March 25, 2003

Committee Members In Attendance: Joe Perry, Joe McPeak, Andrea Carr, Carolyn Hale, Carol Boardman, Hal Rosenberg, Mitch Partovi, Sondra Corry, Rich Somers, Kathy Black

1. Review of the Minutes from 1/28/03

We reviewed the response from the Children’s Department staff regarding the recommendations contained in the report on the Children’s Department indoor air quality investigation, conducted by Michael Rudman of Risk Management, and the following items were noted.

#1. New carpet was installed in the pre-school area. A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter) vacuum cleaner is on order.

#2. The ceiling has been repaired.

#3. There is no money currently available to repair or replace the marble steps leading into the 20th Street entrance.

#5. We had a discussion regarding the usefulness of cleaning the vent covers and immediate inside of the ducts. Mitch Partovi said that this would not do much good, that the entire system needs cleaning. Currently, estimates are being gathered to clean the air ducts that service the cafeteria and payroll office. Kathy Black reported that this issue had been discussed with Barry Scott and his staff at a recent meeting. Barry Scott insisted that this type of system is enclosed and should not need internal cleaning. The Buildings Department staff disagree, and believe the entire system is overdue for a thorough cleaning.

Employees have been complaining about the ceiling lighting in the Literature Department. They feel they are too bright and are causing headaches. It was decided that they should try taking out one bulb from the fixtures. If this doesn’t help, perhaps lower wattage bulbs can be used. Mitch Partovi requested that a BSR be prepared and sent to him.

A teamwork approach to policing internet use in the Library was set up by the Labor Management Task Force, and it seems to be working well so far.

Hot air hand dryers for the Ground Floor men’s room have not yet been installed. The electricians’ work is backed up at the moment, but they will be installed eventually.

There is no new information available about a possible contractor for the cafeteria.

The temporary fence that surrounds the lot where the Black and Decker store used to sit, at 20th & Callowhill Streets, is creating a pedestrian hazard, especially for anyone with ambulatory problems. It blocks the entire sidewalk and the fire hydrant. The City and owner of the lot are in negotiations regarding sale of the property to the City. The Library hopes to develop the property for additional library space. Joe Perry will pursue his complaint regarding placement of the fence.

An internal system telephone has been installed in the Skyline Room, behind the partition.

An inventory of the Central Library fire extinguishers has been completed.

New Business

1. The Children’s Department has requested that the outdoor lighting on 20th Street be increased. Currently there are two sconces, but one is burned out. Mitch Partovi will investigate this problem and report back. It may be possible to reposition the spotlights to alleviate the problem. He requested that a BSR be prepared and sent to him.

2. Room 1M may be closed for a couple of days while new vending machines are installed.

3. Kathy Black and Andrea Carr both spoke about the new third party administrator for IOD/Workers Comp claims. Ward Spectrum is the company, and their official tenure begins April 1. New phone numbers and addresses will be available for those filing claims. Andrea reminded people that they must keep their medical appointments to maintain their claims. Kathy reported that she and other union officials will be meeting with Risk Management in about two weeks for an update on the transition from CompServices to Ward Spectrum, and to resolve outstanding problems with the IOD system.

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2003, in the Directors’ Dining Room, 4th floor, Central Library.