Update_Library Board of Trustees 2 24 11Carnegie -Stout Public Library
Library Board of Trustees Update
From the Meeting of
February 24, 2011
Present: Diann Guns, President; Vice President; Paula Connors, David
Hammer, Elizabeth Leeper, Fred Miller, Kristen Smith, and Mike Willis
• Fifty -eight percent of the fiscal year has passed with expenditures at 60 percent of
the budget. Revenue is at 53.5 percent of projections. It is likely that revenues
will fall short by $10,000 this fiscal year; perhaps a little more, due to a shortage
in funds from the State of Iowa.
• The number of circulations increased 5 percent over the same time last year with
visits up 3 percent. Directional questions have increased dramatically (108
percent) as people take advantage of the information kiosks. Internet computer
use was down in both numbers of hours spent at desk top equipment as well as
check outs of lap top computers. Downloadable content continues to gain in
popularity with an increase of 106 percent over the same time last year.
• Matt Rowe, from Engineered Controls met with the Board to discuss his
company's role in the closing out the HVAC part of the renovation. Board
representatives agreed to work with Scot Geisler to request his facilitation of all
aspects left open on the HVAC portion of the project.
• ServiceMaster visited the Library and determined we did not have mold after the
recent water leakage from third to second floor.
• Paint samples from the mezzanine and supporting information and documentation
were sent to Weldon Labs where the paint will be analyzed to determine cause of
failure.
• Varnish is now lifting from the new wainscoting in the Board Room, Auditorium,
and can be seen on wood and in some areas on the second floor.
• A meeting will be held with Ron Richard and Tim Wilgenbush of Tricon
Construction Group on Thursday, March 3 to discuss the company's work on the
project and outstanding issues.
• Rick Droeske from Lange Signs and Susan Henricks attended an Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting on February 17 The new outdoor
signs were installed by Lange Signs without their seeking approval from the HPC.
The HPC recommends removal of the columns, setting the sign on a concrete or
limestone base, and painting the balance a different color. After lengthy
discussion the Board tabled the decision until their next meeting so that they can
learn whether Lange Signs will work with the Library to resolve the issue. At
their next meeting the Board will determine if the sign will be changed to meet
the HPC's recommendations or if the Board will discuss partial, or no changes to
the existing signs with the City Council.
• Two grants have been written to the DRA. One, on behalf of the Library
Foundation, is for a Lending Library and material returns to be located at the
Asbury Hy -Vee. The Lending Library is a vending machine that dispenses library
materials with a valid library card. The second grant, on behalf of the Friends of
the Library, was submitted to bring a best - selling author to Dubuque who writes
for an adult audience.
• The Board of Trustees designated the Maher Trust Account to focus on library
service to the west side of Dubuque, but they will be able to direct funding
elsewhere if it becomes necessary.
• The Library's budget hearing is Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Diann Guns, Board President
Kristen Smith, Board Secretary
Paula Connors
David Hammer
Elizabeth Leeper
Fred Miller
Mike Willis
Library Board of Trustees
Susan Henricks, Director