Parks and Recreation Commission - Regular Meeting

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All right, let's go. Okay. I called the 10/23/2025 closed session meeting to order. The public can access live meetings, https:fullerton.legistar.com on Spectrum Cable Channel three and AT and T U verse Channel 99. The public can address to our Library Board of Trustee in person or virtually by joining the Zoom meeting online or by telephone.

If you like to join the Zoom meeting, please go to zoom.usjoin or call 166050252 and enter the Zoom meeting ID 10006079400119. And please use the recent feature if you would like to speak. Yes, the instructions can be found on the agenda. And while we don't see anyone in the Zoom at this time or in the room, not on the Zoom. So right now, let's take roll call, please.

President, Sueling Chen. Present. Vice President, Joshua Dale is absent. Trustee Lisa Wozab.

Present.

Corresponding Secretary, Jennifer Sarves. Here. And Trustee Megan Watson.

Here. Is there any public comments about our closed session agenda?

There are no public commenters on Zoom or in the room.

All right. Thank you. I guess we'll go to the closed session and we'll be back as soon as possible. Thank you. All right.

Thanks for everyone's waiting. We're back and we'd like to call the October 2023 10/23/2025 regular meeting to order. The public can access living meetings, live meetings, why am reading?

All

right. The public can access live meetings, https:fullerton.legistar.com or spectrum cable channel three and AT and T U verse Channel 99. Please, you can address to us in person or virtually by joining the Zoom meeting online or by telephone. If you would like to join the Zoom meeting, please go to zoom.us/join or call 605-0252 and then enter the Zoom meeting ID 100060779419. And please use the raise hand feature if you would like to talk.

Now let's go ahead take the row.

President, Su Ling Chen. Here. Vice President, Joshua Dale is absent. Trustee Lisa Wozab. Present. Corresponding Secretary Jennifer Sarves. Here. And Trustee Megan Watson. Here.

All right. Let's start with Pledge of Allegiance. You like to lead, Trustee Watson.

Please stand and face Right the hand over your heart. Ready, begin.

Thank you. So we just had a closed session. Could we ask our Director, Interim Director to give us a report?

Absolutely. Thank you, President Chen. The Board of Trustees went into closed session and received an update on the library director recruitment from the Director of Human Resources. No action was taken. Thank you.

Thank you. And looks like we have a few faces here.

Yes President Chen, it's so nice

Perfect see timing.

Yes timing is everything as they say. Thank you Board of Trustees, we're happy to introduce you to new, two new library staff members and I'll leave it to Keith Lee to introduce them.

Hello.

Thank you all. We have our two new librarians. I'm happy to introduce Sam Marquez, is one of our new children's librarians, and Amanda Ortega is our new adult services librarian. And we are very happy to have them here.

I'm sorry. Could you say the name one more time?

Sam. Samantha. Oh, Sam. Sam. And Amanda.

Okay. Samantha and Amanda. Got it. Thank you. Welcome. I love the smile. The smile really goes for a long way when you are interact with the public. Thank you.

Thank you very much, ladies. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

We'll see you soon. Yes.

Keith Lee, I love your skirt.

Well,

you, Keith Lee, for bringing them over, and we look forward to seeing them in actions, Still with a smile. Thank you. Alright, now could we have the report from our library director?

My pleasure. The first item here is the city council meetings for October. There were no library related items, but I will let you know that after tomorrow's meeting and with the approval of one of our regular meeting items, the donation for $10,000 for a contract employee will be on the November 4 consent calendar for the city council to accept. In terms of the main library update, we do have quite a bit of things that are overreaching, so I'm gonna look at those first. Two items that we would like to brief you on are the we use a vendor called Baker and Taylor, and they have recently closed.

And, also, we have, E Rate funding. Just an update for you, so I'll let Bethany take it away.

So there are a limited number of vendors who provide full service library materials to all levels and ages for public library. One of those, Baker and Taylor, has been our longtime vendor and provided us with thousands upon thousands upon thousands of wonderful quality library items throughout the years. Unfortunately, they are closing. And so we are in the process of setting up with a new vendor. There are some unfortunate delays associated with that as it does take some time to set up those accounts.

And so there will be a public service impact in terms of being able to get new items. We are in the process for this month of doing some limited retail purchases of some of the most popular or requested from our our local patrons items as well as planning ahead for future larger orders. It is really of great value to us to be able to purchase from a library specific vendor who can provide cataloging records and fully processed shelf ready items. And so that is something that is also going to be an impact is the retail purchases will require some significant staff time and supplies purchases to make sure that those will be ready for the public. So we the short term plan is doing that.

We're hopeful that early next calendar year we'll be able to begin with a new vendor. We have one in mind who we've already started meeting with, but and that would be Ingram. And so we're looking into making sure that that will work for us and be approved by all the city purchasing requirements.

I have a quick question. Yes. Is Baker and Taylor not having any type of liquidation? Like, are they doing anything like that? Fire sale?

Just about everyone at our warehouse has already been laid off. So Oh. I believe we just received our last expected package from them. And they canceled over 1,200 items of our that we had previously ordered.

That's too bad.

It's very much too bad. Unfortunately, we had a really great working relationship with them, and we'll miss them as a partner. So we do have a plan, and we have already established a relationship with our new our new probable vendor, but we need to make sure that we do everything in line with today's purchasing requirements as well as the extensive setup for the cataloging and processing information for our hundreds of different collections. The one advantage is that we will be more able to be to fully per to purchase fully processed and cataloged Korean items. And since that was a huge, jump in circulation for us in the last years, that will be something that we're excited about as an opportunity.

For the E Rate funding, that is something that has been, to some extent, though it's a little murky as to what the extent is from the, impact from the federal government shutdown. It has made it harder to get communication back and forth with our, making the necessary edits to our federal communications commission. Is that the FCC? The FCC contract and, and our inform the information architecture with the federal government grant there. But Jaime and I have been working on that for the hope for $15,000 reimbursement for some of the hunt expenses.

