Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-12 Library Board of Trustees Minutes Bozeman Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Library Board/Staff Conference Room Bozeman Public Library Wednesday, October 24, 2012 Minutes Attendance Present: Board Chair Ron Farmer; Trustees Jennifer Pawlak, Judy Mathre, Jacki McGuire, John Gallagher; Bozeman Public Library (BPL) Director, Susan Gregory; BPL Department Heads Lois Dissly, Terri Dood; BPL Friends Vice-President David House; BPL Foundation Director Paula Beswick. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Farmer at 4:07p.m. Approval of Minutes Trustee Pawlak moved that the minutes of the July September 26, 2012, meeting be approved. Trustee Mathre seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes. Correspondence BPL Director Susan Gregory shared comments and suggestions from the community. A comment was received praising Reference Librarian Katie Biehl for her help with a patron's research. Susan recounted her correspondence with a library student in North Carolina doing research for a project, and that we'd received a thank-you note. A patron suggested adding carpet padding in the Large Community Room, citing concerns when toddlers fall during Library programs. A patron asked for the heat to be lowered in the Children's Library, and another requested speed bumps in the Library's parking lot. A complaint was received via the Bozeman Police Department regarding the lack of lighting around the exterior book drops, which Susan has discussed with Facilities Superintendent James Goehrung to rectify; this prompted a general discussion of other security concerns around the Library and possible ways to address them. Friends Report Friends Vice-President David House presented an update of their activities. The Friends Board requested clarification regarding the security deposit associated with the Lindley Perk lease. The Board is currently developing compliance protocols for the management of the lease. The Friends made a contribution towards strategic planning consultation for the Library, and have scheduled the Fall Book Sale for November 16-18. Foundation Report Following a short explanation of the joint strategic planning initiative with the Foundation by Susan, Foundation Director Paula Beswick presented a report on their activities. Paula reported excellent attendance at One Book One Bozeman programs, especially the Convocation program in coordination with MSU, and the committee has begun looking at next year's program to capitalize on this success. She also mentioned the capacity attendance and expressions of thanks from the public for the dramatic reading of “8” on September 29th, to which Susan added that plans are afoot for similar events in the future. George Cole's Banned Books sculpture's opening reception took place on October 3, and Paula has begun planning for another dramatic reading in January. The College Prep workshops continue to be successful. Christopher Boyer's landscape photography is the featured exhibition in the lobby, the opening reception for which was well-attended. The Cinema Circus short films repeat presentation took place on October 21 with about 30 in attendance. The Children's Festival of the Book celebration will begin November 1, featuring a film showing of Jeanne DuPrau's “City of Ember” with a reception for the authors and illustrator on the evening of November 2, with the actual event taking place the next day. Exploring the Arts will focus on juggling with the November 12 program to include a juggling workshop afterward. Eric Newman will speak in the Living Your Passion series about custom skis, ski maintenance, and other topics of interest on November 8. Tate Chamberlain will present an avalanche panel discussion on November 9 followed by a showing of ski films on the Library plaza. Plans and arrangements for the Christmas Stroll are underway, scheduled for December 1, and will include cookie decorating for children. Director’s Report Susan Gregory began by discussing statistics, showing a general continuation of trends although there has been a surprising increase in periodicals circulation. Children's Librarian Cindy Christin has been working with Susan and Paula on the Library's Annual Report, which will feature new statistical information to reflect shifting trends in Library services and materials. Susan and Paula met with the new City Parks & Recreation Director, Mitch Overton, regarding the Sculpture Park; Park Board President Joseph Keith will attend the November Library Board meeting to talk about possible greater City involvement in the Sculpture Park. Susan attended the Montana Shared Catalog meeting in Helena on October 5, where Susan and a few others were invited to make a television commercial on the importance of Libraries. Susan spoke about the October 8 Staff Day, which included a team building and interpersonal relations workshop by Ris Higgins as well as afternoon technology sessions, followed by a brainstorming session with a view to the strategic planning process. Susan presented a draft of the Library Depreciation Fund's current status and projections for the next five years. This was followed by a discussion of possible equipment/software purchases to improve services while drawing from the Depreciation Fund rather than the annual budget. There is some uncertainty whether funds for a proposed sidewalk widening project on the East side of the parking lot should come from the Depreciation Fund or the Facilities budget, as well as possible legal and Board charter restrictions on uses to which the Fund can be directed. Susan will seek legal clarification with City Attorney Greg Sullivan. Items for Discussion/Action Discussion concerned the strip of land bordering the Harrington building adjacent to the Library's parking lot, as discussed in the September 26 meeting following the proposal from Rob Pertzborn of Intrinsik Architects and the new owners of the building. Concerns were expressed regarding the legality of the Board leasing or selling public property for private use, as well as egress directly to Wallace Avenue along the North side of the Harrington building, LEED certificate issues, and the potential impact on Library parking. The Board's consensus was that more information was needed from City Attorney Greg Sullivan, the City's Facilities and Engineering departments, as well as Rob Pertzborn. Susan will contact all parties to invite them to the November Board meeting. Roof Project Update Superintendent of Facilities and Land James Goehrung was absent but sent a memo to present his update. The roofing contractors are waiting for the previously mentioned skylight as well as membrane to fix parts that haven't properly adhered to the roof. City Reports Neither City Manager Chris Kukulski nor Deputy Mayor Jeff Krauss were present, thus there was no City report. Adjournment There being no further public business, Chair Farmer adjourned the meeting at 5:51pm.