Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Document # 5.1
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
November 19, 2014
1
Two additional members of the public commented. First, Ms. Dana Wycoff, Rosedale Friends
President, expressed security concerns and suggested DCPL work more closely with
Metropolitan Police Department and community organizations to understand why youth are
acting out. Lastly, Robin Martin, ANC 7B Vice Chair, asked that the room reservation system be
simplified.
Executive Directors Report
Mr. Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director, began his report by introducing the new format for the
Executive Directors report. The format is forward looking and thus helpful in highlighting future
events the Board may want to attend. Mr. Reyes-Gavilan announced that the New Director of
Public Services, Mrs. Manya Shorr, starts on Monday, September 22. Next, he introduced the
Director of Public Safety, Chief Larry Volz.
Mr. Reyes-Gavilan commended the success of the Summer Reading program in its ability to
fight the summer slide and keep kids interested in reading. The program had a total of twentythousand registered users, a 35% increase over FY13. He thanked Ms. Linnea Hegarty, DCPL
Foundation Executive Director, and her team for their dedication to the program.
Mr. Reyes-Gavilan noted that unless there is an objection, a Board retreat to discuss strategic
planning will be scheduled after the Annual meeting of the Board in January 2015.
Mr. Reyes-Gavilan then introduced the reactivation of a Program Committee for discussion.
This committee would oversee public policy and performance, review statistics reports at
committee meetings, and would be helpful for new Board members. The Program Committee
would now be called Performance Oversight Committee and Mrs. Manya Shorr would be
designated as the library official to sit on the Committee.
Mr. Reyes-Gavilan then introduced 50x15, a digital suggestion box for DCPL employees. The
initiative stemmed from a staff survey. The suggestion box is intended to give staff a platform
to share ideas that can increase library usage through improved customer service, increase staff
morale or simply make processes easier or better. Ms. Joi Mecks, Director of Communications,
gave a demonstration of the Vocoli 50x15 suggestion box for DCPL employees.
Finally, Mr. Reyes-Gavilan introduced Ms. Bettye Smith, Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood
Library Branch Manager, and shared her credentials before inviting her to address the group.
Ms. Smith shared a brief history of the Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library and
information on its renovation. She continued with statistics and demographics regarding the
neighborhood. She listed several popular library programs, partnerships, and initiatives. Finally,
she introduced the staff of the library and acknowledged the Friends of the Francis A. Gregory
Neighborhood Library.
Document # 5.1
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
November 19, 2014
2
Roll Call
Mr. Hill, Jr. requested roll call as quorum was reached.
Adoption of the Agenda
The motion to adopt the agenda was approved.
Approval of Minutes
The motion to approve the minutes of the July 23, 2014 Board Meeting was approved.
Approval of 2015 Meeting Schedule
The motion to approve the 2015 meetings schedule was approved.
Presidents Report
Mr. Hill, Jr. announced the resignation of Ms. Myrna Peralta, Chair, Contracts Review
Committee. He announced that Mr. Gregory McCarthy has agreed to assume the role of Chair,
Contracts Review Committee, and he will make that appointment subject to any concerns or
issues the Board might have. Next, he expressed his approval of the reactivation of the Program
Committee (Performance Oversight Committee) and asked that any Board member interested
in Chairing the Committee speak with him.
Finance Committee Report
Ms. Bonnie Cohen introduced Ms. Tammie Robinson, Agency Fiscal Officer, to deliver the
Finance Committee Report. Ms. Robinson stated that DCPL is doing a concerted non-personal
services effort for the end of the fiscal year and anticipates ending the year with a balanced
budget. She noted that two major adjustments have occurred against the Librarys local budget
since her last report in July.
A reprogramming for $1,278,604 was approved to primarily fund continued Information
Technology improvements, tabletop self-checkout stations for all neighborhood libraries,
needed outfitting for Public Safety personnel, telephones for new employees, HVAC,
mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) maintenance and repairs, equipment, furniture,
and specialized supplies, and additional fleet costs.
Finally, Mrs. Robinson noted that the FY14 supplemental budget was passed, increasing the
Librarys books and electronic materials budget by $1 million. The late receipt of this funding is
not of great concern, as any remaining Collections budget carries over into FY15.
Mr. Don Richardson inquired about the DC Jail initiative. Mr. Reyes-Gavilan stated that the
MOU is being finalized.
Document # 5.1
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
November 19, 2014
3
Document # 5.1
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
November 19, 2014
4