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May
22, 2001
The
Annual Meeting of the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston, originally scheduled for May 1, 2001, has been re-scheduled
for Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Regular
Meetings of the Trustees to be held in the Trustees' Room, Johnson
Building, Copley Square, Boston, MA
Respectfully yours,
Jamie McGlone
Clerk to the Trustees
Agendas:
Order
of Business for the Annual Meeting of the Trustees
as a Corporation held on
Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 8:00 a.m.
1. Election of a
Chairman
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
2. Election of a
Vice Chairman
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
3. Election of a
Clerk
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
4. Enabling vote
for the signing of payrolls
"VOTED:
any member of the Corporation or the President, the Chief Financial
Officer, the Director of Operations, the Director of Public
Services, or the Clerk of the Corporation be, and hereby is,
authorized to sign on behalf of the Corporation, bills, special
drafts, and payrolls of the Library."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
5. Enabling vote
for the signing of contracts approved by the Board
"VOTED:
until the next Annual Meeting, the Chairman, or Vice Chairman,
or in the inability of either, any member of the Corporation,
and the President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director
of Operations, or the Clerk of the Corporation be, and hereby
is, authorized to sign any and all contracts voted to be made
by the Board in the name and on behalf of the Corporation and
any and all communications in connection with the award of contracts
so voted or recommended to be so voted and to authorize payments
under contracts so voted."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
6. Enabling votes
for the acceptance on behalf of the Corporation of those gifts,
payments made in recognition for special services rendered and payments
received for publications and prints executed under library sponsorship
"VOTED:
until the next Annual Meeting, by delegation of the Trustees
of the Public Library of the City of Boston, the President,
the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Operations, or
the Clerk of the Corporation be, and hereby is, authorized to
accept on behalf of the Trustees gifts, payments made in recognition
for the special services rendered and payments received for
the publications and prints executed under library sponsorship
and, in connection with the acceptance of the same, to endorse
on behalf of the Trustees checks so received, said amounts to
be reported to the Board at their next Annual Meeting."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
7. Enabling vote
for acceptance on behalf of the Corporation of gifts to be added
to funds already established in the General Investment Account
"VOTED:
until the next Annual Meeting, by delegation of the Trustees
of the Public Library of the City of Boston, the President,
the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Operations, or
the Clerk of the Corporation be, and hereby is, authorized to
accept on behalf of the Trustees gifts to be added to funds
already established in the General Investment Account, the acceptance
of the said amounts to be reported to the Board at the meeting
following any such acceptance."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
8. Enabling vote
for the Distribution of Income
"VOTED:
the President of the Public Library of the City of Boston, or
designee, be and hereby is, authorized to cause to be paid to
the Rector of Trinity Church for the period from July 1, 2000
to June 30, 2001 income on the Children’s Fund now held
in the custody of the Collector-Treasurer of the City of Boston
pursuant to the provisions of the 11th Clause of the will of
Josiah H. Benton, as required by the 19th Clause of said will;
and
further,
"VOTED:
the President of the Public Library of the City of Boston, or
designee, be and hereby is, authorized and directed to cause
to be distributed and paid to the Rector of Trinity Church,
to be held by said Rector pursuant to the provisions of the
12th Clause of the will of Josiah H. Benton, as defined by the
Agreement of Compromise, dated January 15, 1935 and made in
connection with the administration of the trust created by such
Clause, four-tenths of the income of the Benton Book Fund for
the period from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, inclusive, now
held in the custody of the Collector-Treasurer of the City of
Boston, and to the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston the remaining six-tenths of said income for said period
to be applied to the purchases provided in said Agreement of
Compromise.
and
"VOTED:
the President of the Public Library of the City of Boston, or
designee, be and hereby is, authorized and directed to distribute
and pay to the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston the income of the General Investment Account for the
period from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
9. Enabling vote
on Trust Funds
"VOTED:
the President of the Public Library of the City of Boston, or
designee, until the next annual meeting, is authorized to spend
for any authorized and proper purpose income from those Trust
Funds held by the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston, where no specific vote of the Trustees is required
by the Trust instrument."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
Order
of Business for the Annual Meeting of the Trustees
as an Administrative Agency held on
Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 8:00 a.m.
1. Enabling vote
for the signing of bills, special drafts, and payrolls
"VOTED:
any member of the Board of Trustees or the President, the Chief
Financial Officer, the Director of Operations, the Director
of Public Services, or the Clerk of the Trustees be, and hereby
is, authorized to sign on behalf of the Board, bills, special
drafts, and payrolls of the library."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
2. Enabling vote
for the signing of contracts approved by the Board
"VOTED:
until the next Annual Meeting, the Chairman, or Vice Chairman,
or in the inability of either, any member of the Board, the
President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Operations,
or the Clerk of the Trustees be, and hereby is, authorized to
sign any and all contracts voted to be made by the Board in
the name and on behalf of the City of Boston and any and all
communications in connection with the award of contracts so
voted or recommended to be so voted and to authorize payment
under contracts so voted."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
3. Enabling vote
for appointment of the Library President or designee to hold and
conduct such hearings as may be necessary for Civil Service Personnel
"VOTED:
we, the Trustees of the Boston Public Library, having appointive
authority over the Civil Services personnel at the library,
do appoint the Library President or designee, to hold and conduct
hearings in accordance with Chapter 31 of the General Laws whenever
the said hearings are deemed necessary."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
4. Votes authorizing
routine operating procedures
"VOTED:
until the next Annual Meeting the President, or upon his delegation,
the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Operations, or
the Clerk be, and hereby is, authorized to act on behalf of
the Trustees in the administration of the personnel procedures
established by them and to fix the remuneration for all officers
and employees subject to the salaries and wage scales as currently
established."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
and
"VOTED:
until the next Annual Meeting the President, or upon his delegation,
the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Operations, or
the Clerk to the Trustees be, and hereby is, authorized to sign
on behalf of the Board in the approval of the payment of all
vouchers or bills covering expenditures incurred in terms of
one quarter of the fiscal year 2001 - 2002 budget allowance,
but in no case exceeding those in the budget estimates for the
fiscal year 2001 - 2002, as shall be approved by the City of
Boston."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
5. Enabling vote
on Critical Repair Fund
"VOTED:
to authorize President Bernard A. Margolis, or his designee,
on behalf of the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston, to enter into a contract or contracts for various
goods or services relating to the Boston Public Library System
Critical Repair Budget, for the period of July 1, 2001 through
June 30, 2002, provided that each contract entered into pursuant
to this authorization shall have been estimated to be no greater
than Twenty Five Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($25,000.00).
In no event will the contracts cumulatively exceed Two Hundred
and Fifty Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($250,000.00)."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
Order
of Business for a Regular Meeting as a
Corporation on
Tuesday May 22, 2001 at 8:00 a.m.
1. Approval of Minutes
for the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2001
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
2. Establishment
of the Lenora and Bernard McGovern Fund
The Trustees’
Finance Committee has reviewed and recommends to the Full Board
of Trustees the following vote relating to the establishment of
the Lenora and Bernard McGovern Fund:
"VOTED:
that the bequest of Lenora and Bernard McGovern be, and the
same hereby is, accepted to be expended in accordance with the
terms thereof"
and further
"VOTED:
that there be and hereby is established the Lenora and Bernard
McGovern Fund, and that all assets of said fund totaling
$1,731,589, be invested through the General Investment Account,
the income to be used to support the purchase of such books
of permanent value and authority as shall be determined by the
Board of Trustees. In no year, shall more than seven percent
(7%) of the Endowment Fund be used for its designated purpose.
Any funds not spent in a given year may be carried over for
expenditure in the future. These restrictions may be modified
or eliminated by the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston despite further contributions to this fund or reliance
by any outside party on this vote."
Mr.
Bernard A. Margolis
3. Trustees’
Finance Committee Report
Mr.
William O. Taylor
The Trustees’
Finance Committee has reviewed and recommends to the Full Board
the following two resolutions pertaining to the Trustees’
Trust Funds of the Public Library of the City of Boston
- DR. SAMUEL
ABBOTT GREEN MEMORIAL FUND
Background:
The Dr. Samuel Abbott Green Memorial Fund was
created in 1952. The original funds came to the Library from the
will of H. Sylvia A.H.G. Wilkes, in which 1/140th of
her estate went to the "Trustees of the Public Library of
the City of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, in memory of Dr. Samuel
Abbott Green." At that time, the Trustees ordered that the
income be added to the principal unless otherwise ordered by the
Board. The value of this fund as of February 28, 2001 was $1,183,878.00.
Income for FY02 would be projected to be $59,150.
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President of the Public Library of
the City of Boston, or his designee, be and hereby is, authorized
and directed to allow the income of the Dr. Samuel Abbott Green
Memorial Fund to be used for the purpose of delivering literacy
services, including but not limited to, the engagement of staff.
In no year shall more than seven percent (7%) of the Endowment
Fund be used. Any funds not spent in a given year may be carried
over for expenditure in the future. These restrictions may be
modified or eliminated by the Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston despite further contributions to this
fund or reliance by any outside party on this vote."
Background:
The Helen O. Storrow Fund was created in 1945. The original
fund of $9,868.00 came to the Library from the will of Helen O.
Storrow. At that time, the Trustees ordered that the income be
added to the principal unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
The most recent use of this fund was an expenditure of $190,000
in 1999 to support the McKim Restoration project. The value of
this fund as of February 28, 2001 was $70,825.00. Income for FY02
would be projected to be $3,500.
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President of the Public Library of
the City of Boston, or his designee, be and hereby is, authorized
and directed to allow the income of the Helen O. Storrow Fund
to be used for the purpose of delivering literacy services,
including but not limited to, the engagement of staff. In no
year shall more than seven percent (7%) of the Endowment Fund
be used. Any funds not spent in a given year may be carried
over for expenditure in the future. These restrictions may be
modified or eliminated by the Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston despite further contributions to this
fund or reliance by any outside party on this vote."
Additional resolution
pertaining to the Trustees’ Trust Funds of the Public Library
of the City of Boston
- THE BOSTON
PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF CENTENNIAL FUND
Background:
The Boston Public Library Staff Centennial Fund was created
in 1966. The original funds of $13,956.87 came to the Library
from the Staff of the Boston Public Library in celebration of
the Centennial of the Boston Public Library. The money was to
be held as a fund and to be expended for an appropriate gift for
the new addition to the Central Library Building of the Boston
Public Library. Income was to be added to principal and no funds
were to be expended until ordered by the Board. The value of this
fund as of February 28, 2001 was $266,638. Income for FY02, after
the $50,000 contribution is made for the McKim Restoration project,
would be projected to be $10,832.
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President of the Public Library of
the City of Boston, or his designee, be and hereby is, authorized
and directed to expend $50,000 of the income of the Boston Public
Library Staff Centennial Fund to be used for the McKim Restoration
project.
And
further,
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President of the Public Library of
the City of Boston, or his designee, be and hereby is, authorized
and directed to allow the income of the Boston Public Library
Staff Centennial Fund to be used to support the Boston Public
Library’s staff development programs. In no year shall
more than seven percent (7%) of the Endowment Fund be used.
Any funds not spent in a given year may be carried over for
expenditure in the future. These restrictions may be modified
or eliminated by the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston despite further contributions to this fund or reliance
by any outside party on this vote."
Mr.
Bernard A. Margolis
The Trustees’
Finance Committee has reviewed and recommends to the Full Board
of Trustees the following award of contracts
- Contract for
Providing Annual Independent Audit Services
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with Brown & Brown, LLP, 90 Canal
Street, Boston, MA 02114, the lowest eligible, responsive and
responsible bidder in the public bidding, advertised under G.L.,
c30B, a contract for Providing Annual Independent Audit Services
for a Multi-Year (Three [3] Year) period beginning July 1, 2001
through June 30, 2002, and two successive Fiscal Years, at a
total cost not to exceed One Hundred Thirty Seven Thousand Dollars
and No Cents ($137,000.00). The cost for the first Fiscal Year
(Fiscal Year 2002) is not to exceed Forty Two Thousand Dollars
($42,000.00). The cost for Fiscal Year 2003 is not to exceed
Forty Six Thousand Dollars ($46,000.00). The cost for Fiscal
Year 2004 is not to exceed Forty Nine Thousand Dollars ($49,000.00)."
- Contract for
providing a delivery system for the Boston Massachusetts Regional
Library System
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with CD&L Courier, 65 Sprauge
Street, Boston, MA 02136, the lowest eligible, responsive and
responsible bidder in the public bidding, advertised under G.L.,
C. 30B, a contract for providing a delivery system for the Boston
Massachusetts Regional Library System for a multi-year (three
[3] year) period beginning July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002,
and two successive Fiscal Years, at a total cost not to exceed
Three Hundred Sixteen Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars and No
Cents ($316,800.00). The cost for each of the three Fiscal Years
is not to exceed One Hundred Five Thousand Six Hundred Dollars
and No Cents ($105,600.00)."
