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. Corrected 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. Corrected 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