HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 4, 2003
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
March 4, 2003
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Barbara Miller at 7:00 p.rn. Those members present were Barbara Miller,
Nancy Hoium, Dave Holmgren, Patricia Sowada, Catherine Vesley, Council Liaison Julienne Wyckoff, and Becky
Loader.
It was moved, seconded, and passed to approve the minutes of the February 4,2003, Board meeting as mailed.
Bill list dated 2/24/03 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that they be paid.
The accounting was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. A 75th Anniversary update was given. March's patron of the month is Ruth Westerberg.
a. The "Read Across Heights" bulletin board is going up this week. There will be pictures on both
floors of the building. City Staff, Commission members, and City Council will be displayed on
the main floor. Pictures of teachers and staff from the school district will be displayed on the
lower level.
b. Reading club ended and the drawing for prizes took place 3/4/03. Staff is notifying winners
this evening.
2. The Xcellighting project will be undertaken in 2003.
3. Update on the status of the divine/Faxon/Rowecom problem was provided. Staff has been negotiating with
EBSCO to reinstate and fill our missing subscriptions. Everyone assures us that we will have no break in
issues, but that it could take up to three months to fill back issues of magazines. A notice has been posted to
inform patrons that we have experienced a problem and new issues will be made available as soon as they
are received.
New Business:
1. City version of the Annual Report was reviewed and discussed. The State Annual Report will not be due
until May.
2. The merger of Dunwoody and NEI was discussed. The discussion included possible uses of the NEI
building along with other redevelopment sites in the City. These sites include the Industrial Park area, K-
mart, University Avenue between 3ih and 40th Ave., Mady's, and the area on Stinson Blvd. and 3ih.
3. The impact of the Governor's proposed budget plan was discussed. Possible cost saving measures have
been compiled.
4. A document prepared by Becky for presentation to the City Manager and Finance Director showing both a
5% and 10% cut to the current proposed budget was distributed and discussed. Becky would like to
commend Roxanne Smith, Assistant Finance Director, for her help with determining dollar amounts of
budget cuts and problems in a timely manner. The Board moved, seconded, and passed to approve the
document as presented.
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5. Possible ways to increase revenues were discussed. A campaign to collect fines is being implemented.
Some marketing strategies for Video and DVD rentals are also being considered.
6. The Anoka County Library Board has voted to raise the fines on adult materials from 20 cents to 30 cents
per day effective April 1, 2003. After some discussion the Columbia Heights Library Board moved,
seconded, and passed a resolution to raise the fines on Columbia Heights materials to comply with the
changes taking place in the County.
7. The funding for American Girl and the Libra Reading Program this summer was provided through the
CHASE grant. The Governor has cut those funds. Alternate funding options are being explored.
8. Pat Sowada would like to thank Marsha for the "I love to Read" field trip to the library that was provided for
the 1 st and 2nd graders during February.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.rn.
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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