HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-21 MinutesFayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
MINUTES
April 21,2003 CORRECTED
Prepared by Steven Thomas. Asst. Director
Board Members present: L. Gottsponer; M. Thomas, L Brewer, S. Singleton, M. Roberts. Staff
present: 1'L. Schaper, S. Thomas, C. Rew, Lolly Greenwood, Christy Jones. B. Schaffer and A. de
Noble were absent. Others present: Bob Kohler, Matt Lawrence, Sarah Terry (Northwest
Arkansas Times), and Anthony Childress (Moming News)
Director's Report: 1.) L. Schaper discussed that the corporate identity project is progressing with
staff focus groups, one-on-one meetings with Trustees and interviews with the public.; 2.) L.
Schaper said that weekly staff meetings were incorporating a review of the core principles of the
American Library Association, such as the "Freedom to Read"; she will get copies to all the
Trustees. 3.) L: Schaper answered questions about library automation systems and about FPL's
reference staff assisting the Fayetteville school system on a book censorship issue.
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Assistant Director's Report: S. Thomas discussed the Rick Bragg event, the significantly
expanded Summer Reading Program, FPL's new children's library, and issues related to library
automation systems and the FPLJWCLS relationship
Financial Report: C. Rew noted that the funds from the Wal-Mart Foundation grant had been
added into the budget. She also stated that the City of Fayetteville had received the first millage
check in 2003. It was noted that Rebecca Wood was in Little Rock taking Raiser's Edge training
) and that she was working on naming the donor funding levels.
Building Report: Bob Kohler discussed the progress of the building project, which was mostly on -
target despite some days with high wind: He also described a signage conference that he had
attended, and gave an overview of what remains to be done withlibrary signage in the upcoming
months.
Sale of 217 E. Dickson Street: L. Schaper noted that four public meetings had been held in the
past weeks; the meetings were sparsely attended, but there was a relatively high degree of
consensus among participants. The most positive reactions came from various cultural uses for
the facility. L Schaper also stated that she had received five inquiries about the building — four
from non -profits and one from a developer — these included the Ozark/Arkansas Conservatory and
School of Music and the National Center for Appropriate Technology, a non-profit organization
based in. Montana with offices in Fayetteville. NCAT focuses on sustainable agnculture,
sustainable energy, and sustainable communities. L. Schaper noted that she would like to come
back in May with a set of recommendations for the Library Board on potential next steps. She
also noted that library staff had spoken with City Council members about a variety of related
issues, including the possibility of seeking a waiver from the city ordinance pertaining to the sale of
property.
Investment Policy: C. Rew noted that it was now necessary for FPL to pass its own investment
policy because we have begun to receive funds from the newly created city millage. She
recommended that the Library Board adopt the City of Fayetteville's investmentpolicy, which
would allow FPL to make investment decisions on an ongoing basis as funds come in. L.
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Gottsponer stated that he saw the policy as appropnately conservative. M. Thomas moved to
accept the investment policy. L. Brewer seconded. All voted aye.
Planning: L. Schaper stated that the library staff fundamentally liked the planning structure that
had been submitted by Anders Dahlgren, but stated that she wanted to wait to study the FPL
budget before making a final decision. She stated that this would be analyzed over the upcoming
months and that a potential September or October date would be considered. The Library Board
expressed agreement with this, pending a time and financial study by the library staff.
WCLS/Fayetteville Public Library Relationship: After a presentation of staff recommendations,.
S. Singleton moved to adopt the following resolution:
"We, the Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees, express sincere appreciation to the
Washington County Library System Board and staff for Its dedicated and long-time provision of
centralized library services to the Fayetteville Public Library. We also recognize that because of the
new library building it is necessary for the FPL to have control of its technology and workflow In -
order to operate efficiently and ensure the high level of customer service and library collections
expected by users.
While change has been a constant in our library system in recent years, library services have
substantially expanded and Improved during this time. We welcome this new phase in the growth of
library services and the opportunities presented for new models of cooperation with area libraries.
We are committed to providing free and reciprocal access to library collections for everyone in
Washington County and will work with the WCLS board to reach this goal of continued service.
Accordingly, the Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees recommends the dissolution of
the February 6, 2001 interlocal agreement between Washington County and the City of Fayetteville
for participation in a joint county/city library system.
This separation would take effect on January 1, 2004. Until that time, the FPL will remain a
full member of the Washington County Library System according to the terms of the February 6,
2001 agreement.
Wedirect the library staff to notify. the Arkansas State Library of this change in status for the
purpose of procuring State Aid to Libraries."
M. Thomas seconded. All voted aye.
Executive Session: At 5:10 p.m. M. Roberts moved to convene an executive session. M.
Thomas seconded. All voted aye. At 5:45 p.m. M. Roberts moved to adjourn the executive
session, S. Singleton seconded. All voted aye. Several personnel matters were discussed; no
action was taken. At 5:46 p.m. M. Thomas moved to adjourn, S. Singleton seconded the, motion.
All voted aye