Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Regular MeetingMonterey, CA · September 24, 2020
Minutes
MINUTES
LIBRARY BOARD REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF MONTEREY
Thursday, September 24, 2020
4:00 PM
TELECONFERENCE
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
Trustees Present: Joshi, Moroh, Petty, Thomson
Trustees Absent: None
Staff Members Director, Administrative Assistant, Interim Fund Development
Present: Officer
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Moroh called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
CONSENT ITEMS
On a motion by Library Trustee Thomson, seconded by Library Trustee Joshi, and carried
by the following vote, the Library Board of Trustees approved the Consent Item:
AYES: 4 TRUSTEES: Joshi, Moroh, Petty, Thomson
NOES: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSENT: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSTAIN: 0 TRUSTEES: None
RECUSED: 0 TRUSTEES: None
Approval of Minutes
1. August 27, 2020 (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General
Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Approved
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chair Moroh opened public comments: no public comments.
New Business
2. Receive Report on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Provide Direction to
Staff (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article
5, Section 15061)
Action: Received, discussed, and provided direction
Library Board Meeting Minutes September 24, 2020
Library Director Waite presented the report and provided reasons to consider
implementation. She indicated that it is a technology that more and more public libraries are
adopting for efficiencies, cost savings, and improved customer experience. Waite reviewed
costs and savings estimates noting the primary disadvantage was the cost. The estimated costs
were current as of September 2019.
Trustee Joshi asked how long it would take to implement RFID. Waite will return with an
estimated timeframe. Trustee Petty recommended installing RFID to update the Library’s
outdated system, increase efficiency, and be fiscally responsible. He asked if the RFID system
and the automated material handling system (AMH) could be installed separately depending on
available funds. Waite confirmed it was possible. Vice Chair Thomson inquired if the Pacific
Grove Public Library (PGPL) was considering RFID and whether there was a known source of
funding to implement MPL’s system. Waite was uncertain of PGPL’s fiscal situation.
Suggestions to fund MPL’s system included an inquiry of possible City funds, Trust Fund
monies, or asking donors. Chair Moroh asked when the current readers would become obsolete
and if there was an intermediary product that libraries are installing if not transitioning to RFID.
Waite responded that a different vendor would be required for the self-check machines and staff
would continue using the same check-out method.
Chair Moroh opened public comments: (The Library Board received a written public comment
submitted by Nina Beety on 10/22/2020 that requested a change to the public comment noted in
the 9/24/2020 draft minutes. The verbal public comment was difficult to understand due to poor
audio quality during the 9/24/2020 meeting. The Board approved the submitted written revision
by Nina Beety at the 10/22/2020 Regular Board Meeting): Nina Beety called to request disabled
accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and state rules as she did in her
written comments. She said that the RFID would put an additional access barrier to her use of
the library and extend it to the library materials themselves. She asked that the library not adopt
the RFID system as a disabled accommodation for her. She said that the library has denied her
previous requests for disabled accommodation and that the Wi-Fi in the library is an access
barrier for her.
Assistant City Manager Rojanasathira informed the Library Board that the City Manager’s Office
was fully supportive of using the technology to advance and improve efficiencies throughout the
library. He commented on the funding challenge noting that the City’s Finance Director had
reported a revenue loss of $11.3 million in the FY20 budget due to COVID19. At this time there
are no City funds for the project.
