May 10, 2007 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of May 10, 2007
Present: Prakash Mathew, Gale Chapman, Helen Levitt, Suzanne Morrison, Herb Snyder
Absent: Leo Wilking, Richard Zeck
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Liaison: Carol Sawicki
Staff: Monique Andresen, Tom Fortin, Steve Hubbard, Beth Postema
Others Present: City Commissioner Linda Coates
Order of Agenda
Herb Snyder moved to approve the order of the agenda with the deletion of the staff report. Helen Levitt seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Suzanne Morrison moved to approve the minutes of April 18, 2007. Herb Snyder seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Director’s Report
The building project construction schedule was distributed with the board packets. Construction bid documents will be available soon at the builder’s exchange. The light brick is included in the base bid with an add alternate for the dark gray brick.
Construction at Carlson continues. When floors are poured and it is further enclosed, a tour will be arranged.
The moving plans for Southpointe to Carlson are starting.
Beth Postema and Edie Discher attended an ODIN Advisory Council meeting where discussion is starting regarding the replacement to Aleph.
Sarah Kauffman was promoted to Children’s Librarian. Advertising for her former Library Associate II position has begun.
Statistical Reports
Statistical usage is down approximately 15% compared to last year, which is encouraging knowing the limitations of the temporary space. Selectors have started ordering for the Carlson collection. Revenues are down due to no fines collected at the beginning of the year.
Fundraising has been delayed with the delay of construction. Final major calls will take place after bid opening June 20.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library Report
Betty Kerns will be added to the director search committee representing the Friends. The donation shelves at the three locations made over $400 last month. The Friends will be purchasing pins to sell as a fundraiser. A table will be set up during the street fair to sell pins, book bags, and bookmarks.
Continuing Business
A. Library Director Search
Suzanne Morrison gathered feedback regarding the ALA conference in Washington DC in June. Consensus was to not send a board member, but distribute brochures through Tom Fortin and Beth Postema who will be attending. The process may not be far enough along for formal recruitment at the ALA conference.
Steve Hubbard and Monique Andresen were added to the director search committee representing the library staff. A question was raised whether or not to add a member at large who is an active library user. Many constituencies are already represented in the makeup of the committee. This may be better utilized during the finalist interview or meet and greet stages.
There has not been a formal announcement as to the decision of the position evaluation committee. This will determine the job description and salary range advertised.
New Business
A. Revision of projected staffing needs
The new facilities will eliminate some staff inefficiencies such as manning two check-out areas and provide advanced technology. The new plans will allow for a greater division of labor allowing the library to add part time seasonal help for page duties of checking books in and shelving. Beth Postema will research work study programs with area colleges to limit staffing expenditures in this area. The three year plan presented by the former director was reduced to accommodate these efficiencies.
B. FY2008 Budget process and objectives
The budget development calendar was distributed in the board packets. This year budget team meetings will not start until July. No special June board meeting should be needed to accommodate the schedule. The process of projecting costs for buildings not yet constructed has begun.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, June 19, 2007, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission room. The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen