August 17, 2006 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of August 17, 2006
Present: Prakash Mathew, Helen Levitt, Herb Snyder, Leo Wilking, Gale Chapman
Absent: Suzanne Morrison, Richard Zeck
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Liaison: Carol Sawicki
Staff: Erin Smith, Maxine Hilburn, Beth Postema
Director: Charles Pace
Others Present: Richard Moorhead, Jeff Scherer
Order of Agenda
Herb Snyder moved to approve the order of the agenda with the addition of the architects’ report to be presented after the approval of the agenda and past meeting minutes. Helen Levitt seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Helen Levitt moved to approve the minutes of July 18, 2006. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Architects’ Report
Richard Moorhead distributed copies of the bid package and provided a summary of the Northport branch construction costs and the budget estimates for the Clapp branch library. Moorhead discussed the layout of the Clapp branch library and also showed samples of some of the interior concept materials. Moorhead noted that the changes in the schematic design reflected requests made by the library staff. Charles Pace asked that the board consider making a recommendation to the building committee to approve the bid package. Leo Wilking asked about the progress of the Main library. Moorhead stated that the design phase of the Main library is nearly complete and that, that project is currently entering the construction document phase. Moorhead also stated that construction on the Ed Clapp branch is slated to start in October and that construction is estimated to take 15-18 months. Leo Wilking motioned to approve the recommended budget for the Ed Clapp Library; Helen seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Leo Wilking motioned to approve the recommended plans and to encourage the adoption of the plans by the city commission. Herb Snyder seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Richard Moorhead stated that there has been some interest expressed in having a community garden at the Ed Clapp branch site. However, there is no definite plan for one as of yet.
Jeff Scherer showed slides of the current Main library schematic design. He pointed out the changes made to the May 25, 2006 design. Many of the changes result in a sleeker design. The changes include a Fargo Public Library sign on the building’s façade, which will be made using a screen that those inside of the building can see out of and that will be lit up at night. Scherer also noted that the granite slabs on the outside of the existing library will be used for flooring on the lower level of the Main library. Scherer discussed how the proposed Main library design fulfills some of the criteria for sustainable architecture. Scherer estimates that the current proposed design would earn enough credits for a LEED certification of silver status, but that the design could achieve platinum status if this is desired by the board. Leo Wilking asked about parking. Charles Pace explained that the parking will most likely continue to operate under a POP-based (Plenty of Parking) system similar to the current system used in the Civic parking lot. Leo Wilking asked if additional signage facing Fargo could be posted on the exterior of the Main library. Jeff Scherer thanked him for his suggestion and agreed that this would be desirable.
Staff Report
Maxine Hilburn referred the board to her written report. There were no additional comments or questions regarding the staff report.
Director’s Report and Statistical Report
Charles Pace referred the board to his written report and the July statistical reports. He stated that Northport was averaging about 300 visits per day and that he and the staff have received many positive comments from the community about the new branch.
Friends of the Library Report
Carol Sawicki reported that the Friends book sale on July 19 and 20 brought in $1,097. The next book sale is scheduled for October 26 (Friends members only) and 28(open to the public). At the August 12 Friends meeting, the board approved two requests, one for a board book bin at Northport and another for early literacy materials the Children’s Services staff will use during outreach activities. The Friends currently have approximately $20,000 in their treasury. The Friends are also looking into hiring a facilitator to assist the board in their long-range planning.
Continuing Business
A. Review and approve naming opportunities
Charles Pace stated that the list of naming opportunities distributed to the board was developed by David Baker of Hodge Cramer and was reviewed by the fundraising committee. The list was developed in accordance with the Naming Rights policy previously approved by the board. Pace stated that the cost for each of the items listed is based on the prominence of the item, not necessarily on the actual monetary cost. If approved, the fundraising committee will use this list when requesting gifts for the campaign. Leo Wilking asked about opportunities for giving gifts in smaller denominations. Pace stated that there will also be opportunities for persons to give smaller amounts. Helen Levitt moved to approve the list. Herb Snyder seconded. The motion carried.
New Business
A. Review and approve Staff Identification policy
Charles Pace referred the board to the Staff Identification policy and stated that, for the most part, the badges referred to in the policy will not be actual name tags, but will simply state that the person wearing the badge is a member of the Fargo Public Library staff. Helen Levitt moved to approve the Staff Identification policy; Leo Wilking seconded. The motion carried.
B. Review and approve Outreach policy
Charles Pace referred the board to the Outreach policy, stating that it did not contain any major changes in practice. Herb Snyder moved to approve the Outreach policy; Leo Wilking seconded. The motion passed.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting is scheduled for September 19 at 4:00 in the City Commission room.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith