HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2013 Library Board of Trustees Minutes
Bozeman Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Board Meeting Room
Bozeman Public Library
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
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, Cindy Christin, MaryJo Stanislao; BPL Friends
President David House; BPL Foundation Director Paula Beswick; City Superintendent of Facilities
James Goehrung; City Manager Chris Kukulski; Deputy Mayor/Library Liaison Jeff Krauss;
Assistant City Attorney, Tim Cooper.
Guests Local residents Gary Gullickson, Katherine Ball, Salal Huber-McGee, Charlotte
Kress; consultants Peter Pearson and Sue Hall.
Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Farmer at 4:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes Trustee Mathre moved that the minutes of the February 27, 2013, meeting be
approved. Jacki McGuire seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously to approve the
minutes.
Public Comment Comments consisted of a discussion regarding the alley turnaround on south
Library property, with reference to a plat map. Local resident Gary Gullickson commented upon the
Sculpture Park’s concern that a sculpture would potentially have to be moved, given the proposal and
documentation from the City Engineering Department. Trustee Jacki McGuire inquired as to what
ancillary issues might exist should the proposal come to a vote, the only one mentioned being lease
terms with the Sculpture Park. Trustee Jennifer Pawlak pointed out that the Library would not
transfer ownership of the property, but rather allow its use. City Superintendent of Facilities James
Goehrung expressed the potential for parking issues along the alley since it would then be designated
as an emergency access. Trustee McGuire asked if additional dwelling units (ADUs) that might be
built would also negatively affect parking, but code requirements for ADUs mandate provision for
parking on private land. Trustee Pawlak inquired as to the possible requirement for increased
signage on the alley way. Guests Salal Huber-McGee and Katherine Ball both spoke regarding
concerns of parking and access. Attorney Tim Cooper suggested formalizing the process before the
City Commission. City Manager Chris Kukulski expressed the opinion that the City Commission
would accommodate the Library in resolving the matter. Trustee Pawlak mentioned the need to
communicate with Bozeman Sculpture Park regarding the turnaround’s possible effect upon the
property leased from the Library. Chair Farmer suggested that the issue be discussed at the April
2013 meeting for decision and will contact the Sculpture Park for their input.
Correspondence BPL Director Susan Gregory presented correspondence from Library patrons. A
patron expressed appreciation for Library staff member Jason Greenwald for help above and beyond
the norm by helping him to complete online job applications. Another patron complained about his
account having been sent to collections for lost materials following several notices; his complaint
was initially over the telephone with Library Circulation Supervisor MaryJo Stanislao followed by a
call to Susan, with an email sent to the Board’s members and copied to upper-level Library staff.
Chair Farmer will send a letter to the patron affirming the Library’s policy in the use of a collection
agency.
Friends Report BPL Friends President David House reported on the Friends' activities. David
introduced the two youngest Friends volunteers, Jessie and Remy House, and praised their
contributions to the success of the Book Sale March 22-24. The Friends' Book Sale raised about
$12,000 dollars, primarily from general sales though there were new memberships as well as about
$1000 from Collectibles. Trustee Jennifer Pawlak inquired about the Collectibles, which David
explained in further detail. David announced that the Friends had awarded $30,000 for 2013 to the
Library based on presentations by Library staff. The Friends will also help fund a McNaughton
Lease subscription to make more copies of bestsellers available, and David also mentioned the
purchase of 4 Mac laptops for in-Library use, Book Club kits, Children's Summer Programs, and a
mobile app webpage. Thanks were expressed by all Library staff members present. Children's
Librarian Cindy Christin announced that she has been invited to give a presentation on the Friends-
funded play space at the Public Library Association national conference in Indianapolis, IN, in the
spring of 2014.
Foundation Report Foundation Director Paula Beswick presented a report on their activities. The
Exploring the Arts opera program on March 18 played to a packed room. The April 15 program will
feature Weatherwood for Celtic music. Paula reminded the Board of the upcoming Notes at the
Library Chamber Music event on April 1, featuring the MSU Cello Ensemble. An opening reception
for an exhibition by local artist Wendy Marquis will be held on April 5. The Foundation is
coordinating mobile basic computer classes with Library staff for Aspen Pointe residents beginning
in May; it is hoped that this outreach will continue and grow to include other sites. The Foundation
Board meeting will take place on April 2 at noon. The Cornerstone Celebration will take place April
20 to recognize local author David Quammen. The One Book One Bozeman selection for 2013 is
“Last Stand”, local author Todd Wilkinson's biography of Ted Turner, promotion of which will begin
with a Foundation-sponsored author reading at the Country Bookshelf on April 4. The promotion
will also include a VIP meet and greet and interview with Ted Turner on June 21. Paula reminded
the Board of the Library Strategic Planning workshop scheduled for March 28; she also spoke about
a project with a group of MSU students to support the Strategic Planning process.
Director’s Report BPL Director Susan Gregory presented a report on the Library's activities.
Susan introduced guests Peter Pearson and Sue Hall, consultants present for the Library's Strategic
Planning workshop on March 28. She then thanked the Friends and Foundation for all they do to
support the Library. In presenting the statistical report, Susan mentioned that there remains 34% of
budget with one quarter left in the fiscal year. Susan recounted a Library patron's gracious thanks to
Library staff for their patience and friendly professionalism by providing lunch for the staff on March
8. Planning has begun for the next annual Staff Training Day. Susan described collaboration with
MSU's Renne Library for an April poetry program. Susan is working with Circulation Department
Head MaryJo Stanislao and Circulation Librarian Mary Braun to fill two empty staff positions.
Susan gave an update of legislative activities that would include increased State appropriations for
Libraries. In response to inquiry from Trustee Jennifer Pawlak, Lois Dissly described the status of
changes to ways in which the Library collects and interprets usage statistics information. Consultant
Peter Pearson asked if computer and Wifi usage statistics show similar trends that he has noticed at
the Tulsa OK Public Libraries, which Lois confirmed.
Items for Discussion/Action See Public Comment section above.
City Reports Deputy Mayor/Library Liaison Jeff Krauss mentioned that he had gone before the
Senate as a candidate for possible confirmation to the MSU Board of Regents, but had nothing new
to report from the City.
Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Farmer adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m.