On a motion by Library Trustee Petty, seconded by Library Trustee Thomson, and
carried by the following vote, the Library Board of Trustees directed staff to pursue the
necessary information to determine the feasibility of purchasing and installing RFID/AMH
systems:
AYES: 4 TRUSTEES: Joshi, Moroh, Petty, Thomson
NOES: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSENT: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSTAIN: 0 TRUSTEES: None
RECUSED: 0 TRUSTEES: None
3. Receive Report on 2019-2020 Fund Development Activies and Approve 2020-21 Fund
Development Plan (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General
Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Action: Received, discussed, and approved
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Library Board Meeting Minutes September 24, 2020
Perna presented the report and shared the encouraging news that we have received several
spontaneous gifts and inquiries regarding planned gifts. She commented that the energy of the
MPL Friends & Foundation is hopeful and inspiring along with the new MPLFF Fund
Development Committee that was launched last month. Waite thanked Joshi for serving on the
new Fund Development Committee as did Perna. Thomson commented that the report was
helpful and comprehensive giving compliments to staff providing the report. He asked about the
online book sales and whether a GoFundMe campaign is being considered. Waite shared that
the MPLFF created an Amazon store and had begun listing materials. Perna commented that a
GoFundMe campaign is not being planned at this time. Petty requested a flow chart that
outlines funding sources with distinctions between the annual appeal, MC Gives, endowment,
Trust Fund, and planned giving and where those funds are allocated. He is not requesting how
the funds will be spent. Moroh commented that the requested information could instead be
definitions versus a flow chart. Moroh asked for a structural chart of the MPLFF outlining the
various committees.
On a motion by Library Trustee Thomson, seconded by Library Trustee Petty, and carried by the
following vote, the Library Board of Trustees accepted the report and approved the Fiscal Year
2020-21 Fund Development Plan:
AYES: 4 TRUSTEES: Joshi, Moroh, Petty, Thomson
NOES: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSENT: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSTAIN: 0 TRUSTEES: None
RECUSED: 0 TRUSTEES: None
Old Business
4. Receive Report from Ad Hoc Library Planning Committee and Provide Direction to Staff (Not a
Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section
15061)
Action: Received, discussed, and provided direction
Petty provided the report on behalf of the ad hoc Library Planning Committee and the
recommendation not to reopen the physical building at this time. He said that the committee is
looking at how to maintain and improve current services, and how to offer innovative services
in the future. Remote programs should be enhanced and become part of the long term plan.
The committee concluded the additional funding and staff time required to permit in-person
visits would not enhance current services. Waite commented that computer access had been
a concern and continues to be explored. She noted that some libraries are providing outdoor
computer labs. Thomson asked about providing access to Wi-Fi. Waite reported the Library’s
Wi-Fi is available from 8:00 am – 9:00 pm. Thomson commented that this was a difficult
situation to navigate and thanked the committee and staff for taking a prudent yet constructive
approach. Moroh commented that the next step for the committee will be determining what
services will look like when the Library reopens. Petty added the hope that work done in the
short term will provide a foundation for future programs and services.
On a motion by Library Trustee Joshi, seconded by Library Trustee Thomson, and carried by the
following vote, the Library Board of Trustees accepted the report from the ad hoc Library Planning
Committee:
AYES: 4 TRUSTEES: Joshi, Moroh, Petty, Thomson
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Library Board Meeting Minutes September 24, 2020
NOES: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSENT: 0 TRUSTEES: None
ABSTAIN: 0 TRUSTEES: None
RECUSED: 0 TRUSTEES: None
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was adjourned before receiving the informational
reports. All informational reports will be moved to the October 2020 Library Board of Trustees
meeting.
5. Receive Financial Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under
General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
6. Receive Statistical Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under
General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
7. Receive Volunteer Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under
General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was adjourned before receiving trustee comments.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
Francesca Garibaldi Marsha Moroh, Chair
Administrative Assistant Library Board of Trustees
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Agenda
Library Board of Trustees
Agenda Board of Trustees
Marsha Moroh, Chair
Library Board of Trustees Jim Thomson, Vice Chair
Regular Meeting Harish Joshi
Bob Petty
Thursday, September 24, 2020 Library Director
Inga Waite
Teleconference 4:00 PM
Monterey, California
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Pursuant to Governor Newsom's Executive Orders N-29-20 and N-33-20, and to do all we can
to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus):
Meetings of the Monterey City Council and its Boards and Commissions will be
conducted with virtual (electronic) participation only. Members of the public may watch
the live stream of the City Council and Boards and Commission meetings at
https://www.youtube.com/cityofmonterey (up to 10 second delay) or on television on
Channel 25 (up to 90 second delay). The YouTube live stream has the shortest delay
and is recommended for anyone wishing to provide public comment (see details below).