We are also working with our e rate vendor, contractor on that, and he and I have been going back and forth with her in trying to get that account updated and make the necessary, components of the request. It has been impacted by that, but we are hopeful that it will not negate that ability. We should know more probably by the end of the month, but we can't say for sure with the government shutdown.

Thanks for the report.

Thank you. And I really want to thank Bethany and Keith Lee and the staff that are working to try to mitigate these things. One of the things that came out of E Rate, too, if I'm reading this correctly, is a service for our hotspots that typically or annually, I should say, the foundation has been gracious to fund that. So we'll be taking that to them again. So that is that's not part of the E Rate expense and what's going on in the federal government.

So I will say, too, just for your knowledge, that when federal funding was cut to public libraries in California, there was legal action taken, and there was, I believe, a third of the money given back to the state library. And so little by little, we're starting to see some things come back. One of the things that they are going to refund would be the subscription to The New York Times. So with your library card, you could go on to the the Fullerton Library website and and access the New York Times. So I think that's that's about is it is that almost done?

We are still waiting for the in library access.

Okay.

We are working on setting up the external access so that people can use our library card and access The New York Times from home, but there's been a little bit of a delay on setting up the internal access. So we're hopeful by next week.

Yeah. Thank you. Because I was more I I saw an email that there will be two different ways to access if you're in the library versus if you're at home or or on the beach somewhere beautiful, you feel like reading the New York Times. So we're we're happy about that. So we're grateful to the State Library for that. I'm gonna go ahead and just go through the oh, no. No. Go go to the divisions. Yes. I'm getting ahead of myself because I'm very excited about the next one.

So let me let you know how things are going in our library divisions. So from children's, they had a their very first twilight tales with Halloween stories, trick and treating around the children's room, and a fun bat headband craft that I did not get is available. And, of course, you just met Melissa Kimball or excuse me. You will meet Melissa Kimball at the next meeting because our second children's full time children's librarian will start next, next week on the twenty eighth. So we're welcome.

We're really happy that we'll be able to have three full time librarians on board, so that just means more more service for the community. So we're really happy. And we do have staff also participating in the Trunk and Treat event tomorrow. So if you're able to attend, please look out for the library.

Can you elaborate that? So when you say participate, are we doing with the, event?

Oh, if you want to just go to the event. Have you

been to the I mean, our library staff.

Oh, I just mean that with more staff, that means that there's more options for more programming, for more outreach potentially. So if you think about three full time staff members, that's 120 a week that we're adding to be able to actually take on the things that the diagnoid children's librarian and the other divisions have had to either not do or do less of. And now with more librarians, that just means that we'll be able to offer more services, maybe pick up things that we used to do, invite new ideas and creativity.

And did you say that the staff will be participating in the Trunkle Tree tomorrow? Are they passing out bookmark? Just curious about what are they doing with the event? Was it trip to pass out?

It is. So if you've never seen 20 bags of large Costco bags of candy to hand out, then they will be doing that tomorrow. Let me ask Bethany. Do you know Rhonda Rhonda and staff are taking bookmarks

and things like that? Rhonda and Jessica are going to be handing out candy from the library vehicle, which Alicia is helping decorate, so you know it'll be wonderful.

Thank you. So for for for a Trunk and Treat event, I believe that they started so that kids in the neighborhood could go to a place that was safe and not have to worry that candy or has not been tampered with or and they're in a safe space. So many of the city departments will have a vehicle decorated. So the trunk is pretty much what they use, but I understand that here that the police department, fire department, they and Public Works who says they are gonna win. I don't know what they win, but they're they say they're they're a shoe in.

So there that's what that was exactly what he said. We're bringing it. That that's it. That was the phrase. So the library is gonna participate too, and it's just a way to to just not only hand out candy and and be in that tradition of Halloween for kids, but also, you know, say hello to your neighbors, see your patrons out in there in the community.

So it really is an opportunity. So, I think I might have said things too fast, but with the staff, that'll just means more programming in in terms of planning. And, also, tomorrow, I don't believe any of the either of the new librarians, I think they're gonna stay back with the others, go and participate in the truck and treat. So thank you for the question. In circulation, if you haven't had a chance to come in, the, the ofrenda or the altar and to to, honor our loved ones who have passed is still up.

And also, there is a wonderful fright filled fiction display of books that you don't want to read alone. No. Very nice collection. And we also continue to welcome large numbers of visitors eager to pick up the Camp Snoopy Library cards who have been very popular. And, also, let's see.

A patron noted that he was excited to receive a happy birthday email that comes out to someone for their birthday, and it also comes with a $1 coupon at the friend's bookstore. And the patron was just made him happy to receive it, and he thought it was a delightful marketing strategy. And I would agree. And just a nice thing to do. Yes. We also have started the annual Children's In N Out program, which is always great. Read for a hamburger. I'm in. So unless, but I'm too old. But, anyway, they started that.

Lots of children, and it's really nice because, we get them to come in. And I believe it's five books that they read, and then they get the coupon of to go to In N Out. So that's really nice. And, also, Ashley wanted me to let you also know that they know that we're it's very popular because they have over a 166,000 verified reads of their newsletter since the implementation in November 2023. So I think that is pretty outstanding, and they thank the foundation for making the newsletter possible.

And at the Hunt Library, they've resumed their weekly and biweekly, storytimes, and they are still planning for the spooktacular storytime and Halloween teen paint and sip event that will happen next I believe it's Wednesday, the twenty ninth, and that'll be next week. And they're looking in for a beautiful or a very adorable, I should say, DIY matinee drive in. And what this is is it is for our little ones, mostly toddlers. And they get big boxes and make them look like cars, and they sit in them, and they watch a movie like they're in a drive in. So that's really fun.

And then, typically, November, we take a programming hiatus and just start planning for the new year. So Jaime is working on that. In terms of teen services, they continue the outreach to La Vista High School. They were asked to participate in their new student orientation Friday, October 3. They were able to sign up students for library cards, and Keith Lee spoke to parents about what they can get with the library card, why to come to the library, and also show them the resources available to them and to their students.

