Terrace and Lanark Place have
been developed.
Susan Bloos thanked the KW Horticultural Society Master Gardeners partnership
initiated by Paul Hunter for their donation of labour and some materials that
helped beautify the gardens at KPL. The program offered through the library
provided a hands on approach to gardening which has made a big difference to
the gardens planted at the front of the branch.
[Bruce MacNeil joined the meeting.]
Opportunities to promote the branch through activities offered at the Forest
Heights Community Centre are also pursued.
Mr. Carli thanked Susan Bloos for the enthusiasm and passion that she
demonstrates for the library and the services it provides the community.
3. AGENDA REVIEW
07-60... On motion by Ms. Beth Esenbergs and seconded by Ms. Sue Morgan, it was
RESOLVED that the Agenda be adopted.
CARRIED
Kitchener Public Library Board 3 October 17, 2007
There were no pecuniary /conflict of interest declarations.
4. MINUTES of the Board Meeting of September 19, 2007.
07-61... On motion by Mr. Bruce MacNeil and seconded by Ms. Sue Morgan, it was
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Board Meeting of September 19, 2007, be
adopted.
CARRIED
5. BUSINESS ARISING
None
6. 1. BUSINESS
REPORT OF OFFICERS
(a) Report of the Chair
Updates -October 4 Breakfast Meeting
Mr. Carli, Mr. Bruce MacNeil, Mr. Peter Sweeney, Councillor Kelly Galloway,
Sonia Lewis and Penny-Lynn Fielding met with community leaders on October 4
to discuss the future role of libraries.
The Library Board discussed the ideas shared at that meeting.
Health & Safety Statement
On an annual basis KPL renews its health and safety agreement with the Joint
Health and Safety Committee which demonstrates its commitment to health and
safety. Mr. Carli reviewed and signed the agreement which acknowledges the
Board's responsibility and the managers and employees' responsibility for a safe
and healthy workplace.
Orientation -CEO Performance Review Process
Dan Carli reviewed the annual performance review process for the CEO. The
year end strategic plan progress report will be distributed to the Board in early
December. Completion of the appraisal process from each Board member was
requested by mid-December for submission to the Chair.
The appraisal form will be sent out again electronically and a copy will be
included with the November package.
Kitchener Public Library Board 4 October 17, 2007
CULC Conference
Dan Carli reported on the CULC diversity conference that he recently attended
on behalf of the Library Board. The Chair acknowledged his appreciation for
being able to participate and noted that the presentations reinforced similar
challenges faced by other Library Boards throughout the system.
(b) Facilities Planning & Building Committee
Central Library Project Update
Sonia Lewis provided an update of the Civic District Project which hosted its
public meeting last night at the Registry Theatre. Feedback collected from the
surveys received to date has been very positive.
A Civic District charette is planned for Saturday, October 27 at the Regional
office building on Frederick Street. An update to Council is planned in
November.
(c) Finance Committee
September 2007 Financial Statements
07-62... On motion by Ms. Lynn Gazzola and seconded by Ms. Beth Esenbergs, it was
RESOLVED to accept the September 2007 Financial Statements, as printed.
CARRIED
(d) Report of the Secretary-Treasurer and CEO
Updates
Christmas Brunch
Please note in your November Calendar of Events that KPL's Christmas brunch
is planned for the morning of Sunday, November 25 at Golf's Steak House.
Invitations will be sent in the mail outlining the details.
Ontario Library Association (OLA) Conference 2008
Anticipate receiving programs in the mail for the OLA conference to be held
January 30, 31 and February 1, 2008 in Toronto.
If possible, please let us know by November 21 if you are interested in attending
the conference.
6. II. NEW BUSINESS
None
Kitchener Public Library Board 5 October 17, 2007
7. III. PRESENTATIONS
(a) Report of Councillors
Councillor Galloway reported that the size of City Council will increase to 10
Councillors as of the year 2010. A consultant has been hired to review the
wards and set the new boundaries. This information will be made available for
discussion during the public engagement process that will then follow.
Sixty percent of the King Street Master Design Plan is now complete. The
information is on the Cily's website and feedback from the public is welcome.
Snow plowing is on Council's agenda for discussion at the request of the Grand
River Accessibility Advisory Committee.
To improve customer service at the City, a calling centre with one phone
number for the City of Kitchener will be implemented to field all customer calls.
A newly designed City website is also forthcoming.
On Friday, October 20 at 9:15 am, the Huron Natural Park area will host its
grand opening.
Several business cases are being dealt with such as the Wilson Park Concession
Stand, Mill-Courtland expansion and the Williamsburg Community Centre
proposal.
8. ADJOURNMENT
07-63... There being no further business, on motion by Ms. Sue Morgan, it was
RESOLVED to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
CARRIED
Chair Secretary-Treasurer
Kitchener Public Library Board 6 October 17, 2007
[Attachments Accompanying October 17, 2007 Board Meeting
(a) September 19, 2007 Board Minutes
(b) September 2007 Financial Statements
(c) September 2007 Public Service Report
(d) Orientation Notes -CEO Performance Appraisal Process
(e) October 4 Meeting Report
(fl November Calendar of Events
(g) KPL Connections Autumn 2007 from Volunteer & Outreach Services
(h)