BEFORE EACH MEETING, members of the public may participate by submitting
comment(s) to libraryinfo@monterey.org from an email account or a cell phone's texting
app until ½ hour before the start of the meeting. These emails and text messages will be
shared with the Council or relevant Board or Commission prior to the start of the
meeting, but will not be read aloud during the meeting. All comments received will
become part of the record.
DURING EACH MEETING, members of the public may participate by calling and
speaking live during the designated time(s), subject to time limits that may be imposed
pursuant to the Brown Act. To provide public comment:
o Please follow along with the meeting on the YouTube live stream, as it has the
shortest delay, and only call when the public comment period is announced.
o When the public comment period is announced, call the telephone number that
will be provided on-screen and announced by the Mayor, then enter #.
o You will be muted upon joining the call.
o Enter *5 to "raise your hand." When it is your turn to speak, you will be unmuted.
Please remember to turn the sound off on your television or computer when it is
your turn to talk (or as soon as you call in). Leaving your television or computer
on will cause interference with the broadcast and the audience will not be able to
hear you.
o Between comment periods, please hang up the phone. If you wish to comment
on another item, please call back when the public comment period is announced.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
CONSENT ITEMS
CONSENT ITEMS allow for a review of those items recommended for approval on
consent or recommended to be continued, tabled or withdrawn, etc. Consent items
consist of those items which are routine and for which a staff recommendation has been
prepared. A member of the public or a Trustee may request that an item recommended
for approval on consent be heard on the regular agenda for further discussion.
Approval of Minutes
1. August 27, 2020 (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and
under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
***End of Consent Agenda***
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS allows you, the public, to speak for a maximum of three minutes
on any subject which is not on the agenda. Any person or group desiring to bring an item
to the attention of the Library Board may do so during Public Comments or by addressing
a letter of explanation to: Library Director, Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific Street,
Monterey, CA 93940. The appropriate staff person will contact the sender concerning the
details.
New Business
2. Receive Report on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Provide
Direction to Staff (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and
under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
3. Receive Report on 2019-2020 Fund Development Activies and Approve 2020-21
Fund Development Plan (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378
and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Old Business
4. Receive Report from Ad Hoc Library Planning Committee and Provide Direction to
Staff (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General
Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS
INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS is used by the Library Director to
make a brief report on activities or a brief announcement. The Director may also ask for
clarification or direction regarding scheduling of Board meetings and study sessions.
5. Receive Financial Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378
and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
6. Receive Statistical Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378
and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
7. Receive Volunteer Report (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378
and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
Library Board of Trustees
9/24/2020 4:00:00 PM
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TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustees may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement or make a brief
report on his or her activities. In addition, the Board may provide a referral to staff or
other resources for factual information, request staff to report back to the body at a
subsequent meeting concerning any Library matter, or direct staff to place a request to
agendize a matter of business on a future agenda. (G.C. 54954.2)
ADJOURNMENT
“The Board of Monterey Public Library Trustees provides stewardship for Monterey Public Library
assets and services on behalf of all residents, ensures adaptability to a diverse population, changing
environment and advancing technology. Trustees advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the
Library, and advocate on the Library’s behalf, while ensuring an ongoing flow of information between
the Library, the community and the City Council, in accordance with Section 7.1 of the Monterey City
Charter and in support of the mission statement of the Monterey Public Library.”
-adopted by Library Board of Trustees, April 25, 2007
Information distributed to the Library Board at the Board meeting becomes part of the public record. A
copy of written material, pictures, etc. should be provided for this purpose.
The City of Monterey is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs and
activities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to
participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (831) 646-3935. Notification 30
hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility
to this meeting [28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]. Later requests will be accommodated to the
extent feasible. For communication-related assistance, dial 711 to use the California Relay Service (CRS)
to speak to City offices. CRS offers free text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish-language services
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you require a hearing amplification device to attend a meeting, dial 711 to
use CRS to talk to the City Clerk's Office at (831) 646-3935 to coordinate use of a device.
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CALLING 646-5669
Library Board of Trustees
9/24/2020 4:00:00 PM
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