HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4.A 04/21/2014(9)
DATE: April 21, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: John C. Brown, City Manager
Agenda Item #4.A
SUBJECT: Resolution Approving the First Amended And Restated Joint Powers Agreement
For The County -Wide Provision Of Library Services By The Sonoma County
Library.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving the First Amended
and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the County -Wide Provision of Library Services by the
Sonoma County Library, and authorizing the City Manager to execute said Agreement.
BACKGROUND
The Sonoma County Library was established in 1975 with a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA).
JPA membership consists of the County of Sonoma, and the cities of Healdsburg, Petaluma,
Santa Rosa, and Sonoma. A seven member Library Commission (the Commission) governs the
Library. The County Board of Supervisors (the Board) appoints five of the seven members; the
cities of Petaluma and Santa Rosa have one representative each. Today there are library branches
in most of the cities in Sonoma County, but only the aforementioned entities can vote on
amendments to the JPA. Changes to the JPA require unanimous approval.
In 2012, the Board asked the Sonoma County Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association to
initiate a review of the Joint Powers Agreement due to challenges at the Library and changes in
demographics, technology, and finances since 1975. The cities agreed to participate in the
review with the Commission and the Board, and formed the Sonoma County Library JPA
Review Advisory Committee (the Committee).
The Committee has been meeting since October 2012, solicited input from library advocates,
staff, managers, and the Library Advisory Boards (LABs) for each branch, and conducted
outreach. Based on its work, the Committee developed proposed revisions to the JPA. Proposed
revisions were circulated in September 2013 to the Board and each City Council for comment.
The Petaluma City Council received a presentation on the draft amendments from County staff
Agenda Review:
City Attorney Finance Director
City Manager
on October 7, 2013. The Council's comments were provided to the Committee on October 22,
2013, prior to the Committee's requested November 1, 2013 deadline (Attachment 1).
Council expressed the strongest concerns with two sections of the proposed JPA, "Membership",
and "Service, Resources, and Facilities". but also commented on provisions contained in the
"Governance" section. Those concerns were associated with the number of votes assigned to
each jurisdiction, and with the "equity" issues raised by local fundraising. In the first instance,
the Council felt each member jurisdiction should have one vote, rather than assigning two votes
each to the County or to the City of Santa Rosa. In the second instance, the Council felt that
allowing hours and staffing to be expanded in those communities capable of raising sufficient
funds to do so can result in inequities; the communities with less resources will have less access
to services, while the communities with more resources will have more access.
The Committee reviewed the concerns of all respondents in November 2013, and revised the
draft JPA amendments. That draft was presented to Council in January 2014. That draft differed
from the November draft, chiefly in that the Member ship section was modified to provide each
member entity one representative on the Library Commission, and the Services, Resources and
Facilities section allowed for local fundraising if authorized by a 2/3 vote of the Commission to
approve community -funded hours. Council was in favor of the former change, but did not
support the latter. That position was conveyed to County staff in January 2014 (Attachment 2).
With respect to that version of the Amended JPA the Board of Supervisors continued to ask for
two representatives on the Commission. Santa Rosa indicated a preference for maintaining the
same number as the County.
Based on the input of the Board and the cities in late 3013/early 2014, the Committee
unanimously recommends one further set of changes: removing the option for community -
funded hours for particular branches, and a compromise that provides each jurisdiction with one
seat on the Library Commission, with an additional seat to be shared between the County and
Santa Rosa. These changes were approved at the Committee's April 7, 3014 meeting.
Regarding the joint appointment, the draft Amended JPA (Attachment 3) provides that Santa
Rosa and the County will advertise the vacancy, accept applications, review the applications, and
forward them to the City of Santa Rosa Mayor and Chair of the Sonoma County Board of
Supervisors for consideration. Interviews would be held if deemed appropriate. The Mayor and
Chair would then jointly recommend one Commissioner candidate to the Sonoma County Board
of Supervisors and the Santa Rosa City Council, who would each be asked to approve the
recommended candidate, with such approval not unreasonably withheld. The term for this
position is recommended for four years.
As was noted in the January 6, 2014 report to the Council, the Advisory Committee recommends
we approve the Amended JPA, as it retains and enhances the most valuable features of the
current Agreement. This includes one countywide system; dedicating the current portion of
property taxes to the Library; retaining the Library as an independent organization; and
continuing to have Library Advisory Boards in each community.
7
The Advisory Committee also recommends a number of changes to the existing JPA. These
include:
• Expanding membership to include every city in the County so that all jurisdictions have a
role in decision-making, and so that each member has at least one vote on a new Library
Commission;
• Removing the Board of Supervisors from the role of providing final budget approval,
giving the Library Commission complete budget and employment authority;
• Making explicit the Library's authority to levy taxes with a 2/3 vote of the entire Library
Commission, in addition to all other legal requirements that must be met for a tax
increase;
• Requiring approval from the relevant jurisdiction before exercising powers of eminent
domain;
• Requiring leases for all buildings not owned by the Library;
• Requiring an equal number of core hours;
• Providing an appeals process for the Library Director's decisions on key issues such as
collections and facilities;
• Requiring a strategic plan at least once every ten years;
• Increasing the role for the LABS including a designated liaison and annual reports from
each LAB to the Commission; and
• Requiring a review of the JPA every ten years.
Lots were drawn the last Committee meeting, to determine the length of terms for each
jurisdictions; the terms to run two or four years to provide for continuity through membership
changes. Petaluma drew a four-year term, beginning in August, 3014.
