Library Board Minutes 08-02-2005MINUTES
MONTICELLO LIBRARY BOARD
August 2, 2005 - 4 p.m.
Members Present: Tom Parker, Jacque Gordon, Sandra Faster, Dawn Grossinger and
Librarian Margo Askin.
Members Absent: Brian Stumpf, Council Liaison
1. Call to Order.
The meeting came to order at 4 p.m. There was a quorum of the Library Board present.
2. Minutes from A ril 12 2005 Libra Board Meetin .
Jacque Gordon clarified that the letter sent out by the Friends of Library covered a number of
items, including funding for a sculpture for the new library but the funding of the sculpture
was not the main focus of the letter.
SANDRA FOSTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 12, 2005
LIBRARY BOARD MEETING AS CORRECTED. JACQUE GORDON SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3./4. Update on the Library buildin ro'ect and branch mans ers re art.
Margo Askin updated the Board on the building project. There were a number of items that
are not finished at this point. A major concern was the checkout desk. What was initially
installed was not correct. There was not sufficient area for two people to be working at the
same time, the computer did not fit even. though it had been measured, the surface of the desk
was such that it was easily marred and there were ergonomic concerns with the set up as well.
The desk has been redesigned but it has not yet been determined when it will be installed.
Due to problems with the vendor on the shelving, the shelving order with that vendor was
cancelled. The shelving is now being done by Dave Kinnard. The cost far the shelving runs
about $1,600 for a six foot section. The library received some video shelving from a video
business that was closing. There is approximately $3,000 unspent from the $15,000 the City
Council had allowed for shelving expense. There was discussion whether there was any
additional shelving that was needed in the library. It was felt that when the library made their
funding request far furniture it should be noted that the library did not use the full allotment of
funds for shelving.
The library has received positive comments on the expansion from the patrons. Margo Askin
noted that the study area was being used extensively. It was suggested that may be the door
to the study area should be removed so that activity in the study area might be more easily
monitored.
Margo Askin reviewed contributions the library had received. Tom Parker felt the library
should make a list of their needs and. then approach the various businesses in the city for their
support. Margo Askin stated there is a person who is interested in giving the library WIFI.
Margo Askin indicated there is no extra monthly cost. If the library had WIFI patrons could
bring in their own computer. There was some discussion an the need for additional
computers. Margo Askin felt the concern was not so much additional computers but having
an-call support for the existing computers. Also since there are only two spots left on their
router, it would limit how many additional computers they could add. She noted that Great
River Regional Library did not budget anything more for computers maintenance ar routers.
She stated that they are looking at getting two children's camputers which would not have
Internet access.
Tom Parker asked how the library is publicizing the fact that different groups are contributing
to the library. Margo Askin responded that they are not doing.as well as they should. They
do send out individual thank you notes to those who have cantributed but there has not been a
published formal thank you in the newspaper. Margo Askin also explained that many of the
contributions were made to the Friends of the Library so the 501 C3 tax advantage cauld be
utilized. It was suggested that in the Friends of the Library newsletter, there could be a thank
you to those who contributed. In addition it was suggested that the Library Board in a letter
to the editor express their thanks for thane firms who have supported the library.
The Library Board then reviewed the list of needs submitted which include a public
information kiosk, statue for in front of the building, furniture for the reading room, more
Spanish language materials and additional volunteers. Tom Parker noted that the volunteers
had done a good job with all that has been going on at the library and suggested that another
letter that needs to be written is one thanking all the volunteers who have assisted at the
library.
Margo Askin reported that they have contacted an individual for a design far a kiosk but have
not gotten a formal price quote for it. Parker McDonald had submitted a design for the
statue which featured a young girl but a final design has not been submitted. There was
discussion on possible funding sources for the statute cost. Jacque Gordon will contact the
Central Minnesota Arts Council in Little Falls as far as grant funds available and will also
contact the Monticello Arts Council.
