Toronto Public Library Board - October 18, 1999 Meeting Highlights
Released October 19, 1999
A presentation was made to Board Vice-Chair Dr. Maureen Rudzik in appreciation of her dedication and commitment to public library service in Toronto over many years. Dr. Rudzik has announced that she will be leaving the Board because she has moved from the City of Toronto.
1999 Operating Budget Monitoring Report - September 30, 1999
Current projections indicate that the Library is on target with its budget.
Service Harmonization Update #2
An update on the 1999 service harmonization initiatives was received by the Board. These initiatives include:
- Sunday hours rationalization
- Library materials budget allocation for Year 1
- Implementation of a single integrated library system
- Research and Reference tier service delivery plan
- Branch planning study
- Review of non-branch services
- Children's services
- Harmonization of room booking policies and fee structure
Ontario Public Library Week
The Board received a report on this year's activities for Ontario Public Library Week. Mayor Lastman has proclaimed the week of October 18-25, 1999 as Public Library Week in the City of Toronto.
Albert Campbell District Library - Temporary Refurbishment Closure
Information on the two-week closure of this branch was received. The branch will be closed from November 29 to December 11, 1999 for recarpeting and painting.
Internet Use Policy - Update on Filtering
A deputation was made by Dolina Smith, President, Canadians Addressing Sexual Exploitation, concerning the availability of pornography on Internet sites. A petition from the Leaside community on this subject was also presented to the Board. Staff were authorized to purchase and install filtering software on workstations designated for use by children, and the Board approved corresponding changes to the Internet Use Policy. Staff were further asked to consider the issue of Internet safety for teenagers and to report back to the Board at a later date.
2000 Preliminary Operating Budget
The Board approved the preliminary 2000 high-level operating budget as requested by the City for review purposes. This budget includes a gross total expenditure of $110,428,700 and a net amount of $98,471,800. A proposed increase of 0.5% is attributable to expanded Sunday service that was approved by the Library Board on September 21, 1999 and to an expanded children's reading support program.
2000 - 2004 Capital Budget and Ten Year Capital Plan
The Board approved the 2000 - 2004 Capital Budget Report and the Ten Year Capital Plan for submission to the City for consideration. In the first five years there are 25 projects at an estimated cost of $68,024,000. In the subsequent five year plan there are 14 additional projects. Staff were requested to conduct a review on the overall status of accessibility in facilities should the 10 year capital plan be implemented.
Redevelopment of the Maria A. Shchuka District Library Site
Architect Donald Schmitt, A. J. Diamond, Donald Schmitt & Company, made a presentation to the Board concerning this project, which includes the potential for the construction of affordable rental housing on the site under the City's Let's Build initiative. Staff were directed to continue to develop this joint project in cooperation with the Shelter, Housing and Support Division of Community and Neighbourhood Services. Staff were also directed to report back to the Board on a cut-off date after which reconstruction of the Library would proceed if no acceptable proposals on the housing component were received. As well, staff were asked to review contingencies for alternative use of the land currently designated for rental housing, in consultation with other City departments, and to report to the Board on potential legal and financial relationships between the Board and a housing provider.
Eatonville Library Reconstruction
The Eatonville Library Reconstruction report was presented to the Board to provide an update on the status of this project. Total cost of the project, including construction, demolition of the existing building, site development costs and all associated costs was submitted at $2,905,845. Staff will proceed to Policy and Finance Committee as directed to seek approval to begin construction.
Service Delivery Model - Toronto Reference Library - Revitalization of Basement and Main Floors
The Board agreed that detailed implementation planning for the revitalization of the ground and the basement floors of the Toronto Reference Library should proceed in 2000, subject to capital budget approval. Planning will include costing for individual components such as a User Education Centre and an Electronic Reading Room. The Toronto Public Library Foundation may seek sponsorship for these individual components. An amendment to the by-law requiring provision of the internal street will also be sought.
1998 Financial Statements - Trust Funds of the Toronto Public Library Board
The Board approved the 1998 financial statements for the trust funds of the Toronto Public Library Board with instruction to staff to investigate if revenues from investments can be increased through cooperative strategies with other agencies, boards and commissions that manage trusts and endowments.
Official Mark for Write Hip Café
Approval was given to register the official mark of the Write Hip Café and staff were authorized to take the necessary action to complete this task.
Next Meeting: November 15, 1999