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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-2018 minutes COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 BOARD OF TRUSTEES: MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, December 5th, 2018 Approved 1/9/2019 The meeting was called to order in the Craft Room (due to the 90 Years of Memories Exhibit in the History Room) by Chair, Patricia Sowada, at 5:37pm. Members present: Patricia Sowada, Catherine Vesley, Stephen Smith, and Tricia Conway (Absent: Nancy Hoium, and Robert “Bobby” Williams). Also in attendance: Renee Dougherty (Library Director), and Nick Olberding (Recording Secretary). The Minutes of the November 7th, 2018 Board Meeting were approved. Bill Lists dated November 7th, and 21st, 2018, were reviewed. Each was individually moved, seconded, and approved. Accounting Sheet as of December was reviewed, and approved (78% spent in 92% of the year, not counting Nov utilities/wages). • Questions and discussions based on Bills and Accounting: • Computer Equipment (2011): Unbudgeted parking lot security camera replacement. • Gas/Electric (3810/3830): Both over, but not significantly. Have been using the fireplace conservatively (very cold days, and by request). It was a colder than average October/November. • Repair/Maint (4000): Over because of AMH Maintenance Contract bill. • Building Maintenance (4020): Looking good, still under-budget. • Magazines: Cost for 1yr renewals: $2757. Cancelled 9 subscriptions (due to either discontinuation, or poor library circulation), and picked up 2 two titles; also switched from two copies of Consumer Reports, down to one. Magazines have the standard 21-day checkout period (excluding the newest issue, which does not circulate until the next issue arrives). • Overall: Even though some budget lines are over, the City focuses on the bottom line, and does not fret about individual line items. If the Board wanted to, it could propose motions to transfer funds around to cover over- budget lines, but in the end it would only be about aesthetics. Old Business: • Recap of Open House: Photo Exhibition; Music of the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s by musical group “Flipside”; Photo and Memories Slideshow; Bookmark Making Station; 90 Years of Memories Exhibition; Cookies, Cider, and Coffee supplied by the Friends. All-in-all it was a successful birthday party. Around 200 attendees; perfect music for the occasion; many positive comments all around, and a lovely snowfall to end the day that naturally influenced people to leave before close. In the end, the 90th Anniversary Party was funded completely by donations, and cost nothing to taxpayers (other than a little staff time). o The Board would like to thank the Friends of the Library for all their hard work and donation of the band, snacks/refreshments, setting up and contributing all of the items for the 90 Years of Memories exhibition, and for volunteering during the event. o The Board would also like to thank Margo Ashmore and the Northeaster Newspaper for funding and organizing the Columbia Heights Call for Photography exhibit. Northeaster will reimburse for the cost of the exhibition: Walter Horshnyk for printing, Catherine for foam-core backing, Collector Studio for mounting. Photos will be on display through January18, at which point photographers will receive their mounted photos, and the City has rights to use the photos in future communications. New Business: • N/A Items from the Floor: • Board Photo: Ben Sandell would like to take group portraits of the Library Board (and all other City Commissions and Boards) for the website. This will occur at the January Meeting. We will work on getting all members their official nametags by picture day. • Public Art RFP: Catherine Vesley brought up that after the LED Sign is up, that last piece of the puzzle is public art, mainly the mound outside the parking lot entrance (which was created as a place for a sculpture). Catherine is happy to write up an RFP (Request For Proposal). With the help of the CHPL Public Arts Advisory Committee and MN Regional Arts Council, the Board will determine the specifications required. They envision the piece costing around 25-30k, and should represent Columbia Heights in some way. Preliminarily the Board wished that the RFP specify that it must be a Minnesota artist. More discussion at a later date. In the meantime, Catherine will forward along examples of public art that falls into the desired price range. • Nancy Hoium: Announced that she intends to retire from the Board around the end of the year, although she has not formally submitted her letter of resignation (so we are not sure if she will serve through the end of the year, or the end of her term in April). She has served the Board with for nearly 40 years, and feels that it is time to pass on the reigns. The Board would like to give a Nancy the gift of a plant, and have her recognized at a Council Meeting for her many years of service! • Barb Tantanella: Sadly on November 30th, former Board member Barbara Tantanella passed away in her sleep. She is a longtime Columbia Heights resident, and served on the Library Board from 2009-2016. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 8th, 11AM, at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home (6000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center) with gathering of family & friends 1 hr. prior to service. • Walt Fehst (City Manager) Retirement Party: Is retiring at the end of the year, and a farewell party is scheduled for Thursday, December 13th (4-7pm) at the Legends of Columbia Heights Party Room (3700 Huset Pkwy). Celebrating 22 years with Columbia Heights, and more than four decades of public service. There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:23pm by Patricia Sowada, and seconded. Respectfully submitted, Nicholas P. Olberding 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.