Minutes Library Board 5 24 07osicwa~
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Board of Trustees'
Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2007
The Board of Trustees of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library (C-SPL) met in the
Library Board Room at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2007.
Present.• Vice President Sue Lindsay; Secretary Kristen Smith; Trustee
Becky Hander; Trustee Beverly Kolz; Trustee Michael Shubatt;
Trustee Diann Guns; Library Director Susan Henricks; and
Recorder Denette Kellogg.
Excused.• President Alan Avery
StaffPresent.• Youth Services Interim Manager Ann Straley and Library Aide
Sharon Daly
Guests: Donna Bauerly, Library Foundation President; Anders Dahlgren,
Library Planning Services, Inc.; and Maynard Phillips, Jerold
Pangs, Linzy and Partners
1. Board Trustee Michael Shubatt chaired the meeting and called the meeting to
order 4:03 p.m. and the agenda was adopted.
"Moved to adopt the meeting agenda of May 24, 2007. "
Motion: Guns
Second.• Hander
Vote: Aye -6; Nay - 0
2. Approval of Library Board of Trustees' Minutes of May 24, 2007:
"Moved to approve the Board minutes of May 24,2007. "
Motion: Lindsay
Second: Kolz
Vote: Aye 6; Nay - 0
3. Citizen Request to Address the Board on Library Program - Shubatt reported
on receipt from citizens Reverend William Dix and James Dean to address the
Library Board to discuss their objection to a Library program.
"Moved to receive and file the requests from citizens Reverend
William Dix and James Dean to address the Library Board to discuss a
Library program; and, to receive and fi/e correspondence received from
Library Board of Trustees
Minutes of May 24, 2007
citizens Reverend William Dix, Chris Lange, Ann Marie Hughes, and Library
Director Susan Henricks. "
Motion: Guns
Second.• Kolz
Vote: Aye 6; Nay - 0
Reverend William Dix, 246 Bluff Street, Apt. #3, Dubuque, Iowa addressed the
Library Board -Dix thanked the Board for allowing him to come back to re-
address this issue regarding his objection to the Tarot Card program scheduled
for June 12, 2007. Dix reported that the Library Meeting Room Policy allows
for anyone to contact the Library to hold a meeting. Dix reported his objection
to the Library allowing the Wiccan group to conduct the program that is, in his
opinion, a violation of separation of church and state. Dix requested that the
Board consider having the program provided by someone who will not bring
their religious beliefs. Dix also asked if the program moves forward he
requested that the Board attend the program to ensure that no religious
instruction would take place.
James Dean, 2315 Knob Hill, Dubuque, Iowa addressed the Library Board - He
requested that the Board not go forward with the program as it is based on
support of a religion or a religious practice. He provided his viewpoint of why
the program is not appropriate to have at the Library.
Shubatt reported on meeting protocol and rules. In order for the June 12,
2007 program to not move forward, it would require Board action to cancel
that program. This would require one of the Board members to make a
motion, another Board member to second the motion, and a vote by the entire
Board. Shubatt reported on the feedback from citizens at the May 2007 Board
meeting and the current meeting indicating that the Library Board has had
ample opportunity to review the information and to motion for a change if
desired.
Henricks reported on one additional citizen who did request to address the
Board.
Jim Brown, 14674 North Cascade Road, Dubuque, Iowa addressed the Library
Board - He requested that the Board consider voting against the program and
provided his feedback on why the program should not go forward based on the
feedback already provided in regard to religion and religious practices.
Guns asked that the letter from the Director to the Library Board in regard to
the program be read for the public present.
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Minutes of May 24, 2007
Henricks reported on her May 16, 2007 correspondence to the Library Board in
regard to review and recommendation of the program. Henricks reported on
her meeting with Reverend Dix and his concerns. Henricks reported that
because this is a Library sponsored program, the program is not a religious
program and she is recommending that the program move forward for these
reasons. The program will not contain any religious information or references,
no artifacts for sale, and will be of entertainment value only. The Library does
not allow anyone's religious beliefs to be included in the presentation. She
reported that she would be at the program to ensure all of this policy and
guidelines are kept. The Library does not sponsor religious organizations or
any religion. Attendance to program is voluntary and parents should decide
whether their children should attend or not.