The Advisory Committee has asked all cities to review and approve the Agreement by May 21,
3014. This is the action recommended to the Council, and a corresponding resolution is attached
for your approval. The Council could also reject the Amended JPA as it does not reflect its
previous policy choice with respect to representation, or the Council can approve the agreement,
conditioned on restoration of prior language providing only one vote to each member entity.
Council action to implement this last alternative would require Staff to prepare the appropriate
resolution for Council consideration and approval at its May 5, 2014 meeting.
If an Agreement is unanimously approved by those entities who may currently vote, the
Amended JPA is scheduled to take effect on August 1, with the first meeting of the new Library
Commission to be held on August 4.
The Committee has also asked all cities to complete appointments to the Library Commission by
mid-July 2014. Mr. Tim May is currently the Council's appointed representative to the
Commission; his existing four-year term expires in early 2015. If it is the Council's wish to
retain Mr. May as its representative to the Library Commission, the Council may wish to re-
appoint him to that position, so that his term is consistent with the four year term that would
begin in August 2014. It that is the Council's wish, this position can be addressed in June, at the
same time as other Council appointments are made.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
None estimated at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
1.
October 22, 2013 letter
2.
January 7, 2014 letter
J.
Revised Draft Amended JPA
4.
Resolution
4
5
Ni
David Glas!
Mm,or
Chris Albertson
Teresa Barrett
Milic Harris
Mike Healy
Gabe Kearnev
Kalbv Miller
Counctitnembers
Cit), Alartager's Office
11 English Street
Petahnm, CA 9495'
Phone (707) 7784345
Fax (707) 778-4419
E -Mail:
cirymgrnci petaLm+a.ea.ar
Economic Development
Phone (707) 778-4549
Far (1-07) 7784586
Housing Division
Phone (/07) 778-4555
Fax (707) 778- 4586
Haman Resources Division
Phone (707) 778-1539
Fax (707) 778-4539
Information Technolaar Division
Phone (707) 7784417
Fax (707) 776-3623
Risk hlmmgetnent Division
Phone (707) 776-3695
Fav (70.%) 776-3697
ATTACHMENT 1
UITY OF PETALUMA
POST OFFICE Box 61
PETALUNLA, CA 94953-0061
October 22, 2011
Mr. Don Schwartz, Administrative Analyst III
Sonoma County Administrator's Office
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Dear Mr. Schwartz:
Thank you again for your presentation to the Petaluma City Council on October 7,
2013, regarding the Sonoma County Library Draft Amended Joint Powers
Agreement.
As you are aware from the Council's conversation during and following your
presentation, Council members had concerns in two areas of the Draft Amended
Agreement, and with comments provided by members of the governing bodies of
other member jurisdictions regarding governance structure. This letter is to provide
the Petaluma City Council's comments regarding their concerns to the Review
Advisory Committee prior to your requested November 1, 2013 deadline.
With respect to language that would allow a community to utilize locally raised
funds to staff additional library hours in that community only, the City Council feels,.
as do the members of the Petaluma Library Advisory Board, that this presents an
"equity" issue. Some communities will have particularly effective fundraising
functions, or populations of sufficient size to fund these additional hours, while
others will not. Over time, this could result in inequity of access to services: those
communities with the least means will have less access to services while those with
more will have more. Related to this concern is the instability any additional hours,
and in particular staffing that may be added through fundraising efforts can create.
This instability will no doubt result in complications in labor relations, and certainly
affect the job security of any positions added from fund-raising sources. One of the
main purposes of the JPA is to provide consistent and equal services to member
libraries throughout the County. Fundraising efforts should be limited to
improvements to capital facilities, or directed to materials equipment and
furnishings.
While Council members may differ by degree with the strength of conviction on this
issue, it is accurate to say there is unanimity on the part of the Council with respect
to this position. The Council also has concerns with provisions of the Draft that
appear to provide the JPA with taxing authority that it currently does not, and should
not have. Any effort to increase the Library System's tax base should be based on
actions of each member jurisdiction, not the JPA Board; the results of those votes
should be unanimous, and of course, must then be approved by the voters.
With respect to the comments provided by other elected bodies regarding governance
structure, in the first instance, that the County and the City of Santa. Rosa should
have more than one vote each, the Petaluma City Council respectfully disagrees.
Each member jurisdiction should have one vote. In the second instance, that
representatives on the JPA board should be elected officials, the City Council also
disagrees. The language of the JPA is currently silent on this point; it should be left
to each of the members to decide who will best represent their interests.
On the whole, as you heard, the City Council is enthusiastic about the progress that
has been made thus far on the Draft JPA, and is looking forward to a successful
conclusion to this project.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. If you have any questions regarding this
letter, please do not hesitate to contact me at (707) 778-4345.
