In Attendance: Joe Perry, Harry Maurer, Carolyn Hale, Sondra Corry, Joe McPeak, Rich Somers, Kevin Ivery, Hal Rosenberg, Bill Fleming, Carol Boardman, Dennis Taylor, Kathy Black

Widener & Lovett Branches - Joe Perry reported that he had not heard from these two branches and he believes their outstanding concerns may have been addressed. Bill Fleming reported that problems remain with lot acquisition for the building of a new Widener Branch. He described a couple different configurations the new building could take, which must, according to code, allow for some parking space.

Library Budget/Renovation Report - The new Independence Branch in the Balch Institute will be opening soon. There is money in the budget for work on the Haddington and George Branches. The new, proposed budget includes money for HVAC replacement in the Overbrook Park branch, but the funds for the Walnut West branch renovations have been reduced. A contractor will be selected March 1 for that work. There is $350,000 earmarked for improvements at Central.

Central Library - The Fire Evacuation Plan has been rewritten again. It is now waiting for Executive Staff approval, which may come at their meeting tomorrow.

The overhead heater by the front door needed new parts, which have now arrived. Harkins & Harkins will make the repairs, which should be completed by next Friday. Various layout designs are being considered for this area, taking into account the new information desk, directional airflow, and exit and entrance traffic.

The light towers on the front steps have not been functioning properly. They have been on during the day but off at night. A BSR was issued in early December. Vestibule lights also need repair. Bill Fleming will check on these work orders.

Ergonomic Issues - Money is now available in Joe McPeak’s Division Budget to purchase one new workstation per Central Library department. The workstations will be installed where the most computer use is required, often in a workroom. There will be 25 new stations. Haworth is the likely vendor. Kathy Black reminded the group of the written recommendations she made, and especially cautioned that adjustable keyboard trays wide enough to hold the mouse should be specified when ordering components.

Queen Memorial Branch - Bill Fleming reported that all carpets will be replaced at this branch after the sewage/water flood that occurred there. Kathy Black reported that she had a brief conversation with Barry Scott, Risk Management’s Health and Safety Officer, about concerns raised regarding Branch employees cleaning up the sewage as part of their job duties. Barry was unaware this had occurred but did not offer any opinions about the appropriateness of guards doing this clean-up.

Defibrillators - Barry was also asked about the wisdom of supplying these devices in the Library. He was lukewarm on the idea, given the proximity of emergency health care and police stations and the extensive training of employees that would be required, as well as liability issues. The committee did not seem inclined to pursue this idea.

Fire Safety - Kevin Ivery reported that two general meetings have been held in the Northwest Region, at the Roxborough and Lovett Branches. Lt. Flores of the Fire Department gave out information and presented a video on how to make the buildings safer. The policy requiring employees to engage in firefighting with extinguishers has been rescinded. Each branch has the responsibility to call the Fire Department to come out and inspect signs, exits, etc., and make sure all fire codes are complied with.

The next meeting date was set for March 20, 2001 in the Director's Dining Room, 4th floor.