HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 7, 2001
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
August 7, 2001
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair, Patricia Sowada at 6:35 p.m. Those present were Nancy Hoium, Patricia
Sowada, Catherine Vesley, and Becky Loader.
It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve the minutes of the July 2, meeting as mailed.
The bill list of July 23, 2001, was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that they be paid.
The bill list of August 13, 2001, was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that they also be paid.
The accounting was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. A report on the public service meeting was presented. Items discussed were Internet concerns and changes
in fines.
2. The following projects have been completed this summer: magazine mending, video mending, and compact
disc cleaning.
3. A new sump pump with a high water alarm has been purchased and installed.
4. Catherine Vesley served as an expert art and jewelry appraiser and Becky Loader presented a preservation
workshop at Riverfest. Both donated their services to the Anoka County Historical Society. Becky also
worked as a Heritage Craft Interpreter for the Anoka County Historical Society at the Anoka County Fair old
farmhouse site.
5. A staff update was provided. Three new pages have been hired and started training this week. They are Ben
Pressler, Beth Gilles, and Jenny Niznick. Annie Harmel and Susan Miller, both of whom will be attending
school out of state in the fall, have submitted resignations. Joe Torborg has also resigned for personal
reasons. The library will advertise for page positions again from September 4 to September 21. The Board
would like to commend Barb Kondrick and Elaine Dietz-Mamaril for working extra daytime hours to cover
staff vacancies this summer.
Barbara Miller joined the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
The Board discussed ways of recognizing staff for their efforts. It was moved, seconded and passed to
purchase gift certificates to Rosedale for staff, using funds from the Boards and Commissions line item.
6. The 2002 proposed budget was reviewed. The City Manager has asked staff to submit budget cuts of 10%
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to their proposed budgets. For the library a 10% cut equals $64,000. The memo submitted to the City
Manager was reviewed.
Julienne Wyckoff joined the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
The items to be reduced or eliminated include: lighting, ballasts; main floor circulation desk; office
furniture; vandalism line item; expert/professional services; books; computer equipment; and part-time
employees including the elimination of the Library Clerk position. The Board acknowledged the changes
submitted but voiced their concerns about the above items. They further want it noted that while cuts must
be made and they are willing to unfill the library clerk position this budget year as a temporary measure if
necessary, they do not wish the position be eliminated. The City Council/Library Board budget meeting is
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scheduled for October 2.
New Business:
1. The crossover statistics were reviewed. Staff is investigating the possibility of one terminal that may not be
functioning correctly.
2. The Mn. Dept. of Library Development and Services, Department of Children, Families & Learning
approved the Technology plan. This approval is valid from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2004.
3. The article from the Minnesota Library Association Newsletter regarding Regional Library
Telecommunication Aid (RLTA) was discussed. The Legislature’s intention is RLTA will be eliminated as
of July 1, 2003. Funding telecommunication costs will become a part of basic system support.
4. The article from the Public Libraries Journal concerning the legal aspects of Internet filtering in public
libraries was reviewed.
5. The 2000 MELSA circulation statistics summary was reviewed. Comparisons were made to other similar-
sized libraries.
6. Marsha has extended an invitation to all Board members to attend the volunteer recognition luncheon at
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noon on August 22. There are certificates for each volunteer. 272 volunteer teen hours and 125 volunteer
adult hours are being honored that day.
7. Richard Hubbard has submitted his resignation, effective immediately, from the Library Board. The Board
requested members to think of possible suggestions of people who might be interested in submitting an
application for this vacancy.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanine M. Schmidt Secretary to the Library Board of Trustees.
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or
treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to
allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights services, programs, and activities.
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