Res. No. 227
Resolution calling upon the New York State legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.9217/S.6893, in relation to the membership and duties of the Board of Trustees and the oversight of the Executive Director and key library executive personnel of the Queens Borough Public Library.
By Council Members Constantinides, Van Bramer, Mendez, Richards, Koslowitz and Ulrich
Whereas, The Queens Borough Public Library is an independent not-for-profit corporation that receives the majority of its operational funding from the City; and
Whereas, The Library system serves 2.3 million New Yorkers at 62 locations, seven Adult Learning Centers and two Family Literacy Centers; and
Whereas, It is guided by a 19-member Board of Trustees; and
Whereas, Recent news reports raised issues concerning the Library's exorbitant spending on administrative offices, a lack of proper oversight by the Board of Trustees, and the salary of the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO); and
Whereas, It was reported in the news media that the Library's President and CEO spent large sums of money on his executive office renovations, including the construction of a rooftop deck; and
Whereas, According to testimony before the New York City Council, the Library's President and CEO stated that public funds were not used for such renovations, and that capital projects bid at $35,000 or more are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees; and
Whereas, The Library's Board of Trustees approved the office renovations, which cost approximately $140,000, however, it currently has no authority over the design process and which items are purchased; and
Whereas, Although public funds may not have been used for the renovations, many question whether this was an appropriate use of any type of funding stream, while other library branches have more serious capital needs, and janitorial services were contracted out as a cost savings to the Library; and
Whereas, Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry and Senator Michael Gianaris introduced A.9217/S.6893, respectively, to address the reports regarding the questionable spending and the apparent deficiencies in oversight at the Queens Borough Public Library; and
Whereas, This legislation would reform the operations of the Board of Trustees and improve the Library's overall governance, and bring more transparency and accountability to the Library; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.9217/S.6893, in relation to the membership and duties of the Board of Trustees and the oversight of the Executive Director and key library executive personnel of the Queens Borough Public Library.
LS#1336
5/8/14
4:40 p.m.
TC