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SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
COMMISSION
Minutes of the regular meeting of Thursday, April
17, 2003 (As approved May 20, 2003)
The San Francisco Public Library Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, April 17,
2003
in the Koret Auditorium, Main Library.
President Higueras called the meeting to order at 4:07PM.
The following members were noted present: Commissioners Bautista, Coulter,
Higueras, Steiman, Streets, and Strobin. Commissioner Chin was excused.
AGENDA ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 2003 COMMISSION
MEETING
Public comment:
An anonymous member of the public commented that some minutes were not
available on the Library’s website and noted that the Minutes had been changed
to reflect the City Librarian’s clarification of her remarks concerning a
discussion in the February Minutes. This person also called attention to a
confusing report of a public comment they had made citing remarks made by Mr.
Warfield that appeared as if Mr. Warfield had made them. Mr. Ed Regan
commented that his remarks were accurately reported. Mr. Peter Warfield found
that much was omitted in the Minutes, calling attention his public comments
concerning fundraising by the Friends & Foundation and about Prop. 14.
Additionally Mr. Warfield commented that the Minutes had been changed to
reflect the City Librarian’s clarification of her remarks concerning the
availability of a copy of the Richmond Prop. 14 Application. Mr. Warfield
also commented that he was glad that books were going up at the Excelsior,
expressed dismay his comments that materials had not been provided in advance
was not noted, and pointed to a lack of report of comments he had made
concerning the loss of books and tables as well as his citation of an
Excelsior Branch book collection figure reported in the American Library
Directory.
Commission comment:
Commissioner Coulter suggested that the anonymous member of the public’s
reported public comment citing public comment offered by Mr. Warfield be
clarified to reflect that they were this person’s remarks rather than Mr.
Warfield speaking for himself. Commission Coulter also called attention to a
repeated word in the last sentence.
Motion:
Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Coulter that the March 20,
2002 Minutes be approved as amended.
Action: AYE 6-0
(Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, Steiman, Streets, Strobin)
AGENDA ITEM #3 VISITACION VALLEY PURCHASE &
SALE AGREEMENT
City librarian outlined for the Commissioner a report
(copy attached) recommending the purchase of 201 Leland Avenue as the site for the proposed new Visitacion
Valley Branch Library. Ms. Hildreth discussed in detail the lengthy process
that the Real Estate Division, Office of Administrative Services had engaged
in to narrow the proposed site selection from 8 potential location in April
2001 down to the final 3 sites in June 2001 when the Commission authorized
continued efforts to secure the best available location from among them. Ms.
Hildreth reported that the neighborhood had been undergoing a significant
revival and that with the advent of the new Third Street Light rail Line more
development and increased population was likely. The City Librarian acknowledged
that this 16, 000 sq. ft. site at $2.2 million was larger than the 8-10,000
sq. ft. site for $1.3 million that had been initially proposed in the Branch
Library Improvement Program. She next discussed the so far unsuccessful but
ongoing efforts to find a partner to develop the addition land available at
the Super Fair site proposed for the new branch. Ms. Hildreth noted that
other costs to develop the new branch were within expected budgets and that
having the additional property for future library expansion could be a key
factor in facilitating a successful Prop. 14 (State Library Bond) application
for this branch. The City Librarian concluded her report with comments
supporting the staff recommendation and that the Commission request that the
Board of Supervisors approve acquisition of this property, noting this was
the best potential site and would be a good investment for the library as
well as for the community.
Public comment:
Ms. Arlene Trent, Visitacion Valley resident noted that the current very
small branch library was very heavily used by both students and adults and
that this site would provide the best opportunity to get a branch library
appropriate to the neighborhood’s needs. Mr. Chow Chu Raig noted that a lot
of seniors and many multicultural students used the branch library. Mr. Chow
strongly urged that the new branch be provided additional computer access and
materials in various languages needed by the community. Ms. Un Chui- Fong
noted that the current branch library was too small and that it lacked
materials needed by her college student daughter. She recommended purchase of
this site so that an adequate branch with enough seating could be built. Ms.
Liu Gnio-Lian urged selection of the recommended site commenting that her two
children needed more opportunity to learn English and Chinese at an expanded
branch library. Mr. Tse Kin, a resident of "Little Hollywood"
called attention to the need for a better larger library for the neighborhood
children. Xias De Ming agreed that a larger library that this site allowed
for was needed by the neighborhood children. Huang Jian-Kong supported
selection of this site and a larger branch library. Mr. Robert Leyman, a long
time Visitacion Valley resident urged that the library continue to look for a
partner to develop this site which he found to be best for the neighborhood.