- Contract for
the leasing of one motor vehicle
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with Merchants Rent-A-Car, Inc.,
1278 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire, 03106, the sole
eligible, responsive and responsible bidder in the public bidding,
advertised under G.L. C. 30B, a contract for the leasing of
one (1) station wagon, for the Boston Massachusetts Regional
Library System (BMRLS), for a multi-year (two [2] year) period
beginning July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, and one successive
Fiscal Year, at a total cost for the two year period not to
exceed Twenty One Thousand Ninety Six Dollars and No Cents ($21,096.00),
and the total cost for each of the two Fiscal Years (Fiscal
Year 2001 and Fiscal Year 2002) not to exceed Ten Thousand Five
Hundred Forty Eight Dollars and No Cents ($10,548.00). The monthly
lease rate for one station wagon is $879.00 per vehicle. There
will be no garaging of this vehicle."
- Batterymarch
Financial Management, Inc. request for clarification to the
investment restrictions for Trustees’ Small Cap equity
portfolio
"VOTED:
to approve a specific exception and allow Batterymarch Financial
Management, Inc. to follow the Russell 2000 index by permitting
the holding of publicly-traded REITs for the Trustees of the
Public Library of the City of Boston’s US Small Cap equity
portfolio for one year, subject to an annual review by the Trustees’
Finance Committee."
Additional Contracts:
- Investment
Services Contracts
"VOTED:
that, the agreement with The Boston Company, One Boston Place,
Boston, Massachusetts 02108, for investment counseling services
be renewed for the period July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002,
in accordance with the terms specified in the agreement and
subject to a satisfactory performance review by the Trustees’
Finance Committee
And
further,
VOTED: that,
Bernard A. Margolis, President, or designee, be and hereby is,
authorized to make payments from time to time as specified in
the agreement for the period July 1, 2001, through June 30,
2002, between the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston and The Boston Company, One Boston Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02108, the payments prescribed by said agreement
from undistributed income of the General Investment Account
if the conditions precedent to such have been fulfilled."
"VOTED:
that, the agreement with State Street Global Advisors, Inc.,
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, for investment
counseling services be renewed for the period July 1, 2001 through
June 30, 2002, in accordance with the terms specified in the
agreement and subject to a satisfactory performance review by
the Trustees’ Finance Committee
And
further,
VOTED: that,
Bernard A. Margolis, President, or designee, be and hereby is,
authorized to make payments from time to time as specified in
the agreement for the period July 1, 2001, through June 30,
2002, between the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
of Boston and State Street Global Advisors, Inc., Two International
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, the payments prescribed
by said agreement from undistributed income of the General Investment
Account if the conditions precedent to such have been fulfilled."
"VOTED:
that an agreement with Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.,
Two Hundred Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, for
investment counseling services be entered into for the period
July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, in accordance with the terms
specified in the agreement and subject to a satisfactory performance
review by the Trustees’ Finance Committee
And
further,
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President, or his designee, be and
hereby is, authorized to make payments from time to time as
specified in the agreement for the period July 1, 2001, through
June 30, 2002, between the Trustees of the Public Library of
the City of Boston and Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.,
Two Hundred Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, the
payments prescribed by said agreement from undistributed income
of the General Investment Account if the conditions precedent
to such have been fulfilled."
Mr.
William O. Taylor
4. Trustees’
Capital Projects Committee Report
Hon.
Angelo M. Scaccia
5. Trustees’
Collections Committee Report
Mr.
William O. Taylor
6. Trustees’
Education Committee Report
Ms.
Pamela Seigle
7. Resolution on
Request for Room Use
"VOTED:
to approve the request for use of Library space by theMassachusetts
Center for the Book for the first Annual Massachusetts Book
Awards Ceremony as proposed by Ms. Sharon Shaloo, Executive
Director."
Mr.
Bernard A. Margolis
8. President’s
Report
- Approval of Professional
Staff Association Contract
"VOTED:
to endorse the terms of the Professional Staff Association Agreement
for July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2002."
- Report on Gifts
and Grants received in Fiscal Year 2001
- Presentation
on Acquisitions: Ms. Diane Ota, Curator, Music Department
- Review of FY2002
Budget
- Progress Report
on Strategic Goals
- Report on Branches
- Report on Literacy
Activities
- Report on Librarians
Salaries
- Report on Children’s
Librarians Recruitment
- Trinity Place
Update
- Presentation
on the new BPL Website
- Estate of Natalie
S. Arnell
- Establishment
of Endowed Lectureship
- Presentation
on Boston Public Library Facilities Operations
Mr.
Bernard A. Margolis
9. The Boston Public
Library Foundation
Ms.
Marie Pettibone
10. Associates of
the Boston Public Library
Ms.
Vivian Spiro
11. City-Wide Friends
of the Boston Public Library
Ms.
Francine Pennino
12. Other Business
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
13. Recess of Corporate
Meeting
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
14. Executive Session
(after adjournment of Administrative Agency Meeting)
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
Order
of Business for a Regular Meeting as an
Administrative Agency on
Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 8:00 a.m.
1. Approval of Minutes
for the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2001
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
The Trustees’
Finance Committee has reviewed and recommends to the Full Board
of Trustees the following votes:
2. Award of Contracts:
- Contract for
the "Procurement of Library Books"
"VOTED:
that there be entered into a non-advertised contract, as authorized
under G.L., c 30-B, Section 7 (a), referred to as "Procurement
of Library Books", between the Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston (a Corporation under Chapter 114 of the
Acts of 1878), and the vendors listed herein (including any
subsidiaries or agents), for the acquisition of books and for
certain other library bibliographical acquisitions materials,
in an amount not to exceed Three Million Thirty-Six Thousand
One Hundred Thirty Two Dollars and No Cents ($3,036,132.00),
the amount appropriated in the Library Department budget for
books and other related bibliographical acquisition materials,
during the period July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002."
- Contract for
the "Procurement of Library Books"
"VOTED:
that there be entered into a non-advertised contract, as authorized
under G.L. c30-B, Section 7 (a), referred to as "Procurement
of Library Books", between the Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston (a Corporation under Chapter 114 of the
Acts of 1878), and Newsbank Inc., Readex Division, in an amount
not to exceed Three Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars and No Cents
($360,000.00) for books and other related Library materials
for flood replacement, during the period May 22, 2001 through
June 30, 2003."