Henricks reported that the Library represents many different points of view and
presents a very diverse collection to the community some of which could be
considered controversial. Requests to cancel other programs, or withdraw
material, can easily follow. For example, in July a Harry Potter program is
scheduled at the Library and setting a precedent could affect all future
programs in a negative way.
Shubatt asked for input or discussion from the Board. Guns reported her
appreciation of the public input and the courtesy of the public at the meetings,
but based on all of the information received she would not be bring a motion
to cancel the program.
Shubatt reported the Board's appreciation of all of the public input and
everyone's passion for the Library. Shubatt reported that he is comfortable
with the Library Director's recommendation and response that the program will
be monitored.
Shubatt asked the Board for further comments or recommendation for a Board
motion. Shubatt noted no motion received by the Board and reported that the
program would move forward as scheduled.
4. Board President's Report: Communication with the Dubuque City Council.
Shubatt reported on the summary report of the Board to the City Council from
the April 26, 2007 Board meeting.
"Moved to receive and file the Communication with the Dubuque City
Council. "
Motion: Guns
Second.• Lindsay
Vote: Aye - 6; Nay - 0
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Library Board of Trustees
Minutes of May 24, 2007
5. 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 with the
following additional comments:
1) Library Financial Report - Henricks reported that April
marked the passage of 83 percent of the fiscal year and 81
percent of the budget has been expended. Revenue is
ahead with approximately 99 percent of income already
collected.
2) Library Use Statistics - Henricks reported that Library
circulation is up three percent and is attributed to use by
Dubuque residents. Open Access (users from other libraries
and reciprocal borrowers) did increase slightly this month
for the first time this fiscal year. As more library users
access information online, reference service transactions
have decreased. Henricks reported that Librarians' role of
providing information would continue to move toward
information literacy as their role in answering reference
questions decreases. Visits to the Library have increased six
percent compared to April of 2007.
3) Personnel Update -Henricks reported that Youth Services
Manager, Jean Gullikson has resigned her position at the
Library to pursue other opportunities.
4) Art Audit Update -Henricks provided correspondence from
James Maroney in regard to the value of some paintings
that will be added to the art audit information. Henricks
shared the restoration information and photos on the Heade
paintings and the background information on the pieces.
Henricks reported that when the Curtis collection was first
loaned to the Dubuque Museum of Art, the original folders
were discarded and replaced based on the museum's
recommendation. The loss of the original folders, according
to Maroney, may have a slight impact on the value of the
collection. Guns asked if the insurance held by the Dubuque
Museum of Art is adequate based on the recent appraisals.
Henricks confirmed the insurance is adequate.
A. Library Comment Cards -The Library Board reviewed the three
comment cards received and concurred with staff responses.
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Minutes of May 24, 2007
"Moved to receive and fi/e the informational update from the
Library Director on the Library Financial Report, Library Use
Statistics, Personnel Update, Art Audit Update, and Library Comment
Cards. "
Motion: Guns
Second.• Kolz
Vote: Aye -4; Nay - 0
6. Items for Action:
A. Library Renovation Project Campaign Update:
1) Update from Maynard Phillips of Jerold Panas, Linzy &
Partners and Library Director Susan Henricks -Phillips
provided a campaign update and campaign schedule to the
Library Board. Phillips commended the seven Library Board
members for their combined pledges of over $61,000 in
pledges for the Library renovation campaign. Phillips
reported working with Jan Powers in regard to the
campaign. Phillips reported that he is very impressed and
pleased with the community leaders 100% investment and
participation on the campaign cabinet. Members of the
Capital Campaign Cabinet include Campaign Chair Jim
Normandin, Tim Conlon, Kim David, Donnelle Fuerste,
Patrick Niemer, Bob Peacock, Paul Peckosh, Brian
Southwood, and Nancy Van Milligan. Advisors include Laura
Chandlee and Charlie Glab. Library Foundation President
Donna Bauerly has agreed to head the division for
Foundations. Phillips reported on the funding timeline.
Phillips reported on the positive momentum of this "quiet"
phase of the campaign and on his positive feedback of
complete success.
