## BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 2017

area between the Children's Department and the Circulation Desk. These units include the New Book stand, the Audio Book display unit, the Board Book unit, and the Magazine unit. A selection of popular Children’s materials have also been pulled and placed on a large two-sided cart for the patrons. A few of the larger size children's tables have also been moved to the area. Lee Ann Cleary, Children’s Specialist, has relocated her office to the former Young Adult Specialist’s office in the downstairs hallway near the auditorium while construction is going on. Ms. Thomas said it should take approximately two weeks to complete the construction in the Children’s Department. Mr. Baker asked if the windows in the Children’s Department were going to be replaced during this time as well. Ms. Thomas answered that the windows would be replaced during this phase.

The Library currently has been experiencing an increase of disruptive behavior in the evenings from some of the transient population in Wheeling. Ms. Thomas said that it may be necessary to approach the City’s leaders about resolving the issues that have arisen with the increase in the number of transient people coming into the Library. She said many of the individuals have been coming into the Library under the influence and added that needles and syringes, alcohol, and crack pipes have been found in the rest rooms. Ms. Thomas also shared that a patron was recently approached by panhandlers in the Eoff Street parking lot. Mr. Werner said that it would be a good idea to contact the mayor to sit down with Ms. Thomas and possibly the trustees. Mrs. Nutting volunteered to meet with the mayor with Ms. Thomas and explain the Library’s situation. Mr. Marquart said if individuals are intoxicated or high they are not allowed to stay at the some of the local shelters such as the Salvation Army. Mr. Baker asked if the Library’s security guards have a patrol schedule. Ms. Thomas said the security guards are constantly moving and checking various areas of the Library. Mr. Baker said there have been issues in the past with guards who have not been sufficiently trained. Ms. Thomas said that the Library has been fortunate in the past few months and has a very good evening guard. Mr. Marquart asked if there have been any disruptive incidents on the lower level of the Library. Ms. Thomas answered that, amazingly, no issues have taken place downstairs. Mr. Baker stated fortunately there is only one access point to the basement which could be helping reduce any incidents that could have arisen otherwise. Mrs. McCamic asked if it could be necessary to have another guard stationed outside to patrol the parking lots. Ms. Thomas said she hopes that is not the case for budget reasons. She added that it is very difficult to retain an outside guard. Ms. Thomas stated the Eoff Street parking lot is visible from inside the Library and she has directed the guards to check both parking lots every 15 to 20 minutes. Mrs. Nutting said larger libraries have more resources and are better equipped to deal with these issues. Mrs. Nutting said she would be happy to join Ms. Thomas in meeting with the mayor. Ms. Thomas said she would work on setting up a meeting with him.

## OLD BUSINESS

## RENOVATION PROJECT FOR OCPL

The first phase of the construction project began on February 7. Ms. Thomas said a construction meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 15, where arrangements will need to be made with KPC Architectural Products for the first move of the Adult Fiction and Nonfiction stacks. The old ceiling in the Children’s Department has been removed and all of the existing ductwork is in good condition.

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