HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 5, 2012
APPROVED
10/3/12
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
September 5, 2012
The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:36 p.m. Members present were: Nancy Hoium, Steve
Smith, Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, and Catherine Vesley. Also present: City Council Representative Tami Diehm,
Renee Dougherty, Acting Library Director, and Recording Secretary Stacey Hendren.
The minutes of the August 1, 2012 Board meeting were approved as amended.
The bill list dated 8/1/12 of 2012 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid. The annual
payment for ebook service was noted.
The bill list dated 8/15/12 of 2012 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The bill list dated 8/29/12 of 2012 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The 2012 accounting dated 9/6/12 was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. Dougherty provided the Board with an update on the Task Force. The Task Force has been meeting twice
monthly, visiting libraries in small groups, and has conducted a public opinion survey. Tantanella wondered how
many active members are on the Task Force and Dougherty stated that 10 were appointed, but currently 9 are
active due to a resignation.
Dougherty gave an overview of the survey. 305 individuals completed the survey either online or in paper form.
Most respondents were library users, and 205 were residents. The Board discussed the crossover of library use
between counties and libraries.
Smith wondered when the Task Force would be presenting their findings. Dougherty notified them that the Task
Force and Foundation have contracted to have a space needs study completed. The study will take 30-60 days, and
the Task Force hopes to present to the City Council in January or February. The Library Board discussed the city
owned property by the Public Safety building, and the library as a destination.
Dougherty continued to highlight information about the respondents of the survey
most use the library recreationally
more seating, a computer lab, and study rooms were the top three desires
Books, DVDs, and librarian assistance were the top three services used
Spanish was the top request for additional language resources, with many write-in requests for French
most services are used in person
most patrons arrive by car
most patrons like the current location
many commented on the small size of the parking lot
84% support a new library
The Board discussed their recent conversations with residents about a new library and the benefits that include
attracting families to Columbia Heights, and higher property values. A small tax increase would be expected.
75% supported a new multi-purpose Library & City Hall
Over half have attended a library program and provided comments
Most use a computer at home, and use the libraries computers for the Internet and catalog
The Board requested copies of the survey and comments.
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2. The City Manger recommends no changes to the 2013 proposed budget written by Loader and Dougherty. The
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City Council will meet on September 10 to establish the levy, and have a work session with Department Heads on
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October 1.
3. Vesley and Sowada reported on the volunteen recognition. Fourteen of the volunteens attended with their parents.
Certificates and awards were presented at the library along with refreshments and the teens walked to the Council
meeting with Mai Kao Xiong, Children’s Librarian. The teens were recognized by name at the Council meeting
and commended for donating over 550 hours of service to the library. Vesley stated that it was a wonderful
opportunity to show the volunteer spirit, young people doing wonderful things, and the diversity of the community.
Diehm affirmed that the Council appreciated the visit and enjoys seeing positive events in the City. Sowada and
Vesley commended Xiong and recommend a similar event in the following years.
New Business:
1. The July crossover statistics were reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the convenience of online renewal,
and the benefits and detriments of self-checkout machines.
2. The Board reviewed the Unique Management Status Report for July. Smith was surprised by the overall amount of
dollars submitted and Hoium appreciates how many materials have been returned. Hendren explained that
“Dollars in skips” refers to patrons with incorrect addresses who Unique Management is unable to contact.
3. Dougherty updated the Board on the Library Director search. Dougherty will continue as the Acting Library
Director and the position will be reposted later in 2012 with the intent to hire in March. Elaine Dietz-Mamril,
Library Supervisor, has been hired for 25 hours a week as the Interim Adult Services Librarian.
4. The Library’s book check machine shorted out recently. The machine has no service contract, and an unbudgeted
exact replacement was over $3600. After some research Dougherty was able to locate a sensitizing machine for
$1200. This will be funded from the Automated Library Systems line item.
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5. The Museum Adventure Pass program ended on September 3. The program was very popular and greatly used.
6. The Board was reminded of the Foundation Spaghetti Dinner on September12th. The dinner is from 4:30-7 and a
Blu-ray player will be raffled off. Board members were encouraged to attend and assist if available.
Items from the Floor:
1. The new Pages have completed their training and begun to work on the regular schedule.
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2. The Anoka County Libraries launched a new website on September 5.
3. The Board was notified of local fundraisers for the Anoka County Historical Society on September 21, SACA on
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September 14th, and the Sister City on October 21.
4. The Board was informed that Bruce Kelzenberg’s mother passed away.
5. The Board discussed the current format of the agenda items and the possibility of sending items online. The Board
decided to make no changes at this time.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey R. Hendren
Recording 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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