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Home My WebLink About07-06-2022 Library Board MinutesCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY 3939 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 LIBRARY BOARD: MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 Approved 8/3/2022 ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wished to attend could do so in-person, by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting ID 862 5221 5747 and passcode 039390, or by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86252215747 at the scheduled meeting time. For questions, please call the library at 763-706-3690. The meeting was called to order in the Library Community Room by Chair Teresa Eisenbise at 5:30pm. Members physically present: Teresa Eisenbise; Carrie Mesrobian; Gerri Moeller; Rachelle Waldon; Chris Polley; Nick Novitsky (Council Liaison). Members remotely present: N/A. Members Absent: N/A. Also present: Renee Dougherty (Library Director); Nick Olberding (Recording Secretary); Jane Polley (CHPL Foundation). Public physically/remotely present: Dan Spriggs; Justice Spriggs. 1. Review/Approve Minutes from June 1, 2022, Library Board Meeting: Moved and approved. 2. Review Operating Budget: 6 months (~50%) into the year and 44% of the budget spent. a. Minor Equipment (42010): New digital camera ($99.99) to replace a 12+ year old one. b. General Supplies (42171): This budget line has been encumbered by the cost HEPA filters for the HVAC system. Existing filters were installed when the building opened in 2016 and need to be replaced; average life expectancy of these filters is 5-6 years. COMMUNITY FORUM: Opportunity for public input. • Jane Polley: The CHPL Foundation’s Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held September 14, 4:30-7:00 pm @ Murzyn Hall; $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12, 5 and under free. Jane asked if any members of the Library Board would volunteer to help with the event; several members said they would be available to help serve the meals. For 1st Shift (4:30-5:45 pm): Teresa on salads, and Carrie on bread; for 2nd shift (5:45-7pm): Gerri on spaghetti noodles. • Dan/Justice Spriggs: Asked whether there were any updates on groups deterred by the Community Room fee? There have been several bookings recently (ISD-13 & townhome associations), but mainly larger groups with more resources; Renee will keep count of groups that inquire with her and decide not to rent. The Men’s Book Club has moved to Silverwood Park. Has the Library Board reached out to MN/DOT about a Central Avenue crosswalk for the Library? No, but during construction a request for a southbound turn lane into the parking lot was rejected. Dates of upcoming MN/DOT public input meetings (in-person & virtual) on the future of Central/University Avenues were shared with encouragement for those with ideas/concerns to attend. It was suggested that concerns raised in recent City surveys should be forwarded to MN/DOT. 3. Leigh Miller (e-mail): The Board reviewed her email regarding overdue fines and concern that requested items may be taking longer to receive because previous users are keeping them past the due date because there’s no fear of overdue fines. The Board considered this possibility when contemplating their recommendation to eliminate overdue fines. Because the change occurred only a few months ago and CHPL is the only fine-free location within Anoka County; there is insufficient data to assess the impact on hold item wait times. The Board acknowledged that Renee’s reply to Leigh had addressed everything that they would have. OLD BUSINESS: N/A NEW BUSINESS: 4. Introduction of Columbia Heights Youth Commissioner (Tsenat Mamo): Tsenat lives in Columbia Heights; recently graduated from Immaculate Conception School and will be attending DeLaSalle High School. Since beginning earlier in 2022, the Youth Commission has been finding its bearings, attending other Commission/Board meetings to learn how they work, and figuring out their direction for the coming months. Tsenat is excited for the opportunity! 5. Proposed 2023 Library Budget: This is the first budget created with the City’s new financial software (BS&A). The proposed 2023 budget includes a 5% increase, mostly for increased personnel costs resulting from pay increases in all city departments recommended by the pay study. Other proposed increases include building and technology maintenance agreements, utility rates, and administrative costs. Renee will be meeting with the City Manager and Finance Director in July. 6. Grant from Columbia Heights Public Library Foundation of $2,750 for “Minnesota on the Road with Doug Ohman” Program Series: Doug Ohman has presented historical and regional travel programs at the Library in the past which were very well attended; and he has been a very engaging presenter. MOTION: To recommend that the City Council accept a $2,750 grant from the CHPL Foundation for a “Minnesota on the Road with Doug Ohman” seven program Series. Gerri Moeller motioned; Carrie Mesrobian seconded; Motion approved. 7. Grant from CHPL Foundation of $3,000 for 2022 Refresh of Early Learning Play Space: The Foundation made a 2017 grant to establish a play learning space, which acknowledges that the “work” of children is play. Play is a vital component of brain development and school readiness and supports the library’s mission of lifelong learning. Because the original play space was not part of the annual operating budget, it seemed appropriate to request additional funds from the Foundation for a refresh. Eliza Pope (Youth Services Librarian) notes that patrons are very passionate and vocal about the value of early literacy games, tools, and toys and a public, indoor space; although some continue to be concerned about shared spaces and objects during a pandemic. The 2022 refresh will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) toys. MOTION: To recommend that the City Council accept a $3,000 grant from the CHPL Foundation to refresh the Early Learning Play Space. Gerri Moeller motioned; Carrie Mesrobian seconded; Motion approved. DIRECTOR’S UPDATE: Operational reports, general updates, event reminders, and items from the floor. 8. May Board Report: For Your Information. a. Kristal Leebrick’s Author Talk (Thank You for Shopping) on the history of department stores in the Twin Cities downtown areas was well attended and engaging. Quite a few attendees shared stories from when they worked and/or shopped at these establishments. b. Joe Kimball’s Author Talk (Secrets of the Congdon Mansion) was also well attended and very interesting. c. Storywalks and Poems in the Park are unstaffed, self-directed programs which are offered along trails in city parks for 1-2 days at a time. During the pandemic, socially distanced and self-directed programs were added to library program offerings. Because these programs are not staffed, it is difficult to measure success, but attendance is estimated by asking participants to drop a popsicle stick in a bucket. There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded at 6:33 pm and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Nicholas P. Olberding Recording Secretary, CHPL Board of Trustees