Minutes of Library Commission Meeting
December 4, 2003

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #1 BRANCH LIBRARY BOND PROGRAM MANAGER’S REPORT (cont’d from Nov. 20, 2003)
An anonymous member of the public expressed appreciation that opportunity was provided for public comment on this report, and asked if in fact the report had been completed? This person also commented on the lack of a list of the explanatory documents for this item listed on the November 20th Agenda and the lack of copies of the detailed slides of the Program Manager’s Report usually provided. Mr. Peter Warfield noted that portions of the regular BLIP reports had been omitted. Mr. Warfield also expressed concern about potential toxics on the Ingleside Branch site and called attention to comment offered by a member of the Librarian’s Guild urging that seismic safety concerns with the Richmond Branch be addressed without a delay.

Commission discussion of AGENDA ITEM #1 BRANCH LIBRARY BOND PROGRAM MANAGER’S REPORT (cont’d from Nov. 20, 2003)
President Higueras suggested that Mr. Warfield contact the Branch Library Improvement Program Manager for responses to his detailed questions regarding the aspects of projects referred to in the report.

An anonymous member of the public commented that this meeting’s agenda was involved with matters left unresolved at previous meetings, noting loss of the Commission’s quorum at two meetings in November. This person suggesting reviving committees that, having a lower quorum requirement, might be a better way to address pending business. This person expressed concern about a Commissioner’s November 6th comment that this person’s opposition (to the Library’s Prop. 14 Applications) in Sacramento was mean spirited. Mr. Peter Warfield suggested that the Commission follow Roberts’ Rules of Order and take up approval of its previous minutes before discussion of business items. Mr. Warfield expressed dismay that opportunity for multiple public comments on the Richmond Branch Renaming would not be allowed, and noted that the hyperlinks for some attached documents noted in the minutes on the Library’s website were not functioning properly.

President Higueras reported that as the time available to address this agenda item was limited, and as only the minimum quorum of Commissioners were present, action on the recommendation to add Senator Marks name to that of the Richmond Branch Library would be continued to the next regular meeting. President Higueras noting the large number of members of the public wishing to offer comments and the limited time available set the time limit for comments at 2 minutes and noted that those offering comments could do so either at this meeting or when discussion of this agenda item was continued at the Commission‘s January 6th, 2004 regular meeting but not at both.

