HomeMy WebLinkAboutSp. Library Parcel Tax Committee 2020-03-03 Minutes
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LIBRARY PARCEL TAX COMMITTEE
MINUTES
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Main Library Meeting Room – 1100 E. St. San Rafael, CA 94901
March 3, 2020 – 6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Brinckerhoff called the meeting to order at 6:04 P.M.
Roll Call
Board Members Present: Phyllis Brinckerhoff, Gregg Kellogg, Peter Lee, and Gil Pruitt
Board Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Henry Bankhead, Assistant Library & Recreation Director/City
Librarian
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of December 9, 2019
Board Member Lee asked to see the Staff Report to City Council for the December 16,
2019 City Council Meeting. Mr. Bankhead referred Board Member Lee to the City
Clerk’s website: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/public-meetings/
A motion was made by Board Member Lee, seconded by Board Member Kellogg, to
approve the minutes of the December 9, 2019 meeting as amended with a spelling
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correction to Board Member Brinckerhoff’s name. The motion was approved
unanimously.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
2. Public Comment
None
MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE
3. Review the FY 2019/2020 2nd Quarter Annual Revenue and Expenditure Budget
Report
Mr. Bankhead explained that a challenge the library is facing in establishing a budget is
rising expenditures and falling revenues. He summarized the Library Parcel Tax
Committee Agenda Report and presented the 2nd Quarter Budget and Expenditures
Report (Attachment 1).
Mr. Bankhead shared that the Contractual Services line was overspent as the MARINet
expenditure of approximately $250,000 are paid in the first quarter of the fiscal year. He
explained that the MARINet Board, comprised of Directors of participating Consortium
Marin County Libraries, are exploring ways to reduce costs. Marin County Free Library
contributes approximately 50% of the MARINet budget, the San Rafael Public Library
contributes approximately 15%, and other Consortium Members contribute toward the
remaining budget. Mr. Bankhead said that he is exploring many options to reduce
MARINet costs. One option to save money is that the San Rafael Public Library can
leave the Consortium, but that there are big risks and that public perception may be
negative. He also mentioned that the cost sharing formula amongst the Consortium
Libraries can be reviewed and adjusted.
Digital resources such as OverDrive (ebooks/audiobooks) are also paid through
Measure D and these resources are the fastest growing service libraries offer. Digital
resources provide instant access to a variety of offerings to the community. The
physical library may be closed, but the community can access many resources online.
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Mr. Bankhead explained that due to personnel changes and vacancies, the extra hire
temporary hire lines are overspent. Measure D especially as Measure D is being
depleted before the General Fund. Board Member Brinckerhoff asked why the Library &
Recreation Director’s salary is split half with the Library and half with the Community
Center if she manages more staff on the Community Services side.
Board Member Lee asked about the County Administration Fee, how often it is paid and
how it is calculated.
Mr. Bankhead explained that the County has stopped collecting fines and that the San
Rafael Public Library has been lenient in collecting fines. Fines discriminates against
adults as children fines are not collected. This is also an access issue. People will still
be fined for lost/damaged items. Their account will be blocked if they do not return
material or pay for lost/damaged items.
Board Member Lee requested that the City Council Meeting Staff Report from
December 16, 2019 be emailed to him.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 P.M.
Tentative date for next meeting – May 19, 2020