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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 09/04/2002A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on September 4, 2002 in the Ben Delatour Room of the Main Library at 201 Peterson Street. The following Library Board members were present: Rudy Maes, Ralph Olson, Melissa Pattison, Mary Robertson, and Joan Scheuerman. Library Board Members Absent: Robert Burns, Carolyn Haase City Staff Members Present: Brenda Cams, Marty Heffernan, and Marjorie Teklits Friends of the Library Liaison: Absent Council Liaison: Marty Tharp The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the Chairperson, Mary Robertson. Ralph Olson made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2002 meeting, Joan Scheuerman seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Correspondence Copies of the August 29`s memo from the Boards and Commissions Coordinator regarding Executive Session Guidelines/Protocol were distributed to all. Reports/Presentations a. Director — Brenda Cams Brenda reported that the Library Trust is attempting to secure a long term commercial tenant or buyer for the space located in the former Steele's market on Harmony and are interested in using the proceeds to work with the City to create a southeast library branch in a location other than the former market. It may be several months before decisions are made for the site and, so, plans for turning it into a southeast library branch are on hold for the time being. Marty Heffernan added that the project is being assessed every month and communications with the Trust are on -going. In addition, because of declining sales and use tax revenues, City services have been asked to identify areas from next year's budget which could be reduced by 4.9%. Although funding for the proposed southeast branch was to come from the Trust and impact fees for a number of years rather than the General Fund, the project would be faced with additional financial constraints should budget cuts be put in place and necessitates the situation to be re-evaluated. Mary Robertson agreed that this is the best way to proceed, and Joan Scheuerman said it is better not to open a branch if it can't be staffed or stocked properly. Ralph Olson said flexibility is important as circumstances change. Marty Heffernan said that, in the long run, it may be less expensive to identify another site than it would be to modify a grocery store into a library. In view of publicity about the potential library at this site, Melissa Pattison expressed concern that people would say it could have been a library. Marty Heffernan added that although, the former Steele's market site does have a lot of potential to extend library services where they are needed, if all factors are not considered and taken into consideration, budget restraints could diminish services for the rest of the library system. Brenda thanked Carolyn Haase and Joanna Lambert for participating in Harmony Branch Manager candidate presentations on July 26`s and for their input. Appreciation also to Library Board members Mary Robertson, Joan Scheuerman, Ralph Olson, and Rudy Maes for helping staff the NewWestFest library table and also to Friends of the Library members Joanna Lambert, Pat Frome, and Carol Smith. Joan Scheuerman, along with her husband and two children, greeted the Mayor and over 160 Annie Dog Walkers at Annie's historical site during this year's Annie Walk & Pet Fest. Their help in offering water and treats to the dogs and a happy smile to pet owners is appreciated. Thanks, too, to Mary Robertson for attending this year's event and to Friends' members Joanna Lambert, Carol Smith and Peg McGough for helping with registrations and cake serving. Special appreciation is extended to the Lion's Club for sponsoring the wonderful pancake breakfast in Library Park before the event. Despite recent hiring freezes within the City, the library has been fortunate to be able to proceed with the process of hiring replacements for the Lead Librarian -Adult Services and Customer Service Representative positions. b. Friends of the Library As Joanna Lambert was not able to attend tonight's meeting, a report will be given at the October meeting. C. Committee Reports: County/State/National As Carolyn Haase was not able to attend tonight's meeting, a report will be given at the October meeting. City Council Relations - Rudy Maes Rudy did not have anything to report at tonight's meeting. With regard to the pancake breakfast sponsored by the Lion's Club at the Annie Walk & Pet Fest on August 24a , Rudy said that attendance was somewhat less than last year's event and was most likely affected by the present economy. Public Relations - Ralph Olson, Joan Scheuerman Ralph mentioned that work is still ongoing with the bookmark project. Copies of the results received thus far from the Board's survey were distributed. OLD BUSINESS a. A draft presentation dealing with options for restoring County funding for library services and the preferred option for the size and location of future libraries was reviewed. It will be presented to City Council at their September 1& Study Session. Rudy Maes made a motion to accept the Library Board's sub -committee's recommendation that City Council approach the County Commissioners and request the library funding district question be referred to the voters in an upcoming election. It would be important to advise the Commissioners that if funding for library services for County residents is not forthcoming, the City may have to seriously consider charging County residents the full cost of library services. Ralph Olson seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. With regard to the size and location of future libraries, Rudy Maes motioned to accept the following system which provides support for a strong, vibrant downtown and adds significant library services in the area of town experiencing significant growth, i.e., the Southeast. Ralph Olson seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Year 2002 Existing Service Area Population = 148,000 Per capita = .43 Year 2005 Estimated Service Area Population = 158,425 Per capita = .46 33,500 sq. ft. Main Library 30,000 sq. ft. Harmony Library 63,500 sq. ft. total 33,500 sq. ft. Main Library 30,000 sq. ft. Harmony Library 10,000 sq. ft. Southeast Library 73,500 sq. ft. total 2010 Estimated Service Area 100,000 sq. ft. Civic Center Library Population = 176,635 (replaces Main Library) Per capita = .79 30,000 sq. ft. Harmony Library 10,000 sq. ft. Southeast Library 140,000 sq. ft. total 2015 Estimated Service Area 100,000 sq. ft. Civic Center Library Population = 196,936 30,000 sq. ft. Harmony Library Per capita = .76 10,000 sq. ft. addition to 10,000 sq. ft. Southeast Library 150,000 sq. ft. total 2020 Estimated Service Area 100,000 sq. ft. Civic Center Library Population = 219,575 30,000 sq. ft. Harmony Library Per capita = .73 20,000 sq. ft. Southeast Library 10 000 sq. ft. Northeast branch 160,000 sq. ft. total Joan Scheuerman said the presentation was well done, and Ralph Olson added it was very professional and included interesting graphics. Board members were invited to attend the September 10 Study Session. NEW BUSINESS a. By -Laws - Revised copies of Library Board By -Laws were distributed. Suggested word revisions from the City Attorney's office were indicated in bold lettering. The Board will vote on approval at the October meeting. b. New Library Board member Melissa Pattison was welcomed to the Board. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marjorie Teklits Administrative Secretary Ll