Rudy Ruggeri, Vice Chair called the meeting of the Springfield Library Board of Commissioners to order at 5:33 p.m.

Library Commissioners Present:
Rudy Ruggeri
Sheila McElwaine
Vera O'Connor
Bettye Webb
Craig Givens

Library Staff Present:
Emily Bader, Library Director
Lee Fogarty, Assistant Library Director
Carol Leaders, Administrative Assistant

A motion to approve the minutes of the August 10, 2005 meeting passed unanimously.

Library Commission Reports:

Sheila McElwaine - On August 30, 2005 the Architectural Access Board made a site visit to the Springfield Museums Association Quadrangle to hear about the plan developed by the SMA regarding handicap parking at the Quadrangle. The SMA proposes two parking spaces on the front lawn of the Library side by side less than 100 feet from the handicap accessible door to the Library and Community Room. The SMA will be responsible to provide literature and signage that will identify both regular and handicap parking on the Quadrangle and State Street.

It was recommended that an additional handicap drop off area be provided in back of the Library near Christ Church with a proper pad for accessibility.

The next step will be for the SMA to send a written proposal to the AAB. Additional approvals are needed from the Springfield Historic Commission and the City Traffic Engineer.

Library Strategic Plan - Commissioner Webb was impressed with the plan and stated what a remarkable job the consultants did to facilitate the success of the entire project. Commissioner Ruggeri expressed his satisfaction and commended the planning committee for a job well done.

Director Bader noted that copies of the Strategic Plan were distributed citywide and received only a few questions that were addressed immediately. Ms. Bader noted that after approval from the Library Commission this evening, the approved plan will be sent to the Mass Board of Library Commissioners to fulfill the State's requirement.

A Motion to approve the Strategic Plan by Commissioner McElwaine and seconded by Commissioner Webb was approved and passed unanimously.

Ms. Bader gave a brief explanation on the FY 06/07 Action Plan. Most activities are targeted for FY 06 with some to carry over in FY 07. This document is for internal purposes and staff driven with focus on specific activities that staff will undertake in support of strategic plan goals and objectives. A Staff Development Day has been scheduled for September 23rd . This will give staff an opportunity to become more involved in the planning process.

Ms. Webb inquired about the volunteer project; Ms. Fogarty reported over 100 volunteers logged in over 4,000 hours this past year.

Program Committee Report - Ms. Bader reported that Commissioner Denney represented the Commission at the One Book meetings. The committee chose Fahrenheit 451 as this year's One Book. The Library submitted a grant application to the NEA to help fund the project along with a separate proposal to MassMutual as a corporate sponsor.

Commissioner Ruggeri reported that he had recently visited the Central Library and the Indian Orchard, Sixteen Acres branches. He was very impressed as to how beautiful the buildings were.

Commissioner Webb noted that she visits both the East Forest Park and Pine Point branches frequently. She has found both locations to be busy and the staff friendly.

Ms. Bader noted that the Sixteen Acres branch roof is leaking and draining at the expansion joint and will need a new membrane. This project will be going out to bid soon and hopefully the roof will be repaired before the onset of winter.

Ms. Bader reported that inspections of all fire extinguishers in all Library locations have been completed for this year. This is an annual inspection.

Advisory Committee Reports - none at this time.

Other Business - Director Bader and Assistant Director Fogarty attended the MBLC hearing on Regional Reference Program and read their formal testimony, which opposed the recommended changes.

Next Commission Meeting is schedule for Wednesday, October 5, 2005.

Meeting adjourned at 6:43 pm.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vera O'Connor

Approved: October 5, 2005