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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2, 2014 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY Approved BOARD OF TRUSTEES 5/7/2014 MINUTES April 2, 2014 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, Catherine Vesley and Council Representative Tami Diehm. Also present: Library Director Renee Dougherty and Recording Secretary Stacey R. Hendren. The minutes of the March 5, 2014, Board meeting were approved as mailed. The bill list dated 3/19/14 of 2014 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid. The 2014 accounting dated 4/2/14 was reviewed. Old Business: 1.Smith provided the Board with a list of building needs along with estimated costs. Items were divided into categories including repairs required to: protect public safety, prevent harm to the building, enhance work areas and protect staff, enhance the existing building, and upgrade electrical for safety and efficiency. The final section included patron requested upgrades not possible due to current building design. The list was compiled by the Library Board and Library Staff and estimates were generated by Smith through the use of recent quotes, similar project costs, Public Works staff, and current standard construction pricing (RSMeans building construction cost data 2013). Smith noted that the list included only minimum needs for the immediate future. Members mentioned exterior painting, the broken window seal, lack of room for adult events, lack of a teen department, and the continuation of a children’s department in the basement as additional considerations. The Board thanked Smith for his thorough research and report. New Business: 1.Dougherty distributed copies of the 2013 State Annual Report. The report is a state mandated format, submitted online, verified by the state statistician, and then will be available through the Department of Education website. Dougherty noted the increase in children’s participation and registered users, and the decrease in circulation and gate count. Also of note was that circulation of downloadable materials has doubled. 2.The Task Force met at the end of March and composed a letter to the Mayor and Council updating the site proposals in their recommendation. The Task Force refers to the Huset site nd and the 42 and Jackson site. Vesley reported recent correspondence with the office of Congressman Ellison regarding government funding for libraries. Federal funding is administered by the state libraries and often focuses on technology and accessibility upgrades. Additionally, the Gates Foundation continues to provide grants for computer infrastructure. Board members noted that additional grants will be available once a decision, design, and bonding processes are initialized. The Board discussed timing for a potential referendum, public hearings, requests for proposals (RFPs), and the design process. Dougherty will meet with city staff to determine a potential timeline. 1- 4/2/14 The Board composed a letter to the Mayor and City Council expressing their consensus nd support of the 42 and Jackson site. Sowada will sign the letter and Dougherty will deliver it to City Hall. Additional discussion included the importance of providing books; computer access and reading rooms; the desire to provide exhibition space for local arts groups, the historical society and the Sister Cities Committee; and the need for additional meeting rooms. 3.Due to changes approved by the MELSA Board of Trustees, the Columbia Heights Library Board was asked to consider a revision to the public service policy regarding non-resident library cards. The annual fee of $60 provides the same level of service as registered borrowers with the exception of access to “electronic resources governed by contractual or consortial agreements which preclude extension of services to non-residents.” The Anoka County Libraries may create a unique card/barcode for non-residents and the Columbia Heights Library will purchase a few of these cards. Tantanella made a motion to approve changes to the public service policy regarding non- resident library cards as proposed. The motion carried unanimously. Items from the Floor: nd 1.The Library held its first Senior Computing class, Senior Surf, on April 2. The class was taught by an instructor from Senior Linkage Line and sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. Public internet computers were unavailable during the class. Five patrons provided positive feedback on the class, and many patrons signed up for the waiting list for th the next class. A second class will take place on May 7, and Dougherty intends to make the class a monthly event. 2.Vesley reported on the growth of the non-fiction book club and the diversity of materials being discussed. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:22 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. Attachments: Library Building Needs 2- 4/2/14