Sincerely,
John C. Brown
City Manager
cc: Petaluma City Council
Tim May, 1 Grossland Way, Petaluma, CA 94952
N
ATTACHMENT2
POST OFFICE Box 61
PETALUMA, CA 94953-0061
David Glass
Afayor
January 7, 2014
Chris Albertson
Teresa Barrett
Mike Harris
alike Healy
Gabe Kearney
Katbv Millerr
Mr. Don Schwartz, Administrative Analyst III
Coancilinembers
Sonoma County Administrator's Office
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Dear Mr. Schwartz:
The Petaluma City Council considered the most recent revisions to the Sonoma
County Library Draft Amended Joint Powers Agreement at its January 6. 2014
meeting. The Council found the revised draft acceptable in all provisions excepting
two, and as such, did not approve the Draft. With respect to those two issues,
"Governance" and "Local Funding", the Council has the following comments:
The majority of the City Council agrees with the position of the County Board of
Ch), Manager's Office
Supervisors, that it should have two seats on the new Library Board, and would
11 English Sneer
Pelalunm, CA 94952
approve a JPA containing that provision. It is the Council's continuing position,
however, that each city should have an equal voice on the Board and will not
(707) 778-4345
PhoneFav
Fm (707) 778-4479
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approve an Amended Draft if it provides any city more seats on the Board than are
E -Mail:
held by any other cities.
cf pangr @ci.Petaluma. ca. us
Regarding the Local Funding issue, the Council maintains the position conveyed to
you in my October 22, 2013 letter. For the reasons stated in that letter, the Council
Economic Dnlelopment
will not approve the Amended .TPA if it continues to include language that allows the
Phone (707) 778-4549
Fax (707) 778-4586
Local Funding option.
Hanring Division
The Petaluma Council is very appreciative of the hard work that has gone into this
Phone (707) 778-4555
Fax (707) 775-.x586
project, and looks forward to its successful completion. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact me at (707) 775-4345.
Human Resources Division
Phone (707) 778-1534
Fac (70 7) 778-4539
Sincerely,
Gujnnnnfimu Techhone (707) 7-44Division
Phone (707,) 778-4417
/l /
Faar (707) 776-3673
Risk Management Division
John C. Brown
Phone (7(171776-3695
Far (707) 776-3697
City Manager
a
cc: Petaluma City Council
®
Tim May. Chair, Sonoma County Library Commission, 211 E Street, Santa Rosa 95404
N
AAftcc ll mcn� 3
First Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement
for the County -Wide Provision of Library
Services by the Sonoma County Library
This First Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the County -Wide
Provision of Library Services by the Sonoma County Library ("Agreement") is made and entered
into pursuant to the provisions of Title 1, Division 7, Chapter 5, Article 1 (Sections 6500 et seg.)
of the California Government Code relating to the joint exercise of powers among the Parties
hereto, and amends the original Joint Powers Agreement dated January 27, 1975 (the "Original
Agreement").
RECITALS
A. In the Original Agreement, the County of Sonoma and the Cities of Santa Rosa,
Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Sonoma created a separate joint powers authority entity pursuant to
California Government Code Sections 6500, et seg (the "JPA Act") named the Sonoma County
Library, which was established for the purpose of consolidating their existing public library
services and continuing the operation of free public library services throughout the County of
Sonoma.
B. The Sonoma County Library is a county free library pursuant to California
Education Code Sections 19100, et seg., a local agency pursuant to California Revenue and
Taxation Code Section 95(m), and a special district pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation
Code Section 2216.
C. The Sonoma County Library has been successful in providing county -wide free
public library services to the public in the County of Sonoma, providing community education
and literacy services, and fulfilling its mission since its creation on January 27, 1975.
D. The Parties to this Agreement hereby desire to continue the Sonoma County
Library and the provision of free public library services throughout the County of Sonoma, and
to amend the Original Agreement with respect to the terms and provisions set forth herein.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth
below, the executing Parties agree to the following terms and provisions:
I. PURPOSE
A. Amended and Restated Agreement. The purpose of this Agreement is to modify
and amend the Original Agreement with respect to matters relating to membership, governance,
administration, and operations of the Sonoma County Library ("Library"), a JPA Act entity. The
terms and provisions of this Agreement replace the Original Agreement in its entirety. Unless
expressly stated herein, this Agreement does not affect any of the Library's contracts, debts,
revenues, claims, obligations, policies, procedures, or bylaws that pre -date this Agreement,
which will continue to remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms and/or
applicable law.
ver. 4-1-14
I
B. Continuation of the Sonoma County Library as a JPA Act Public Entity. The
parties to the Original Agreement created the Library as a distinct public entity, separate and
apart from the parties to such agreement, pursuant to the provisions of the JPA Act (Government
Code Section 6506) and Education Code Sections 19100, et seq. It is the intent of the Parties
that, under this Agreement, the Library continue as a distinct public entity under the JPA Act and
other applicable law. Pursuant to Government Code Section 6508.1, the debts, liabilities or
obligations of the Library shall not be debts, liabilities or obligations of the individual Parties to
this Agreement, unless the governing body of a Party expressly agrees in writing to assume any
of the debts, liabilities or obligations of the Library.
C. Library Services Provided. The Library shall be responsible for operating,
managing, and administering the integrated free public library system in the County of Sonoma,
consistent with the terms of this Agreement.
D. Commitment to County -Wide Library System. The Parties to this Agreement
agree to collaborate and work cooperatively with one another and the Library in good faith to
ensure the provision of library services to Sonoma County citizens across the regional county-
wide library system.
H. POWERS
A. General Powers. The Library shall have the powers common to the Parties to this
Agreement that are necessary or convenient to the operation of the free public library system in
the County of Sonoma, as well as other powers accorded to it by law, subject to the restrictions
set forth herein.
B. Specific Powers. The Sonoma County Library is authorized in its own name to
perform all acts necessary for the exercise of common powers to carry out this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, the following:
I . To make and enter into contracts;
2. To employ agents and employees;
3. To obtain legal, Financial, accounting, technical, and other services as
needed to carry out its mission;
4. To acquire, construct, manage, maintain and operate any buildings, works,
or improvements;
5. To acquire, hold, lease, or dispose of property;
6. To incur debts, liabilities, and obligations, including but not limited to
loans from private lending sources pursuant to its temporary borrowing powers such as
Government Code §§ 53850, et seq., and authority under the JPA Act;
To issue revenue bonds and other forms of indebtedness;
ver. 4-1-14
9
8. To impose, levy, collect or cause to be collected, to receive and use sales
taxes, parcel taxes, Mello Roos taxes, property taxes, special taxes, or any other type of tax or
assessment, as authorized by law;
9. To apply for, accept, and receive all permits, grants, loans, or other aids
from any federal, state, or local public agency;
10. To receive and administer trusts, gifts, contributions, and bequests, as well
as receive donations of property, funds, services and other forms of financial assistance, from
any person, entity, or agency;
11. To sue and be sued in its own name;
12. To promulgate, adopt, and enforce any ordinances, policies, rules and
regulations as may be necessary and proper to implement and effectuate the terms, provisions,
and purposes of this Agreement; and
13. To exercise all powers reasonable or necessary to accomplish the
foregoing
C. Eminent Domain. The Library shall not have the power to acquire property by
eminent domain unless the Member having jurisdiction over the subject property has expressly
Ur it such power in writing. Alternatively, Members may exercise their own eminent
domain powers for the benefit of the Library. The Members shall work cooperatively and in
good faith with the Library to address any eminent domain issues for the benefit of the regional
library system.
D. Restriction on Exercise of Powers. Pursuant to the JPA Act (i.e., Government
Code Sections 6508 and 6509), all common powers exercised by the Library shall be exercised
in a manner consistent with, and subject to, the restrictions and limitations upon the exercise of
such powers as are applicable to the County of Sonoma, a general law county.
III. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM
A. Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective on August 1, 2014, or the
date by which the governing bodies of all of the parties to the Original Agreement (the County of
Sonoma and the Cities of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Sonoma) have executed this
Agreement, whichever is later. Such date shall be the "Effective Date" for purposes identified
herein.
B. Term. This Agreement shall remain effective until it is terminated in accordance
with the provisions set forth below in Section XLA, subject to the rights of individual Parties to
withdraw from the Library.
N. MEMBERSHIP
A. Current JPA Members. Prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement, the sole
Members of the Sonoma County Library are the County of Sonoma and the Cities of Santa Rosa,
Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Sonoma. These parties shall remain Members of the Library after the
Effective Date of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions herein.
3
ver. 4-1-14
B. Membership Eligibility. After the Effective Date of this Agreement, other
incorporated cities within the geographic boundaries of the County of Sonoma may also become
Members of the Library. To become a Member, the governing body of a city must: (1) approve
of and request membership in writing; (2) execute this Agreement; and (3) present such
documents to the Library Commission. Admission of a new Member under this provision shall
not require this Agreement to be modified or amended.
C. "Member" Defined. For the purposes of this Agreement and after its Effective
Date, the term "Member" shall refer to the County of Sonoma and any incorporated city within
the geographic boundaries of the County which: (1) are eligible to join the Library as a Member
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; (2) have signed this Agreement as a Party; and (3)
have satisfied all other requirements to become a Member set forth herein.
V. LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARDS
A. LAB Creation. The Library shall establish a Library Advisory Board (`LAB") in
each city or community in which at least one regional branch library operates. The LABS shall
be comprised of, and shall be operated by, the residents of their respective service areas who
shall be appointed by the Commission. Each LAB shall set its own procedural rules and
operational bylaws, and shall comply with the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act, California
Government Code Section 54950, et seq. As of the Effective Date, all existing LABS shall
continue to remain in effect.
B. LAB Purpose. The purpose of the LABS shall be to provide information and
make recommendations to the Commission and the Library Director on matters affecting library
service based on input from their respective service areas.
C. LAB Liaisons. Each LAB may appoint one LAB member to act as a liaison to the
Library Commission, who shall present an annual report on the activities of the LAB to the
Library Commission.
D. Annual LAB Meeting. All LABS are encouraged to hold one combined meeting
at least once a year to address system -wide library service and related issues.
VI. GOVERNANCE
A. Library Commission. The Library Commission (`Commission") is the governing
and administrative body of the Sonoma County Library. Generally, it shall be responsible for
exercising the powers set forth in this Agreement and applicable law to accomplish the purposes
of the Library. Specific responsibilities of the Commission are as follows:
I. Provide structure and direction for operational, administrative and fiscal
oversight of the Library;
2. Before the beginning of each Fiscal Year (as defined in Section IX.E),
adopt, in its sole discretion, either an annual or a multi-year budget for the Library, and revise it
periodically as necessary;
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disbursements;
3. Ensure strict accountability of all funds and reports of all receipts and
4. Identify and pursue additional funding sources for the Library;
5. If approved by a 2/3 vote of the Commission, issue bonds or other forms
of indebtedness, and/or impose or levy taxes as authorized by this Agreement and/or applicable
law;
6. Approve a strategic plan which addresses existing and proposed new
facilities, operations, technology, and budget, at least once every ten years;
Adopt a facilities maintenance plan at least once every three years, and
revise it as necessary;
S. Contract for, employ or otherwise engage sufficient administrative,
technical, support and other staff, consultants and contractors, and provide for necessary
direction, management and oversight for all staff, consultants and contractors;
9. Approve employment agreements or memoranda of understanding with
employees and/or their representative bargaining units;
10. Adopt personnel rules and regulations;
11. Oversee the Library Director's performance of duties;
12. Adopt rules for procuring supplies, equipment and services, and for the
disposal of surplus property;
13. Adopt a conflict of interest code, as required by law;
14. Adopt bylaws, policies, rules and regulations as necessary for the purposes
of this Agreement; provided that nothing in the bylaws, policies, rules and regulations shall
conflict with this Agreement or applicable law;
15. Review this Agreement once every ten years to determine its continuing
effectiveness, and present written findings to Members; and
16. Discharge other duties consistent with the purposes of this Agreement as
appropriate or required by statute.
