HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 3, 2013
Approved
5/1/13
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
April 3, 2013
The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada, at 6:31 p.m. Members present were:
Nancy Hoium, Steve Smith, Patricia Sowada, Barbara Tantanella, and Catherine Vesley. Also
present: City Council Representative Tami Diehm, Library Director Renee Dougherty, and
Recording Secretary Stacey Hendren. Guests: Library Task Force Chair Dave Larson and Bob
Odden.
The Library Board congratulated Renee Dougherty on her appointment to Library Director.
Dougherty thanked the Board for their support.
The Board welcomed Larson to the meeting. Larson requested comments, questions, or concerns
regarding the recently distributed Task Force recommendation, vision, and summary of needs
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statements. Larson reminded members of the April 8 presentation to the City Council and
asked for support and suggestions for building the argument for a new library building.
Larson predicts the City Council will be most interested in cost and location. Larson notified the
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Board that the Task Force will recommend three sites; the Mady’s site (approx. 39 and Central),
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the Public Safety site (approx. 42 and Jackson), and the Upper Condo site (47 and Grand).
The Task Force originally considered 10 sites and has been unable to reach a consensus on site
location. Vesley expressed displeasure with the Public Safety site noting the water issues, low
elevation, and lack of visibility. Several members discussed the desire for a visible site on
Central that would be an asset and draw to the community. Larson clarified that the proposal for
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40 and Central is no longer being considered by the City Council. Members discussed the
housing market and the proposal for senior housing based on federal funding. Members
discussed bonding rates, interest rates, construction costs, and the upcoming sale of Park View
Villa. Members discussed the fact that while the Task Force was asked to be mindful of cost,
their charge was to research the need and location for a library. Financial experts will be
consulted to research funding. Board members were encouraged to speak during the public
hearing section of the agenda.
Conversation continued regarding the growing number of young families in Columbia Heights,
the increase in children ages 0-5 according the 2010 census, and the increased enrollment in the
schools.
Members thanked Larson for coming and stated that all who are able will attend the City Council
meeting. Larson departed at 6:56 p.m.
The minutes of the March 6, 2013 Board meeting were approved as mailed.
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The bill list dated 3/6/13 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be
paid.
The bill list dated 3/20/2013 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be
paid.
The 2013 accounting dated 4/3/13 was reviewed.
Old Business:
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1.Dougherty notified the Board that the Task Force was meeting on April 4 to discuss and
rate sites. Members debated the need for the Task Force to recommend a single site or
multiple sites.
New Business:
1.The Board reviewed the February crossover statistics. Dougherty noted the decrease in
circulation and the increase in program attendance.
2.The Board reviewed the Unique Management report for February.
3.The State Annual Report has been submitted and signed. Board members received a
copy of the one page annual report. Dougherty notified the Board that the one page
document is distributed at the Jamboree and City events, online and in the Library, and
asked if the Board had additional ideas for distribution. Members requested it be sent to
members of the media, the school board, and the Sister Cities Committee.
4.Dougherty notified the Board that the Adult Reading Room re-carpeting project will take
an estimated two days to complete and Public Works recommends allotting a third day in
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order to ensure the library is ready to serve patrons. The Library is closed on May 16
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for Staff Day, and Dougherty will request the Board close the building on the 17 and
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18 after approval by the City Manager. Members decided to make a conditional motion
in order to give the public extensive notice of the closure.
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Hoium moved to close the library May 17 and 18 subject to the City Managers
approval for the re-carpeting project. Motion carried unanimously.
5.Hoium moved to pay part-time staff to attend Anoka County Library (ACL) Staff Day on
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May 16. Motion carried unanimously.
6.Dougherty has not received contract documentation from ACL for the Zinio digital
magazine service.
7.Dougherty has not received contract documentation from ACL for electronic books
through the 3M Cloud Library.
Dougherty notified the Board that the proposal for Zinio and 3M Cloud Library is for
Columbia Heights to pay a percentage of the cost based on usage. The fees will be
included in the 2014 budget proposal. Sowada requested the item be tabled until
documentation is received.
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8.Dougherty interviewed seven candidates for the open Page positions and has made
conditional offers to three. Dougherty intends to have the Pages trained and available to
substitute this summer.
9.The total available Internet minutes compared to the Internet minutes used is not
currently available. Dougherty notified the Board that the library will need to start
tracking when the computers are down due to technical issues in order to give a more
accurate figure.
10.Information on the Microfilm scanner options will be available in May.
Items from the Floor:
1.The City posted the Adult Services Librarian position on 4/3/13.
2.Dougherty notified the Board of a program developed by ACL for youth to read down
their fines for a limited period during the summer reading program. The program would
require youth 17 & under to read for 15 minutes in the library to receive $1 reduction in
library fines. The fee waiver would not be allowed on taxable items such as video rentals
or the sale cart. The Board responded favorably to the concept and Dougherty will
provide additional details and a formal recommendation in May.
Board members questioned if a similar program could be developed to encourage adult
volunteering in the library. Dougherty reminded Board members that all volunteers need
a background check. The possibility will be considered after assessing the youth
program.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 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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