04-08-1997 - Special
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LIBRARY BOARD OF THE EDGEWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
APRIL 8, 1997 SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
Chairman Jean Haughwout called the special meeting to order at 12:40 p.m. at the Edgew?ter
Library. The purpose of the meeting was to recognize the Library volunteers. She welcomed
everyone, commenting this is one of the largest turnouts ever.
Present were members: Jean Haughwout, Fran Byrne, Mary Rice, Lilian Bond-Nelson, Marie
Goodrich, and Jo Anne Sikes. Sue Shaw was absent. Also present were: Gayle Harmon, Librarian;
Marilou Spencer, Assistant Librarian; Edgewater Mayor Jack Hayman; Russell Long, Southeast
Volusia Regional Librarian; Charlene Weaver, County Public Service Center Director; Jim Ward,
County Council Member, District 2; Eva Williams, County Library Board representative, District 2; and
Mike Knievel, County Library Services Director.
Mayor Hayman offered the blessing and Mrs. Haughwout recessed the meeting at 12:42 p.m. to
partake of the meal.
Mrs. Haughwout called the meeting back to order at 1 :35 p.m. and thanked all the volunteers for their
hours and work. She stated she hears good comments all over town regarding the library.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced Jack Hayman, Mayor of Edgewater. Mayor Hayman commented on the
good food and expressed appreciation for the many hours of volunteer services. He noted the large
involvement of youth in the programs, and stated the library serves as a latch key for some kids after
school. He commented on the computer system.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced George McMahon, City Manager of Edgewater. Mr. McMahon thanked
the volunteers and commented about the method of storing books by size in the Federal archives,
rather than using the Dewey decimal system. He noted he's always received the greatest help in
the library. He stated the parking situation has been a problem for several years and he was assured
that the County funding will not be jeopardized if we use it or express a need to extend it into next
year before October 1. He said this requires engineering and permitting from St. Johns River Water
Management District because of the retention ponds which they want to shift to use for parking. He
pointed out the City Engineer has been preoccupied, at his and Council's direction, with the road
improvement project and they have gone through 50 miles of roads plus some other roads which
required additional engineering work and permitting that was not required at the beginning of the
project. He said that has been the Engineer's top priority because time is money with contractors.
He pointed out the plans of the previous engineer are outdated. Mr. McMahon stated Council
recognizes the need for this for the community and said the City Engineer is committed to getting
it done before October. He noted the Engineer wants to survey and do more calculations, but after
they submit the application, it sometimes takes 90 days or more to get approval. He pointed out they
have to bid any contractual work over $5,000 and we may do some of the ground work ourselves.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced County Councilmember Jim Ward. Mr. Ward thanked the members for
what they do at the County level. He said he understands that without help of the volunteers, the
system could not be run. He expressed appreciation for what they do.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced Mike Knievel, County Library Services Director. Mr. Knievel stated it's
been a pleasure working with the volunteers, staff, elected representatives and people in Edgewater
and they have a fine working team.
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Mrs. Haughwout introduced Charlene Weaver, County Public Service Center Director. Mrs. Weaver
expressed thanks for the lunch, noting she represents the County Manager. She thanked the
volunteers for what they do all year long. She pointed out there are over 1 , 1 00 volunteer members
in the library systems which represents about one-third of the work force and provides a direct link
to the communities and helps staff understand what the communities need. She asked the
volunteers to continue to work with them and let them know when things need to be changed. She
stated volunteers are appreciated and needed.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced Russell Long, new Regional Librarian. Mr. Long thanked everyone.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced Eva Williams, County Library Board representative for District 2. Mrs.
Williams stated she covers Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill and Port Orange, and the
County Library Board is there to help anyone that needs it. She noted they're working on budgets
for all the libraries and couldn't face the budget process if they didn't have volunteers and the
libraries would have to close. She stated volunteers are very important to everyone in the system.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced the Library Board members: Mary Rice, Marie Goodrich, Lilian Bond-
Nelson, Fran Byrne, and Jo Anne Sikes. She stated Sue Shaw was unable to attend due to
teaching. She introduced Librarian Gayle Harmon. Mrs. Harmon stated the luncheon is brought
to them and sponsored by the Library Board, with financial assistance from the County of Vo/usia
and the Friends of the Library.
Mrs. Harmon stated for 1996 there were 5,617 volunteer hours and $38,574 saved in labor costs.
She thanked the volunteers for their work and their support and their friendship.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced Sue Koser, the Board's recording secretary.
Mrs. Haughwout introduced Marilou Spencer, Assistant Librarian, who is the volunteer coordinator.
Mrs. Harmon expressed thanks for all the time given to the library and staff and to her. She stated
she plans to retire in October and it will be difficult to leave, but she and her husband hope to have
a long and happy retirement. She thanked everyone for their friendship. She introduced Linda Rutty,
who will take her place. Ms. Rutty stated she considers it a privilege to work with all of them and
hopes they'll help her make the transition.
Mrs. Spencer distributed certificates to the volunteers, also recognizing those that were unable to
attend.
Mrs. Haughwout adjourned the meeting at 1 :58 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lura Sue Koser,
Recording Secretary
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Library Board Special Meeting
April 8, 1997