Board approves computer purchase and reports reserve balances

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MINUTES CE THE MEETING OF THE HERMOSA BEACH FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
HELD AT THE LIBRARY ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1995
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Toni Empringham, Tim Ferguson, Pat Gazin,
John Hales, Tom Humbarger, Bill Malone, Charlotte Malone, Cathy McCurdy, Al Valdes.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Rosalind Bender, Betty Evans, Steve Hoffmann, Leyla Woods.
OTHER ATTENDEES: Jack Belasco, Joyce McDowell, Alan Thomen, Pat Woolley, Naoma Valdes and CLM Ron Schneider.
CALL TO ORDER: By President Tim Ferguson at 7:04 P.M.
WORDS OF APPRECIATION: Tim thanked those involved in the recent book sale
and the planners of the prospective wine tasting event.
MINUTES: ACTION - to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 15, 1995. Motion Tom, second Bill.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Bill pointed out that the report reflected a General
Fund Balance of $11,435.96; HB Library Fund, $10,280.09; Fund Raising Chairman Cathy McCurdy, the Kiwanis Club had guaranteed $2,000 for the wine tasting. She wasthanked by all and sundry? to approve the Treasurer's Report, motion Charlotte, second Tom.
Belasco Fund, $19,235.37. It was announced that, due to the sterling efforts of Special
ACTION -
BOOK SALES: Charlotte reported that we were well ahead of last year's
earnings in the regular as well as the interim book sales, possibly due to a more realistic pricing policy and the more advantageous showcasing of books.
REPORT FROM THE CLM: Ron advised that he would hold off asking for
funds for books until receipt of his budget from the county. He reminded
the group that there had been allocations for magazines and periodicals,
$1500 (adult) and $400 (childrens) and that he and Charlotte would be
sending in renewals next week
?
Tim noted that Jean Alexander was quoted in the local press as maintaining
that it cost $543,000 per year to run our library. He asked that Jean
be requested to furnish us with a breakdown of this figure, since our
information is that the cost of running our library is $287,000 per year
and the property tax payers of the city of Hermosa Beach contribute some
$300,000 for this purpose.
Ron was commended for scheduling the library staff so that the library is
open 5 days per week, even though hours have been cut to 35/week.
REPORT ON ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES: Al will pursue a kiosk-type coffee
venture. He will consult local merchants to encourage their participation
in this activity, especially during book sales. He may make use of
school district equipment.

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REPORT ON THE WINE TASTING: Tom advised that expenses would probably be covered by the Kiwanis' $2000 guarantee. Any revenue received from 12578200 grantee.
ticket sales, silent auctions and raffles would be profit.
NEW BUSINESS
PROPOSED PURCHASE OF COMPUTERS: Tim reviewed the three issues previously
discussed: 1. Purchase of two computers at an approximate cost of $6,000;
2. Ownership of the computers; Difficulty in hooking up the computers
and getting "on line" because of the wiring problems extant in the library.
In addressing the second issue, Tim read a response from Supervisor Deane Dana (We wrote him on May 15 and again on June 19 requesting a reexamination
of county policy re "gifts vs. loans"?) The supervisor's letter contained the following:.... "The library staff will work with your organization to
provide assistance and arrange for the long-term LOAN of computer equipment to the library with the Friends of the Library retaining ownership..." (Caps and underlining for emphasis- CM)
Tim added that he believed that our group should investigate the possi-
bility of wiring and installation of a telephone connection contracted for by us.
ACTION: to authorize the elected officers of the Board of the Hermosa
Beach Friends of the Library to appropriate funds ? (from the net profits
of the wine tasting, plus up to $2500 from the General Fund) for the
purpose of purchasing two computers with CD-Rom capability and internet
connection, wiring and telephone hookup. Motion Bill, second Naoma.
Vote: 11 yes; 1 no (Hales); 1 abstention (Gazin)
FURTHER ACTION: to coordinate with Cathy McCurdy to combine with the
HB School District on wiring. Motion Naoma, second Jack - no objection, so ordered.
BOOK SALE SCHEDULE FOR 1996: March 9, June 15, September 21**, December
7. Hours to remain the same, 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT: at 8:23 P.M. to the meeting of DEc. 14 at 7:00 P.M.
**September book sale date changed from 14th to 2lst.
ADDENDUM - In accordance with ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 6 of the Bylaws, the following actions are reported:
In late September the elected officers authorized that $770 more be
allocated for the purchase of adult periodicals, making a total of $2270.
In early October the elected officers authorized that $5000 be withdrawn
a higher rate of interest than the 1.000% currently earned at B of A.
The funds have been invested with Smith-Barney in an insured 6 mo. CD @5.75.
Charlotle malone
Recording Secretary