HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 1, 2015
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
APPROVED
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
8/5/2015
MINUTES
July 1, 2015
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 and Catherine Vesley. Also present: Library
Director Renee Dougherty, Recording Secretary Renee J. Rewitzer, Bryan Olson and John Kysylyczyn from
the Anoka County Record. Member absent was Council Liaison Gary Peterson.
The minutes of the June, 3, 2015, Board meeting were approved as mailed.
The bill list dated 6/4/2015 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The bill list dated 6/24/2015 was reviewed. It was moved, seconded, and passed that the bills be paid.
The July 1, 2015 accounting sheet of 2015 Budget was reviewed.
Old Business:
1. Dougherty reported that the City Council awarded Library Bid Package 1 to the low bidder, Veit
Specialty Contracting and Waste Management. Bid Package 1 is the earthwork and site preparation
which includes removal of contaminated soil, site leveling, and bringing utilities to the building pad.
The library project has been broken into separate bid packages in order to expedite construction so
that the new library can open in June 2016. The City Council will review final construction
documents before authorizing the next bid packages. n
documents was June 30, 2015. Tantanella asked when the ground breaking ceremony will occur.
Dougherty replied it will happen in September when work on the building begins. No exact date has
been set. Vesley thanked Dougherty for all the time and energy spent on the library project and felt
the board should show their appreciation by taking her to lunch on day of the groundbreaking
ceremony. All members were in agreement. Dougherty shared that Northeast Bank wants to
contribute to the project and is interested in naming rights to the community meeting room.
2. Dougherty reported that each department head will meet with the City Manager over the next two
weeks with their 2016 proposed budgets. Departments were instructed to estimate gas and electricity
costs at 5% over 2014 actuals; Dougherty estimated 10% increases due to increased square footage in
the new building. She noted that 71% of the 2016 library budget is for personnel expenses. The
library is open 55 hours per week and with the advent of self-checkout in the new library part time
staff needs will be reduced. Smith asked how staff steps are determined. Dougherty replied that steps
are established for each position. Movement in steps can occur annually based upon satisfactory
performance evaluations. Most positions include an entry level compensation rate and three to five
steps. Dougherty noted that some building maintenance expenses in the current location will decrease
in 2016, although certain expenses, such as elevator certification, will remain fixed. Vesley feels the
library needs a bigger contingency fund as it moves into a new facility and it should be added to the
annual budget. Dougherty replied that the
decision to budget for increased expenses for electricity and gas in the larger space of the new library.
Smith stated that the 2016 proposed budget is not suitable for publication at this time. Hoium
inquired about the future of the current library building. Dougherty replied that the City Council has
authorized a condition analysis and market appraisal to guide their decision making about what to do
with the building.
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New Business:
1. Dougherty shared with the board that 2015
She noted that many children and teens are taking advantage of the Youth Read Down program
that ends in July. A report of participation will be presented at the next Board meeting.
2. The Library will honor teen and adult volunteers at a reception on August 10 and recognize them
at the Council meeting that evening.
3. Library staff will promote library services at the Community Picnic on July 15 at Keyes Park and
the Eat & Greet event in Circle Terrace Park on July 24.
Items from the Floor:
1.
and the Eruo.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Renee J. Rewitzer
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:
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