Present: Prakash Mathew, Suzanne Morrison, Herb Snyder, Richard Zeck
Absent: Helen Levitt, Gale Chapman, Leo Wilking
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Liaison: Carol Sawicki
Staff: Monique Andresen, Tom Fortin, Eve Haaland, Beth Postema, PamStrait
Building Committee members present: Linda Coates, Mike Williams, Pat Zavoral, Herb Snyder, Beth Postema, Betty Kerns
Others Present: City of Fargo Director of Human Resources Dana Sue Busch
Revised Design for new Main Library
The conceptual standpoint of the process remains in the design. The building functions identically to the previous plan and all designed needs are still present. Budget numbers continue to be refined within the range of $9.3 million.
The design has a structure without the complexities of tying the old structural pieces to new. The spread footings eliminate the need for caissons. The glass curtain wall was replaced with a store front system. The second floor is no larger than the first floor. All these features lead to a simpler design.
The building site is closer to Third Street to provide a larger turn around book drop area on the west. Canopies still exist but the door is closer to the street.
The exterior consists of a steel metal panel with alloy finish, tinted glass, and gray or lighter brick. The brick color will not affect energy conservation. A poll will be taken among committee members to determine color based on aesthetics, price, and locality of the brick source.
Overall the design is 52,400 square feet. Demolition is not included in the $9.3 million estimate. The mechanical design may be $50,000-100,000 less than previously estimated. This along with $700,000 design contingency should make up for the demolition costs, which is still being estimated. The construction will be approximately $177/square foot.
The architects will check with the structural engineer regarding the green roof alternate and continue to look for deduct alternates to lower the budget.
Order of Agenda
Herb Snyder moved to approve the order of the agenda. Richard Zeck seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Herb Snyder moved to approve the minutes of March 20, 2007. Richard Zeck seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Eve Haaland reported the branches are extremely busy. Downtown is increasing in numbers. Tom Fortin taught two classes regarding small business at MSCTC. Several staff attended two separate video conferences “Library Transformation” and “The Best of the Web”. Edie Discher, Cheryl Lackman, and Karen Kohoutek attended an ODIN conference in Minot. Cheryl Lackman is now the co-chair of the circulation users group for ODIN. Karen Kohoutek took part in a 6th grade poetry program. National Library Week is this week. Children’s author Nancy Carlson will be at Rheault Farm today, co-sponsored by the Fargo Public Library and the Valley Reading Council.
Summer Reading Program will be June 4 – August 4 with the theme “Get a Clue @ your library”. Events will be held in partnership with the parks at Trollwood, IslandPark, and Rheault Farm. Teens and adults will take part through book logs.
Pam
Strait
reported a literacy program will start with the Carlson library opening. She is meeting with area administrators of English language learner programs. She attended a PLA conference held in San Jose, CA, in March regarding the history of literacy programs and provided an outline for start up programs. A local conference entitled Building Bridges was conducted by Lutheran Social Services which also gave insight to techniques and materials.
Director’s Report
Brick is being placed on the Carlson Library. Construction is on track.
The downtown location has been found. Door counts increased 65% from last month. Audiovisual circulation increased 44% from last month. It is not equal to last year, but it is getting busier month by month.
Ben Daeuber is our new technology librarian. Welcome Ben!
In legislative news, the state aid calculation will go back to the previous method.
Included in the board packets was information regarding coffee cafes within libraries and various management options. This was discussed briefly at the last Friends meeting.
Statistical Reports
The financial budget is on track. Full time wages are below budget due to the open director position and shifting to fill areas of responsibility. The regular phone service line includes phones for the Roberts Street location which will go into the new building when complete. Book and material ordering for the Carlson Library has begun.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Carol Sawicki reported the Friends met April 10. They have $23,852 in the treasury. There are 147 household members with just one new member to date this calendar year. With no book sale events new memberships may not be as prevalent as in years past. Last year ended with 240 household members although similar numbers were reflected compared to April last year. New brochures are now at all the branches. June 12 will be the annual meeting at Atomic Coffee with a speaker. New board members have been added.
Discussion was started regarding the Friends store in the new main library. Staffing needs will be considered in developing a model. This will be a complete change of focus that needs to be evaluated and thought through.
Continuing Business
A. Building Projects Reports
Herb Snyder moved to accept the proposed design and move forward for bids with an add alternate for a green roof. Richard Zeck seconded the motion; the motion carried.
B. Library Director job description
Herb Snyder, Helen Levitt and Suzanne Morrison compiled a revised job description. Helen Levitt presented it to the position evaluation committee (PEC) stating the case to remain competitive with other libraries and equitable within the city. Beth Postema presented the Assistant Library Director request to the PEC at the same time. The PEC will make recommendations and then present them to the City Commission.
New Business
A. Library Director Search
The board is responsible for hiring the director. Prakash Mathew appointed Suzanne Morrison to serve as chair of the search committee. Herb Snyder and Richard Zeck were also appointed to serve on the search committee. Along with three board members, the search committee will consist of City Commissioner Linda Coates; a City of Fargo staff representative, Dana Sue Busch; a Friends of the Fargo Public Library representative to be appointed by the Friends board; and two library staff members appointed by Beth Postema. A budget will be given to the committee out of the operating budget for the library.
The American Library Association annual conference is June 22-25 in WashingtonDC. This would be a good conference to talk to potential candidates.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting is scheduled Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission room. The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen