May 27, 2004 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of May 25, 2004
Present: Betty Kerns, Helen Levitt , Prakash Mathew, Jean Rayl, and Virginia Dambach
Director: Charles Pace
Staff Representative: Nancy Giere
Friends of the Library Representative: Bob Mason
Guest: Jim Ferragut, H2M Advertising
Order of Agenda
Jean Rayl moved to approve the order of the agenda, moving request to use special funds for library card campaign to coincide with guest report. Prakash Mathew seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Virginia Dambach moved to approve the minutes of April 27, 2004 as written. Helen Levitt seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Guest Jim Ferragut, H2M Advertising
Jim Ferragut presented the outline of the library card campaign to take place this fall. The theme will be Fargo Public Library where the fun is free. They will target grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 with cooperation of schools and the mayor declaring a day for the Fargo Public Library. At that time, children will be encouraged to apply for a new library card. In return they will receive a bag of goodies as incentive. The campaign will target radio advertising. With additional funding, added promotions and television advertising may be incorporated into the overall campaign.
Children already having a library card as well as older or younger siblings of children within the target age will also be eligible for the incentives when applying for a new library card.
Helen Levitt moved to use $10,000 of special funds for the library card campaign. Prakash Mathew seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Nancy Giere reported Cindy Mason and Carl Thress were hired to fill Library Associate I positions. The Community Relations Specialist position is now open and posted.
Directors Report
Please refer to the Directors report distributed in the board packet. In addition, geographic GIS software will be installed on staff computers to help determine if patron addresses are within the city limits. With borders continually changing, printed maps are outdated quickly.
Statistical Reports
The operating budget is 30.53% expended. We continue to operate under budget.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
The book sale in February raised $1,400. The Friends currently have 192 memberships. The next book sale coincides with the downtown street fair July 15 and 16. Items requested and approved include an atlas stand for the reference area and refreshments for the adopt-a-print donor reception.
While in Kansas City , Bob Mason was able to tour the library with the help of Kansas City Public Library Deputy Director Dorothy Elliott. Four stories are in use and a fifth is under construction. The space includes exhibit areas. The new space and customer friendly staff made for a pleasant experience.
Continuing Business
A. Review and Approve Facilities Master Plan
The Recommended Library Facilities Plan for Fargo was distributed. Helen Levitt moved to adopt the facilities plan as written. Virginia Dambach seconded the motion; the motion carried.
B. Approve Facilities Plan Implementation Strategy
Helen Levitt moved to include $25,000 in the 2005 operating budget for a building plan and additional money for Southpointe expansion. Virginia Dambach seconded the motion; the motion carried.
New Business
A. Handicapped Ramp for East Side of Main Library
Helen Levitt moved to request mid-year funds for a ramp on the east side of the main library. Virginia D ambach seconded the motion; the motion carried. A letter to the city commission was signed requesting $2,500 for the ramp and $25,000 for enhanced materials collections as approved April 27.
Public Comment
Helen Levitt commented the bookmobile program will continue.
Steve Poitras questioned the dollar amount associated with the facilities plan and the timeline for implementation. Charles Pace quoted $190 per square foot for new construction with the estimated total project $10 - $15 million. The 2005 proposed budget will be brought to the city budget team meeting June 10.
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. There will be no other meeting in June.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen