HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-26 MinutesFayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
March 26, 2001
Prepared by Catherine Rew, C.P. A., Manager of Financial Services
Board members present: L. Gottsponer, M. Roberts, M. Thomas, B. Schaffer, L. Brewer, S.
Singleton. R. Alexander was on vacation. Staff members present were: L. Schaper, C. Rew,
and S. Thomas. Press present were: Christina Escudero, NW Ark Times and Matt McGowan,
Morning N
The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. by L. Gottsponer. M. Roberts moved to approve
the minutes of the February 19, 2001 meeting, L. Brewer seconded, all voted aye.
Directors Report: Schaper reported that 5 staff members had visited the new Ft. Smith Public
Library. Schaper also reported the new website was launched Discussion followed, based on
a customer comment, about the possibility of listing new books at this site.
Financial Report Rew reported on the need for a new HVAC system in the lab and also on the
probability that neither the original repairs nor the replacement would be covered by FEMA.
Rew also expressed continued concern about utility bills. L. Brewer requested more information
about building repairs; Rew explained that most were connected to reworking the west space for
library use after WCLS moved out. The trustees discussed a letter from City Accounting
Manager, Marsha Farthing, noting that the library records are covered in the city audit currently
preformed by Arthur Anderson, but went on to note that a more thorough detailed audit every
three years would probably be advantageous to the library. The Board asked that staff propose
a list of accountants for them to consider for a 2001 audit.
Service Reports: The Board discussed various items from the service reports, including the
NWA Symphony coming to the library, the extension of summer reading to over two months with
some evening and weekend programs, and the purchasing of the last new shelving for this
library building. The Board also complimented S. Thomas for the book reviews he is writing on
his own time for the NWA Times
Old Business: Schaper reported that architect Jeff Scherer will be in Fayetteville Saturday,
March 31, 2001 to meet with staff on the interior layout. He will also visit on Monday, April
16,2001 to meet with the public and Board and will have updated plans to show us. Schaper
reported that the Exterior Public Spaces committee has suspended meetings for a time as the
landscape architect received enough feedback to prepare for large-scale development review.
Schaper also proposed forming an art committee, the Board encouraged this. Schaper was
given the go ahead to begin work on an RFQ for the cafe.
Board Terms Schaper reported that Act 630 was passed by the legislature, which allows
municipal library board trustees to succeed themselves and serve more than two 5 -year terms.
New Business: Schaper reported that we are again looking at policies and updating as
needed, most require no Board action, but three old and two new policies will be brought to the
Board for approval when complete. Also, the by-laws will be updated to comply with the most
recent legislative action. Schaper provided an overview of all upcoming policy changes.
Executive Session: M. Thomas moved and B. seconded a motion to go into executive session
at 5:15 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. All voted aye. The meeting reconvened at 5:35
p.m. and it was reported that no action was taken in the executive session. M Thomas moved
and B.Schaffer seconded a motion to adjourn. All voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 5:38.