12/22/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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cOmnUtment of this nature should be undertaken at this point when other services stand a chance of being reduced. In talking to Librarian Jim Meeks, Manager said that there has been wide interest generated in having Sunday opening. If it is a successful venture, it would hopefully be continued on an annual basis and the cost would be perhaps 60% above the figure cited. There is the possibility, too, that the Library Board and staff might consider closing e certain nights to compensate for the Sunday opening. Mrs. Lacy of the Library Board said that the "books are there" and "the building is there" and there have been many requests to use the facility on Sundays. They would hope that any trial period would prove the venture to be a success. Mr. Meeks noted it would be difficult to close any other time except possibly Friday nights, that night being the least busy. Many children come to the library on Saturdays, and businesses and housewives use it heavily during the week, as well as students. He also commented that a full staff would be needed, at least at first, until they have a pretty good indication of the crowd. Mayor Anderson fel tit would be helpful to look at the proposal in terms of a minimum and a maximum program. It is conceivable that the matter could end up in the Budget Committee so a fairly complete picture would be desirable. Mr. Meeks said that $9500 would be a minimum proposal. The people using the library on Sunday would expect trained personnel and the same level of service as at other times. All public areas would need to be opened up. In answer to Mr. Haws,Mr. Meeks not~d that library usage in Eugene is up 35% over the last two years, a rather phenomenal increase, he thinks. He added that very few cities in the same population bracket as Eugene have library attendance that warrants Sunday ope~ing. Mr. Murray feels it would be more appropriate to refer the entire matter to the e Budget COmnUttee. He favors the cor:.cept but is concerned about taking it out of context of the budget process since other departments have budgetary concerns. Mr. Keller agreed, feeling it necessary to consider all appeals from various departments wi thin the same framework. Mr. Murray moved seconded by Mr. Keller to refer the Library Sunday Comm opening proposal to the Budget Committee. 12/17/75 Approve Since the Library Board is proposing Sunday opening starting January 4, if the proposal goes to the Budget Committee it would mean that the proposed time schedule could not be followed for this fiscal year, since it would have to wai t for voter approval of the budgE,t. Mr. Bradley was troubled with the fact that the request from the library is for this fiscal year and wonders what provisions there are for funding special requests without taking the time to go through the budget process. Mr. Murray appreciates the intent of the Library Board wanting to effect Sunday opening right away but still feels their proposal should be considered in conjunction with programs of other departments. Mr. Williams ' impression is that, if an emergency need arises, the City Manager has authority to move funds from one category to another operating category, that the problem here is that the Library does not fall under City Manager control so it becomes a council action. Assistant Manager agreed, adding that with ot~ler departments there is latitude .- providing that there are funds in that department's budget that can be reallocated for another purpose. If so, it then requires a motion from council authorizing the use. (,CoZ 12/22/75 - 9