Minutes_Library Board of Trustees 11 17 09Carnegie -Stout Public Library
Board of Trustees'
Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2009
The Board of Trustees of the Carnegie -Stout Public Library (C -SPL) met in the
Library Board Room at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2009.
Present: President Diann Guns, Vice President Beverly Kolz; Secretary
Kristen Smith; Trustee Paula Connors; Trustee David Hammer
Trustee Mike Willis; Library Director Susan Henricks; and
Recorder Denette Kellogg
Excused: Trustee Elizabeth Leeper
1. President Diann Guns called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. and the
agenda was adopted with moving the agenda action item S.C. Closed Session
to follow item 1.
"Moved to adopt the meeting agenda of Tuesday, November 17,
2009 with moving the agenda action item S.C. Closed Session to follow
item 1."
Motion: Hammer
Second: Smith
Vote: Aye -6; Nay -0
2. Closed Session: The Board moved into closed session.
"Moved to go into closed session in accordance with The Code of
Iowa, Chapter 21.5 /: To evaluate the professional competency of an
individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being
considered when necessary to prevent need less and irreparable injury to
that individuals reputation and that individual requests a closed session."
Motion: Kolz
Second: Connors
Vote: Aye — 6; Nay — 0
The Board moved into closed session at 4:06 p.m.
"Moved to go back into open session."
Motion: Kolz
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2009"
Second: Hammer
Vote: Aye — 6; Nay — 0
The Board moved into open session at 5:18 p.m. Discussion took place, and
goals were set, regarding the renovation project.
2. Approval of Library Board of Trustees' Minutes of Thursday, October 22,
2009.
"Moved to approve the Board minutes of Thursday, October 22,
Motion: Smith
Second: Kolz
Vote: Aye - 6; Nay - 0
3. Board President's Report - Communication with the Dubuque City Council.
Henricks reported the update was late and would be provided at the next
meeting.
"Moved to table the Communication with the Dubuque City
Council."
Motion: Connors
Second: Kolz
Vote: Aye -6; Nay -0
4. Motion to Receive and File Informational Items:
A. Library Director's Report Summary and Update: Henricks provided a
written summary of the following items to the Library Board:
1) Library Financial Report — Henricks reported that the month
of October marked thirty-three percent of the fiscal year as
lapsed. Expenditures through the third month were at
thirty-three percent and revenue generated year to date at
thirty percent of projections.
Henricks reported on the Maintenance Level budget hearing
held on November 12, 2009 with the City Manager. This
budget is only 1.5 percent over last year's budget despite a
3.5 percent standard wage increase. The City Manager has
requested that the equipment replacement schedule be
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reviewed to see what items could be postponed for purchase
until following years.
Henricks reported twelve Improvement Level Decision
Packages (IP) submitted by the Library. Ten of the IP's
relate to staffing. The City Manager requested that these
IP's be further broken down by detailed priority. Connors
also attended the budget meeting. The Board expressed the
critical need for all of the requests to be filled so that the
Library can continue to provide service needed to patrons.
Kolz reported on reading about impact to libraries in regard
to staffing and provided an example of the Seattle Public
Library's need to cut back on hours due to tight funding. The
Board reported its desire to not have to cut back on hours.
The Library's budget hearing before the City Council is set
for Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Dubuque Federal
Building. Henricks asked that Board members respond
whether they would be attending the dinner prior to the
hearing.
2) Library Use Statistics — Henricks reported that October was a
significant month, as it was the most difficult month during
construction for patrons to enter the Library. Despite this,
the Library was busier than ever averaging 100 people per
hour visiting. Year -to -date circulation has increased seven
percent. Library card applications have increased six percent,
representing 48 new cards a day, seven days a week during
the month of October.
Henricks reported that the database use is stronger in the
more expensive platforms, but is weak for most others that
the Library offers.
3) Personnel Update - Henricks reported that recommendation
for hire for the opening for a part -time Library Aide in Youth
Services has been made to the City Personnel office and the
Library is waiting for approval.
Henricks reported on her detailed report on the pros and
cons of cross - training provided in her Director's summary
memorandum.
Henricks reported that Francis Boggus, the State Coordinator
for "Iowa Great Places," visited the Library on November 12,
2009. Boggus was very pleased with the progress since his
last visit and was enthusiastic that that the entire historic
area where the reference desk will be located, stacks, and
glass floor mezzanine will be dedicated as an "Iowa Great
Place."
5. Items for Action:
4) Construction Update - Henricks provided an update on the
construction process, reporting on the final walk- through
and punch list that took place for Phase Two - Second Floor
mezzanine and historic stack area. After the Administration
Offices are completed, Phase Three - Second Floor will begin
with an expected completion date of nine weeks. Phase
Four, the current Youth Services Activity, is expected to
begin near the end of January 2010 and be completed by
the week of April 19, 2010.
B. Library Comment Cards - The Library Board reviewed the eight
comment cards received and concurred with the responses provided.
"Moved to receive and file the informational update from the
Library Director on the Library Financial Report, Library Use
Statistics, Personnel Update, Library Construction Update and
Library Comment Cards "
Motion: Kolz
Second: Connors
Vote: Aye -6; Nay -0
A. Deed of Gift to the Library for Four Sculptures - Henricks reported on
the four sculptures donated to the Library by local artist John
Anderson - Bricker and his wife Kristen Anderson - Bricker. The
sculptures have a theme of Andrew Carnegie, the Library's namesake,
and are titled "The Gospel of Wealth: 'Robber Barons,' 'Philanthropy,'
'Homestead,' and 'Upward and Onward.' " Henricks reported that the
sculptures were received by the Library in 2008 and are currently in
storage. After the renovation, the sculptures will displayed in the
mezzanine reading area by the stacks.
"Moved to acknowledge and accept the deed of gift for the
sculptures from John and Kristen Anderson Bricker titled The
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Gospel of Wealth: Robber Barons, Philanthropy, Homestead and
'Upward and Onward."
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Motion: Smith
Second: Connors
Vote: Aye — 6; Nay — 0
B. Glass Floor Panel Repair /Replace — Henricks reported on the cracked
historic glass panel and asked that this item be tabled until an
engineer has provided an opinion about the future integrity of the
structure.
"Moved to table the item until a qualified engineer's written
opinion in regard to future integrity and use of the glass floor panel
structure is received."
Motion: Hammer
Second: Kolz
Vote: Aye — 6; Nay — 0
6. Communications /Public Comment: Henricks invited the Board to the Art @
Your Library® reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 20,
2009. The reception will not only highlight local artists' works of art, but also
provide a mini -grand opening of the south side of the historic second floor or
mezzanine area to the public.
7. Library Board Adjournment - The Board adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
"Motion to adjourn/'
Motion: Kolz
Second: Connors
Vote: Aye -6; Nay — 0
Kristen Smith, Board Secretary
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