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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 07/14/2005LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES REGULAR MEETING — JULY 14, 2005 6:00 P.M. Council Liaison: Ben Manvel Staff Liaison: Brenda Carps (Phone 221-6670) Chairperson: Ralph Olson A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on July 14, 2005 in the Ben Delatour Room of the Main Library at 201 Peterson Street. The following Library Board members were present: Nina Bodenhamer, Bob Burns, Don Oehlerts, Ralph Olson, Melissa Pattison, Mary Robertson, and Molly Thompson. City Staff Members Present: Council Liaison Friends of the Library Liaison: Visitors: Marty Heffernan, Brenda Cams and Marjorie Teklits Ben Manvel Sharon Bleicher Marty Tharp, Lu Benke The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Ralph Olson. Don Oehlerts moved to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2005 meeting; Molly Thompson seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Following introductions, visitors were welcomed to the meeting. Corresoondence: Brenda Cams reminded Ralph Olson and Molly Thompson that they are requested to contact the City Clerk's office by July 29a' regarding renewal of their appointments to the Library Board. Reports/Presentations: a. Director's Report - Brenda Cams Brenda reported some of the following major accomplishments for the Library thus far this year. Notable highlights: The Library held 54 adult programs with 2,067 in attendance. There were 10 programs for teens with 201 in attendance. . Almost 1,600 people attended spring break puppet shows; 320 had to be turned away due to occupancy restrictions. . Between 50-70 now attend a Southeast Storytime each week at Austin's Restaurant. This program is totally funded by the Friends of the Library, including staff. In addition, an informal lending library is made available to the parents to select and borrow to extend the literacy experience. . Collaboration with PSD and the Aztlan Center brought 89 students and parents to the Library for a bilingual storytime, tour, treasure hunt and sign-up for library cards. . With financial assistance from the Friends of the Library and the Fort Collins Read - Aloud group, two events focusing on the importance of very early life in the reading process were made possible. Workshops for library staff from all over the region, early childhood education professionals and care givers served to train the trainers so they could prepare parents for their role as their children's first teacher. . Harmony Library received $5,000 for new materials as part of a grant from the Early Childhood Council of Latimer County. . A Libraries to Literacy grant for helping Spanish-speaking families learn how to use the library was developed and implemented with PSD teachers. . To improve customer service, a fax service of library materials was implemented, allowing staff to provide information to patrons at home, office or other libraries. . Downloadable audio books, accessible from home computers, have been added. This collection includes the Pimsleur language instruction audio books. Bob asked if these are copyrighted; Brenda clarified that they are a subscription. Ralph asked if it helps with relieving shortages of materials, and Brenda said it does; he said the topic would make a good Soapbox article. Lu Benke added that it saves shelf space in the building. Nina said they are nice because you can actually have your book loaded on your Ipod. . The Friends of the Library purchased a disk checker/cleaner for the Library; the machine extends the life of this type of media, allows for faster turn around on damaged materials and reduces replacement costs. . Customer friendly enhancements include online sign-up for the Adult Summer Reading Program, the ability to register for a Netlibrary account from home, and more reliable self -check machines which constitute nearly 60% of checkouts. She also encouraged the Board to read this month's Director's Report for up-to-date activities at the Library. City staff have been very busy with the Budgeting for Outcomes project, and the first level of discussions is almost finished. The Library has done well in the process up to this point, although it may yet be requested to offer some cutbacks. b. Friends of the Library — Sharon Bleicher Sharon reminded everyone that the Summer Used Book Sale starts tomorrow, July 15 at Harmony Library and hoped everyone could attend. C. Summer Reading Program Video Due to time constraints, viewing of the video was postponed. d. Public Relations — Nina Bodenhamer, Molly Thompson The READ poster project is moving forward. Poudre Valley Hospital will be displaying some of the posters in their cafeteria. The posters will say READ FORT COLLINS, and have a tag line explaining who is pictured and why. It is planned to take photos of the Board at the August 11`s meeting. Tom and Jean Sutherland, some members of the Poudre Fire Authority and Police Services will be pictured on posters as well. Brenda said to look into display cases at City Hall; Nina said she is also exploring the use of bus stops, the City's web site, and school libraries for the posters. e. Emergine Trends — Bob Burns Bob will have an update on the Patriot Act at next month's meeting. Old Business a. Library Funding Options — Ralph Olson Ralph said there is a need to make sure there is secure funding for the Library, especially in these times of economic uncertainty, and there is no easy answer. The Library has enjoyed good relations with Council in the past and received favorable funding during hard times. There is a high demand on Library use, proving it is treasured. Some other communities are making tough decisions and can no longer fund their libraries. All this leads into discussions the Board has had in the form of information gathering about the different alternatives for funding other than by sales tax revenues or a general fund. At last month's meeting, the Board listened to guest speaker Jamie LaRue who has experience in leading efforts to successfully open up the boundaries of three municipal libraries to encompass a larger regional view. He generated a lot of enthusiasm within the Board to explore possible alternative funding options. As an outcome, the Board turned to the Friends of the Library and decided on the strategy of finding out the level of support in our general community for the Library, if people value it as much as the Board and Friends do. The Friends then contracted a group (Burns Marketing) to conduct a survey of 400 people in the community, starting with general questions and gradually getting more specific. Seventy- five percent of the people surveyed had a library card. Survey results are summarized below. New Business a. Community Survey Results: In summary, Burns Marketing reviewed the information and found the following items especially noteworthy: The library has a solid reputation and provides much -needed and well -liked services. The population at large believes the library is spending its funding wisely. An election that creates a property taxing entity for the library would most likely be won if the average tax would not be above $55-$60 per house. Messages surrounding use of funds would focus on the possibility of the library losing funds due to city budget cuts, cutting back on core services, reduction of children's programming, reduction of purchasing new books and materials and, (a slightly different message), increased spending for popular books and materials and additional programming. There appears to be not much support for capital expenditures such as new construction or other non -core services. Ralph said the survey presents interesting information as well as support for the library from a random sampling of people in the library's service area. Often thought to be a difficult group to sell to, it was found the older population was amazingly supportive, especially of programs. Bob asked how the people surveyed were chosen, and Ralph said they were chosen randomly from voter registrations. The percentage validity of the survey is plus or minus four percent. A copy of the survey questions and results is attached. Nina said last month the Board talked about the various funding options and the need to discuss them with Council. Marty Heffernan said it has been planned to do this for some time and a Study Session is scheduled with Council on August 9`s. Marty said a Board member is welcome to join him and Brenda at the August 9`s session with Council, and Ralph said he will participate. Over the past year and a half, a Library Funding Task Force met to go through the process of exploring alternative funding options for libraries in the County. Formation of this group was sparked by the County eliminating funding for libraries (serving all Latimer County regardless of residency). Ideas for alternate funding ranged from bake sales to taxing districts to charging fees, and it came down to a Library Authority being the most appealing to the Task Force members. After their last meeting in September 2004, participants were to talk to their City Councils to see if there was any interest in pursing the idea. In referring to the Budgeting for Outcomes process, he said it is interesting to note that the Library is not facing as many reductions as some other areas; it is doing fairly well in what could be considered a negative environment. One of the goals of the presentation for Council is to give them our perspective that if we ever plan to take the Library forward with a capital plan, looking at our present funding situation, it is difficult to see how to get there from here. One answer is to be removed from the general fund; another is to find additional alternate funding. So, it is these issues that Council needs to be informed about to help understand and determine good financial options for the future. After that, there will need to be a discussion about do we want to consider other options, or accept what we have. To move forward independent of Council would be a mistake. Mary Robertson suggested a meeting with Marty Heffernan and the City Manager in October or November to see what makes the most sense. It would be a good time to implement a long term plan, if that looks like the best option to move forward with. Marty Tharp said that if a District is considered, it would go beyond the City limits and County representatives should be involved. The County would be the entity that puts a District issue on the ballot, if it was decided to go in that direction. She suggested inviting the County to the Study Session and ask for their input. Frank Lancaster and Kathay Rennels were involved in previous Library Task Force discussions, and having them on board would be important. It might also be useful to have Jamie LaRue on board to answer questions people may have. She said the community responded positively in the survey about increased property tax for the library, and that goes a long way. Marty Heffernan appreciated the suggestions, but said the County has already been involved in alternative funding discussions and he would invite them to the Study Session. However, he didn't see a need to invite Jamie LaRue at least at this point. Ralph asked if some members from the Friends of the Library and/or the Library Trust could be asked to sit in, and Marty said they are welcome at the Work Session but the rules prevent them from addressing the Council unless Council invites them to participate. Nina asked that, as we move forward, whichever of these configurations go forward, can funds be ensured? Marty Heffernan said the advantage of a District is that you have your own funds but there are hurdles to overcome. An Authority is interesting because you can start with additional funding for important things, and the funding level could eventually be increased as long as people within the boundaries approve it. The fear, though, is that money from the general fund could be reduced. Bob Burns asked for clarification that a District model requires voter approval; Marty said that it does and