- Contract for
Personal Computer, Server/Printer Maintenance
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with Retro-Fit Technologies, Inc.,
455 Fortune Blvd. Milford, MA, 01757, the lowest eligible and
responsive bidder in the public bidding, advertised under G.L.,
c30B, a contract for Personal Computer, Server/Printer Maintenance
during the period July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, at a total
cost not to exceed Fifty Two Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Dollars
and Twenty Cents ($52,690.20)."
- Contract for
the leasing and garaging of motor vehicles
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with Merchants Rent-A-Car, Inc.,
1278 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire, 03106, the sole
eligible, responsive and responsible bidder in the public bidding,
advertised under G.L., C. 30B, a contract for the leasing of
four (4) panel trucks and four (4) station wagons, as specified,
for a multi-year (two [2] year) period beginning July 1, 2001
through June 30, 2002, and one successive Fiscal Year, at a
total cost for the two year period not to exceed On Hundred
Eighty Nine Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty Four Dollars and
No Cents ($189,984.00), and the total cost for each of the two
Fiscal Years (Fiscal Year 2002 and Fiscal Year 2003) not to
exceed Ninety Four Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Two Dollars
and No Cents ($94,992.00). The monthly lease rate of four panel
trucks is $1,100.00 per vehicle; the monthly lease rate for
four station wagons is $879.00 per vehicle. The monthly lease
cost for garaging of three (3) motor vehicles is $0.00 (no charge)
per vehicle per month."
Additional contracts
- Contract for
An Energy Services Agreement
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with Trigen Boston Energy Corp.,
210 South Street, Boston, MA 02111, an energy services agreement
beginning June 1, 2001 and ending May 31, 2021 with payments
to be made in accordance with the terms thereof"
- Contract for
Temporary Heating in the Charlestown Service Building
"VOTED:
to authorize the award of a contract to BABFAR Equipment Corporation,
with offices at 1380 Main Street, Millis, Massachusetts 02054,
for the period of February 1, 2001 through May 31, 2001. Under
this contract, BABFAR will provide temporary heating equipment
to heat the Charlestown Service Building for the winter season.
The cost of this contract will not exceed Seventeen Thousand
Three Hundred Eighty Dollars ($17,380.00)."
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
3. Other Business.
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
4. Adjournment.
Mr.
Joseph E. Mullaney
Minutes
A Regular Meeting
of the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston as a
Corporation was held in the Trustees Room of the Johnson Building
at 9:00 a.m.
Present at the meeting
were Trustees William M. Bulger, James Carroll, V. Paul Deare, Donna
M. DePrisco, Berthé M. Gaines, Joseph E. Mullaney, Angelo M. Scaccia,
Pamela Seigle and William O. Taylor.
Also present were
Bernard A. Margolis, President, Boston Public Library; Alice Hennessey,
Special Assistant to Mayor Thomas M. Menino; the Honorable Chuck
Turner, Boston City Councillor, District 7; Mark Sweeney, Esq.,
First Assistant, Corporation Counsel, City of Boston; Vivian K.
Spiro, Chair, Associates of the Boston Public Library; Francine
Pennino, Treasurer, City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library;
Marie Pettibone, Executive Director, the Boston Public Library Foundation;
Diane Ota, Curator, Music Department, the Boston Public Library;
members of the Library administration, staff, and the public.
Chairman Joseph
E. Mullaney presiding.
The first item on
the order of business was the approval of Minutes for the Regular
Meeting of March 13, 2001. On a motion duly made and seconded, the
Minutes for the Regular Meeting of March 13, 2001 were approved.
The President provided
background information on the proposed establishment of the Lenora
and Bernard McGovern Fund. Mr. McGovern passed away in 1940
leaving his estate intact to be used during the lifetime of several
named heirs. His last heir passed away in 2000. Under the provisions
of the will, three-fifths of his estate comes to the Boston Public
Library, and two-fifths to the Hopkinton Public Library "to
support the purchase of such books of permanent value and authority
as shall be determined by the Board of Trustees". To date,
the Library has received $1,731,589 that will be established as
a regular-named Trust Fund to support book purchases.
The President noted
that Mr. Mark Sweeney, Esq., Corporation Counsel, has recommended
language for the acceptance of the gift as reflected in the first
vote and a second vote of acceptance reflects the language recommended
by Hale and Dorr to the Library Trustees on the acceptance of gifts.
Mr. Sweeney noted
that by the terms of the will the gift is given to the City of Boston,
not to the Public Library, and therefore he believes that the gift
has to be accepted by the Boston City Council. Mr. Sweeney added
that once the City accepts the gift the proceeds of the Trust would
be made available for requisition to the Library Trustees in accordance
with the terms of the will.
Following further
discussion, the Chairman recommended that the approval of the acceptance
of the gift would be voted on subject to the aforementioned modifications.
Then, on a motion duly made and seconded, and subject to appropriate
action by the Boston City Council, it was
"VOTED:
that the bequest of Lenora and Bernard McGovern be, and
the same hereby is, accepted to be expended in accordance with
the terms thereof"
and
further
"VOTED:
that there be and hereby is established the Lenora and Bernard
McGovern Fund, and that all assets of said fund totaling $1,731,589,
be invested through the General Investment Account, the income
to be used to support the purchase of such books of permanent
value and authority as shall be determined by the Board of Trustees.
In no year, shall more than seven percent (7%) of the Endowment
Fund be used for its designated purpose. Any funds not spent in
a given year may be carried over for expenditure in the future.
These restrictions may be modified or eliminated by the Trustees
of the Public Library of the City of Boston despite further contributions
to this fund or reliance by any outside party on this vote."
Mr. William O. Taylor,
Chairman of the Trustees’ Finance Committee, provided background
information on two proposed resolutions pertaining to the Trustees’
Trust Funds of the Public Library of the City of Boston for
the purpose of delivering literacy services, which were reviewed
and endorsed by the Trustees’ Finance Committee to the Full
Board. Mrs. Gaines requested that her earlier vote at the Finance
Committee meeting in support of the two resolutions be withdrawn.
The President provided
further background on the recommended proposal for literacy services
recalling that as a result of the discussion at the last Trustees’
Meeting regarding the Library’s literacy activities, the Library
reconsidered the previous proposal and has recommended a more modest
use of two Trust funds augmented by City resources.