Mr. David Merrill, a Library Page, called attention to how small and
inadequate the current branch was and urged the Commission to choose this
site that allowed for a large branch. Mr. Russell Marine, Visitacion Valley
Planning Alliance, recommended approval of this site as the best potential
location in the neighborhood for the new branch library. Mr. Merrill observed
that a bigger branch would be good for everyone not just kids and noted that
while it would cost a bit more it was a good buy and that community would
help find a partner to develop the remainder. Mr. Leroy Iverson, Visitacion Valley resident, pointed out that the site was the best
possible location near schools, playgrounds, but away from heavy traffic
areas. Mr. Iverson called attention to the new biotech executive park
development underway noting that this would bring more residents and attract
schools to train residents for work. He also recommended more Chinese
Language materials for the new branch. Mr. Siaw urged approval of the site
noting that his three children needed a bigger and better branch library. Ms.
Eleanor Taylor agreed and urged approval of the site noting that Visitacion Valley was among the city’s most integrated neighborhoods and
deserved a new branch. Ms. Fran Martin, a Visitacion Valley civic leader, noted that all of
the neighborhood organizations supported selection of this site and that
neighborhood residents were hungry for the knowledge the new library would
provide. Ms. Julie Kavanagh, Visitacion
Valley Community Center , strongly supported choosing this location and
promised do all that she could to help improve the branch. Ms. Kavanagh noted
that the neighborhood deserved the new branch and it would be a gem in the
center of a very diverse community. Ms. Betty Partial, a life long Visitacion Valley resident, noted the inadequacy of the current small
branch and urged recommendation of this larger site pointing out that it
would also be accessible to cross town bus riders. Mr. Peter Warfield
expressed concern with the expense of this proposal suggesting that the Bond
program was short of money and noting that this recommendation was over the
proposed budgeted amount. An anonymous member of the public discussed the
neighborhood as interesting albeit with some economic problems, suggested
that that while there was no identified partner, other branch library
partnerships had been controversial. This person expressed dismay that the
Library’s Prop 14 (State Library Bond) strategy that included partnerships
with schools had not been explained to the neighborhood residents, suggested
caution in proceeding, and requested that more information on the Prop. 14 strategy
be made available. Mr. Ed Regan suggested that the new branch have more
public service hours, a bigger non-fiction collection, and a plan for enough
tables and comfortable chairs as well as assessing how many potential users
might come to the branch. Mr. Regan also recommended that the branch be a
three story building. Mr. Will Wrightly, a Visitacion Valley resident, cited a T.S. Elliott
poem about dithering indecision in response to members of the public’s
critical comments and noted that those who lived in the neighborhood strongly
supported selection of this site that would allow for a building big enough
and suggested that a partner would be found.
Before discussing the Visitacion Valley purchase the Commission took up Agenda item #2 the Bond
Program Budget review.
Commission discussion:
The City Librarian discussed the extensive efforts made to identify a good
location in Visitacion Valley and noted that none other offered the benefits
of the Super Fair site. Ms. Hildreth recommended this site as the right thing
to do for Visitacion Valley and noted that acquiring this site was essential to the
program, a key site, and met the bond mandate to replace all of the branches
in rented locations with city owned facilities. In response to questions by
President Higueras, Charlie Dunn of the Department of Administrative
Services, Real Estate Division noted that after a year of efforts in his
professional opinion now was the right time and this was the right location
to site the new Visitacion Valley Branch Library. Mr. Dunn found this to be a
prudent purchase which met all of the required criteria except that the site
was larger that initially desired but that left the Library with a wide array
of options. Commissioner Bautista did not see any problem with selling
un-needed portions of the property if it became necessary. Vice President
Steiman noted that if the Library could recoup the additional cost by selling
the excess portion of the property then the initial cost estimates were
validated. President Higueras expressed some discomfort at making a decision
without information about what a worst case scenario might be but after
discussion among the Commissioners entertained a motion.
Motion:
Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Strobin that the proposed
resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval of the acquisition of
the 201 Leland
Avenue site be
approved.
The Commissioners discussed concerns with how the overall Branch Improvement
Program budget could be reviewed and a plan developed to address any
shortfall in funds so that the entire program could be completed as proposed.
Action: AYE 5-1
(Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, Steiman, and Strobin) NO (Streets)
President Higueras called for a brief recess at 6:14PM
The Commission returned to session at 6:21PM
AGENDA ITEM #2 BOND PROGRAM BUDGET
REVIEW
City Librarian Susan Hildreth began her review of the Bond Program Budget by
observing that it was becoming less likely that the Branch Improvement
Program would be able to attain its goal of $10 million from Prop. 14 (State
Library Bond) funds. She then outlined various alternative scenarios (copy
attached) to close any gap in the Program Budget that could result from
receiving less than anticipated Prop. 14 (State Library Bond) funding for
Branch Improvement Program projects. The City Librarian reported that an
additional factor was that the overall cost of acquiring properties had been
greater than anticipated as well as associated fees. Ms Hildreth pointed out
that funds budgeted for relocation might be needed to complete the scope of
the Branch Library Improvement Program. Ms. Hildreth noted the availability
of additional funds derived from bond interest but called attention to the
arbitrage restrictions. The Bond Program Manager then described the bond
program budget implications and options should the Prop. 14 applications for
the Richmond and or the Portola Branch should
be successful. The City Librarian then recommended the $4.3 million allocated
for relocation be reconsidered. Ms Hildreth noted that as the community
wanted an expansion of the Parkside Branch rather than its proposed
renovation a decision on that would have be deferred until the success of the
Richmond Branch Prop. 14 Application was determined. The City Librarian next
discussed a proposed March 2004 State Library Bond as a possible future
source of funds to cover branch improvement program costs. Ms. Hildreth noted
that the acquisition of the proposed Visitacion Valley Branch site was
recommended under both budget scenarios.
