HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-25-12 Library Board of Trustees Minutes Bozeman Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Library Board/Staff Conference Room
Bozeman Public Library
Wednesday,April 25,2012
Minutes
Attendance
Present: Board of Trustees Chair, Ron Farmer; Trustees Jennifer Pawlak, Jacki McGuire,
Judy Mathre, Holly Brown; City of Bozeman Superintendent of Facilities, James Goehrung;
Deputy Mayor, Jeff Krauss; Bozeman Public Library (BPL) Foundation Director, Paula
Beswick; Friends of BPL, Sharon Anhalt; BPL Director, Susan Gregory; BPL Department
Heads, Lois Dissly, and Terri Dood; Guests: two members of the public.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Farmer at 4:03 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Jacki McGuire moved that the minutes of the March 21, 2012 meeting be approved. Judy
Mathre seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes.
Correspondence
Susan shared comments from library patrons. A complaint was received about cars speeding
in the parking lot and it was asked if speed bumps could be installed; reference was made to a
prior inquiry about speed bumps (2-3yrs ago). James Goehrung will contact John Van
Delinder(Streets Dept.) and Andy Kerr(Eng. Dept.) as to the possibility of installation of
speed bumps this spring or summer. A request was made that BPL Friends notify Livingston
and other area public libraries of book sale dates. The Friends will begin to send fliers or
otherwise notify other area libraries of book sale dates. A library patron asked to be able to
check out more than 5 movies at a time and complimented the Library's video collections.
One patron expressed displeasure at the Library's selection of"Wife Goes On". Susan
Gregory and Terri Dood will look further into the book complaint and advise the Board.
There was a complaint about the 2nd floor men's restroom, as well as a request for a friendlier
desk clerk(which desk unknown). The proposed FY13 budget has a half-time custodian
approved for the Library. We received a thank-you note from a patron for the Children's
Dept. Special correspondence for Trustees on the"Code of Hammurabi"was delivered(also
emailed); all Library Trustees affirm having read this.
Friends Report
The book sale in March was a success with higher sales than in the past which are believed to
be partially due to reduction in price. The next book sale has been rescheduled for June so as
to be over before the beginning of the roof project. The Friends Board has hired a new
assistant,Erin Mock. They are planning a"Book Drop-Off Day" in early June to encourage
public donations as well as ameliorate staff workload in accepting donations. Friends have
coordinated with James Goehrung and Susan Gregory for City maintenance of the Library's
dog stations.
Foundation Report
Foundation Director, Paula Beswick,reported on the Annual Cornerstone Gala held
Saturday,April 14th, and read a letter of thanks from Cornerstone Awardee, Jan Zauha.
Attendance (16 1)was down due to scheduling of the Thrive fundraiser on same date,though
donations were up at$10,683.75 (provisional total),in-kind donations totaled nearly $5500,
and the raffle brought in over$1000. Paula also gave a summary of programs the
Foundation has sponsored over the last 4 years (+/-): 533 programs for population of 41,066,
averaging 133 programs per year with 77 attendees per program. The Foundation spends
roughly $60,000 per year on programs, $7500 per year for continuing education for
librarians, and a like amount for each department for basic needs. The 5 college prep
workshops were all very well attended. The Equal Payday program on April 17th brought in
70 people. Exploring the Arts guests"The Wanderers" had an audience of 41 for their
program. Aspen Pointe program attendance was 25 in April,up from 20 at the last, and Paula
will repeat it on May 24th. The Grounds Master Plan meeting had 25 attendees,MSU
students presented their proposals (the cost of which is estimated at$631,000.00). Paula
met with the West Yellowstone Library Foundation; 5 new Board members have been added
for a total of 7. The Board is planning fundraising and other events to revitalize the Library
and its place in the community. A new sculpture, "Flame Dancer"by Eric"Ole"Nelson with
Gallatin Art Crossing has been installed on the west side of the Library; Gallatin Art
Crossing's opening will take place July 21St. Paula and Susan collaborated on a Bozeman
Daily Chronicle guest column for National Library Week. At the recent One Book One
Bozeman meeting author, Carol Hemingway,brought copies of her book, Oswald, an
American Osprey, for incorporation into the One Book, One Bozeman theme for this Fall (I
Know Why The Caged Bird Sings) as 1St grade giveaways, Paula is working with Bob
Watson of Bozeman HS to coordinate BHS students as volunteers for read-alouds at the
Library with Children's Librarian, Cindy Christin. Call for Artists deadline is April 30th; 10
artists have responded and the committee will meet after the deadline to select artwork and
the Lobby Gallery art shows for 2013. An artist reception will be held on May 11th with
Livingston artist, Jim Barrett. Paula met with Montana Pride Celebration regarding their
June 16th rally;the marching route will begin at the Emerson Center and end at the Library.