They were able to sign up 32 new students at that event, and they look forward to just that being something they do continually to welcome new students and let them know about the full their Fullerton Library. They also did a fall craft night where adults and teens made their own decorative fall wreaths, which was very popular. And then, again, teen services is helping with the teen paint and sip night, and that is for teens in seventh to twelfth grade. And they'll be snacking on Halloween themed snacks and drinks while painting fun, spooky scenes. So that's wonderful.

And, also, our our library technical assistant, Roland, and and the teen librarian will be at the Fullerton Market, Octo Oktobufest. Oktobufest. Yes. And, also, she's working on teen craft nights and a planned teen cold clothing swap in November. So we hope to tell you more about that.

And I'm really happy. What I what I asked Ruth to help me with is is to really kind of pull out some of the things the library does that really are under the umbrella of arts and culture. I know that's something that we're all trying to define, but I, thank you to Ruth to that provided photographs that you have in your packet of what the ofrenda, the Dia de los Muertos looks like, and you can see how the community has, brought pictures. And on the butterflies, they could write the name of their loved one and put them on the ofrenda. We also have a Korean traditional house hanok display, and it, I looked up something about the traditions, and it it really is to inspire harmony through nature.

It is constructed with natural and local materials, and the symbol ism it represents is a physical representation of Korean philosophy emphasizing balance between people, environment, and space. So they are still up at the main library, and we hope you get a chance to take a look at them. And I think I think I am done with that part of it. The next one is the hunt. So I'm very happy to let you know that I was able to speak with the with the interim, city manager, and I want you all to know that the Hunt Library include and the building is included in the current budget through June June 30.

So there will be nothing that will happen in April in terms of any programs or staff not being there. So it will continue, and it will now be part of the the annual budget process that the city has. And I was really happy to hear that. And honestly, I don't get a sense that continuing not continuing library services. I also spoke with Daisy Perez, the interim city assistant city manager and and leader of Parks and Rec.

And she also let me know that they're also looking at the Hunt Building. What can they do to, enhance it? What things need to be done? So, I asked and she asked me to share with you to let you know that they've hired a landscape architect to come up with a few options for the grounds, including expanding the parking lots and adding additional landscaping to the area. And as the we go through the budget process or into next year, then, she'll also be looking at some additional funding streams, but she wanted me to let you know that it is on this the city's radar, and her purview is director of Parks and Recreation.

So I think that's good news. Yes. And and that is my director's report. Oh, we had one thing that we were gonna ask you. You may not have seen an email. It it came in later in the day, but there was an email sent to each of you asking if you would like to volunteer at the October boat. I can't say it.

We received it.

Okay. Thank you. Oktuberfest. So thank you in advance. And I think the times are there. I think they're looking for two volunteers for a couple of slots. So thank you so much. I appreciate that. And that is my report.

Thank you. Moving forward, how about the trustee report? Anyone want to make any comments?

I I was talking about this earlier. I just wanna say I'm so excited about the scary movie, thing that we're doing. So I love the summer reading program for adults. I love the winter reading program for adults. But thank you for doing a spooky season thing for adults because you're right. I do wanna do, like, the In N Out cover to cover, but I'm too old. I wanna go to the little drive in, but I'm too old to sit in a cardboard box. So thank you for doing things for adults during the, the fall times, and I'm very excited to write all my little reviews of scary movies.

Thank you so much. I'll pass on your comments. Thank you.

We love the cover to cover, In N Out, thing. Of course, I brought my son to to sign up my my daughter, but he was like, I'm not four yet, but mom, when I'm four, I'm gonna eat all of those hamburgers. And I was like, yeah, you will. He's like, I'm gonna read so many books that I can eat all the hamburgers. So he's very excited to be four and have hamburgers.

So I

too am very excited about the spooky season programming so we have something that fills in with our mystery date with a book I that I'm excited about again. I had a question so it's funny because when I forward things on Instagram to you guys, who is getting that? Because I got that yes we're doing the cover to cover because it was on your Belinda and so I forwarded it so I get a response back on Instagram and we're like we got it, we got it. And then also too the fact that our Snoopy library card has just gone viral. This like Snoopy, you know, then she'll come back on and she's like they're gone, you had to get them by now and now you can go to this library.

So I was just curious because whenever I see other programming ideas I always forward them via Instagram to you.

Thank you so much.

Generally does Instagram but we are also in the process and Beatrice might wanna elaborate on this of revising our social media team planning.

Thank you. Yeah. So we have a wonderful committee, getting together and just looking at not so much a policy because we know the city has it, but what it works for the library, but also best practices and what we post and how we answer. It really is a science almost. So I think it's been something that I've been hearing that people have questions and I said, why don't you just come up with something so everyone's on the same page? It is an art and a science, I think, to be on social media, so thank you for the reminder. Yes.

The quality of videos that we push out, I mean, I think just, yeah, I mean obviously we're partial but there's a reason why we're getting awards.

That's why they'll be there tomorrow.

Get some exposure.

Yeah. And we hope I don't know what the award looks like, but we'll make sure that we we bring it and bring the team to rec and you haven't seen the video that they that they did, it really is quite entertaining.

Are you guys getting recognition at city council meeting, though? That's an award.

Don't know that we did. I don't think so. But perhaps at the second November meeting, if that's okay.

I'm happy to make that. Make them aware. We request.

Yeah.

Yes. Okay.

I think there should be recognition. I'm sure they'll be happy to do it. They just don't know what they don't know.

It's entirely possible we were waiting because there's this level of work, but there's also, like, a grand prize at the award ceremony tomorrow that maybe we'll win that. So but all four of us, the primary people who were involved, Kent, myself Kent, who directed, I wrote it, and then our stars, Gina and Emily, all get to go to the awards ceremony tomorrow.

Oh, well, it would be nice for you guys to get some recognition.

Great.

And, how do I do that? Do I just say that the Board of Trustees are requesting a recognition by the City Council?

Yes, and I would just go ahead talk to our manager.

Okay.

Right.

Will do. Thank you. I'm yeah. I'm sorry I forgot to mention that too. And I I think you all got these too. We'll start to include these so that you can have them. Yes. Just what's going on there at the hunt. And I feel like I forgot something else, when I remember, I will. Permission to jump in.