To that end, the
President said that it is recommended to use the Dr. Samuel
Abbott Green Memorial Fund and the Helen O. Storrow
Fund to support the operation of a part-time dedicated Literacy
Center at the Dudley Branch Library, which has for many years been
operated on a limited basis, and is intended to generate revenues
to support the independent operation of the Dudley Literacy Center
into the future.
Mrs. Gaines stated
that in light of the fact that the Library has sixteen positions
which currently can not be filled because of the Library’s
FY02 increase in the salary savings target, she believes the use
of these two Trust Funds could better be served by filling positions
that presently are more important to the institution, including
floater positions in the branches, staffing for the McKim Lobby
Information Desk, and the need for a Coordinator of Young Adult
Services.
The President said
that Mrs. Gaines’ concerns raises the fundamental question
whether literacy services are important enough for the Boston Public
Library to use both City budgetary resources and limited trust fund
resources for the provision of literacy activities.
While there are
indeed other pressing priorities, the President recalled that the
discussion by the Board at the last Trustees’ Meeting indicated
commitment on the part of the Trustees to literacy services and
the Library has developed this proposal as an alternative to the
original proposal. Further, the President noted that it has also
seemed critical to the Library’s senior staff and to the Literacy
Committee that literacy services are important to the Boston Public
Library.
The Vice Chair recalled
that at the last Trustees’ Meeting there was some question
as to whether literacy services should be concentrated at the Dudley
Branch or whether the Library needs to look at a broader vision
for the provision of literacy activities at the Library. With regard
to funding, Mrs. Gaines said that the proposal is vague on the sources
of future funding to support the continuation of the program at
the end of the four-year pilot program, particularly once the funding
is exhausted from these two Trust Funds.
Mr. Taylor said
that the income from the funds would continue to be available to
support the program in the future because in no year will more than
7% of the Endowment Fund be used for the program. Mrs. Gaines noted
further that she continues to believe that the reason for having
the Literacy Center at the Dudley Branch is to ultimately tap into
the Fellowes Athenaeum Fund, which is restricted and
would require legal action.
Trustee Carroll
recalled the discussion at the last Trustees’ Meeting pertaining
to the restricted use of the Fellowes Athenaeum Fund
and reiterated that he is firmly committed with Mrs. Gaines to protecting
the integrity of the Fellowes Athenaeum Fund. With
respect to the proposed alternative policy, however, Mr. Carroll
stated that as he views the proposal, it would not impinge at all
upon the Fellowes Athenaeum Fund in the future.
Following further
discussion, on a motion duly made and seconded, and on the recommendation
of the Trustees’ Finance Committee, the Board approved the
following resolutions:
- DR. SAMUEL
ABBOTT GREEN MEMORIAL FUND
Background:
The Dr. Samuel Abbott Green Memorial Fund was created in
1952. The original funds came to the Library from the will of
H. Sylvia A.H.G. Wilkes, in which 1/140th of her estate
went to the "Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, in memory of Dr. Samuel Abbott
Green." At that time, the Trustees ordered that the income
be added to the principal unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
The value of this fund as of February 28, 2001 was $1,183,878.
Income for FY02 would be projected to be $59,150.
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President of the Public Library of
the City of Boston, or his designee, be and hereby is, authorized
and directed to allow the income of the Dr. Samuel Abbott Green
Memorial Fund to be used for the purpose of delivering literacy
services, including but not limited to, the engagement of staff.
In no year shall more than seven percent (7%) of the Endowment
Fund be used. Any funds not spent in a given year may be carried
over for expenditure in the future. These restrictions may be
modified or eliminated by the Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston despite further contributions to this
fund or reliance by any outside party on this vote."
Background:
The Helen O. Storrow Fund was created in 1945. The original
fund of $9,868 came to the Library from the will of Helen O. Storrow.
At that time, the Trustees ordered that the income be added to
the principal unless otherwise ordered by the Board. The most
recent use of this fund was an expenditure of $190,000
in 1999 to support the McKim Restoration project. The value of
this fund as of February 28, 2001 was $70,825. Income for FY02
would be projected to be $3,500.
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President of the Public Library of
the City of Boston, or his designee, be and hereby is, authorized
and directed to allow the income of the Helen O. Storrow Fund
to be used for the purpose of delivering literacy services,
including but not limited to, the engagement of staff. In no
year shall more than seven percent (7%) of the Endowment Fund
be used. Any funds not spent in a given year may be carried
over for expenditure in the future. These restrictions may be
modified or eliminated by the Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston despite further contributions to this
fund or reliance by any outside party on this vote."
Trustees Deare,
Gaines, and Seigle voted opposed to both resolutions.
Mr. Taylor provided
background information on an additional resolution pertaining to
the use of the Boston Public Library Staff Centennial Fund
for the McKim Restoration project and to support the Boston
Public Library’s staff development programs.
Mrs. Gaines stated
that the Trust Fund is restricted, and according to the attorneys
from Hale and Dorr in their review of the Trust Funds, the use of
the Trust Fund cannot be changed or modified by a vote of the Trustees
from the original intent to another purpose.
Following further
discussion, Mr. Taylor recommended that the Board table the proposed
resolutions to expend $50,000 of the income of the Boston
Public Library Staff Centennial Fund for the McKim Restoration
project and to allow the income of the Boston Public Library
Staff Centennial Fund to support the Boston Public Library’s
staff development programs.
Mr. Taylor reported
that the Finance Committee entertained proposals for audit services
for the Library noting that interviews were conducted with two firms
and the Finance Committee recommended the engagement of Brown
& Brown to provide independent audit services for a three-year
period. The Chairman added that Creelman & Smith, the
Library’s current auditors, merged with Brown & Brown
this past year.
Following discussion
among the Board, on a motion duly made and seconded, and on the
recommendation of the Trustees’ Finance Committee, it was
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with Brown & Brown, LLP, 90 Canal
Street, Boston, MA 02114, the lowest eligible, responsive and
responsible bidder in the public bidding, advertised under G.L.,
c30B, a contract for Providing Annual Independent Audit Services
for a Multi-Year (Three [3] Year) period beginning July 1, 2001
through June 30, 2002, and two successive Fiscal Years, at a total
cost not to exceed One Hundred Thirty Seven Thousand Dollars and
No Cents ($137,000.00). The cost for the first Fiscal Year (Fiscal
Year 2002) is not to exceed Forty Two Thousand Dollars ($42,000.00).