B. Commissioners Appointed by Parties. The governing body of each Member of
the Library shall be entitled to appoint one representative to sit on the Commission as a voting
member ("Commissioner"). In addition, the County of Sonoma and the City of Santa Rosa shall
also be entitled to jointly appoint one additional representative to sit on the Commission as a
voting member. When a vacancy for said joint appointment occurs, the City of Santa Rosa and
the County of Sonoma will advertise the vacancy, accept applications, review the applications,
and forward them to the City of Santa Rosa Mayor and Chair of the Sonoma County Board of
Supervisors for consideration. Interviews will be held if deemed appropriate. The Mayor and
Chair shall jointly recommend one Commissioner candidate to the Sonoma County Board of
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Supervisors and the Santa Rosa City Council, who shall approve the recommended candidate,
which said approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Should such candidate not be approved,
then the Mayor and Chair shall jointly recommend subsequent candidate(s) until such time as a
candidate is approved by the City Council and Board of Supervisors. Removal of said jointly
appointed Commissioner shall only be by joint action of both the Sonoma County Board of
Supervisors and the City Council of Santa Rosa.
Commissioners must be Sonoma County residents, and shall be appointed and serve
pursuant to the rules of appointment adopted by each Member's governing body.
1. Each Commissioner shall be appointed to serve for a term of four years;
provided, however, that 1/2 of the number of Commissioners initially appointed (as chosen by
lots) shall serve for an initial term of two years, though all subsequent appointments shall be for
a term of four years. There is no limit on the number of terms a Commissioner may serve.
2. Initial appointments to the Commission by Members shall become
effective on the Effective Date, or immediately after a city first becomes a Member of the
Library, whichever is later.
3. If a Member's seat on the Commission becomes vacant at any time, the
governing body of the Member shall appoint another representative to fill the vacancy within 60
days of the date on which such position became vacant.
4. Commissioners newly appointed to the Commission shall be provided
with training for their position by the Commission, Library Director, or other persons, as
designated by the Commission.
C. Commission Officers. The Commissioners shall select, from among themselves,
a Chair who shall be the presiding officer of all Commission meetings, and a Vice Chair who
shall serve in the absence of the Chair. In addition, the Commission shall appoint a Secretary
and/or Clerk (who need not be Commissioners) to be responsible for keeping the minutes of all
meetings of the Commission and posting agendas.
D. Reimbursement of Expenses. Commissioners shall serve without compensation,
but may be paid actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
E. No Personal Liability of Commission Members. Under the JPA Act, no
Commissioner shall be personally liable for any debts, obligations or liabilities of the Library, or
on any bonds issued by the Library, nor subject to any personal liability or accountability by
reason of the Library's incurrence of debts, obligations or liabilities or issuance of bonds.
VII. COMMISSION MEETINGS AND VOTING
A. Regular Meetings. The Commission shall hold its regular meetings on a monthly
basis pursuant to a meeting schedule, but may reschedule or dispense with particular meetings as
it deems necessary or appropriate.
B. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the
Chair or as provided for in the bylaws.
ver. 4-1-14
0
C. Call, Notice, and Conduct of Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be
noticed, held and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act,
California Government Code Section 54950, et seg. As soon as practicable, but no later than the
time of posting, the Secretary or Clerk shall provide a copy of the posted agenda to each Member
and Commissioner. Commissioners may attend meetings remotely (via telephone, video
conferencing, etc.) with full voting rights, to the extent practicable and as permitted by law.
D. Minutes. The Secretary or Clerk shall prepare minutes of all Commission
meetings as soon as practicable after each meeting, and shall make the draft minutes available to
each Commissioner, the Members, and other interested parties upon request. The Commission
shall consider the minutes at the next regularly scheduled meeting for approval.
E. Quorum. A majority of the Commissioners duly appointed to the Commission as
of any meeting date shall constitute a quorum of the Commission for the transaction of business.
If there is less than a quorum present at a meeting, no Commission action can be taken, and the
meeting may be adjourned.
F. Voting. All voting power of the Library shall reside in the Commission. Each
Commissioner shall have one vote. No absentee ballot or proxy is permitted. The affirmative
vote of at least a majority of the Commissioners attending a meeting is required for the
Commission to take any action. However, a 2/3 vote of all duly -appointed Commissioners is
required for those actions expressly identified in Section VLA.S of this Agreement, and a vote of
at least a quorum of all duly -appointed Commissioners is required for any of the following
actions: (1) approval of the budget; (2) approval of collective bargaining agreements; (3)
approval of new regional branch libraries; (4) decisions to incur debts from public or private
lending sources that do not otherwise require a 2/3 vote; and (5) adoption or revision of bylaws.
VIII. OFFICERS, COMMITTEES, AND LIAISONS
A. Library Director. The Commission shall appoint a Library Director who shall
meet the qualifications of a "county librarian" as specified in Education Code Section 19142.
The Library Director shall report directly to the Commission, and shall serve at the pleasure of
the Commission. The Library Director shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation,
administration, and management of the Library, and shall perform duties as assigned by the
Commission and specified in this Agreement.
