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 -2- r • 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.