July 10, 2007 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of July 10, 2007
Present: Prakash Mathew, Helen Levitt, Suzanne Morrison, Herb Snyder, Leo Wilking, Richard Zeck
Absent: Gale Chapman
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Liaison: Carol Sawicki
Staff: Monique Andresen, Edie Discher, Tom Fortin, Beth Postema
Others Present: City Commissioner Linda Coates
Order of Agenda
There were no additions or corrections to the order of agenda.
Minutes
Herb Snyder moved to approve the minutes of June 19, 2007. Leo Wilking seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Edie Discher reported on her experience at ALA conference in Washington D.C. She attended a pre-conference about reinventing reference. Discussions included video blogging, pod casting and instant messaging as related to reference assistance. Another session was about RFID and the evolving security and standardization with the technology. Program ideas from a workshop included Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), lego contests, and various clubs for teens. Another inspiration was the Pines Evergreen ILS. Most of the state of Georgia agreed to consistent policies to allow check out anywhere in the state. This was done with open source software, the only cost being for support.
Director’s Report
There will be a tour of the Carlson library after the board meeting. The fire department conducted training in the old main library. Demolition will start by tomorrow.
The summer reading program is going well in the area parks. We look forward to partnering with the parks again in the future. The summer reading program had over 1,000 registrations and 140 children have received a book as a reward for completing all of the reading book log challenges.
The new roof at Northport has not been installed. It should happen yet this summer. A bike rack has been relocated closer to the library entrance.
The Southpointe RFID project is taking place when the library is closed. Attempts at the project during open hours have been ineffective due to the high traffic volume.
Two verbal resignations have been received, both Library Associate I positions. They are moving out of the area. Beth Postema is working with human resources to update the Children’s Librarian position. Cynthia Wray Lowe will be relocating to the twin cities area.
The Spirit of Law Librarianship Award was given to Fargo Public Library Board Member Suzanne Morrison. Congratulations!
Beth Postema will meet with the architect and general contractor to discuss salvage materials. There is 26,000 square feet of granite which is too much volume for many businesses and too costly to transport.
Statistical Reports
June circulation increased 2% from last June. 15,753 people walked through Southpointe in June. That averages to 61.5 people per hour in the facility.
We have spent 39% of the budget half way through the year. Book orders are outstanding. Carlson ordering is underway. We received donations from the Fargo Women’s Club and the Fine Arts Club to supplement materials for the collection.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Carol Sawicki will continue as the liaison to the Board fro the Friends. The treasury is still healthy with $10,000 earmarked for the Capital Campaign.
Continuing Business
A. Library Director Search
Suzanne Morrison reported Steve Hubbard posted ads online at several sites. Rich Zeck worked with a group from NDSU to create an evaluation matrix for the presentation portion of the interview. Tom Fortin and Beth Postema distributed brochures at the ALA conference in Washington DC. The ad and brochure is posted on the city web site.
B. Fiscal Year 2008 Budget request
The library was the first department to present to the budget committee. Discussion was held whether to use general operating funds or sales tax funds set aside for operational expenses. The request was reasonable and needed with the staffing request greatly reduced from previous outlines.
The main library building project construction was targeted at $9.6 million. $800,000 was added to the construction budget from the operational set aside. Discussions were also held regarding whether this should be added back to the funds set aside for operations.
A draft budget from the city will be ready in September and sent to the county by October 1.
C. Main Library Construction Bids
The main library construction was targeting $9.6 million and aiming for $9.3 million for contingency. Bids came in at $8.4 million. By not using the certified steel which was not needed and not available for the construction timeline, the bid was reduced $210,000. The base bids and the alternate for not using certified steel were approved by the city commission. Other alternates need to be reviewed by the building committee with recommendations passed to the city commission. The project is moving forward. Targeted completion for the main library is November 2008.
Furniture budget for Carlson is tight. Southpointe furnishings were intended to be reused at Carlson, but much of it is worn and will not be reused.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The annual meeting will take place immediately after the regular meeting, ending with a tour of the Carlson Library. The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. The next board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission room.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen