HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - LB - 1970.10.19 MINUTES OF THE MEETI`JG
OF THE
BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
October 19, 1970
CALL TO ORDER:
A regular meeting of '.he Burlingame Public Library Board was held on the above
given date. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P. M. by Vice-Chairman Phelan.
ROLL CALL:
Trustees Present: Trustee Lynes, Trustee Phelan, Trustee Hechinger, Trustee DeMartini
Trustees Absent: , Trustee Cohendet (Excused)
Also Present: Col. E. L. Norberg, architect; student from Mills High School, Civic
Government assignment
MINUTES:
The minutes of the meeting of September 15, 1970 were appro ,,:.,1 :-_vid -.03pted.
BILLS:
Bills in the amount of $5,694.94 were ordered paid on a motion by Trustee DeMartini
seconded by Trustee Lynes and carried.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT:
The Librarian's report was read and ordered filed. It was remarked that circulation again
showed a modest increase over a year ago.
CORRESPONDENCE:
There was no correspondence.
OLD BUSINESS:
Purchase of Steinbeck_Property: The Librarian informed the Board that the City Council in
a study session tonight will consider the addition of the Steinbeck property to the City
Parking District. He said that the Friends of the Library also are interested in us'ng the
property for their forthcoming Book Sale. On the last question, the Librarian while in
Los Angeles next week will visit with Mr. Steinbeck, if possible, and get his opinion on
this useage. Trustee DeMartini remarked that it would be excellent if this property could
be converted to blacktop parking adjacent to our new addition, and the Librarian added
that this probably would be done right away if the property were bought. The Librarian
stated that this property had been appraised at approximately $650000 for the city and
that comparatively this is not too high.
There was some discussion about the large Norman tapestry belonging to the Library and
whether or not it could be hung in the new addition. The Librarian stated that there
would not be sufficient room and that the tapestry is still up for sale.
NEW BUSINESS:
Col. E. L. Norberg, architect, addressed the Board, asking for their decision on an item.
This is the question of de\d oping a mural on the large beam in what will be the new main
reference room. This beam will be approximately 316" in depth, and it has been suggested
that the mural depict the Tree of Knowledge in intaglio and colors. In Col. Norberg's
opinion this would be an interesting addition to the reference room, and he stated that
if the Board desired he would get the costs on preparing the beam for the art work - the
cost of forms and casts. During the discussion that followed it was suggested that possibly
the decoration of the beam be made a project of the Burlingame Schools' art department.
Trustee Lynes suggested that this might be taken up with Dale Perkins, director of the art
department. Trustee Hechinger moved that the idea of the mural on the exposed beam be
approved by the Board and that it be submitted to the City Council for consideration.
Trustee De Martini seconded the motion, and it passed.
Refurbishing the Library: The Librarian reported that Mr. Comey, Library'.Planning
Consultant, has had people in the library to make estimates on such various things as
refinishing furniture and wooden bookshelves; carpeting old library; taking doors off and
redoing them; work on walls, either cleaning or painting; redoing of large doors in front
by metalsmith, etc. Mr. Comey's estimate for all this work was around $85,000, of which
the carpet alone would a,. ount for $18,000 to $20,000.
In reply to a question from Trustee De Martini, it was brought out that the architect's
original estimate for the addition was $550,000 whereas the contractor's final bid was
$437,000. The original estimate did not include $50,000 for refurbishing. Trustee
Hechinger moved that the Board of Trustees recommend to the City Council the additional
expenditure of approximately $35,000 to refurbish certain old sections of the library,
in that it will be better to do so at one time rather than later piece-meal. Trustee
Lynes seconded; the motion passed.
The Librarian stated that according to the contract the new portion was to have tile in
the workroom, and he thought it would be better to have a rug, similar to indoor-outdoor
carpeting; that it would not get as much wear as the other portions of the library and it
would quiet down the noise. There was discussion, and it was suggested that the Board
wait on this question until exact figures are obtained on this, especially since no floor
covering will be put down before April 1, However, Col. Norberg suggested that decision
be made before floor is put down, since there is a difference in flooring for tile and
flooring for rug.
Transportation of books from Branch library: Under the new system it will be necessary
to have a messenger to transport books from the Branch to the Main Library each day. The
Librarian stated that some of the cost necessary could be taken out of the library auto
allowance fund. Temporary arrangements for payment include the messenger's time and
25� per trip. Trustee De Martini asked about liability involved and was informed this would
be taken care of by the City Workmen's Compensation Fund.
Trustee De Martini brought up the subject of teachers' collections, stating he had received
several complaints that when pupils were assigned projects, sometimes all books on the
subjects had been out due to teachers' collections. He suggested that the next time the
Children's Department writes its annual letter to the teachers of Burlingame schools that
a paragraph be included requesting the teachers that if they wish to research some particular
project, not to assign it to their pupils until the books are returned to the library.
ADJOURNMENT:
Trustee De Martini moved that the meeting be adjourned, Trustee Hechinger seconded, and the
meeting adjourned at 8:30 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,/
George aul Lechi h
Clerk of the Board