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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 03/09/2000LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting —March 9, 2000 6:00 p.m. Council Liaison: Michael Byrne Staff Liaison: Brenda Cams (Phone 221-6670) Chairperson: Ed Jakubauskas (Phone:223-7428) A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on March 9, 2000 in the Ben Delatour Room of the Main Library. The following Library Board members were present: Kris Folsom, Carolyn Haase, Ed Jakubauskas, Rudy Maes, Mary Robertson, and Charles Robles. Library Board Member Absent: Madeleine Wawro City Staff Members Present: Brenda Cams, Michael Powers, Marjorie Teklits Friends of the Library Liaison: Larry Webber The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the Chairperson, Ed Jakubauskas. The minutes of the February 10, 2000 meeting were unanimously approved as written. Correspondence Copies of a memo to all City Advisory Boards regarding the Fort Collins' Earth Day 2000 celebration on April 22nd at Colorado State University was distributed. The event is sponsored by the Northern Colorado Environmental Alliance, Colorado Public Interest Research Group, Colorado State University, Poudre School District and the City of Fort Collins. Reports/Presentations Director — Brenda Cams Library Board members were given copies of a form from the Colorado Library Association (CLA) and the Colorado Educational Media Association (CEMA) inviting them to sign up to be part of a legislative network. Brenda thanked Ed Jakubauskas, Carolyn Haase, Rudy Maes, Larry Webber, Joanna Lambert, and Jean Dietemann for joining her at the CLA Legislative Day in Denver on February 24th. She received a letter from Steve Tool with his regrets on not being able to attend and a request to be kept informed on important issues. Ed Jakubauskas also offered his appreciation to those who attended the event. The Larimer County Librarians are planning to further discuss funding options in the form of a proposed property tax at their April meeting. The second draft of a Program Plan for a New Main Library prepared by Frye, Gillan & Molinaro Architects was shared with the Board. Copies of the Executive Summary giving an overview of the document was provided in the Board packets, and final copies of the Program Plan can be made available when completed. The architects gave a presentation of their draft Program Plan for a New Main Library on Monday, March 6. The City Manager attended the meeting along with Board members Ed Jakubauskas, Mary Robertson, and Carolyn Haase. In addition to key library management staff, some members of the Library Trust and Friends of the Library also attended. It was explained that the original recommendation of a 100,000 s.f. facility was based on a previous plan and is no longer an accurate projection of what is needed for the next 20 years. If a 150,000 s.f. building is not immediately required for library services, space could be rented out to other City offices or a portion could be left unfinished to allow for expansion when needed. Ed Jakubauskas felt that by the time a New Main Library is constructed, it will fill up with library materials quickly and that there will not be excessive space. Mike Powers explained that the actual New Main Library that is built could be quite different than the current draft plan. The plan is a starting point developed by the consultants after speaking with staff. He further said that it should be kept in mind that the estimated cost is for the building only and excludes such things as parking, start-up costs, and additional volumes. At the current rate, a parking structure costs approximately $10,000 per space. In preliminary planning stages, it is best to market costs in a range so as not to be locked into anything specific. He reminded the Board that the money currently available can only be spent for design and/or purchase of land. He further asked Board members how they felt about the increase from a 100,000 s.f. facility to 150,000 s.f; the consensus was in favor of 150,000 s.f. Carolyn Haase said the Board members are realistic visionaries. Ed asked if there is a bonding capability; Mike said that there is a bonding capability only if approved by voters. Rudy Maes believes they should try the bond option. Kris Folsom said she feels it is better to ask for the larger sized facility. Friends of the Library — Larry Webber The Friends' are very pleased with the results of a mini book sale held February 25-27 at Harmony Library which brought in $4,317. Brenda gave Larry the staff s "wish list" of needed items to present to the Friends' Board. The items totaled $25,000. 2 The Friends have sponsored the library's entry in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on March I I'". Local Historian Rheba Massey did an outstanding program for the Friends on Martha Scott Trimble, a descendent of an early pioneer family in Fort Collins. Rudy Maes mentioned that he acquired a children's book written in Spanish from the Friends'sale which one of his customers took to a child in Nicaragua. A photo of the child reading the book was given to Rudy, and it was suggested that Rudy and the customer might wish to speak at one of the Friends' Executive Meetings to tell the inspiring story. Committee Reports: County/State/National—Carolyn Haase Committee members are planning to meet following tonight's meeting. Brenda mentioned that Senate Bill 085 asks for an increase in the amount given to the Denver Public Library to help pay for services, such as interlibrary loans, reference questions, and ACLIN, which they provide to the state. In addition, the $2 million statewide funding measure based on population served would mean approximately $37,500 for the Fort Collins Public Library. Wording is being adjusted on the filtering issue to determine locally how best to protect the interests of customers, particularly children, using the Internet without compromising free speech. City Council Relations — Charles Robles Though no formal report was given, Charles said that he meets with the Mayor quite often and that he intends to email Council members to remind them who is their contact person on the Library Board. Community/Public Relations —Mary Robertson Mary met with Mike Byrne and advised him of current issues and of the possibility of a ballot initiative for a New Main Library. She is also scheduled to meet with Mike Powers and the City Manager to keep them updated on library issues. She reminded Board members that they are invited to the March 15`h meeting of citizens interested in the library. Copies of sample letters offering the services of Board Members to speak about library issues and trends were distributed. A total of 269 letters were sent to book groups, PTO/PTA groups and neighborhood leaders. Mary arranged for a discussion of library issues to be featured at a May 18" event at Barnes & Noble. The store will invite the public, various book groups, and provide publicity for the program. OLD BUSINESS New Main Library Funding Issues: Ed said that he believes the Fort Collins Public Library needs to find its own funding sources and that a property tax increase is probably not the best route to follow at this time. Funds for a new building as well as operating costs are needed. Thought must be given as to how to improve the funding situation, perhaps through a sales tax which could generate a significant amount of revenue when compared to property tax as even visitors to the area contribute when they make purchases. NEW BUSINESS Newspaper segments: Ed suggested that Board Members write segments for The Coloradoan on what the library means to the community —what it means to children, to the education process, to the different aspects of one's life —by relaying their own personal experiences. All agreed it would be an excellent way to communicate the library's needs to the public, and a sign-up sheet was passed around. Rudy also suggested publicity with Channel 10. Survey: Ed asked if there has ever been a study of community attitudes; Mike believed there was one done some time between 1985 to 1987. Coffee Cart: Brenda said the vendor who was interested in providing this service felt that the limit of a two-year contract would not allow him to cover start-up costs. Even a used cart would cost approximately $7,000 and there is always the concern that it may not prove as popular as expected. The concept is still being explored, however, to see if a solution can be found. Carolyn suggested purchasing the cart with a loan from the Friends. Outreach Library Assistant: Brenda invited Board Members to stop by and introduce themselves to the new Library Assistant, Larry Maynard, in the Children's area who, in addition to his duties at the desk, will be responsible for outreach to the Hispanic community. She thanked Rudy for his assistance in the interview process. Dr. Seuss Birthday Party: A special program is planned for Sunday, March 19" at the Main Library. The Mayor, City Manager, and other prominent citizens are scheduled to read stories to children from 1:30 to 3:30, followed by cake at the Walnut Street Gallery, which is partnering with the library in offering this program. Annie Walk: This year's "Annie Walk and Pet Fest" is scheduled for Saturday, August 26". The Mayor and City Manager will be invited to participate. In addition to the many activities, a volunteer has offered to demonstrate origami for the children. 11 The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marjorie Teklits Administrative Secretary