Please, please. I want to thank Beaches. It's incredible for the short amount of time that you have been with us and how much you have learned and be able to share and be able to improve upon our excellent library already. I like what you say, when you walk into the library, it should represent the community. And we are a diverse culture community and be able to bring the Hispanic culture, the Korean culture and there's more, but that's a great start.

So thank you Ruth for doing that because those are really important celebrations for our community people and that itself is a great communication. It just like you feel like, oh God, they understand, they recognize, and I am part of the community. I feel belonging and I'm important. And I think that's very, very important. So thank you for doing that.

And also the great news about the Han library, thank you for following up with that as well too, because we know how many people have spent countless time, effort, everything to make it happen. We really didn't want it to go to a waste. It's such a jewel in our community and we want to be able to continue to serve the community and with a creative way would be really nice to know and continue to work with. And I also appreciate the recruitment effort that it's coming along so well and all the involvement and on point of what this library needs in our next leadership. I think that is very important.

So, please continue to help us get the top notch leader to come and join us and lead the library as well too.

Chen, can I comment on one thing One of the things that you have know that we have said that we wanted to amplify the community arts and culture, and so just this integrating is, you know, a step towards what we've been wanting to do? And so I really applaud we all applaud the fact that you were able to work with everyone and put that together. But this is kind of what we're looking for is that integration of our community, of arts and culture and it's just already part of the programming in addition to what we do want to add but we really appreciate that.

Oh, my pleasure. Yeah. Thanks to the staff.

They're great. No. And I think everyone's effort, joint effort, you know, from Mhmm. Beatrice to Ruth and Bethany, and all those that are not present, you know, in the room, every person is important and everyone's effort, I applaud and please do recognize every person's effort in making things possible and moving forward to the right direction. The question, the foundation had a donor appreciation just over the weekend with October Jess. I wonder, is anyone invited?

I was invited, but I was not able to attend.

Okay. I I did. I actually attend, but Oh. I was just wondering, am I supposed to invite anyone or just everything has come from the the foundation?

It's my understanding that it was totally planned by the foundation and I believe it was for donors and invited guests if I'm not mistaken.

I was contacted by Monica Torres from the foundation. She asked me for the name of all the trustees and so she was able to access that through the city information and then I just did you all receive a postcard? Okay. I I was out of town as well but I would have loved to have gone because I was really looking forward to jazz in July.

I wasn't sure if you are invited or not but I know I do contribute money but I did receive. So just want to make sure that we all work together when something like this that it will be nice for all the trustee to always be invited and be aware. Great. And that was a nice event. Everyone there was really enjoy and they did a really good job in putting everything together. Now, I think that's a good transition to go into, I didn't see foundation person here, I didn't see friends here, but could we see if anyone is online?

We do have one person who is online and unidentified, so they may either be a Friends or Foundation member or public comment. But since public comments follow Friends and Foundation comments Yes. Shall we just ask them if they would like to speak?

I think we want to see if the, can they verify if they are either representing foundation or representing the friends?

They are raising their hand. I'm going to allow them to talk. If you would call in user number one, if you would just state first if you are a Friends or Foundation member. And if you are not and would like to make a public comment, would you please wait until we call for public comments? I'm asking you to unmute now so that we can cover that.

Hi. It's Maureen Milton. Should I wait for public comments?

Please and thank you.

You know what? We don't have foundation or friends. So why don't we just move forward to the public comment?

All right. Maureen, then you are up.

Okay. Again, Maureen Milton, independent advocate for the disabled, handicapped, little people, and the mobily challenged. I have a question regarding I think your In N Out celebration is absolutely fantastic. Now is it from corporate In N Out, or is it from the local In N Out Fullerton In N Out stores because I just thought have you ever thought of having an In N Out party for all the kids when they get, you know, like, once a month and have them, if they can, come all come to the In N Out and have a party. And I think I think they'd enjoy that with all all the kids.

I don't know whether, as I say, how it can be done, but if it's done through corporate or if it's done through the individual stores. But I think the kids would have a ball if they would take their certificates and go it, oh, like, one time like, together if they possibly can. As I say, I don't know exactly how the situation is organized, but I think it'd be a lot of fun. I'd if I was a little kid, I'd love to go with with with all the other little kids that get their certificates too. And the other thing is Fullerton I've been out of commission for so long.

Is Fullerton going to get involved in the Olympics and is is the cultural, or are they opting out like Santa Monica? So, anyway, those are the two questions that I have, and I hope you like the idea about having a an In N Out party, if that's possible. So thank you so very much. Take care. Bye.

Thank you, Maureen. I think both your ideas are great. If E and O is pleased to sponsor any event, I think it can be an adult event, can be a kids event, will be quite popular. So maybe if the staff are reaching out, can look into whether it's a local sponsorship or a co sponsorship. Anytime, any event will be welcome and suggestion or the question about Olympic, I think it's nice to look into as well too as in LA and we are close to LA area.

So, whatever that we can create something connect with the Olympic and bringing some revenue to the city, I think that would be awesome. So, please look into that if it's possible.

There are some discussions about if and how or what it would look like to be able to partner and to market the city towards because we actually right down the road, right down the 57, all of the indoor volleyball events are going to be hosted at the Honda Center. I know that the OC vibe is going to be a lot of that area is going to be ready for for the Olympics. And you know, I know that I've been in communication with one of our our city council members in regards to that. She's quite passionate about it. So I know that there are discussions.

And thank you, Maureen, for calling in. I really appreciate your wellness check, and hope you're doing well. Miss seeing you. And you always have great ideas. So I always appreciate your feedback and appreciate you.

Do we have any more public comments?

There's no one else on Zoom. Okay. However, we do have a member of the public in in the room if you would like to speak to public comments.

Would you like to share?

I've my name is Sal Adota, a d d o t t a. I live over on North Lee for fifty years. I spent a short several years here as a part time librarian. I was at Placentia Library, Anaheim Public Library, Santa Ana College Library for almost thirty years. And I know happen to know Lisa, and she invited me to learn more about city government and the library because of my relationship.