Paula, Susan, and James met to plan and coordinate the Foundation programs with the roof
project for summer. Paula will be meeting with the Foundation Board on April 26th. She
reminded the Board of the"Living Your Passion" speaker series program on April 27th
presented by MSU African Society. Dr. Condoleezza Rice will be at MSU for Convocation
on September 5th. Her presentation will be open to the public.
Director's Report
Susan explained the circumstances behind the recent 6-month suspension of a patron's library
privileges for aggressive and unruly behavior on March 24th on the recommendation of the
Bozeman Police Department. She expressed privacy concerns with her Director's report (a
public document) as it has in the past included the names of those persons suspended; she has
asked City Attorney Greg Sullivan for a legal opinion on what information to include. The
Proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget was distributed to the Board, and Susan noted that she has
not yet received the City's budget approvals for this year. Statistics for March 2012 have
been emailed to the Board, as well as the current budget report; 83% of budget has been
expended with 76% of fiscal year completed. Susan and Cindy Christin met with Jordan
Schwartz(Education Officer at Emerson Center and a member of the Sculpture Park Board)
to explore program collaboration between the Children's Department and the Sculpture Park,
resulting in a summer program series tentatively titled"Kids Build". Paula added that the
Sculpture Park is also planning workshops for other age groups to sculpt with clay in August.
Susan stated further that the Sculpture Park has hired a curator, Brad Allen, an Art professor
from the University of Montana, Missoula. Montana Library Association's conference in Big
Sky saw 16 BPL staff attend. Susan met with Scott Malloy from the Gallatin Mental Health
Center to organize 4 public workshops in May on how to better interact with people with
behavioral issues, and senior library staff are also considering policies and procedures for
staff guidance. Susan and Paula spoke about their dramatic readings for Jack Kligerman's
Dickens celebration,which welcomed an audience of 35.
Items for Discussion/Action
Roof Repair Project: James Goehrung stated that the contract for the roof repair project is
under attorney review and construction is projected to begin the week of July 9th. Staging for
construction will begin around July 5th and parking at the south end of the Library will be
blocked off for their use. Contractors plan to work by sections of roof in series to mitigate
disruption to Library operations, and will try to do the noisiest work before the Library opens
each day. James asked if shifting the Library's operating hours to open later might be
possible. Susan stated that she would meet with Library department heads and James on
April 30th regarding this and would email the Board with the results of that meeting for their
consideration, so it can be put to a vote at the regular May 2012 Board meeting. Susan also
expressed the hope (by patrons' requests)that the Library be open Sunday hours during this
project,but a final decision will be reached after consideration of budget impact and
finalization of FY13 Budget information . James spoke with the architect regarding the
concerns raised during the March meeting by a member of the public with the membrane
roof, these concerns having been addressed; the patron seemed,to James,to be satisfied. He
has also begun looking into volunteer and county help with landscape maintenance, and is
preparing to inspect and clean the irrigation system.
Lindley Perk Lease: All Board members have read the draft lease prepared for the Friends
in consultation with City Attorney, Greg Sullivan. Jason has been given a copy but as of this
meeting has not been able to examine it in detail, and it is felt that his input is needed before
a vote can be taken. James pointed out that the Library will need to coordinate with Jason
regarding changes in hours, etc.,which may result from the roof repair project. Susan stated
that she had spoken with him and that his only concern was his inability to open for business
on Sundays this summer, if needed, due to lack of staff in place; he will be open for the
summer concert series. Concerns were voiced by several members present as to the lease
contract's wording in the clause regarding discrimination policy, as well as who the parties
are to the lease,what their respective roles,rights, and responsibilities are under it, and the
necessity for a clear delineation of the same. A Memorandum of Understanding between the
Board and the Friends was discussed,but it was pointed out by Holly Brown,that such a
document would change nothing about the lease as written. Jacki McGuire also expressed
concerns regarding ownership of the name "Lindley Perk".
Memorandum of Understanding: Sharon Anhalt has spoken with Friends board members
about the need for an MOU to address the relationship between the Library and the Friends.
This would cover all aspects of the relationship in detail, such as Friends' use of Library
facilities, coffee shop, etc. Susan agreed to meet with Greg Sullivan to discuss this.
City Reports: Jeff Krauss reported that there was nothing of note to report regarding City
development, and that he was unaware of any new developments regarding recruiting for key
City positions. He mentioned that there will be work taking place between the City and
Bozeman Pass this summer on I90 that may cause some traffic disruptions, as well as on
Route 8.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Judy Mathre moved that the meeting be adjourned. Jacki
McGuire seconded the motion. Chairman Farmer adjourned the meeting at 5:25 p.m.