Public comment on AGENDA ITEM #3 RICHMOND BRANCH LIBRARY NAMING
Mr. David Marks, son of the late Senator Marks, observed that this meeting’s date marked the 5th Anniversary of his Father’s passing. Mr. Marks followed by a step by step discussion of how the each of the specific requirements of the Library’s Facilities Naming Policy had been fully met by those proposing that Senator Marks name be added to that of the Richmond Branch Library. Father Twigg, Chaplain for the Police and Fire Departments, called attention to the late Senator Marks’ many contributions and urged the Commissioners to approve the renaming as proposed. Ms. Pat Christensen, President of the Council of District Merchants, announced that by unanimous vote the Council had voted to support the proposed renaming. Ms. Christensen also called attention to the broad support for the renaming proposal in the Richmond District. Public Defender Jeff Adachi recommended that the Commissioners approve the proposed renaming of the Richmond Branch as an appropriate honor for the late Senator’s service to the community. Mr. Bruce Oca, Richmond District disabled activist, spoke in support of the proposed renaming lauding Senator Marks lengthy and distinguished career of public service, especially in regard to promoting full access for the disabled. Mr. Oca noted the Senator’s pioneering work was being continued by the renovations of the Richmond Branch making it fully accessible for all residents the first time. Mr. Dennis Kelly, President, United Educators of San Francisco and a representative for Richmond Democratic Club, called the Commissioners’ attention to the San Francisco Labor Council, as well as the Teachers’ Union’s endorsement of the proposed renaming as well as that of the Richmond Democratic Club. Mr. Kelly noted that like the late Sally Brunn, Senator Marks had contributed greatly to the betterment of the community. Architect Robert Herman, a longtime admirer of Senator Marks, reminded the Commissioners of former San Francisco City Librarian, now State Librarian, Dr. Kevin Starr’s letter in support of renaming the Richmond Branch in recognition of Senator Marks’ leadership on behalf of libraries. Author Dr. John Wild noted as a writer concerned with issues facing the disabled and a lover of books, he found recognition of Senator Marks, a leader on behalf of both, particularly appropriate. Ms. Barbara Berman, Friends of the Library Board member and Richmond resident, reminded the Commissioners that Senator Marks had always been there when the libraries needed his help. Public Utilities Commission President Dennis Normandy, a former Library Commissioner himself, called attention to support for the proposed renaming of this branch library for Senator Marks in the Filipino-American Community as well as by State Librarian Dr. Starr. Commissioner Normandy noted that the requirements of the Library’s Facilities Naming Policy had been met and that this would be an appropriate recognition of Senator Marks’ decades of leadership on behalf of libraries. Sister Janur, San Francisco Interfaith Council, noted the Senator’s record of welcoming newcomers into the community, relating her experiences when she arrived in San Francisco 20 years ago. Sister Janur noted that this branch with its large number and wide diversity of newcomer users was particularly appropriate to re-name in his honor. President of the Small Business Commission Jasin “Sal” Salma spoke in support of the proposed renaming pointing to Senator Marks’ reputation for being responsive the needs of the entire community and agreeing that this honor was particularly appropriate recognition. Mr. Maurice James, Morissana West/Post Street Academy, lauded Senator Marks’ decades of service in support of education and employment opportunity for youth and commented that naming a library in his honor was particularly appropriate recognition of his championing of libraries. An anonymous member of the public expressed ambivalence concerning naming branch libraries for individuals. This person expressed admiration for Senator Marks, but suggested that under these standards every branch library could be named if proponents were mobilized. Mr. Peter Warfield commented that he was familiar with Senator Marks’ reputation for being everywhere in the community and expressed support for the renaming. Ms. Jane Bowling commented that while she was aware of concerns that renaming branches could become commonplace, she thought that Senator Marks’ contributions met the highest standards, exceeding contributions routinely expected from elected officials. Ms. Bowling called him a voice for those such as transsexuals without a voice and a trailblazer in defense of minorities’ rights. Mr. Allen White commented that he did not have a problem with naming other branch libraries for worthy individuals, and that Senator Marks stood out as reflecting the soul of San Francisco, as an exemplar of historic leadership whose contributions would far outlive the concerns of these times. Mr. White urged that the Commissioners approve the renaming proposal. Mr. David Jerome Hall noted that in his view Senator Marks was a great man who represented the best of humanity by helping to transcend differences and encouraging cooperation among communities. Mr. John Rothman, former Chief of Staff to the late Senator Marks, recalled for the Commissioners Senator Marks’ decades of legislative leadership in the State Assembly and Senate on behalf of libraries. Mr. Rothman noted that Senator Marks lived and worked his entire life near the Richmond Branch and recalled former Library Commission President Ed Bransten’s comments that whenever the library needed help Senator Marks was there. Mr. Rothman noted Senator Marks’ support made a difference and resulted in better libraries for all. Ms. Margaret Ames, Alamo School, recalled Senator Marks’ dedication during his retirement to helping tutor students at her school and informed the Commissioners of her school’s dedication of a memorial garden to honor Senator Marks. Ms. Jean Lynch commented that Senator Marks deserved such recognition for his reputation for integrity and involvement in countless community efforts such as the campaign to save St. Mary’s Hospital. Ms. Julie Vieira, San Francisco Beautiful, urged the Commissioners to approve adding Senator Marks name to that of the Richmond Branch Library. Ms. Geraldine Rosa Parks recommended that the Commissioners weigh the issues and the extensive testimony in support, including that of the State Librarian, Dr. Starr, and approve the proposed renaming of the Richmond Branch Library. Ms. Parks noted that this rare honor was appropriate given Senator Marks inarguable record of achievement on behalf of the community.

With only minutes remaining before the loss of the meeting’s quorum an with no additional speakers waiting, President Higueras continued additional public comment on this item until January 6, 2004.

MOTION:by Commissioner Bautista, seconded by Commissioner Coulter that the meeting be adjourned.
ACTION: AYE 4-0 (Bautista, Chin, Coulter, and Steiman)

The meeting was adjourned at 5:03pm.

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.