And so thank you for the opportunity. I did have one question. I'm not sure who to whom I should address the question. I walked down Commonwealth Home to Harbor every day, and I noticed either late last week or early this week, the trash can that was right on Library Lane in Commonwealth is gone. Will that be replaced? You probably don't know. But

That is really outside the library department? See. If do you use that trash can? Is that something is that one that you use?

One I need to.

Okay. I can make a note of it and send it to the appropriate department, the corner of Commonwealth And Library Lane.

Right on the south the Northeast Corner, right behind the staff parking lot, right there on the corner. There's a bus stop there too, I believe.

I'll note it and send it to work. My pleasure.

I didn't wanna I didn't wanna start with that because that's something like almost negative. And now I find out it's really not a library function. The people don't know that. It's near the library, so maybe maybe it's like No.

But people come to the library will appreciate you have a trash can, and we enjoy seeing you. Thank you for your support, Sal.

And while you're doing that, may I suggest Commonwealth doesn't have enough trash cans, in my not so humble opinion. This is a lot of trash. So every once in a while, I actually pick it up and put it in a can if there's one near. Thank you very much.

Thank you for giving me.

I'm very excited to be here. And as long as you could put up with me, I will be here every month. Thank you so much. Thanks again, Lisa, for connecting me.

You have a very valuable voice and input, and I know that you've actually sat on quite a few interview panels as well over the years for for librarians.

I have been on. Yes I have and I

That has been noted.

Since you brought

it up.

That's been noted.

My, I would, if you could see how I could fit that need, I'd be very willing to do it. Thank you.

We're happy to see you, Sal. Thank you.

Welcome.

Should we move forward to consent calendar? Comments?

Yes, please. Oh, sorry.

I do have a comment. I should have probably said it, during my, like, open. In looking at what was given to us in our packet, the statistics for the Hunt branch, just wanted to point out. I know this is not something. I mean, I guess it's like expenditures or just the summary. Last year, the hunt branch in September had six programs with 158 participant attendees under zero to five, like the little littles. This year, same time period, only had three events with more participants. Like, just to see that growth over one year, I was like, yes. Like, crushing it. So, like, I would love it if we went back up to six programs, which would be great.

But the fact that we're still drawing in the same and more amount of people even with less programming means that we're doing something right with the hunt. I was very excited to look at those numbers.

Thank you. Me too.

I actually don't know if I do have something that I would like to recommend, but I don't know if you could, President Chen, tell me when we do that. Would that have been

What were you processing calendars?

In my early. Okay.

Or just go ahead and spill it While you remember. Well,

my question is that I would actually like to agendize an item for the next meeting. So if you could just tell me when that's appropriate to That mention

you were supposed to say earlier, but since you did not

I thought go that our reports were

more Just towards the go ahead because we're just starting content calendar, but just go ahead and say it. Okay. What you think Yeah. Was the quarter

will note it.

I'm ready.

I actually, and this really goes also with the discussion of the Hunt, so thank you for the very good segue. I'd like to agendize an item to discuss and review the acoustical needs of the Hunt Branch Library. I've gotten some feedback that it's impacting events and as a potential rebook for certain events that they wouldn't necessarily book again unless some changes were made. So I actually have talked with some people in that world and have access to some figures. So I would like to know if and when we might be able to agendize that.

Trustee Wozab, thank you for the question. I believe that that is a wish list item for the foundation. Yes, okay, the acoustic, it is on our list and what we can do is I can talk to staff and let's see when we can ask the foundation if we can go ahead and begin that process, but it was identified. Yes, thank you.

I do have documentation of quotes. There's been a walkthrough already, so I actually have access to those. So I don't know if it's the same figures that's being used, but.

Will we continue the meeting? The I wish list right here. Can let you know what

know that there's something here but I have access to that and someone that actually can speak on that so I didn't know if we would formally agendize or maybe that's something to go to have me approach foundation. I don't know. I just want to make sure that I follow my protocol.

No, thank you. I appreciate it so much. I think the protocol, Bethany or Ruth, please correct me if I'm wrong. What we have done to date with with me being here is we identify wishes item that the library is now ready to to go ahead and purchase or attain, and we take it to the foundation and let them know that we're ready to go ahead and do that. They approve it, then it comes to the Board of Trustees to accept, the the foundation's, willingness to now pay for an item on the wish list, and then we move forward to fulfill it.

There's no need to put it on the agenda. The foundation has been very gracious in supporting us and I think it's just a matter of timing that has to getting to the meetings to move forward.

Yeah. Thank you, President Chen. It really it really is. I mean, different things go on during the year, I know. And so sometimes in the year, just kind of lend itself to just be more convenient because sometimes the work, you know, is extensive, it can take away. So it does take some planning. But, I have it in front of me, and I'm going to find it because I know I know it's here. If you'd like to continue, you can, or I can I can let me go through this?

There there is one, piece of information that seems of value to mention at this time, which is that the foundation's agenda has been set for their October meeting, which

Correct.

They're probably not here tonight because they're this is one of those rare months where the fourth Tuesday is after the fourth Thursday. So but they also do not meet in November, and they have a more limited meeting in December. So this probably wouldn't be something we would be able to bring to them until January, but that would give us the time to research it.

Thank you, Bethany. She is correct. So it is here, the acoustic improvement for Hunt Library, and the cost that was estimated was a $100,000.

Great.

Yeah. And I'll just read it if you like just for a little more information with glasses on. As Hunt Library has transitioned from a full time library and event center with library services on 2.5 acres, the acoustics have been diminished. In an effort to decrease the sound level and increase the usability of the Hunt Library facility, we are proposing an evaluation of the acoustics to discover the best remedy. It could be a combination of audio equipment as well as physical enhancements that still honor the magnificent architecture.

