October 15, 2002 Minutes
Board of Trustees
Fargo Public Library
Minutes of October 15, 2002
Present: Board Members Betty Kerns, Prakash Mathew, Virginia Dambach, Jean Rayl, and Helen Levitt
Director of Finance, City of Fargo Kent Costin
LSSI Representative Tom Hehman
Library Director Charles Pace
Staff Members: Karen Kohoutek, Monique Andresen, Beth Postema, Diane Briggs
Friends Liaison: Bob Mason
Order of Agenda
Jean Rayl made the motion to approve the order of agenda. Helen Levitt seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes
There are no additions to the minutes at this time. Helen Levitt moved to approve the minutes of September 17. Virginia Dambach seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Staff Reports
Diane Briggs reported on the Mountain Plains Library Association/North Dakota Library Association/South Dakota Library Association convention held at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo October 2-5. Twelve states are a part of the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) and attendance reached 500, with 60 exhibitors.
The Friends of the Fargo Public Library sponsored a chocolate reception for the convention attendees at the library after hours October 3. Board members Betty Kerns and Virginia Dambach, Friends member Carol Sawicki and several staff members helped with serving the many chocolate desserts. Harley Sommerfeld’s jazz ensemble entertained the crowd with music throughout the evening.
The Fargo Public Library staff was able to take advantage of the many sessions offered throughout the convention. Staff members that attended were very pleased with the quality of sessions and quantity of exhibitors. Sessions covered a variety of topics including Internet privacy, Children’s and Young Adult programming, and collection development. A relevant suggestion from a session regarding Young Adult programming included a graphic novel seminar, which we were planning for November 8.
The convention ended with a banquet decorated by Rickie Esslinger and Sandy Boutain on October 4 and several area tours on October 5. Diane Briggs received the Canoe Kudos Award for helping with the convention.
Director of Finance, City of Fargo, Kent Costin
A question and answer session was held with Kent Costin and Tom Hehman of LSSI regarding contractual details and processes. The consensus is that LSSI has been successful with the management of the library, but financial processes need improvement. Late payment of bills is not acceptable and a cause for concern in relation to cash flow issues. Tom Hehman announced the addition of a Chief Financial Officer to LSSI’s administrative team. Tom Hehman is going to be more involved with the overall financial processes as related to the Fargo Public Library. The monthly financial reports presented to the Board will include a balance sheet reflecting aging of accounts payable and a general ledger detail.
LSSI Management Report
The management report was distributed in the board packet. The Guadalcanal program held Monday, October 14 was very successful with over 60 people in attendance, including several veterans who thanked the staff and author for presenting such a program. Charles Pace will present a Halloween story time at the Southpointe Branch October 31.
Statistical Reports
A supplemental Statistical Analysis of Library Usage report was distributed comparing the years LSSI has been at the Fargo Public Library. Total circulation year to date through September increased 26%. The door count from September 2000 to September 2002 increased 30%. Internet sign up over the past two years has doubled.
Friends of Fargo Public Library Report
On October 7 the Friends of the Fargo Public Library sorted and shelved a tremendous amount of books. The shelves are now full, which reflects the need for additional space. Charles Pace is checking on moving shelving to create more space. The next book sale is December 13 and 14. December 13 from 4-6pm is for members only. December 14 from 10-4pm is open to the public. $300 has been funded for the Staff Appreciation Dinner October 26. A committee has amended and updated the bylaws. The bank balance as of October 8 is $5,045.
Continuing Business
A. LSSI contract negotiation team update.
The contract continues the editing process for irrelevant wording and changes. Virginia Dambach and Jean Rayl will write a new draft of schedule A for next month.
New Business
Relocation of Hornbacher’s book drop.
The book drop currently located at the Hornbacher’s on 32nd Avenue South will relocate November 1 to the Hornbacher’s in the Northport Shopping Center.
Public Comment
Thank you Tom and Kent for contributing to our discussion.
There was an article in the Forum October 14 regarding the Southpointe Branch success.
Next Board Meeting
The next board meeting will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2002, at 4:00 p.m. in the meeting room.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monique Andresen