HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board - Minutes - 05/10/2006LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING — MAY 10, 2006
6:00 P.M.
Council Liaison: Ben Manvel Staff Liaison: Brenda Cams
(Phone 221-6670)
Chairperson: Nina Bodenhamer
( Phone: 266-9611)
A regular meeting of the Library Board was held on May 10, 2006 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:
Friends of the Library Liaison:
Guest:
Brenda Cams, Marty Heffernan,
and Marjorie Teklits
Sharon Bleicher
Jean Blaylock, League of Women Voters
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Chairperson Nina Bodenhamer. Mary
Robertson moved to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2006 meeting; Ralph Olson seconded
the motion, and it was unanimously approved.
Correspondence:
There was no correspondence to be read at tonight's meeting.
Reports/Presentations:
a. Director's Report - Brenda Cams
Brenda mentioned that Board packets tonight include the most recent Six Month Agenda
Calendar, recent newspaper articles about the Library, and copies of the George K. Baum
& Company survey. Council will further discuss the Library issue at their May 23rd
meeting, and Brenda will send the City Clerk a request that it be scheduled first on the
agenda.
b. Friends of the Library — Sharon Bleicher
The planting of a tree in Library Park to honor Larry Webber for his years of service to
the Library will take place on Monday, July 10`h at 10 a.m. Sharon invited the Board to
attend this event as well as the Friends upcoming mid -summer used book sale scheduled
for July 14-17 at Harmony Library.
d. Public Relations — Molly Thompson
Molly's latest Quarterly Newsletter from the Board was distributed; Nina suggested it be
put on the Library's website; Marge will ask Systems Administration staff to assist.
Old Business
a. Library Issues —
Nina attended the May 91h Council Study Session and said a decision was made to
separate the Library District issue from the City's funding problems. They will,
however, consider whether the City would underwrite the process. She also said the
County wouldn't have a problem with the issue being on the ballot; if enough valid
signatures are received, it is predicted they will pay half the election cost.
Information from the George K. Baum survey was not alluded to at the Council
meeting. Ralph said the survey appears heavily geared to older voters and those
without children.
Other:
If Council agrees to proceed, fundraisers will have time to see what they can do to
raise the $40-$50,000 needed to promote a campaign. Mary added that firm
commitments for most of the money needed should be in place by August in order to
move forward.
Nina said if the Library issue doesn't go on the ballot, the Library will face more
closures, layoffs and reductions in service. If a District passes, lost services, such as
drop boxes, can be restored and a southeast branch can be planned. Ralph said if the
Jail issue passes, people are going to see a large increase in their taxes and
willingness to approve future increases is not likely.
Don Oehlerts asked how much variance there is between the Poudre School District
boundary and City of Fort Collins; Marty said there is a huge ditierence. Also, Red
Feather Lakes and Wellington are not interested in joining if a District is formed.
Brenda said even though Estes Park is in Larimer County, it is part of the St. Vrain
School District.
Jean Blaylock said the League of Women Voters agreed at their annual meeting to make
a project of studying Libraries in Larimer County. Marge will send her a list and contacts
for the Larimer County Library Directors.
Bob said it is helpful to have dates of important upcoming meetings in the minutes.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Teklits
Administrative Secretary