The

installation of acoustic paneling to dampen the noise that is made in the facility. We have received feedback from our support groups and hold that hold meetings and events in the building can be difficult given the echo created by the unique architecture. The inclusion of acoustic paneling would help to dampen the noise and aid in the ability to maintain a room level volume throughout the building. Does that sound what people were telling you, Trustee? It

is. I'm also on

the board of

the Fullerton Education Foundation and another board member is the Assistant Superintendent of Technology, Jeremy Davis. And so I had asked him early on if he would do me a courtesy, do me a solid and go take a walk through. And since the district uses the hunt repeatedly and also too, I know that I shared this with when they had the esports event. One the things that helped with the sound abatement basically was pipe and drape through around the whole perimeter of the interior of the hunt, which could be somewhat economical. I'm in that industry, so kind of having an idea of what that might possibly cost to be able to have some of those heavier sound dampening panels with theater quality velvet draperies, something like that.

But he had actually walked with Judy early on, and so he had reached out to me again because they just had a big district wide in service. They utilized the hunt again, and because of my relationship I really have said, you know, it's right here. Please use this as much as possible. We want to make sure that we have the capability for that to be an ongoing partnership. And so he reached out to me about a week ago and said, Hey, could you possibly discuss this further?

Because this last event, it was rough. Okay. And so we actually also our main event that we do for the years, our Toast to Learning event, and we had even looked into and it just wasn't feasible because of the acoustics. We had had actually the first gala that had been at the Charleston and so actually since we were the first event there, they had a lot of challenges as well and I know that Jeremy consulted with them as well and other tech staff from the district to give them an idea of some suggestions and that has really changed. And I know that they didn't go through extensive you know, they didn't alter that historic space all that much to be able to improve the acoustics.

He had asked if I would possibly bring this forward and discuss it because it is an ongoing and obviously we all feel very passionate that we want the hunt to succeed and we need to be able to have it as much of a marquee spot as possible for whatever it is, either a wedding, meetings, breakout room, however it is used, that it is a multi functioning event space. So anyways, know all of us feel really passionate about making sure that it's successful.

Thank you. Yes. Okay. And I think Thank Bethany

is right because of the meeting schedule. Normally, it's a foundation meeting before us and they have feel like they have things to report on. Now because this month, we have it before them and so that could be the reason that they did not come. And also I know that Beatrice actually has great ideas about our exhibit at the Han Library. Is it because you were waiting for the foundation to approve, or timing wise, when would that be, report to the trustee?

Yes. So the way it is right now, we have it here. It's one of your items for regular business to look at. So because of the timing, then, it will come to you first, and then we are going to see the trustees next Tuesday.

Okay.

So and that's just because of the timing of the meeting change. Okay. Yeah.

Alright. Okay. Consent calendar. Anyone want to make a motion or there are still things that we forget to talk we need to talk now?

I move to approve the consent calendar.

I second that motion. Alright.

Okay. Let's move.

Okay. Joshua Dale is absent. Jennifer Sarves? Yes. Megan Watson? Yes. Lisa Wozab? Yes. And Su Lin Chen?

Yes. All right. Regular business, so first item is about circulation desk enhancement. Could we hear from our director?

Absolutely. So this item before you was is on the wish list with the foundation and the recommendation here is to approve funding of up to $5,500 from the foundation on a reimbursement basis for a new system bookcases with doors to enhance the circulation desk. There is no physical impact to the library. We'd totally be funded with the donation from the foundation. And there you have below, just a a quick summary of the wishes items that were presented to the foundation back in June.

And this is one item. So on the second page, we'll give you a quick summary of what it looks like. It was prepared back by Judy, and it really is to to enhance security, improve accessibility. Aesthetically, it would just serve as well and better program visibility as it does include relocating the existing television from the passport office to the front desk area where it will be mounted between two of the cabinets and to increase visibility of library programs, announcements, and other promotional content for patrons as they enter the building or checking out their materials at the front. And there's also a picture of a visual concept for you.

Right. Looks very nice. Okay. Let's see. Is there any public comments on this?

We do not have any hands raised in Zoom nor anyone approaching the podium.

Okay. Any trustee comments?

I had a question about reusing what's there now. Are you going to find a space for for what's what's there now? Reuse it? Get rid of it? What's the what's the plan?

I have to tell you, I'll have to get back. I don't I don't know. I don't even know if there's anything there right now. Is that I'm to I'm trying to visualize.

There's some shelving.

There there is some shelving.

As far as I know, don't have a plan to reuse that because it's fairly built in and to remove it is likely to destroy it.

Great. Thank you.

Thank you.

Then I move to, approve the funding request.

I second. I second.

Oh. Alright.

Let's take a vote.

Jennifer Sarves? Yes. Megan Watson? Yes. Lisa Wojsak? Yes. And Seling Chen?

Yes. Thank you.

All right, business regular business item number two, local history room digitization of the News Tribune funding request with the library foundations. So could we hear from our director?

Absolutely. This is a very exciting program. So there was plans to look at digitizing the Fullerton News Tribune, and with the funding from the foundation that will go toward the hiring of a contract person that will be able to digitize all of the issues. It is a three year project, so this program will work, year by year. We're hoping We would like to say that the same person would be here for three years, but we cannot guarantee that.

So for that reason, on a reimbursement basis annually, we will receive the money from the foundation to pay for the to reimburse the city, I should say, for the cost of the contract employee before you. And it is part of the archival access for all project to digitize it for a for a ten year tribune.

How early are the issues starting date wise?

You know, I know it's over a hundred years. Yeah. I wanna say what did I hear? Nineteen nineteen thirty eight? I don't know what's in my mind. But I know it's about a 100 years of

or The Golden Age of the Good Old Tribune back in the day.

So it's really great because there is somebody that is actually helping with this effort, and it's being funded right now by the heritage group. And now to continue going on, that's where this money will come in to be able to have this person go ahead and continue with the project.

So the person is, like, an actual archivist, someone that has experience Yes. With Okay.

Yes.

I was like, I'll scan stuff. You guys want volunteers, I'll come help. But, yeah, I don't I don't wanna touch something that's a 100 years old.

