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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 8, 2008 Revisions Approved 3-11-08 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES January 8, 2008 The meeting was called to order by Chair, Barbara Miller at 7:01 PM. Members present were Barbara Miller, Patricia Sowada, Lynette Thomson, and Catherine Vesley. Also present: Becky Loader, Stacey Hendren, City Council Representative Bruce Kelzenberg, Marsha Tubbs, Dana Weigman, and Cindy McCleary of BKV Group. Not present: Nancy Hoium The minutes of the December 4, 2007, Board meeting were approved as mailed. The bill list dated 12/26/07 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded and passed that the bills be paid. The bill list dated 12/28/07 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded and passed that the bills be paid. The bill list dated 1/14/08 of 2008 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded and passed that the bills be paid. The accounting dated 1/8/08 of 2008 bills was reviewed. There was an error and the accounting sheet dated 12/4/07 was given. The accounting sheet dated 1/8/08 of 2007 bills will be reviewed at the February meeting. Barb Miller welcomed special guest Cindy McCleary. McCleary gave a brief introduction. She is with BKV Group Architects and has been doing library design planning for the last eight years. She is a resident of Northeast and is very interested in the area. BKV Group is a 100-person landscape and architectural design firm. McCleary described the firm as a one-stop shop with a fully integrated multi-dissciplinary design team. The firm’s specialty is Libraries and government centers and has been involved in the Columbia Heights ACAC program. McCleary provided a booklet presentation to the Board and guests. The booklet began with the history of the firm and the firm’s experience. The presentation continued with building a library concept and the library focus. For a building concept there is a perceived value versus the actual use. Supporters and partnerships need to be built to increase the public knowledge of the value versus the use. Ramon Gomez arrived at 7:30 pm McCleary briefly described the five-step design documentation process and gave a case study of the Rosemont Revitalization, which incorporated a license center in leased space. The Library is currently receiving revenue from the leased space and has room for future growth. McCleary then described an elementary school project, which generated community support by starting from scratch to discover what was important. Their concept of community created an unusual school building with a lot of community support. McCleary thanked the Board for allowing her to present, and said that she would like to continue working with them. Miller thanked McCleary for her presentation. Discussion and questions followed. 1 Catherine Vesley generated a concern that ideas are not a problem but how does Board acquire money for a project. Lynette Thomson stated that she feels money should not be the first consideration because she feels it stifles creativity. Thomson questioned the LEED rating and “going green” in construction.Miller asked about possibilities on the existing lot. Bruce Kelzenberg brought up the possibility of having the Library as part of the Public Safety building. Loader stated that a campus effect with the Public Safety building separate from the Library would be a definite possibility. Discussion followed about the campus concept and development. Loader gave a brief description of the Library’s history and what has been done since 1996 to create a new facility. It was stated that we are looking to build a facility that will last for 40 or more years into the future. Much discussion followed concerning McCleary’s presentation and building possibilities. Dana Weigman left at 8:17 pm Thomson left at 8:45 pm Old Business: 1. The approved 2008 budget was discussed. The Library received all requested items and two new part- time staff positions. Loader hopes to have the new staff positions filled by spring. 2. An update on recent behavior issues was given. The Library has a number of patrons trespassed and there have been fewer major problems since two youth leaders have been trespassed. Acting Captain Sergeant rd Lenny Austin came to the Library on January 3 to talk with supervisors and Cristy. Austin gave the staff information, processes and tools to help them when dealing with problem situations. 3. An update on the community center project was given. New Business: 1. Anoka County Library is now accepting utility bills for library card applications. Discussion followed about the possibility of forging a Utility bill, and what is used for voter registration. The item was tabled, and Loader will get more information for the Board. 2. ACL Board has approved the policy of accepting credit cards for fines over $10, but nothing has been put into place. Loader spoke with Bill Elrite, Finance Director, and it would be simple for CHPL to get the equipment and to use it. ACL would need to set up the interface with Sirsi. It was moved, seconded and passed that CHPL pursue the ability to accept credit cards for fines over $10.00. 3. The 2008 platform planks for MLA/MEMO were given to Board members. MLA and MEMO are working together to support LGA. Board members discussed the amount designated for accessibility and improvement grants. 4. The Star/Tribune article on Ramsey County Library was discussed. The Board was interested in their 10 year plan versus the five year plan. 5. The article on the Stillwater Public Library was discussed. Items from the Floor: 1. The article on the Hudson Federal seed money was discussed. Loader will research the possibility of CHPL getting this type of grant. 2 2. The article on St. Paul literacy was discussed. 3. The article regarding a recent study concerning youth and library use was discussed. 4. The Focus article on CHPL was discussed. The Board is pleased that strong media connections are being made. th 5. The Board cannot meet on March 4 due to the national caucus schedule. It was moved, seconded and th passed that the meeting be changed to March 11. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stacey R. Hendren Secretary, 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. 3