The cost for Fiscal Year 2003 is not to exceed Forty Six Thousand
Dollars ($46,000.00). The cost for Fiscal Year 2004 is not to
exceed Forty Nine Thousand Dollars ($49,000.00)."
Mr. Taylor reviewed
background information on a proposed contract for delivery service
for the Boston Massachusetts Regional Library System for a three-year
period, which provides delivery services of book materials to the
member libraries of the Boston Region, including Malden and Chelsea
public libraries, and the major academic libraries and school libraries
in Boston.
Following discussion
among the Board, on a motion duly made and seconded, and on the
recommendation of the Trustees’ Finance Committee, it was
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with CD&L Courier, 65 Sprague Street,
Boston, MA 02136, the lowest eligible, responsive and responsible
bidder in the public bidding, advertised under G.L., c. 30B, a
contract for providing a delivery system for the Boston Massachusetts
Regional Library System for a multi-year (three [3] year) period
beginning July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, and two successive
Fiscal Years, at a total cost not to exceed Three Hundred Sixteen
Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($316,800.00). The
cost for each of the three Fiscal Years is not to exceed One Hundred
Five Thousand Six Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($105,600.00)."
The Chairman reviewed
background information on a proposed contract for the leasing of
one motor vehicle for a two-year period to be utilized by the staff
of the Regional Library System to be primarily used for staff providing
consulting services to the 115 participating libraries. Following
discussion among the Board, on a motion duly made and seconded,
and on the recommendation of the Trustees’ Finance Committee,
it was
"VOTED:
that there be entered into with Merchants Rent-A-Car, Inc., 1278
Hooksett Road, Hooksett, New Hampshire, 03106, the sole eligible,
responsive and responsible bidder in the public bidding, advertised
under G.L. C. 30B, a contract for the leasing of one (1) station
wagon, for the Boston Massachusetts Regional Library System (BMRLS),
for a multi-year (two [2] year) period beginning July 1, 2001
through June 30, 2002, and one successive Fiscal Year, at a total
cost for the two year period not to exceed Twenty One Thousand
Ninety Six Dollars and No Cents ($21,096.00), and the total cost
for each of the two Fiscal Years (Fiscal Year 2001 and Fiscal
Year 2002) not to exceed Ten Thousand Five Hundred Forty Eight
Dollars and No Cents ($10,548.00). The monthly lease rate for
one station wagon is $879.00 per vehicle. There will be no garaging
of this vehicle."
Mr. Taylor reported
that the Trustees’ Finance Committee reviewed a request by
Batterymarch Financial Management for clarification of the current
investment guidelines, which had asked them to perform better than
the Russell 2000 Index. The Russell 2000 Index includes publicly
traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) that have been excluded
for investment under the Board’s current investment guidelines.
The Chairman noted
further that Batterymarch Financial Management has asked permission
to include holdings of REITS in their portfolio in order to better
follow the Russell 2000 Index and the Finance Committee recommended
approval of this request subject to a review by the full Board.
Then, on a motion duly made and seconded, and on the recommendation
of the Trustees’ Finance Committee, it was
"VOTED:
to approve a specific exception and allow Batterymarch Financial
Management, Inc. to follow the Russell 2000 Index by permitting
the holding of publicly-traded REITS for the Trustees of the Public
Library of the City of Boston’s US Small Cap equity portfolio
for one year, subject to an annual review by the Trustees’
Finance Committee."
Mr. Taylor provided
a background review on the proposals for the continued engagement
of The Boston Company, State Street Global Advisors, and
Batterymarch Financial Management for investment counseling
services for a one-year period. The proposals have been recommended
for approval by the Finance Committee and also provides authorization
for payment to them for their services rendered. Then, on a motion
duly made and seconded, and on the recommendation of the Trustees’
Finance Committee, it was
"VOTED:
that, the agreement with The Boston Company, One Boston Place,
Boston, Massachusetts 02108, for investment counseling services
be renewed for the period July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002,
in accordance with the terms specified in the agreement and subject
to a satisfactory performance review by the Trustees’ Finance
Committee
And
further,
VOTED: that,
Bernard A. Margolis, President, or designee, be and hereby is,
authorized to make payments from time to time as specified in
the agreement for the period July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2002,
between the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston
and The Boston Company, One Boston Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02108, the payments prescribed by said agreement from undistributed
income of the General Investment Account if the conditions precedent
to such have been fulfilled."
"VOTED:
that, the agreement with State Street Global Advisors, Inc., Two
International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, for investment
counseling services be renewed for the period July 1, 2001 through
June 30, 2002, in accordance with the terms specified in the agreement
and subject to a satisfactory performance review by the Trustees’
Finance Committee
And
further,
VOTED: that,
Bernard A. Margolis, President, or designee, be and hereby is,
authorized to make payments from time to time as specified in
the agreement for the period July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2002,
between the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston
and State Street Global Advisors, Inc., Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110, the payments prescribed by said agreement
from undistributed income of the General Investment Account if
the conditions precedent to such have been fulfilled."
"VOTED:
that an agreement with Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc.,
Two Hundred Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, for
investment counseling services be entered into for the period
July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, in accordance with the terms
specified in the agreement and subject to a satisfactory performance
review by the Trustees’ Finance Committee
And
further,
"VOTED:
that Bernard A. Margolis, President, or his designee, be and hereby
is, authorized to make payments from time to time as specified
in the agreement for the period July 1, 2001, through June 30,
2002, between the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston and Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc., Two Hundred
Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, the payments prescribed
by said agreement from undistributed income of the General Investment
Account if the conditions precedent to such have been fulfilled."
The Honorable Angelo
M. Scaccia, Chairman of the Trustees’ Capital Projects Committee,
reported that the Committee met last on May 14, 2001 and discussed
at length the Boston Public Library Capital Projects Requests
for Fiscal Year 2002, which were submitted for consideration
in the Mayor’s capital plan to the Boston City Council for
approval and funding in April 2001.
Meanwhile, the Chairman
noted that the Library is scheduled for its budget presentation
to the City Council on June 12, 2001, and once adopted by the City
Council, the approved capital projects will be incorporated into
the City of Boston’s Five-Year Capital Plan for Fiscal Year
2002. Subsequently, the Department of Neighborhood Development will
implement the City of Boston’s Five-Year Capital plan, which
includes over 200 different capital projects in FY2001 with expenditures
totaling over $120 million.