I will say Sherry has been very happy with the work of this person, and we're very excited about it being another aspect of our digital archive and expanding that, and that we're very excited that Sherry and I had also sought potentially having an internship through one of the archival studies or MLIS programs. However, since we do not have the capacity to fund anything and would only have been able to offer college credit, we weren't able to obtain that. And so we approached the foundation with this request.

But they have lots of history, so it's nice to maintain that and digitalize. So we'll last. Great. Any public comments on this?

We do have Maureen waiting to

speak Can we start with Sal

first? Yes, please, Sal.

Maureen, I'm going to ask you to unmute as soon as Sal is done talking.

Thank you. Will they be starting from the very first issues?

No. We are talking about, digitalization of Fullerton news tribune.

That's the first first issues in news tribune.

Oh. Yes. Yes. Sorry.

That's okay. That's my understanding.

Thank you. Wait. That's all? That was

my There's the

first one,

not the last one.

They're starting older oldest

Thank you.

Alright. Maureen, I'm asking you to unmute. And then once you have done so and can start speaking, your three minutes will start.

Hi. Maureen Milton again. Now you're talking about the Fullerton News Tribune that used to have a facility over on Valencia. It was a full fledged newspaper. Is that the one you're talking about?

Yes, ma'am.

And I can't remember whether it was a daily newspaper when I first moved here or if it was a weekly newspaper. But it if if it was a daily newspaper, are they going to archive all all the issues? And, also, are they going to I think the Fullerton News Tribune, at least they used to when I subscribed to the register, on Thursdays, they had an issue of the Fullerton News Tribune. It was just a little you know, a few pages. I I don't know if they still have it or not, but is that going to include that, and is it gonna go all the way back to the beginning?

So that's what I was curious about. And it will be interesting because you it to find out how the city has changed. So I appreciate and looking forward to the answer. Thanks, love. Bye.

Thank you.

Do want anything Just to answer the question, it was a six day a week newspaper. It has a Wikipedia page. It's the North County News Tribune. That's what it was called by the time it folded into the register in 1992. Because I had never heard of this newspaper because I was a wee child when it got folded in. But, yeah, it was a six day a week, and it started in technically 1891.

More than that.

But really, it was in 1926 that it became like a big because it merged with a couple of other papers and became a bigger thing. There's a whole Wikipedia page about it guys.

Thank you very much. It's my understanding whether it's weekly or daily they have all of them would be digitized which is really exciting.

I remember that paper used to be the one that we read for local information because everything else they talk about a bigger place that it's different but this one gives a lot more, you know, neighborhood information.

So sorry, update. It moved to a weekly publication schedule in 1985, but prior to that, it was Orange County's longest running daily newspaper. Yeah. But in 1985, it became weekly.

Right. Right. Daily becomes weekly and then

So she

has a lot to do

in the beginning.

If you're familiar with when Cal State Fullerton changed all the selection or the library of the oral history, do you remember when they did that? Yeah, they digitized all of that. They had a whole, at Cal State Fullerton, a whole oral history collection they digitized. I know that that was a multi year project as well.

Oh, their special collections team is amazing.

I was really amazed. I actually was over at the Fox and spoke to somebody from the Fox Theater Foundation, and he had actually been a student at Fullerton High School, and he had a teacher's aid period, and they put him in the stacks in the history. It's amazing the collection that is over there at Fullerton High School. It would be really great if maybe we could have an exhibit, a Fullerton High School exhibit at the hunt. Might be really nice at some point.

Well, think with the Tribune we will be able to collect lots of history, local history. So I think it's great. Anyone ready to make a motion?

I move that we accept the donation.

I will second.

I was

like, I can do it.

You. Sarvis? Yes. Megan Watson? Yes. Lisa Wozab? Yes. And Celine Chen? Yes.

All right. So item number three, it's the funding request to Fullerton Foundation, Library Foundation for Once Upon a Sketch story across many cultural exhibit. This is so exciting. Can we hear more about it?

Absolutely. This one comes with pictures and everything. So, we've mentioned this earlier and this is the item that we will be taking to the foundation on Tuesday. It is here before you for your acceptance and approval. It is funding of up to $2,500 from the foundation restricted account and including an opening reception scheduled for Thursday, November 20 from two to four.

It is called Once Upon a Sketch, Stories About Many Cultures, and it will cast a spotlight on two local artists who studied in Fullerton as well as other international artists. The exhibit will bridge the gap between language and cultures through the use of art and literature. These artists continue to create literature and art that enriches future generations through an interactive exhibit where kids are invited to read books and view the artwork. Books will be available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese and be on display from November 20 to February 12. And if you look at the pages, the pictures are just beautiful.

So we're very excited for this event, and we really want to thank Amy Owl for her continued help with curating those collections that come to the Hunt Gallery. We're happy to answer any questions you have.

I have

Oh, sorry. Go ahead.

I have a question. So we have three pages on this, and two of the pages say it will highlight two local artists, and one of them says it will highlight three local artists. And I was just wondering which of the artists are the local artists because it doesn't say

Well, there's I mean, the points. Of the five that are listed, you mean, the Yeah. Bottom of the second page? I don't know which one are local. We will find that out at the opening.

I will just Google all of them.

I can get back to you.

We'll make sure that highlight that in the article when it goes out in the newsletter.

Yeah. Yes. Thank you.

When my I was reading this and showing my daughter, she said, I wanna hang that picture in my room. So I was wondering if the artist's work is going to have like a QR code that directly links to their website or if there's going be things. I know that a point of service at the library all those times that it's open is maybe not the right thing. I know that some of these things at least in print or if they're in in books or something like that or sticker form or some postcard or something. I know that there would already for my daughter would be interest in in purchasing the the actual artwork.

So I don't know if that's something that can either be part of the opening or can be part of certain days a week, but I would love to, obviously support these artists and their work, financially, because I would love to help my daughter put one of those pictures on her room.

We will get more information. I'm not sure when the exhibits get to the hunt, if they're ever for purchase. That's not something I've heard, but we're happy to find out, and we're really excited to be able to invite them and what a great way to incorporate literature and reading. And there'll be a couple of, with a story time and also a draw your own character in many books that we hope you see.

Oh, already I read that to her, and she was like, I'm going to that.

We have one person coming.

Oh, no. We

could we think about a way if it's hosted by the foundation, then maybe the foundation can get a cut from the sales. And then obviously, the artist will have the big portion, but because of the facility usage, right, utilities, everything, the staff, I think that might be another way of bringing some revenue for us as well too. And there are lots of people that will be interested.

Thank you. And I will I've I've I've that down, and I will get in touch with Amy All. She is the one that, works with the the Fullerton Museum, right, to be able to help us create these. So we'll get more information, but if there is a way that to help artists to to encourage them and and through purchasing or or helping them financially, we'll see what we can do. Thank you.

President Chen, will this exhibit be still up during Lunar New Year?

Not according to What the is the date? Last date, 02/12/2026.

Lunar New Year's the February 17.

We can't just drag our feet a few days. It'll be nice.

Close the doors.

Lock them.

I have a question about so, obviously, I do. I love the art. I agree. I would hang several of these pictures. But there is one that is clearly, like, the cover of a book, and the artist is just the artist of the book. Are the other pieces also book? Like, pieces from books? Or are they standalone art? Like, because I don't know. Jennifer Grey Olsen's pieces look like the same character, so I was wondering if they're from a story. Like, they're she was

the illustrator for a story.

It looks like it. I mean, I don't know. The ones I'm looking at, it does say the story by one person in the pictures were drawn by another person. Where is this? Jimin Lee and Song Lee Kim.

I like the little girl reaching for the cat. I have a cat themed bath. Oh, no. I love that one. I well, I like her with the alligator too. Like, it's

so super cute. I think part of this will also be we'll find out just where where their prints are, where are they located. Are they stand alone prints? Are they part of a book cover? Are they illustrators? I will get you more information about that.

You might want to also cross reference and find out if they have an Etsy site. I've used actually used artwork from artists for events, event artwork through Etsy. So this might be available through Etsy.

I'll reach out to Amy. She probably has more information that we can pass on to all of you.

And I know we have one, oh no I'm going to forget the name of it, glass case. Available for use in this. Do we know if there's any other major purchases like that that need to happen? I know that this is a pretty low amount for an exhibit. I don't know where these are going to be, if they're going to be framed or on the wall or if they're going to be incorporated into the space. Just just to I guess to think about the the other ramifications that I know we came into with this last exhibit that caused for a doubling or even quadrupling of the of the original class. Just to

take all those into I'll confer with Amy.

Great.

I guess my brain didn't think about this. Is this replacing the Florence Arnold? So it'll be all tucked in that little room.

Yeah. Yeah. I think that is a point. So that it it's a small

It's very small.

I'm just It's a very small to get kids right.

Right. It's all gonna be tucked away in there.

I think the concern is because you want to rent out a big space for events. And so you keep that room as an art exhibit, unless you have a movable. So you can take it out art exhibit and then put it away during event time.

It sounded like there were events that were going to be incorporated with So it yeah.

Yeah. But that's a that's a great that's a great point though because this is a fully this is a very different experience than going in to see Florence Arnold pieces.

Correct.

So similar to how you do an exhibit, are we going to stage this some way where it's going to be more child friendly? Is there going to be bean bags or you know flexible seating or something where they can sit and reflect in a more childlike manner to be able to appreciate the art.

I've only been in that room once, but I believe that there is a bench in the middle of the room. And so I think that is the idea. And I believe that the art that I saw wasn't really hung very high, So I'm kind of hoping that and I'm not sure how movable that is. Do you know, like, if if

I am sorry. I don't

I don't know. Yeah. The current one is a very, very much for adults because of the museum for you to look only, not touching and obvious a KISS museum you embody touching. So, your idea is great, but I think has to do lots of thinking about creativity because Or to be more immersive. Yes, for

it to be a more immersive experience.

And, sorry to interrupt, but to answer Jennifer's question about larger purchases being made, I spoke with Amy, and, she gave me the total amount. And she said this is because after what happened with the vitrine and all, I wanted to make sure that this didn't happen again. And she said, no. It's all included. If we need extra vitrines we actually have some with the children's department. So we're covered.

With the size of the vitrine, I'm just wondering if multiple pieces can be put into the vitrine.

I'm not sure what the size of the collection is and if this is really all the pieces that we're going to have. But I'll get with Amy because if there are going to be books available, oh, absolutely. Absolutely. My understanding would be that they'd be by the library, but it would be interesting to know, like, what will be there available. So and I agree. It is a very different exhibit, and it is a great way to to get children to to be exposed to art like this and have the experience of looking at something and what do you how does it make you feel and think about

And the question to Emmy maybe how can you enhance it, right? And what would be the the money amount that is needed and see if it's possible to put into our library request, with the foundation, see if that will be working or not.

Will do. And I know that she works also closely with Jaime who's there, so I'll check with him because I'm sure the literature part is going to he'll have his hand in there too, so it'll be interesting how they're working together as well. Great. So I will get back to you. Thank you.

Does that require us to, like, purchase additional books for our collection to have these books on hand and because that's probably not included in Amy's cost of the museum exhibit. So just to think about having those in the circulation Right. As well as keeping some there for display only maybe. So I yeah. Just to bring it back to Amy to not to be like, let's spend more money, but like, let's make it good.

My guess would be that that whenever I know I've been a part of things like this is that we make sure that there are copies that are part of the collection past the exhibit. But we I will double check on on that too. Thank you.

We haven't had a public comments, right? We get so excited. So could we see if there are any public comments?

If there are, raise your hand or approach the podium. Seeing neither, I believe we are okay.

No. I think it's great to see all the enthusiasm coming from our trustees. All right. Anyone ready to make a motion?

I'm I move to approve the funding request

for the exhibit Once Upon a Sketch, which I also love that name. So good. I second.

Thank you.

Let's Okay. Take vote.

Jennifer Sarvis? Yes. Megan Watson? Yes. Lisa Wojzab? Yes. And Su Lin Chen?

Yes. And that's all we have for today, right? Okay. Everyone has a great night. Drive home safely.

Thank you.

Thank you.