6. Review and ado t meetin room olio .
Marga Askin submitted a policy document relating to the use of the program room and the
conference room for non-library functions. She noted that the policies were similar to those
the Monticello Community Center had established far rental of their meeting room facilities.
It was felt that the fees proposed were on the law side and Margo Askin responded that unlike
the Community Center, the library would not be providing set up and take down of the rooms
and no coffee was provided either. The general feeling was that the rental rates should be
comparable to the Community Center but could be $10 lower.
The only other item that generated discussion writhe restriction on religious ceremonies. It
was suggested that this be checked out to verify that legally the library could restrict that
activity. Margo Askin stated she did review the program policies with Kitty Balton,
Community Center Director and Rick Wolfsteller, City Administrator.
JACQUE CORDON MOVED TO APPROVE THE POLICIES PROPOSED FOR THE USE
OF THE PROGRAM ROOM AND CONFERENCE ROOM WITH CLARIFICATION ON
TI-IE RESTRICTION OF USE BY RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND ADOPTING A FEE
SCHEDULE THAT IS COMPARABLE TO THE RATES CHARGED BY THE
MONTICELLO COMMUNITY CENTER. SANDRA FOSTER SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Selection of a licant to fill vacant osition on Libra Board.
Margo Askin had received responses from seven individuals who had expressed interest in
filling the term left vacant by the resignation of Dawn Fitzgerald. The Library Board felt
there were a number of excellent individuals and discussed some way of utilizing the skills of
thaw other individuals who were not selected. It was suggested that perhaps those
individuals might be willing to assist the Library Board by serving as subcommittee chairs.
JACQUE CORDON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT CHRIS ANDERLY, 10166 PARK
PLACE DRIVE BE APPOINTED "f0 FILL THE VACANCY LEFT' BY TI-IE
RESIGNATION OF DAWN FITZGERALD WITH HIS TERM TO RUN THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2007. SANDRA FOSTER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The City Council needs to approve the appointment and this item will be placed on the
August S, 2005 Council agenda. Tom Parker suggested drafting a letter to the other interested
applicants letting them know the Library Board is looking for people to chair subcommittees
of the Library Board and invite them to attend the next meeting of the Library Board.
2006 Bud et r _„
,,~ U ocess.
The City is beginning the budget process far the 2006 budget. It was pointed out that the
present Council will be scrutinizing very carefully proposed expenditures. The Library Board
recommended that Margo Askin add line items relating to the cost of new programs that were
added such as the bi-lingual program, toddler time and to include costs that the library is
incurring because of increased use by patrons.
8. Review of role and responsibilities as outlined in city regulations,
It was noted that the duties of the Library Board as set forth in the City's ordinance is very
different from the Library Board's actual function. It was suggested that the ordinance be
revised to reflect what currently is the function of the Library Board. Dawn Grossinger will
submit a draft of the revised ordinance for review by the Library Board. If approved by the
Library Board, the ordinance would also need to be approved by the City Council.
9. Set uarterl meetin date.
It was suggested that the next meeting date be set for October 11, 2005 at 4 p.m. The
following tasks were assigned at this meeting: 1) Letter to the newspaper expressing
appreciation for the work done by volunteers for the library -- Tam Parker and Margo Askin.
2) better to the newspaper thanking firms for their donations -Jacque Gordon and Tom
Parker. 3) Sculpture for the library building -Jacque Gordon will contact the Minnesota Arts
Council. Sandra Foster will present the information to the Rotary Club. 4) Dawn
Grossinger will work on the revisions to the ordinance. 5) Margo Askin will work on the
kiosk cost and design. 6) Tom Parker will talk to Parker McDonald on the sculpture design.
Tom Parker added his compliment to staff and volunteers who did such a great job during the
construction of the library expansion and getting everything taken care and getting the library
back in full swing. They did an excellent job.
The meeting was adjourned.
`J~i~., ... ~...~ws sue,. ,
Recording Secretary