HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 4, 2014
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
APPROVED
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
as ammended
MINUTES
7/2/2014
June 4, 2014
The meeting was called to order by Chair Patricia Sowada at 6:30 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, Recording Secretary
Stacey R. Hendren, and guest Rita Norberg, Friends of the Library.
The minutes of the May 7, 2014, Board meeting were approved as mailed.
The bill list dated 5/14/14 of 2014 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the
bills be paid.
The bill list dated 5/28/14 of 2014 bills was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the
bills be paid.
The 2014 accounting dated 6/4/14 was reviewed. Dougherty noted that the circulation computers
purchase with the 2011, Computer equipment, line have been installed and the 2990, purchase for
resale, line was overspent in order to purchase earbuds and flashdrives at an economic value. The
revenue from sales will cover the cost.
The Board welcomed Rita Norberg from the Friends of the Library. Norberg asked the Library
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Board to support the Friends by attending the June 20 pancake breakfast at the Lighthouse of
Columbia Heights. Norberg updated the Board on recent Friends actions including the purchase of a
storytime rug and brain fitness games, sign-ups to volunteer at the Jamboree and Wacky Wednesday
events, and the purchase of book display racks using funds received in memory of Connie Carlson.
The Board thanked Norberg for the invitation and update.
Norberg left the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Old Business:
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1.Dougherty notified the Board that the June 9 City Council meeting agenda includes a
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motion to bond for a new library. On June 23 the Council will have a second reading of the
motion to bond and a potential vote. Members were encouraged to attend the meetings.
Dougherty presented preliminary site layouts, as commissioned from Leo A. Daly Architects.
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The 42 and Jackson site would require 2 entries and doesn’t allow for a drive-up book drop
or delivery area. The Burger King site is situated next to existing curb cuts and allows for
green space, a single entry from the sidewalk and parking lot, a dedicated delivery area and
potentially a drive-up book drop. All parking would be located on the Mady’s site.
Members noted that the Burger King site is located on Central, is a single story, would not
require an elevator or basement, and allows for storm water abatement. The drive-up book
drop would require an easement from the Heights Theater or Community United Methodist
Church.
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Discussion continued regarding options for bonding and a potential referendum timeline.
Dougherty noted that discussion of the exterior focused on a limestone base to match other
City of Columbia Heights buildings, brick to match other CH buildings and the Heights
Theater, and glass for visibility on Central. Smith enquired about the potential tax levy.
Dougherty noted that construction estimates have not been received, but the tax levy and
ongoing operating expense of a new high efficiency building are primary considerations.
Sowada and Vesley noted the hope for a room or space for Sister Cities Committee and
Heights Historical Society materials.
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2.Dougherty notified the Board that the school district did not receive a 21 Century
Community Learning Centers grant for next year. The district requested feedback on the
application and will share it with the library if received. The grant has provided $12,000 a
year to the library and while Dougherty is unable to replace all of the funds, the proposed
2015 budget includes an increase in program and program supply lines to allow the library to
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continue some of the programs begun with 21 Century grant funding. .
New Business:
1.Dougherty handed out the draft proposed 2015 library budget. Changes include an increase
to the 2030 line to print events calendars, a new line item, 4010, which includes the library’s
portion of custodial and maintenance personnel costs, an increase in insurance costs, decrease
in worker’s compensation costs due to the relatively safe work environment, and an increase
in e-book costs due to increased usage. Dougherty will bring feedback to the Board after the
proposal has been reviewed by the City Manager.
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2.The Columbia Heights Jamboree is scheduled for June 27 at 6:00 pm. Library staff has
planned a photo booth, summer reading sign-up, a prize wheel, buttons and fans. Board
members were encouraged to attend and wear their blue library shirts.
Items from the Floor:
1.Members noted two recent news articles. A new library is being planned in Brooklyn Park
with an estimated 38,000 sq. ft. and a cost of 23.5 million. The Inver Grove Heights library
is being expanded and renovated to increase square footage by 4,500 with a cost of 3 million.
2.Vesley notified the Board that she has filed her intent to run for City Council. Diehm stated
that she is not running in the coming election and notified the Board that 2 residents have
filed for Mayor and 8 candidates are running for the 2 City Council seats.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 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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