Library Board Minutes 03-07-2006Monticello Public Library Board
March 7, 200b
Attending: Board members Torn Parker, Chris Andcrley, Jacque Gordon, Ralph Olsen; branch librarian
Margo Askin
Minutes: Minutes of the Oct. 12, 2005 meeting were reviewed and approved. (Gordon/Anderley)
Staff presentation: Aide Jean Johnson gave an overview of the job tasks assigned to aides, including
checking in materials, shelving, weeding, and shelf-reading. She emphasized that the increased traffic in the
library made it difficult to complete all of the tasks in the number of aide hours assigned to the branch.
Election: The following officers were elected for 2006: Torn Parker, chair; Ralph Olsen, vice chair; and
Chris Anderley, secretary. Slate approved on a motion by Gordon/Olsen.
Branch Manager's report: Written report was distributed. Margo explained statistics showing a
continuing increase in circulation at the branch. She noted that keeping the larger space clean is proving to
be a problem since the city allocates only 10 hours per week janitorial service and suggested that the board
ask the city to increase that amount when the next budget cycle begins. An allocation for more visible
permanent signage throughout the building should also be requested for the 2007 budget year. She reported
that the wireless service provided by TDS Telecom has been well received by the public.
Building Project : The problems with the circulation desk have not yet been solved. The cabinetry is
completed and portions are being stored in the conference room pending replacement of the countertop
material. Margo reported that a representative from the manufacturer had visited the building in December
but to date no agreement has been reached on replacing the material. The surface of the desk began
showing scratches and wear within one week of installation in June 2005. Since that time efforts have been
underway to get it replaced with a material better suited to the heavy use of a high traffic desktop. Torn
Parker agreed to contact architect Ed Kodet and city council liaison Brian Stumpf about the problem.
Jacque and Ralph will meet with Rick Wolfsteller to encourage resolution of the situation.
Art Project: The board continued discussions about commissioning local artist Parker McDonald to
create a large metal art piece to mark the front entrance to the library. The initial sketch was distributed for
board review. The board will invite Parker to attend the next meeting to talk about his ideas in greater
detail and provide cost estimates. Jacque reported that Friends of the Monticello Library is also interested
in helping raise funds for the project.
New Branch Librarian: Margo Askin will be leaving the position of branch librarian effective April 14.
Interviews for her replacement are currerrtly underway. Torn asked that the minutes reflect the board's
appreciation for Margo's leadership during the remodeling project in 2005.
Next meeting: Under the ordinance change adopted by the Monticello City Council in 2005, the library
board is required to meet at least once each quarter. The next meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday,
May 17 at 4:30 pm in the library conference room.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 pm
Respectfully submitted
Margo Askin, Branch Librarian