HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 5, 2011
Approved
11/02/11
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
October 5, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:32 p.m. Members present were: Nancy Hoium,
Steve Smith, Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, and Catherine Vesley. Also present: City Council
Representative Tami Diehm, Becky Loader, and Stacey Hendren.
The Board welcomed MaiKao Xiong, temporary full-time Children’s Librarian, to the meeting. Loader
introduced Xiong to the Board, and Xiong gave a brief background of herself and what brought her to Minnesota.
Loader stated that we are very fortunate to have Xiong, who continues her training while working with
programming.
The minutes of the September 7, 2011 Board meeting were approved as mailed.
The bill list dated 9/28/11 of 2011 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The bill list dated 9/28/11B of 2011 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be
paid.
Smith gave a brief summary of the visit by David Housewright.
The 2011 accounting dated 10/5/11 was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. Progress on maintenance projects continues.
a. When the boiler was installed, the company failed to fill it with Glycol, only water. The boiler
manufacturer is working with staff to resolve issues with the boiler installation.
b. Two bids have been received for the installation of the AC control panel. Due to the complexity
of the project and the bids, Loader has requested Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, to assist
with the review process. The Board discussed the companies that provided bids, and options for
the project.
2. The Board received their 2012 proposed budget books. The revised format follows instructions from Joe
Kloiber, Finance Director, to make the budget books for all departments more consistent. There was
general discussion on various line items which showed decreases and increases. Loader highlighted
increases due to in-house cleaning and line item 7370: Transfer Out to Info Systems, which covers the
Library’s portion of the IS department.
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The Board was encouraged to attend the City Council meeting on December 12 to support the library
budget.
Items from the Floor:
1. The Board received a handout listing capital expenditures in Anoka County Libraries. The Board was
reminded that City of Columbia Heights residents were not included in the per capita for operating
expenses for Anoka County, since they are taxed for library services through the City.
2. Loader provided a handout to the Board from Kloiber explaining the discontinuation of the Market Value
Homestead Credit and how the new Homestead Exclusion process works. The Board discussed how the
changes in the taxes will affect residents of Columbia Heights.
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Old Business:
3. Hoium moved to rescind the joint resolution 2011-2 requesting that the City Council form a task force for
the purpose of planning a new building to house the public library and city hall. The motion was
seconded, and passed.
Hoium moved to approve resolution 2011-4from the Library Board requesting that the City Council form
a task force for the purpose of planning a new building to house the public library and city hall. The
motion was seconded, and passed.
The Library Foundation passed a similar resolution on October 5, 2011. The Friends of the Library
passed a resolution requesting a task force for the purpose of planning a new library on October 3, 2011.
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Resolutions will be presented to the City Council at the October 24 meeting. Board members are
requested to attend.
4. Loader requested recommendations for task force members. The Board compiled a list and is instructed
to forward additional names to Loader.
New Business:
1. The August crossover statistics were reviewed by the Board.
2. The Board reviewed the Unique Management Status Report for August.
3. The Board appreciated the thank you to Sister Cities for the book, “Voytek the Soldier Bear.”
4. The Board discussed the article “Analysis: MVHC Elimination” and how it relates to the presentation by
Kloiber on how property taxes are effected by the Homestead Exclusion.
5. The Board reviewed the two articles concerning Washington County Libraries and the Lake Elmo
Library. Loader continues to monitor the situation.
6. The Board reviewed the draft meeting dates for 2012. The July meeting was moved to the first Tuesday
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due to the July 4 holiday.
Hoium moved to accept the 2012 Library Board meeting dates as amended. The motion was seconded,
and passed.
7. Loader gave an update on staff changes. Cristy Tombarge, Library Assistant, was granted a three month
leave of absence. Ramon Gomez, Library Clerk, will work an additional 5 hours per week to cover her
essential duties. Staff will work together for desk coverage.
The Library is currently advertising for a Page position. Regina Jesse has resigned as a Page, and Teri
Olberding has asked to be taken off the substitute list.
Items from the Floor:
3. Board members received a copy of the updated user guide.
4. The Anoka County Library Board has adopted a new lost and damaged materials policy. The charges for
damaged items will now be a percentage based on the condition and number of times circulated. This
policy changes the previous definition of the lost bill paying for the replacement, to the depreciated cost
of the actual item.
At this time, the Library Board is not interested in pursuing changes to the Columbia Heights Library’s
current policy.
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5. The Library Foundation fundraiser in conjunction with the Heights Theater will be on Sunday, December
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4th. The film Miracle on 34 Street will be presented.
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6. The Board was notified of the Anoka County Historical Society Sock Hop October 7, at Murzyn Hall.
7. Sowada presented a book, pamphlet, and other items on behalf of the Sister Cities, to the Library, from
her trip to Poland.
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8. The Board was notified of the fire station open house, October 8 from 11-3. The Greater Twin Cities
Dalmatian Club will be in attendance.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 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.
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