Library Board of Trustees Update 3 24 11Carnegie -Stout Public Library
Library Board of Trustees Update
From the Meeting of
March 24, 2011
Present: Diann Guns, President; Vice President; Paula Connors, David
Hammer, Fred Miller, Kristen Smith, and Mike Willis
Excused: Elizabeth Leeper
• February marks 67 percent of the fiscal year as lapsed. Expenditures are at 67
percent and revenue taken in is at about 53 percent of projections. In recognition
that revenue will likely be lower than our estimates, we are postponing the
purchase of a microfilm reader printer for 18 months. We are able to purchase a
maintenance contract on all existing microfilm reader printers and our units are
not excessively old and prone to break downs so can feel comfortable with this
decision.
• Increase in library use continues with a six percent increase in check outs and a
five percent increase in number of visits. 11 databases demonstrate an increase in
use, particularly downloadable materials which are up 213 percent over the same
time last year.
• On March 3 Tricon principal Ron Richard and foreman Tim Wilgenbush met with
Board member Mike Willis, Library staff Susan Henricks and Dave March,
Construction Manager Rick Golus and three representatives from City
Engineering (Gus Psihoyos, Steve Brown and Jane Smith.) A tour of the Library
took place to review areas Tricon was responsible for during the project that were
not completed to the Library's satisfaction. The purpose was to identify and see
the issues. Wilgenbush will send a copy of their proposal to resolve outstanding
issues next week. The proposal will be reviewed by City Engineering, City Legal
and the Board of Trustees after which another meeting will be scheduled to
negotiate a final resolution.
• Weldon Laboratories returned the analysis of the paint failure on the ceiling of the
mezzanine. The report was sent to City Engineering and City Legal, and the
Board agreed to wait for a recommendation from these departments before taking
any action as a result of Weldon Laboratories' findings.
• Representatives from Lange Sign and Laura Carstens from Planning Services
attended the meeting to discuss the Historic Preservation Commission's (HPC)
recommendation to change the outdoor signage. Following discussion the Board
voted to change the color of the columns and top of the signs which is a
compromise regarding the recommendation. This will be brought to the HPC for
discussion. If a compromise cannot be reached the Board will ask the City
Council to approve the signs as they exist now.
• Tim Greenfield of Dubuque Glass has contacted the Library regarding release of
their remaining payment to which the Board agreed. Susan shared with the
Board Mr. Greenfield's thoughts on the reason why cracks have begun to appear
on the glass floor of the mezzanine and possible problems with structure design
and its ability to bear load. Although this conflicts with a previous opinion
obtained by the Board about the load bearing capability of the glass bridges, the
Board voted to close off the bridges until they have the opportunity to evaluate the
situation further.
• Rick Golus, construction manager with Durrant is leaving the company and his
last day is March 25. Durrant has said they will no longer support the project
aside from the paperwork that remains to be done. Susan will be taking over the
outstanding construction issues.
L.,;)
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