The Chairman provided
an update on the status and schedule of the McKim Restoration
Project, Phase IIB (Courtyard/Roof), which is nearly 100% complete
with the exception of a few remaining outstanding punch list items
that are slated to be completed by the second week of June 2001.
The outstanding items for McKim Phase IIB include: the realignment
of the mosaic tiles on the bottom of the Courtyard fountain; delivery
of the Courtyard planters; staining work on the Courtyard bronze
plaque; and work on the handicap door exit.
In addition, the
Chairman reported that there are two major items remaining in McKim
Phase IIB schedule that pertain to the final completion and
acceptance of the restoration of the flat portion of the McKim roof
and the restoration of the four McKim finials. With regard to the
former, the Department of Neighborhood Development had rejected
the restoration of the roof and proposals have been recently received
from the roofing contractor for review and approval by DND.
With regard to the
McKim finials, the Chairman reported that it is planned to replicate
and place the finials on the McKim roof because of the deterioration
of the original finials, which is subject to review and approval
from the Boston Landmarks Commission in collaboration with the Massachusetts
Historical Society. Meanwhile, the Library and DND are exploring
options to accommodate the request by the Massachusetts Historical
Society to place one original finial that stands 14 feet tall in
the new Orientation Room of the McKim building.
The Chairman provided
a review of the project scope for the McKim Restoration Project,
Phase IIC, which will include restoration of several public
spaces including the original Trustees Room, the Cheverus Room,
the Abbey Room and the Sargent Gallery. Meanwhile, design development
meetings are ongoing with the architects for the project, Shepley,
Bulfinch, Richardson & Abbott, who are moving forward with
the development of working drawings that are expected to be completed
in twenty weeks in anticipation of going out to bid in early September
2001.
On the planning
front for Phase IIC, the Chairman noted that DND representatives
have reported that there appears to be a slowing down of construction
activities in the City that would benefit the project in the bidding
process if it were sustained through the Fall of 2001. As a result,
the DND representatives believe they may be able to go out to bid
on time and that the bids may come in on budget, which could potentially
save the City of Boston from paying significant premiums.
On the financial
front for Phase IIC, the Chairman reported that the total
project budget is projected at $20,400,000, of which $15 million
is State funded coupled with the BPL matching $5million, plus $400,000
that is appropriated in the City of Boston’s Five-Year Capital
Plan. Presently, the City Treasury has on deposit the first $2.5
million of the $5 million match plus $7.5 million that had been
remitted from the State in the last Fiscal Year.
Meanwhile, the
Boston Public Library Foundation is working to raise the additional
$2.5 million match with $1.3 million already received and $1.2 million
yet to be raised. However, the total appropriation for the project
cost must be in place at the City Treasury as required by state
law before going out to bid for Phase IIC, which is slated
for early Fall 2001 with construction anticipated to begin in January
2002.
To further that
end, the Chairman noted that the Committee members discussed ways
of creatively meeting the financial match, including the suggestion
of borrowing or having the City or the Trustees of the Boston Public
Library advance the $1.2 million to garner the $7.5 million from
the State. This would permit these funds to be quickly invested
in order to have them produce added revenue that would help the
overall project and repay the City or the Trustees.
Mr. Taylor noted
that the Board in the past has tapped the principal of the Library’s
Trust Funds portfolio subject to future reimbursement in order to
maintain the momentum of the McKim Restoration project. The President
said the Library could explore what Trust Funds might be able to
be tapped, either permanently or on a borrowing basis.
Following further
discussion, the President was authorized to formally request an
advance or loan from the City of Boston for $1.2 million in order
to meet the State match requirement and obtain the $7.5 million
as soon as possible. At the same time, the President was requested
to explore what Boston Public Library Trustees’ Trust Funds
might be available on a temporary basis with funds to be replaced
so as to permit the Library to obtain the $7.5 million from the
State.
Trustee Deare inquired
if a special meeting of the Trustees would be needed in order to
be able to approve either an advance or loan from the City or use
of the Trust Funds within the time parameters to secure the State
funding. Trustee DePrisco suggested the Board could take a telephone
vote. Mrs. Gaines said that she would agree to participate in a
telephone conference vote provided the entire Board is on at the
same time. The Chairman added that the Board would have to approve
the final action and perhaps it could be done without a meeting.
To further that
end, the President suggested the Board could delegate the Chairman
and Finance Committee Chairman to work with the Staff in their review
of the available Trust Funds. Mr. Taylor recommended, and the Board
concurred, to table the use of the Dr. Samuel Abbott Green
Memorial Fund and the Helen O. Storrow Fund for
the purpose of delivering literacy services as previously voted
on and to explore their availability on an interim basis to be used
to secure the State funds. The Chairman also suggested that an effort
should be undertaken to receive some assurances and formal commitment
from the Boston Public Library Foundation that the Trust Funds would
be reimbursed.
In other capital
projects, Chairman Scaccia reported that the Johnson Building
Absorber project to replace the Johnson Building chillers
has been re-advertised for a designer and the installation of the
new carpet in the Johnson Building is ongoing despite some
recent delays. Meanwhile, the new Allston Branch Library is
slated to open on Saturday, June 16, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. with the
Honorable Mayor Thomas M. Menino presiding over the ceremonies and
two siting studies have been advertised for new branch libraries
in Mattapan and Uphams Corner.
Mr. William O.
Taylor, Chairman of the Trustees’ Collections Committee, reported
on the latest developments in the Library’s ongoing efforts
to create the new Boston Heritage Center. The Chairman
noted that the Collections Committee is scheduled to meet next on
June 7, 2001 at which time it is hoped that there will be some finality
to the acquisition of property on Hampden Street, Roxbury, MA for
the purposes of building a new state-of-the-art consolidated storage
facility.
Meanwhile, the Committee
is actively exploring the possibility of relocating the collections
from the Charlestown Service Building and storing them short-term
at the Library’s remote storage facility in Norwood, MA. To
further that end, the Chairman noted that the Library is investigating
a one-time purchase of high-capacity shelving that would be installed
in the vacant spaces in Norwood and then could be re-installed in
the new Boston Heritage Center facility.
Meanwhile, the Chairman
stated that the Boston Public Library’s exit from the New
England Deposit Library in Brighton, MA has been finalized and
the proceeds totaling $2 million realized in connection with the
BPL’s exit from NEDL would be used for the development and
creation of the new storage facility. In the interim, the Chairman
noted that discussions are continuing with the representatives from
the City Archives toward the development of a formal
Agreement between the Boston Public Library and the City Archives,
which would reflect their respective visions of how the Boston
Heritage Center would be jointly shared.