1. Subject to the general policies adopted by the Commission, the Library
Director shall build up and manage, according to accepted principles of library management, the
library for the use of the residents of Sonoma County and shall, subject to budget limitations,
determine what materials, furniture, fixtures, and equipment shall be purchased.
2. The Library Director shall have the power to employ staff, consultants and
independent contractors as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, subject
to the polices, rules and regulations set by the Commission.
3. The Library Director is authorized to make payments for the Library under
any contract or agreement previously approved by the Commission where the payments are
identified therein. The Commission may also, by resolution, authorize the Library Director to
pay claims of the Library which do not exceed amounts identified in the resolution.
7
ver. 4-1-14
'q
4. The Library Director shall apply for and, with the approval of the
Commission, accept and administer grants and subventions from outside funding sources, both
public and private.
5. The Library Director shall prepare and file all notices with the Secretary of
State as required by Government Code Sections 6503.5, et seg., and shall be responsible for
preparing and filing any other notices required by law.
—6. The Library Director is the custodian of Library property and, pursuant to
Government Code Section 6505. 1, is required to file an official bond in an amount set by the
Commission or as otherwise required by law.
7. Decisions of the Library Director regarding policies, facilities, and
materials may be appealed to the Commission pursuant to criteria and procedures established in
its bylaws.
B. Chief Financial Officer. The Library Director shall appoint a person, firm or
entity to act as the Chief Financial Officer to the Library. The Chief Financial Officer shall be
responsible for overseeing the Library's financial activities and shall, in writing, approve the
accuracy of figures contained in each recommended budget presented to the Commission. The
Chief Financial Officer shall report directly to the Library Director.
C. Treasurer. Controller. and Annual Audit. The Sonoma County Auditor -
Controller -Treasurer -Tax Collector shall act as the Treasurer and Controller for the Library. The
Treasurer and Controller shall perform all usual and customary duties of their offices for the
Library, including but not limited to receiving all deposits, issuing warrants per direction, and
other duties specified in Government Code Section 6505.5. The Commission may transfer the
responsibilities of the Treasurer and/or Controller to any other person or entity as the law may
provide at the time (see e.g., Government Code Section 6505.5). The Commission shall cause an
independent annual audit to be made by a certified public accountant, or public accountant, in
compliance with Government Code Section 6505.
D. Leal Counsel. The Commission shall appoint a person, firm or entity to act as
general legal counsel to the Library.
E. Committees. The Commission may establish any advisory committees it deems
appropriate to assist it in carrying out its functions, including both standing and ad hoc
committees.
F. Liaisons. The Commission may appoint liaisons to the Commission as it deems
appropriate to assist it in carrying out its functions, and to assist with outreach to school districts
and other community institutions. In addition, each LAB may appoint one LAB member to act
as a liaison to the Commission, per Section V.0 of this Agreement.
IX. LIBRARY BUDGET, TAX LEVIES AND REPORTING
A. Budaet Requirements. The Library shall operate only under an approved and
balanced budget, which must be reviewed, adopted, and/or revised by the Commission each
S
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f5
Fiscal Year. The Commission may revise an adopted budget as may be reasonably necessary to
address contingencies, and unexpected expenses or financial circumstances.
B. Budget Process. The Library Director is responsible for preparing the
recommended budget to present to the Commission with assistance from the Chief Financial
Officer. At least one month prior to the Commission's annual public sessions to be held on the
budget, the Library Director and Chief Financial Officer shall hold a public discussion or
workshop with respect to the budget.
C. Tax Levies. The County of Sonoma (and any other Member as applicable) shall
continue to annually levy, in the same manner and at the same time as other similar taxes are
levied, and in addition to all other taxes, the tax upon all property to maintain and improve the
Library system. Such library tax revenues shall be deposited with the Library's Treasurer, and
paid out for the purposes authorized by this Agreement.
D. Annual Report. The Commission shall comply with Education Code Section
18927, and shall provide an annual report to the State Librarian and the Members on the
condition of the Library. The Library Director shall comply with Education Code Section
19169, and shall provide an annual report to the Commission, the Members, and the State
Librarian on the condition of the Library.
E. Fiscal Year. The Library's Fiscal Year shall be 12 months commencing July 1 and
ending June 30.
X. SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND FACILITIES
A. Services. It is the intention of the Parties that the services the Library presently
offers to the public be continued at or above current levels in all of its regional branch libraries.
Such services include, but are not limited to, the size and quality of collections, hours of
operation, qualifications of staff, and availability of technology. The Library shall endeavor to
increase existing levels of services, and the locations in which services are provided, as
allowable.
B. Distribution of Resources. The Library shall distribute its personnel, financial
and technological resources among the various regional library branches in an equitable fashion,
unless such distribution is expressly restricted (such as conditions in a gift or bequest).
1. With respect to hours of operation, an equitable distribution of resources
requires that all regional branch libraries be funded in a manner allowing them to remain open to
the public the same baseline number of hours, with the exception of the Central Branch in Santa
Rosa (which may be funded to allow it to remain open to the public for more hours than the other
regional branch libraries).
2. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as prohibiting a Member,
person, or other entity from providing a gift, devise, endowment, donation or bequest
("endowment or donation") to a particular regional branch library for a specific purpose, or
prohibiting a particular regional branch library from accepting such endowment or donation;
provided, however, that access to any such conferred benefit at the regional branch at issue must
be made be available to all Sonoma County residents, and the endowment or donation not be
ver. 4-1-14
10
used to extend or expand hours of service at the regional branch(es). The Commission may elect
to develop policies, procedures and requirements in its bylaws to establish conditions for
endowments and donations.
