HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-25 MinutesFayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
September 25, 2000
Prepared by Lolly Greenwood, Manager, Children's Services
Board members present: L. Gottsponer, L. Brewer, M. Thomas, M. Roberts, S. Singleton, R. Alexander. B. Schaffer
was absent. Staff members present were L. Schaper, C. Rew, S. Thomas, L. Greenwood. Carl Korner of WCLS
Board was also present.
The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.m. S. Singleton moved to approve the minutes of the 8/21/2000 meeting,
M. Roberts seconded, all voted aye
Directors Report: L. Schaper commented on the work being done to improve the benefits package. Memorials of
$3,000 have been received for Frank Franz. His wife will be very involved In how the money is used In the new
building. Discussed possible cost sharing for technology support with other non-profit organizations. Also, a decision
is due soon from the Attorney General regarding the use of the Community Room by political candidates. Regarding
facilities issues, the disarming of the building system in the morning is now fixed and the next issue Is fire alarms.
Reid Forrest will soon be a Notary Public.
Financial Report: C. Rew more fully explained the budget neutral benefits package she is attempting to put
together. She has hied unsuccessfully to find health benefits for part-time staff, but could cover staff who work 30
hours or more. Also, she is looking to offer a pre-tax 457 pension plan and possibly a shared leave bank for sick
leave. Considering options with sick leave to deter employees from using sick leave like vacation. May consider
paying for a portion of sick leave when employee leaves. Information on whether there are funds for raises will be
available when the budget is finalized. L. Gottsponer asked how our plans compared with other libraries, the city
and the U of A. That will be looked into. Employees may also be able to join the Credit Union. Explanation about
the financial report included supplies and maintenance are back in line, utilities are over this month because of
paying two phone bills and the furniture and equipment money Is being spent. Following a discussion regarding the
need for the Foundation to be audited yearly for grant purposes, M. Thomas moved and L. Brewer seconded that an
audit be conducted for the Foundation for 1999 and 2000 and be paid for by the Foundation. All voted aye.
Statistics: L Schaper pointed out that August was down from June and July, but is our highest August ever.
416,000 circulations are projected for year 2000. L. Schaper also commented on the breakdown of total card
holders by age group with 50% of users under the age of 29 Also, the summer reading comparison figures show an
impressive increase of programs, participants and program attendees over the last three years.
Service Reports: Children's Services: L Greenwood commented on kindergarten visits in connection with Library
Card Sign Up Month, M. Loots performing at the upcoming Arkansas Library Association, and two additional
recycled computers, one for public and one for staff that were recently installed. Volunteer Services: L. Schaper
announced that Dorothy Metcalf was volunteer of the month, applauded the work of R. Mahon for her work on
soliciting donations for the Teen party, Library Card Sign Up Month, for her work on getting the library involved with
the U of A Merchants Fair and for the outstanding volunteer hours recorded. Public Services: S. Thomas
announced that database prices and packages as a result of a recent grant are being finalized and will soon be
available to all cardholders in the county system, WCLS web page has been reformatted and more unabridged
audiobooks are being purchased for the adult collection.
Building Project Update: Notice of sales tax increase October 1 has been sent to all vendors by the State.
Updated contract and time line for the building is on City Council agenda for October 3. Next board meeting the
board will need to approve the final building program from Anders Dahlgren, then citizen committees will be formed.
In light of the new building; it will be necessary to fine-tune our strategic plan. Also discussed was the clarification of
roles and responsibilities of the Foundation vs. Library Board.
WCLS Update: C. Koffier reported on the roll back of the millage. It is unlikely that the Washington County Quorum •
Court will retum the millage to 1 mil, rather will let the voters decide. It was suggested that board members send
letters to all JP's on the Quorum Court in support of the millage reinstatement. C. Koffler will compile a list of talking
points, then conduct calls and send letters. C. Koffler also reported on (1) the status of FPL vis a vis the City of
Fayetteville and (2) the need for contracts with all entities involved in library service provision as per Act 402.
George Butler, County Attorney, is preparing templates for contracts Cad stated he wanted all contracts identical.
Other Business: C. Rew presented information conceming outstanding fines and fees being tumed over to a
collection agency. This is not an issue the City can help with, and Rew has investigated using the Credit Bureau.
Questions were raised by board members regarding an acceptable rate of loss, comparisons with what other
libraries do and basically, Is it worth it? More information will be gathered and presented for discussion at the next
board meeting. M. Thomas moved to adjourn at 7:00, M. Roberts seconded and all voted aye.