July 15, 2008 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of July 15, 2008
Present: Prakash Mathew, Herb Snyder, Gale Chapman, Helen Levitt, Suzanne Morrison, Richard Zeck
Staff: Tim Dirks, Eve Haaland, Beth Postema, Merridith Edison
Chair Helen Levitt called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
Order of the Agenda
Herb Snyder moved to approve the order of the agenda. Prakash Mathew seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
Tim Dirks corrected the minutes to reflect that the total grant award from the Alex Stern Family Foundation is $30,000 over three years. Suzanne Morrison moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Gale Chapman seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Report
Eve Haaland reported on various activities of the Staff Development team. This team sponsored a picnic for staff on Sunday, June 29 and awards monthly staff appreciation awards. This past month the awards went to Kristin Hektner for all of her work on the collection development process and to Brad Storm for making connections with New Americans in his ESL teaching role.
Summer Reading Program activities are going very well with several programs having attendance over 100. Teen programming, started by Teen Librarian Bree Schmidt, is also going well with the establishment of an ongoing manga/anime discussion club. Eve also gave credit to the number of volunteers who have been assisting us in delivering library programs.
Children’s Coordinator Merridith Edison reported on her attendance of the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA in late June. She highlighted many of the programs that she attended including “Surviving a Summer Reading Program.” Many libraries encounter similar issues, and so it was to hear of so many solutions to these problems. Overall, it was a tremendous experience for Bree Schmidt and herself, and they both appreciate the opportunity to attend this conference.
Director’s Report
Tim Dirks noted that with the absence of Monique Andresen, he has concentrated on filling the position of principal office associate. An offer has been extended and is pending the results of the background check. The New Main building project is proceeding; the form exterior walk through for Carlson is scheduled for 7/17.
Statistical Reports
Tim Dirks reviewed the statistical reports that were distributed. There is significant growth in both youth programming levels and the number of volunteer hours. He also provided updated internet use statistics. Overall, use is level or down slightly at both Roberts Street and Northport, and up significantly at Carlson. In response to questions, he highlighted the ongoing need for additional funds for materials.
In terms of the June financial reports, the library’s budget is less than 50% expended at that half-way point of the fiscal year. He is in discussions with City Finance regarding absorbing some of the Northport expenditures into the general operating budget.
Friends of the Fargo Public Library report
No representative of the Friends was present.
Continuing Business
Herb Snyder and Tim Dirks presented the draft Acquisition and Display of Art policy. Tim noted that the Staff Policies and Procedure team has also reviewed the policy and recommends that the word “material” in the third paragraph be changed to “artwork” to avoid confusion with library materials. Gale Chapman moved to approve the policy with the wording change. Richard Zeck seconded the motion; the motion carried.
New Business
Tim Dirks reviewed the budget presentation that he gave to the City Finance committee on July 9. In addition to increases in line items caused by inflation or increased usage, the major increases in the budget would be for part-time staff for circulation. Tim also highlighted the need for increasing materials budgets to the finance committee.
Leo Wilking has resigned from the Fargo Public Library Board due to relocation. Dawn Morgan has been nominated by the Mayor to fill his position. Helen Levitt and Prakash Mathew have completed their terms on the board. Gale Chapman presented gifts to the two outgoing board members in appreciation for their years of service.
Public Comment
Gale Chapman presented gifts to the two outgoing board members in appreciation for their years of service.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth E. Postema