Blanchard Library Trustees continue closed sessions on librarian
April 24, 2013
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The Clerk of the Board was officially given reporting duties, Blanchard Community Library trustees were praised and the beleaguered librarian defended via a letter at the April 16 meeting.
The latest meeting lacked the crowd that at recent sessions required moving to a larger room, where there was standing room only for those concerned with library operations. But although there was only a handful who attended the latest session, they still expressed concern over several issues including the safety of working conditions, the main focus of a recent city inspection that generated a critical report.
Early on Librarian Dan Robles asked that an agenda item be moved to the top. Robles said that under board policy he wanted to designate Trustee Maureen Coughlin, selected Clerk of the Board at the same meeting where she was sworn in for her first term of elected library office, as the taker of meeting minutes. Trustees supported the action.
The March 19 Fire Department Building and Safety inspection found several code issues that deemed the library a fire hazard that needs correction, including electrical overloads, a blocked passageway and combustible waste accumulation. Restrooms that “appear to be in need of upgrade or repair” and that need “immediate attention” in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act were also cited.
Cathy Sorenson of Santa Paula, a library volunteer, thanked the board for placing the report in the agenda packet as well as agendizing other issues that have brought public comment, some since last year. “It really shows this board is listening,” Sorenson said.
Board President Linda Spink, elected initially to the board in November, said, “The board has clearly heard all of your comments and complaints,” but she noted trustees must follow “legal and procedural” requirements.”
Also during public comment, Robles read a letter from Keith Gallagher, who stated his “strongest possible” support for Robles and BCL staff. Gallagher commended Robles for the “great sacrifices” he has made for the library, and wrote he would rethink “a significant endowment” he has considered if the attacks against Robles do not cease.
Lisa Sorensen said the library has always been supported by staff and volunteers who had concerns, tried to resolve them privately, and finally had to go public. “Blanchard Community Library itself is a wonderful” library and community asset, in spite of what Sorensen called negligent leadership.
After public comment, the board met behind closed doors for a performance evaluation of Robles. Although the board was in closed session for more than three hours they did not report any action.
Library critics have noted the unsafe working conditions, and questioned whether library officials have violated the Brown Act, withheld public documents and ignored staff issues and concerns, among other allegations.
The BCL Board of Trustees will be meeting twice a month to address the issues instead of their usual schedule of monthly meetings.