Henricks reported she is working on the Roy J. Carver
Charitable Trust grant application as she received positive
feedback from the Carver Trust in that they are extending
their deadline for submission of a grant proposal. A
decision date for this grant is the end of July.
Henricks reported on a potential of $250,000 for the
renovation project through the Great Places Grant which is
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Minutes of May 24, 2007
being resubmitted to include additional information. A
decision date for this grant is the end of June.
Phillips reported on the possibility of naming opportunities
and reported the list of areas in the Library to which this
applies.
Phillips stated the Library Board members are welcome to
participate in any of the divisions of the campaign.
Phillips reported that they would be accepting three-year
pledges. Bauerly asked what the average is for people to
pay off their pledges and Phillips responded that nationally
an average of 95-98% of people pay off their pledges.
2) Project Funding Timeline -Henricks reported that she and
Phillips met with the construction management firm earlier
this week. Bids would need to be ordered by August 20,
2007 and the City requires that the Library raise 2.7 million
before the City will commit its funds. The Library's assets
far out weigh anything requested. Phillips suggested that as
a contingency option that he and Henricks have a discussion
with local banks in this regard, as it is not unusual to have a
financial institution underwrite a project in this way. The
Board concurred and requested that if possible, a number of
banks be included. The Board agreed with the need to
keep its solid relationship and positive teamwork with the
City.
B. Dubuque Museum of Art Agreement Review -The Board reviewed a
proposal to extend the loan period of the two Library owned Grant
Wood paintings to the Dubuque Museum of Art. The Board charged
Henricks to work with the City Attorney to review the agreement and
agreed to review the agreement at its next meeting. Shubatt requested
that any individual on Library Board provide suggested revisions to
Henricks by June 1, 2007.
C. West Side Library Service Review -Henricks introduced Anders
Dahlgren from Library Planning Associates, Inc. to the Library Board.
Dahlgren is a building consultant and is evaluating west side services as
part of the Envision 2010 idea. Henricks reported that his services are
made possible by a grant from the State of Iowa. Dahlgren asked
Board members for their vision of what west-side service might look like
without any limitations. Dahlgren reported that he is also meeting with
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Minutes of May 24, 2007
members of the Asbury Library Committee to gather their ideas.
Dahlgren will be evaluating the information collected to include
implications of his recommendations from this visit, and have one more
on-site visit before submitting his final report.
Dahlgren asked to have some preliminary conversations of what the
Board feels west-side service might include. Board members provided
the following feedback:
Guns reported that unless a study shows otherwise and based on
Internet technology, that she would prefer a branch that would need
to be phased in slowly, possibly with a kiosk and storefront. This
would also work well with the City's procedures.
^ Hauder also agreed on phasing in services to include an Internet
cafe that offers popular titles.
Bauerly provided feedback on the conversations over the past few
years with the Dubuque Community School District partnership with
C-SPL to provide a Library branch and services. Although this may
be a lower priority, there are some opportunities in place for it to
happen in the future. Bauerly also reported that the schools are
underutilized during the summer and on grant opportunities to
provide programs during the summer at the schools.
Kolz suggested that demographics, neighborhood opportunities, and
what the market can bear be reviewed as to the need for awest-end
library branch. She does agree with the need to start small, but her
observations indicate that there is a need for a gathering place.
Shubatt reported that in a perfect world afull-scale branch would be
great. Reality indicates that with the renovation of the current
building taking place, there will be a world-class library within aten-
minute drive for the community. He agrees with phasing in a small
branch that provides needed popular services.
Henricks reported that she envisions afull-scale branch sometime in
the future. This review is looking at options and will provide
feedback on what is needed and the possibilities of how to get it and
she is anxious to see what Dahlgren comes up with.
Shubatt requested that the Board provide additional feedback to
Dahlgren as they come up with ideas and asked that Dahlgren provide
the Board Members and Bauerly with ongoing updates.
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• Library Board of Trustees
Minutes of May 24, 2007
7. Library Board Adjournment -The Board adjourned at 5:49 p.m.
"Motion to adjourn. "
Motion: Guns
Second.• Hauder
Vote: Aye -6; Nay - 0
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Kristin Smith, Board Secretary
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