C. Facilities. All facilities used or operated by the Library shall meet minimum
standards satisfactory to the Commission.
1. The Library shall enter into and maintain lease agreements for each
facility in which it operates, or intends to operate, a regional branch or rural station library,
unless the facility is owned by the Library. The Commission shall establish lease agreement
standards and requirements in its bylaws, and shall approve Library leases that are consistent
therewith.
3. The Library and Members who own library facilities shall work together
to plan for the provision and payment of capital improvements and capital repairs to facilities
operated by the Library, including but not limited to major repair and replacement of building
structures, HVAC systems, plumbing, roofing, ADA improvements, and other structural
elements or external features such as parking lots.
3. Any temporary or permanent relocation of a regional branch library shall
be mutually agreed upon by the Library and the Member(s) owning the subject library facility or
facilities.
a. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in consideration of its unique and
important role in the provision of county -wide library services, the Library shall continue to have
the exclusive occupancy and control of the Central Library building and grounds in Santa Rosa,
California, subject to a written lease. The Library has previously paid the City of Santa Rosa
approximately $1,355,895 to allow it to retire its outstanding bonded indebtedness for which the
City was liable on account of the Central Library building. Upon retirement of such
indebtedness, the City of Santa Rosa has agreed to allow the Library to continue to occupy and
control it without further debt service from the Library.
b. In the event the City of Santa Rosa withdraws from the Library,
and provided the County of Sonoma continues to be a Member of the Library, the Library shall
have the right to lease such portions of the Central Library building as are essential for the
operation of the County library, under terms which are mutually agreeable to the Library and the
City of Santa Rosa.
4. Members shall obtain the prior written approval of the Commission with
respect to any proposed new library branches and any expansion/remodeling of existing library
branches, including approval of plans and specifications. With respect to any library facility
owned by a Member, the Commission shall not unreasonably withhold its approval of
modifications proposed by that Member if they are required by state or federal law. Any
architects retained by a Member for such purposes shall consult with the Library Director as
often as the latter deems necessary to the proper exercise of his/her responsibilities.
10
ver. 4-1-14
J�
0AIULMNIF- IXIEW
A. Mutual Termination. This Agreement may be terminated only by the mutual
agreement of all of the Parties; withdrawal of all but one of the Parties shall constitute a mutual
termination of this Agreement by all Parties as of the end of the Fiscal Year in which the
penultimate Party withdraws. Upon termination of this Agreement, Members shall mutually
agree upon the disposition of Library funds and assets remaining after satisfaction of all of its
debts and obligations, and Members shall retain any real property interests already owned by the
Members (i.e. the buildings, underlying land, etc.). If the Members are unable to reach an
agreement on such disposition, the Library funds and assets shall be apportioned pursuant to
each Member's proportionate share (based on assessed values for library tax purposes), which
shall be determined by the Library's Treasurer.
B. Withdrawal. Individual Members may withdraw from the Library without
affecting the continuing operation or administration of the Library. Individual Members may
withdraw from the Library by complying with all applicable laws and by giving a minimum of
one year's written notice to the Commission and all other Members, which withdrawal shall be
effective only at end of a given Fiscal Year. Subject to the terms of any lease and Section XC3b,
any Member who withdraws from the Library shall retain any real property interests already
owned by such Member (i.e. the buildings, underlying land, etc.). Upon withdrawal, the
withdrawing Member shall not be entitled to distribution of any Library property or funds;
rather, the Library shall retain all property used in the provision of library services at the
Member's facilities, including but not limited to furniture, fixtures, technology, equipment,
library collections and materials, and the like. Further, a withdrawing Member shall be
responsible for satisfying its proportionate share (based on assessed values for library tax
purposes) of all outstanding debt and obligations for system -wide costs, and all costs relegated to
any regional branch library in the Member's jurisdiction, that exist at the time of withdrawal.
Upon withdrawal, all future library tax revenues attributable to the withdrawing Member shall
revert to that Member only if it assumes the responsibilities of providing a free public library
within its jurisdiction and if otherwise allowed by law. Upon the withdrawal of an Individual
Member, the Library may elect to continue to provide library services in the withdrawing
Member's jurisdiction as it deems fit, but is not obligated to do so.
XII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
A. Privileges and Immunities from Liability. All of the privileges and immunities
from liability, applicable to the activities of officers, agents or employees of a public agency
when performing their respective functions, shall apply to the officers, agents or employees of
the Library to the same degree and extent while performing any of the functions and other duties
of such officers, agents or employees under this Agreement. None of the officers, agents or
employees directly employed by the Library shall be deemed, by reason of their employment by
the Library, to be employed by the Parties to this Agreement or subject to any of the
requirements of the Parties.
B. Insurance. The Library shall be required to obtain insurance, orjoin a self-
insurance program(s) in which one or more of the Parties participate, appropriate for its
operations. Any and all insurance coverages provided by the Library, and/or any self-insurance
programs joined by the Library, shall name each and every Party to this agreement as an
11
ver. 4-1-14
C S
additional insured for all liability arising out of or in connection with the operations by or on
behalf of the named insured in the performance of this Agreement. Minimum levels of the
insurance or self-insurance program shall be set by the Library in its ordinary course of business.
The Library shall also require all of its contractors and subcontractors to have insurance
appropriate for their operations.