Ms. Pamela Seigle,
Chair of the Trustees’ Education Committee, reported on the
ongoing work of the Education Committee noting that she and the
Library President had the opportunity to talk with Ms. Elizabeth
Reilinger, Chair, Boston Public School Committee concerning the
creation of a Cooperative Agreement between the Boston
Public Schools and the Boston Public Library.
The Chair reported
that Ms. Reilinger has conveyed that the Boston Public Schools at
the present time is not able to enter into any formal cooperative
agreement with the Boston Public Library. However, Ms. Reilinger
has suggested that she would be interested in having the Library
identify a focus number of initiatives, which would affect the outcome
of the services to be offered if there was attention paid from both
the Schools and Library. The Chair stated that it is her hope that
the Library would move in that direction.
The Chair also reported
that she and Trustee James Carroll met with Ms. Susan Birkett recently
appointed Coordinator of Youth Services for the Boston Public Library.
Ms. Birkett brings a wealth of experience at the branch level to
the position along with energy and commitment with a view to enhancing
and evaluating the current programs tailored to youth.
Ms. Seigle noted
a concern with the Academic Initiatives Program, which
had been initiated by Ms. Karen Duff and which takes a significant
amount of concentrated time for someone to champion the goals of
the program. Ms. Seigle said it is her hope that this program continues,
along with those programs supported by the Boston Public Library
Foundation and others, and that it gets the attention it needs to
remain innovative and grow in order to support the students they
serve.
In a review of the
updated Strategic Goals for the Boston Public Library,
Ms. Seigle noted that the pending goal for the Library to hire a
grant writer by July 2001 to augment the grant-wiring capacities
of the Boston Public Library Foundation has been placed on hold
pending additional resources. Ms. Seigle said that this is a tremendous
loss for the Library given that there are many opportunities for
funding innovative programs, such as the Academic Initiatives
Program, which are tailored for children served by the public
library.
Further, Ms. Seigle
noted that she concurs with Trustee Carroll who has identified the
need for the Library to coordinate the story of the way in which
the Boston Public Library contributes to education. Ms. Seigle said
that Library events and programs are often seen as very separate,
such as the Foundation’s Collaborative Schools Program and
the Associates Literary Lights, and there is a need to bring all
of the wonderful things the Library does into the consciousness
of what the education program is at the BPL.
Ms. Seigle reported
that the Urban Library Council, which is an association of the largest
urban public libraries in the country, is planning their second
Partners for a Successful City Conference for May 2002. The
Urban Library Council would like to have the conference, which will
focus on youth development, in Boston co-hosted by the BPL.
The Vice Chair and
President Margolis have discussed the proposal and a letter had
been sent to Mayor Menino who has expressed interest in working
with the Library to bring the conference to Boston. This would be
an opportunity for the Library and the City to highlight programs
earmarked for youth development and hopefully for the Library to
get on track with the activities of the Education Committee.
The President provided
background information on a request for use of Library space by
the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which is a
state-chartered organization of the Center for the Book in the Library
of Congress and a collaborative effort that includes among the partners
the Boston Public Library, the University of Massachusetts, the
American Antiquarian Society and the Massachusetts Foundation for
the Humanities.
The Massachusetts
Center for the Book is launching the first Annual Massachusetts
Book Awards designed to honor significant achievements by Massachusetts
writers and/or illustrators. The Center would like to have the awards
ceremony at the BPL as part of a development fundraising activity,
and consistent with past practice, the program would be held at
a time when the Library is closed and therefore will not interfere
with normal Library service activities.
Mrs. Gaines recalled
that the Trustees had decided only the Boston Public Library Foundation
would be allowed to hold fundraising activities at the Library because
if the Board allowed other institutions to hold fundraising events
it could potentially take away from the fundraising efforts of the
Foundation.
Trustee Deare said
that he would encourage the Board to support the request from the
Massachusetts Center for the Book because it really
goes to the core of the BPL’s mission in both the municipal
and state service roles provided by the Library. The President noted
that the funds raised from the event are earmarked to support the
Center and the awards ceremony.
The President added
that while the Board had earlier focused on fundraising events for
the Library and its related organizations the Board did approve
two fundraising events for ReadBoston, which is under the Library’s
umbrella, and likewise, the Center is a related organization in
which the BPL is an active participant in developing the Center
and the awards ceremony. Following further discussion, on a motion
duly made and seconded, it was
"VOTED:
to approve the request for use of Library space by the Massachusetts
Center for the Book for the first Annual Massachusetts Book Awards
Ceremony as proposed by Ms. Sharon Shaloo, Executive Director."
At the request
of the Chairman, the Board voted to go into a recess of the Corporate
Meeting at 10:00 a.m. in order to go into a Regular Meeting of the
Administrative Agency and returned to the Corporate Meeting at 10:35
a.m.
President Bernard
A. Margolis, in his report to the Trustees, shared with the Board
a number of awards and honors recently received by the Staff of
the Library including: an award from the Boston Preservation Alliance
for the Restoration of the McKim Courtyard; Systems Officer Patrick
Cafferty received an award from the Private Industry Council as
a "Pick Achiever" honoring his work with the TechBoston
program; Circulation Supervisor Pat Francis received an "Employer
of the Year" award in his work with the handicap from the Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commission; and the Library was well represented
in the "City of Boston’s Leadership 2000" graduating
class and is honored by having two Staff members as instructors
in the program, Ms. Doreen Roderick and Ms. Diane Fay.
In addition, the
President reported the Ms. Theresa Leatham has been awarded the
first Jane Manthorne Fund Scholarship for Study of Library Service
to Youth; the BPL received an American Institute of Architects "Honor
Award" for the Hyde Park Branch Library; the BPL received the
"Top Awards in Public Relations" from the Massachusetts
Library Association, including "Best of Show, Best Booklist,
Best Flyer, Best Media Presentation, and Best Newspaper Coverage";
Director of Operations Ruth Kowal was elected to the Board of NELINET;
and the U. S. Postal Service has issued a stamp in honor of Sir
Edwin Austin Abbey depicting one of the McKim Abbey murals.
The President reported
that the Library has reached a contract settlement with the Professional
Staff Association and noted that a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement
was included in the packets delivered to the Board in advance of
the meeting. Following discussion among the Board, on a motion duly
made and seconded, it was |