so does an Authority. If you ask for permanent funding at a certain level, it would be ongoing. You can go back later and ask for more. Bob asked how often, or when. Brenda said increases are usually requested every 5 to 7 years; when you have increases in growth and capital projects, you have to ask for more. Marty Heffernan said that, as part of the Budgeting for Outcomes projects, $25,000 is requested to explore alternate funding options for the Library. If the request passes through the process, it would go before Council in the fall. Brenda said it would provide the resources needed to move forward; if not approved, it would be important that a decision be made to stop wasting energy on it. Bob asked if the District or Authority concept has been discussed with the Commissioners; Marty said they were involved in the Task Force and were supportive. Bob asked if they see a dedicated mill levy for a District as diminishing County funds. Mary said it is a competition in a way and all players seem to understand. However, once a tax reaches a certain level, it is hard to get anybody to approve an increase. Marty said you have to create boundaries that include areas where you know you have support. He suggested a wait and see approach at this time: wait until after the Study Session is held to get Council's reaction to the funding alternatives, then see if the $25,000 is approved in the budget to move forward. Other: Don Oehlerts volunteered to represent the Library Board at the July 22"d Harmony Library Advisory Committee Meeting. Nina Bodenhamer said she would be interested in attending a future meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, cz-21" Marjorie Teklits Administrative Secretary 1. In your opinion, over the next 12 months do you believe the economy in Fort Collins will improve, stay the same, or get worse? Improve 121 Stay the same 192 Get worse 87 2. Do you believe Fort Collin's major budget cutting is mostly over or do you think there will be more major budget cuts? More budget cuts 262 Mostly over 66 Don't Know 77 3a. The library uses our tax dollars wisely and deserves more funding. Strongly Agree 219 Somewhat Agree 122 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 34 Somewhat Disagree 20 Strongly Disagree 5 3b. The library is doing just fine the way it is. Strongly Agree 64 Somewhat Agree 158 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 48 Somewhat Disagree 97 Strongly Disagree 33 3c. The library should cut back on services, hours of operation, and new books. Strongly Agree 6 Somewhat Agree 14 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 18 Somewhat Disagree 105 Strongly Disagree 257 4. Do you have a Fort Collins Public Library card? Yes 305 No 93 Don't Know 2 5. Due to city and state budget cuts, the operating budget for the library has been reduced by $230,000 over the past three years. To compensate, the library has capitalized on technology, eliminated community book drops, and reduced staff. If the library must make additional cuts to its budget, please tell me If you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree agree or disagree with the following cuts So. Close one day a week Strongly Agree 50 Somewhat Agree 163 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 30 Somewhat Disagree 66 Strongly Disagree 91 5b. Reduce children's programming Strongly Agree 5 Somewhat Agree 30 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 23 Somewhat Disagree 93 Strongly Disagree 249 So. Provide fewer computers and databases Strongly Agree 28 Somewhat Agree 119 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 44 Somewhat Disagree 103 Strongly Disagree 106 5d. Reduce buying new books and materials Strongly Agree 5 Somewhat Agree 47 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 17 Somewhat Disagree 110 Strongly Disagree 221 Ss. Reduce the number of staff at help desks Strongly Agree 12 Somewhat Agree 81 Neither Agree Nor Disagree 44 Somewhat Disagree 154 Strongly Disagree 109 6. Fort Collins Public Library is a city library that operates on a budget of approximately $4.9 million primarily from General Fund sales taxes. Colorado state law allows for the creation of a library district with local voter approval. (A number of libraries in Colorado operate as a district). A library district Is a separate, independent governmental unit with dedicated property tax revenue at a level that Is approved by the voters to provide library services. In Fort Collins, the Issue of creating a library district can be placed on the ballot in a general election. If you had to vote today, would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose the creation of a library district? Strongly Support 99 Somewhat Support 147 Neither Support Nor Oppose 63 Somewhat Oppose 52 Strongly Oppose 39 7. As I read a list of the property tax amounts per year that would be applied to a home based on an approximate median price in Fort Collins of $221,000, please tell me if you would be willing to pay that amount to fund the library. 7a. $55 per year Yes 284 No 93 Don't Know 23 7b. $75 per year Yes 181 No 195 Don't Know 24 7c. $95 per year Yes 113 No 263 Don't Know 24 S. If additional funds became available, what library improvements would you support? Be. Extended hours at existing libraries Yes 183 No 185 Don't Know 32 8b. Open a southeast branch library Yes 192 No 176 Don't Know 32 8c. Build a new main library Yes 100 No 273 Don't Know 27 8d. Establish a Bookmobile service Yes 221 No 149 Don't Know 30 8e. Purchase more popular materials to decrease wait time for those materials Yes 256 No 117 Don't Know 27 Sf. Install book drops throughout the city Yes 230 No 154 Don't Know 18 8g. Increase library programming Yes 245 No 114 Don't Know 41 eh. Increase the number of available computers Yes 176 No 185 Don't Know 39 9. Do you have any children under 18 in the household? Yes 146 No 254 Refused 0 10. Into which of the following ranges does your age fall? 18-24 11 25-34 50 35-54 185 55 and over 149 Refused 5 11. Record gender by observation Male 140 Female 260