Public comment:
An anonymous member of the public noted that the City Librarian’s
presentation relied on assumptions about a number of unknowns, and suggested
that relocation funds were being viewed as a slush fund. This person also
commented that the worst case scenario had not been presented. Fran Martin, a
Visitacion Valley resident, commented that there were no other suitable
locations for the proposed new branch and that if this opportunity were
missed they may not be other chances to Mr. Peter Warfield while expressing
support for expansion of the Visitacion Valley Branch suggested that the bond
program was in trouble. Mr. Warfield pointed out that there was no
presentation about what could happen if no state bond funds were received and
expressed his serious alarm urging the Commissioners to consider the
implications of this possibility.
Commission discussion:
Vice President Steiman was hopeful for the success of the Prop. 14
applications but expressed concern that the cost of acquiring properties had
been than estimated, noting however that the Glen Park purchase was the
smallest amount over budget. In answer to a question by commissioner Coulter,
Ms. Hildreth commented that in her view the upcoming prop 14 application were
very competitive pointing out that while unsuccessful the Excelsior
application had scored well and that she had high hopes for the Richmond application. Ms. Hildreth noted
that in this case if necessary the property could be subdivided later to
recoup some of the purchase price. Commissioner Coulter found this a prudent
back up plan. Commissioner Bautista reminded her colleagues that the Visitacion Valley neighborhood deserved a better library and that
providing one was a priority. Commissioner Bautista noted that the proposed
site was a good value and expressed firm belief that sufficient funds would
become available. Commissioner Bautista urged her fellow commissioners to
ignore financial doomsayers and provide what the community needed. President
Higueras observed that the real source of the problems with the bond program
budget was the CIAC (Capital Improvements Advisory Committee) mandate that
the library find $10 million from outside sources to achieve the program
goals outlined in the Branch Library Improvement Program that was proposed in
2000. President Higueras reminded his fellow Commissioners that this was a 10
year program that had to meet the needs of all of the neighborhoods and that
it was their serious duty to take the necessary steps to make sure to
complete the entire Bond program making sure that each branch received its
due. President Higueras noted that Visitacion Valley residents deserved the best
branch library possible and noted that there was hope that a scenario could
be found to make it possible. Commissioner Streets concurred that Visitacion Valley deserved the best possible library but asked what would
happen if no state funds were received and how the Bond Program timeline
might be adjusted to address any financial shortfalls that could develop?
AGENDA ITEM #4 RELOCATION
STRATEGY REVIEW
City Librarian Susan Hildreth presented a report (copy attached) on a proposed
revision of the Library’s proposed plans for providing alternative services
while branch libraries are undergoing renovation during the branch Library
improvement program. Ms. Hildreth recommended that alternative services be
only provided for the Richmond branch that she noted was unique
in the size, relative geographic isolation from nearby branches, and length
of time its renovation and expansion might take. The City Librarian reported
working with community groups to identify an interim location available at no
cost to the Library. Ms. Hildreth additionally recommended that the $4.3
million set aside for relocation be reviewed and that $2.8 million from this
line item be returned to the program budget. The City Librarian discussed
proposed plans for alternative services noting that portable structures had
been considered and ruled out. She then introduced Library Chief of Branches
Donna Corbeil, who presented additional information on branch plans in
particular addressing those for the Excelsior Branch. Ms. Hildreth pointed
out that the financial picture might look like would not be better known
until after a decision had been reached on the Richmond Branch Prop. 14
Applications in the fall and that no decision need be made now regarding
revision of the relocation budget.
Public comment:
An anonymous member of the public expressed appreciation for the candor of
the comments offered but expressed concern that promises made when the Bond
was proposed to that their would be no disruption of library services would
not be kept. This person additionally expressed concerns at the proposed
reductions in the budget for moving costs and suggested that there might be
plans to use library operating funds to pay for them. Mr. Ed Regan commented
that bookmobiles were too small to accommodate the needs of library users and
recommended use of mobile homes instead these he noted could be placed where
it was planned to park the bookmobiles Mr. Peter Warfield criticized the
unavailability of explanatory documents and decried that loss of library
services for lengthy periods. Mr. Warfield questioned if the plans met the
requirements of Prop. E and wanted more information concerning the reductions
in estimates for moving costs. Mr. Warfield suggested that any cuts in
services be widely noticed and outreach made to all those who might be
affected. Ms. Bonnie Martin, Gateway Gazette, found the presentation fair and
cost concerns understandable. She noted that the Library had been working
with the community to maximize bookmobile services, provide continuation of
Children’s Services, and that there was an ongoing effort to find free usable
space for library programs.
Commission discussion:
In response to questions by Vice president Steiman, Ms. Hildreth discussed in
some detail how staff reviewed and revised the moving cost figures and
discussed how bookmobiles could fit into the plans to maximize existing
staffing and serve in a variety of locations during the Branch Library
Improvement Program renovation projects. In response to questions by
President Higueras, Vice President Steiman, and Commissioner Bautista, the
City Librarian noted that the BLIP Budget could be reconfigured to provide
move out, storage, and move in costs, as well as needed levels of interim
services based on a realistic evaluation of all of the costs involved.
AGENDA ITEM #5 BOND PROGRAM
MANAGER’S REPORT (copy attached)
Branch Improvement Program Manager Marilyn Thompson noted that there would be no
informational report this month. Ms. Thompson then presented her regular
Budget, Schedule, Active projects, and ongoing Outreach reports. She noted
that the revised Budget schedule was dated April 17 and that $11,018,384 had
been encumbered or expended thus far in the program. The Branch Library
improvement program manager concluded her report noting the BLIP website was
up and being updated and that there would be no special report this month.
Public comment:
An anonymous member of the public expressed appreciation for the schedule
updates but expresses concern that the explanatory documents were becoming
problematic and confusing. This person found the Commissioners’ comments on
the Prop. 14 competitive processes interesting and noted that terms often
heard when money was being given away were impact and leverage, asking where San Francisco placed in these criteria. This
individual speculated that the State was unlikely to ignore other locations that
were poorer and where the funds would have greater leverage. Mr. Ed Regan
expressed concern that each project would have a different architect and
builder and recommended that the Library seek out a American Library
Association (ALA) model for what a typical branch library should be to insure
uniformity in the buildings housing branches. Ms. Cerise Harver urged the
Commissioners to replace the existing Visitacion Valley Branch Library noting
that a good library was a great community resource and of great importance
for the students in the neighborhood. Ms. Harver noted that the Super Fair
site was favored by the community and that it could accommodate the larger
space that was needed.
Commission discussion
President Higueras thanked Ms. Thompson for her report.
AGENDA ITEM #6 PUBLIC COMMENT
An anonymous member of the public noted that tomorrow
(April 18th) was the anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire as well as
the Anniversary of the opening of the Main Library noting they used to joke
it was "San Francisco Disaster Day". This person then discussed
distinctions between the public responsibilities of Commissioners and other
responsibilities citing the Fuhrman Fund as an example. This person commented
that partnerships or beneficial relationships should be discussed openly and
conflicts exposed, suggesting that the Commissioners would want people to say
that the Library was run to benefit the public and that the Library
Commission took that responsibility seriously. Mr. Ed Regan suggested that
Library public service hours be expanded from 6AM until Midnight 7 days per week 365 days each year. Mr. Peter
Warfield thanked the Commissioners for their thoughtful comments and
questions.
AGENDA ITEM #7 ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Commissioner Steiman, seconded
by Commissioner Bautista that the meeting be adjourned in memoriam of the
late Seymour Lubetzki, a famed former librarian at the Library of Congress
and Professor at UCLA who pioneered modern Library catalog theory, and who had
passed away at age 104 on April 5th.
Action: AYE 6-0
(Bautista, Coulter, Higueras, Steiman, Streets, Strobin)
The meeting was adjourned at 7:26PM
Michael Housh, Commission Secretary 5/1/03
Please note: These are draft Minutes subject to change by the Library
Commission. Copies of Commission Minutes and handouts are available in the
Office of the Commission Secretary, 100 Larkin Street , San Francisco
, CA 94102
Copies of Public Comment Summary Statements as authorized by San Francisco
Administrative Code Section 67.16 can be found in Appendix A. These summary
statements are provided by the speaker and their contents are neither
generated by, nor subject to approval or verification of accuracy by, the San
Francisco Public Library Commission.
Appendix A
The
Public Comment Summary Statements included in these Minutes are authorized by
San Francisco Administrative Code Section 67.16..
These summary statements are provided by the speaker. Their contents are
neither generated by, nor subject to approval or verification of accuracy by,
the San Francisco Public Library Commission.
The number of members of the public who spoke anonymously at this meeting: 1
Public comment available for
viewing in PDF format
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