HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-17 Minutes.. 9
Fayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
February 17, 2003
Prepared by Steven M. Thomas, Assistant Director
Board members present: M. Roberts, L. Brewer, S. Singleton, M. Thomas, B. Schaffer. Staff
present: L. Schaper, C. Rew, S. Thomas, B. Kohler. Also present were Rebecca Wood,
Foundation Director; Sarah Terry, NWA Times and Anthony Childress, Morning News. L.
Gottsponer and A. de Noble were absent.
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 by M. Thomas. S. Singleton moved to approve the
minutes; L. Brewer seconded. All voted aye. M Roberts moved that when a FPL board meeting
falls on a national holiday, the meeting will be rescheduled. The motion died for lack of a second.
Director's Report: 1.) L. Schaper noted that FPL had received many applicants from across the
U.S. for the. children's librarian position; 2.) L. Schaper noted progress on the fuel cell for the new
budding; 3.) L. Schaper discussed the first steps for the corporate identity project, 4.) L. Schaper
noted the passing of 17 -year library genealogy volunteer Gene Mock; 5.) L. Schaper noted that
FPL will be included in an upcoming book by UA Professor David Glasser about energy efficient
projects in AR; 5.).M. Roberts asked about the possibility of a board retreat; it was decided that L.
Schaper would explore this.
Assistant Director's Report: 1.) S. Thomas noted that circulation continued to be up by 18.5%
over the previous January; 2.) S. Thomas noted that there had been 35 children's programs in
January, and that the Wild West Family Festival had been attended by approx. 700 people; 3.) S.
Thomas discussed upcoming programs in conjunction with African American History Month.
)Financial Report: 1.) C. Rew answered questions surrounding insurance, taxes, and WCLS.
Building Project:
1. Owner's representative report: B. Kohler discussed the 7th concrete pour, and stated that
another large pour was scheduled for next week. He stated that he would be working closely
in conjunction with the neighbors to minimize problems; B. Kohler noted that contingency items
had continued to crop up throughout the project, including issues of contaminated soil, pier
depth, etc.; B. Kohler noted that the issue of the exposed power lines on West Street was
beginning to be explored; B. Kohler stated that Sean Wagner of MS&R had worked out the
lighting package budget issues.
2. Name of New Building: L. Schaper discussed a resolution to name the new library building
the Blair Library, which she said would serve as the naming format for any future FPL branch
libraries M Roberts moved to accept the name Blair Library; L. Brewer seconded. Alt
voted aye.
3. Opening Day Celebrations: L. Schaper suggested that she and Rebecca Wood serve as co-
chairs for the opening celebrations for the new building; Trustees agreed. She will bring more
information back to the Board for their approval and input. There was a discussion of a soft or
hard opening and all agreed a soft opening would be appropriate.
4. Dedication Plaque: L. Schaper discussed the need for inclusiveness in regards to the
dedication plaque for the new building; she recommended that all aldermen, mayors, Trustees,
Foundation directors and capital campaign chair since project inception (1998) be recognized.
Trustees agreed.
New Business:
1. Future of the Existing Building: 1.) L. Schaper noted that a city ordinance, passed in 2002,
dictates how a city building must be sold; she stated that there was a lengthy process, and that
it was important to get started; she also noted the importance of involving the neighborhood
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residents in the process; 2.) S. Singleton asked about current zoning, and how this would
impact acceptable uses for the building; 3.) L. Schaper noted that the city is doing a survey of
the property, and that there has been interest in the building in the past; she also
recommended, based on her conversations with City officials, that any proceeds would be split
between the library and the City on a 70%-30% basis, with 70% going to the library. B.
Schaffer moved to recommend to the Fayetteville City Council that the existing library
facility at 217 E Dickson Street be sold and that the proceeds be divided with the FPL
receiving 70% and the City 30%; and to encourage a public input process that would
enlist neighbors and interested stakeholders in compiling a list of acceptable users of
the property. M. Roberts seconded All voted aye.
2. Short-range operations plan. L. Schaper discussed the short-range plan that had been
developed at the most recent manager's retreat; this included everything associated with the
upcoming move, smart library technologies, policies, etc.
3. Investment policy. L. Schaper and C. Rew noted that now that FPL was getting its millage
directly, an investment policy would probably need to be adopted. Thus, a copy of the City's
• policy was included for possible adoption at a future meeting.
4. Miscellaneous. L Schaper talked about the visit to the Arkansas State Library and
discussions regarding state aid. It was decided that L. Gottsponer will represent the Board in
discussions re: WCLS relationship.
Adjournment: S. Singleton moved to adjoum at 5:40; L. Brewer seconded. All voted aye.