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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 4, 2011Approved 6/1/11 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES May 4, 2011 The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:32 p.m. Members present were: Patricia Sowada, Steve Smith, Barbara Tantanella, and Catherine Vesley. Also present: City Council Representative Tami Diehm, Becky Loader, and Stacey Hendren. Not present: Nancy Hoium. The Board welcomed newly appointed Library Board member Steve Smith. Smith gave a brief introduction stating he is looking forward to working with the library, especially because we are an independent library that can react and work with the community. Smith has lived in the community since 1971 and has been involved with many civic organizations. Board members introduced themselves to Smith. April 6 The minutes of the , 2011 Board meeting were approved as mailed. The bill list dated 4/25/11 of 2011 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid. The 2011 accounting dated 5/4/11 was reviewed. Old Business: 1. The thank you note from Lynette Thomson for the plant brought by Sowada was passed around to Board members. th 2. Board members were reminded of the Linder’s fundraiser May 6-9. The Library is on its fourth printing of coupons, and press releases were in the Northeaster and Sun Focus. 3. The contract and order for replacement copiers throughout the city have been signed. Delivery is expected in 3 weeks. 4. The bid from Master Mechanical was chosen to complete the boiler replacement project. The planning phase is in progress and the asbestos has been abated. The boiler will be installed prior to the summer. th The air conditioning bids will be on the May 9 City Council meeting. The Library is replacing the 1978 center unit and the 1984 east room unit. The air conditioners are expected to be installed prior to summer. Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, coordinated this project and has done excellent work. 5. Brochures for the May 21 “Live at the Library” event were given to Board members. This is a Legacy event to promote arts and cultural heritage. The Board was encouraged to attend and to host the event. 6. Loader is working with MARCO for proposals on security recommendations. Loader will keep the Board apprised of progress, but will be unable to make decisions until available funds are determined. Loader expects to start with card keys and remote door locks, and postpone cameras due to the cost. 7. The Library has budgeted for several maintenance projects in 2011 including plumbing, window replacement, elevator upgrades, and cabinet installation. Due to the appointment of the city Building Maintenance Supervisor there isn’t a clear determination of whose responsibility it is to plan these projects. Loader is initiating progress on these projects as they are currently behind schedule. There was 1 extensive discussion concerning the role of the Building Maintenance Supervisor and the current benefits of in-house cleaning. The ash trees around the library building have been removed. John Nordlund, Public -Works master gardener, is preparing a landscape plan for the side and front of the building. New Business: 1. The Legislative bill repealing library maintenance of effort received an abundance of concern and was pulled from thisscheduled hearing.. The Board discussed how MOE works and the effects on Columbia Heights and statewide libraries if MOE no longer existed. Loader provided talking points from the Minnesota Library Association in support of MOE. 2. The Board appreciated the up-to-date contact sheet. 3. The crossover statistics for March were reviewed. Loader informed the Board of the new statistic showing how many eBooks are checked out by Columbia Heights patrons. 4. The Board received the monthly update from Unique Management. There continue to be problems with the reporting through SIRSI, and an upgrade is expected in the spring. Items from the Floor: 1. The Library is now keeping track of donations from the community that have been added to the collection. Library staff and the Board were pleasantly surprised to find out that from January thru April 971 donated items were added. 2. The obituary and funeral program for Muriel McClellan were presented to the Board. Mrs. McClellan designated the Library Foundation as a recipient of gifts in her honor. 3. The City owned vacant lot across from the library prompted much discussion. . The Library currently has only 18 parking spots, many of which are used by staff, and during programs, parking has become an issue. Loader states that it is essential for the lot to be paved by the City for Library parking. Board members are encouraged to call Council members to discuss the Library’s need. 4. Starting in September the Board will work on creating a long-range plan for the Library. The Board will review the plan from 1999 to see what has been accomplished. 5. The Board received the Anoka County Parks and Recreation summer brochure. 6. The Library is anticipating a prolonged absence of Children’s Librarian Marsha Tubbs. Loader is making contingency plans for different levels of absence, and preparing proposals for Human Resources Director Linda Magee. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 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. 2