C. Indemnification of Parties and Participants. The Library shall defend, indemnify,
and hold harmless the Parties and each of their respective officers, agents, and employees, from
any and all claims, losses, damages, costs, injuries, and liabilities of every kind arising directly or
indirectly from the conduct, activities, operations, acts, and omissions of the Library.
D. Amendment of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by the
written agreement of all Parties.
E. Severability. If one or more clauses, sentences, paragraphs or provisions of this
Agreement shall be held to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable, it is hereby agreed by the
Parties that the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected thereby. Such clauses,
sentences, paragraphs or provision shall be deemed reformed so as to be lawful, valid and
enforced to the maximum extent possible.
F. Parties to be Served Notice. Any notice authorized or required to be given
pursuant to this Agreement shall be validly given if served in writing either personally, by
deposit in the United States mail, first class postage prepaid with return receipt requested, or by a
recognized courier service. Notices given (a) personally or by courier service shall be
conclusively deemed received at the time of delivery and receipt and (b) by mail shall be
conclusively deemed given 48 hours after the deposit thereof (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays) if the sender receives the return receipt. All notices directed to the Library shall be
addressed to the Chair of the Library Commission, or such other person designated in writing by
the Commission, and shall be copied to all Parties.
G. Complete Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and complete
agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. All prior negotiations and
written and/or oral agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement are merged into this Agreement.
H. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, and each executed counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original
instrument and as if all signing Parties had signed the same instrument.
1?
ver. 4-1-14
1(1
WHEREFORE, the Parties agree to and execute this Agreement as of the dates set forth below.
Signed on
CITY OF CLOVERDALE
2014, by
by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
of
Signed on
CITY OF COTATI
2014, by
by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
Signed on
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
2014, by
by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
Signed on
CITY OF PETALUMA
2014, by
by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
13
ver. 4-1-14
�
Signed on 2014, by
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
of
Signed on
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
2014, by
by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
Signed on
CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
2014, by
by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
Signed on
CITY OF SONOMA
2014, by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
14
ver. 4-1-14
Signed on
TOWN OF WINDSOR
by
2014, by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
of
Signed on
COUNTY OFSONOMA
El
2014, by
its duly authorized officer whose position is that
15
ver. 4-1-14
Attachment 4
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT
POWERS AGREEMENT FOR THE COUNTY -WIDE PROVISION OF LIBRARY
SERVICES BY THE SONOMA COUNTY LIBRARY
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Library was established in 1975 with a Joint Powers
Agreement (JPA), and membership consists of the County of Sonoma and the cities of
Healdsburg, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Sonoma; and
WHEREAS, a seven member Library Commission governs the Library with the County
Board of Supervisors appointing five of the seven members and the cities of Petaluma and Santa
Rosa each having one representative; only the aforementioned entities can vote on amendments
to the JPA and all changes to the JPA require unanimous approval; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the Board of Supervisors initiated a review of the Joint Powers
Agreement due to challenges at the Library and changes in demographics, technology, and
finances since 1975, and the cities agreed to participate in the review with the Cormnission and
the Board, forming the Sonoma County Library JPA Review Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, the Committee has been meeting since October 2012, soliciting input from
library advocates, staff, managers, and the Library Advisory Boards for each branch, and
conducting outreach; and
WHEREAS, the Committee developed proposed revisions to the JPA which were
circulated to the Board of Supervisors and all cities, and Petaluma's comments were provided to
the Committee on October 22, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Council's concerns with the number of votes assigned to each jurisdiction,
and the equity issues raised by local fundraising, were reviewed by the Committee and an
amended draft JPA was presented to the cities in January 2014. Council agreed to the change
providing each member entity one representative on the Library Commission, but did not agree
with the change to allow for local fundraising if authorized by a 2/3 vote of the Commission to
approve community -funded hours; and
WHEREAS, based on the input of the Board and the cities in late 2013/early 2014, the
Committee unanimously approved one fin -flier set of changes, to remove the option for
community-fanded hours for particular branches, and a compromise that provides each
jurisdiction with one seat on the Library Commission, with an additional seat to be shared
between the County and Santa Rosa; and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Committee recommends the Amended JPA, as it retains and
enhances the most valuable features of the current Agreement: it includes one countywide
system; dedicates the current portion of property taxes to the Library; retains the Library as an
independent organization; and continues the Library Advisory Boards in each community; and
23
WHEREAS, the Advisory Committee also recommends the following changes to the
existing JPA:
• Expanding membership to include every city in the County so that all jurisdictions
have a role in decision-making, and so that each member has at least one vote on a
new Library Cotmnission;
• Removing the Board of Supervisors from the role of providing final budget approval,
giving the Library Commission complete budget and employment authority;
• Making explicit the Library's authority to levy taxes with a 2/3 vote of the entire
Library Commission, in addition to all other legal requirements that must be met for a
tax increase;
• Requiring approval from the relevant jurisdiction before exercising powers of
eminent domain;
• Requiring leases for all buildings not owned by the Library;
• Requiring an equal number of core hours;
• Providing an appeals process for the Library Director's decisions on key issues such
as collections and facilities;
• Requiring a strategic plan at least once every ten years;
• Increasing the role for the LABS including a designated liaison and annual reports
from each LAB to the Commission; and
• Requiring a review of the JPA every ten years.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Petaluma City Council:
1) Approves the First Amended And Restated Joint Powers Agreement For The County -
Wide Provision Of Library Services By The Sonoma County Library, attached hereto as
Exhibit 1; and
2) Authorizes the City Manager to execute said Agreement.
C / manager / agenda reports from staff / 050514 amended Library JPA with reso
24