Trustees also reiterated their objection to the city’s musing that the board be folded in with a community services commission that would also include the Recreation Commission and Commission on Aging.Possible loss of non-library skilled personnel also troubled commissioners.Robles said that part of the problem was a lack of notice by the city as to their takeover plan: “I didn’t see the draft,” until he sat down with City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz the Wednesday before the council meeting where a decision was expected.BCL trustees did not receive copies of the report until two days later and decided at a special meeting held just hours before the City Council meeting that they would reject the proposal.Vice Mayor Mary Ann Krause told the BCL trustees that the council “just wants to know if you are interested or not,” in pursuing the issue.BCL trustees will craft a letter to send to the City Council asking that a city takeover be readdressed in April.
Blanchard Library to resume talks with city after March election
February 06, 2004
Santa Paula News
Blanchard Community Library trustees want to meet again with the city to see if a takeover can still be crafted.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesBlanchard Community Library trustees want to meet again with the city to see if a takeover can still be crafted.The trustees discussed the issue at a Feb. 2nd meeting and said that their rejection of the city’s plan to take over the financially ailing library was a matter of timing and not an outright rejection of the plan.“Because of the minimalist approach to the city,” in rejecting the offer the impression might have been left that the library considers a city takeover a dead issue, said Librarian Dan Robles.The city taking over the library could be reintroduced in time for January 2006 legislation, he added.Trustee Gene Marzec said more research must be done, particularly regarding those residing within the library district - who pay the annual $25 BCL parcel tax - but who live outside city limits.Two members of the BCL board should be from the unincorporated area if the takeover goes through, he added.Robles said he would research how many parcels subject to the tax are outside city limits.
