HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-19 Minutes)
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Fayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
December 19, 2005
Prepared by Shawna Thorup, M.L.S., Assistant Director
Board Members present: L. Gottsponer, B. Schaffer, D. Ferritor, A. de Noble, and M. Roberts. Staff present: L.
Schaper, C. Rew, 3..Thorup, and H. Bradberry. Others present: V. Chadick. Press present: Adam Wallworth, NWA
Times; Sarah Terry, Morning News
The December 19, 2005 Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by L. Gottsponer.
1. A. de Noble moved to accept the minutes of the November meeting. D. Ferritor seconded. All voted aye.
2. Library Reports. 1.) Two excellent half-day leadership workshops were held for staff. 2.) The recruitment for a
children's librarian is ongoing. 3.) The upgrade to Polaris 3.2 was very successful thanks to staff efforts. 4.) The
art installation was completed. 5.) The "Narnia" family event got national attention and was well-received. 6.)
CitiScapes named Blair Library as the Best Building in Northwest Arkansas. 7.) Blair Library is on the cover of the
SBC telephone directory. 8.) M. Roberts commended staff for the -excellent Sit. Stay. Read! program.
3. Statistical and Financial Report. 1.) Self -check numbers continue to rise. November was at 47%. 2.) A. de Noble
Praised the staff's use of technology, especially in comparison to benchmark libraries. L. Schaper noted that
technology has made the library more efficient. 3.) Materials budget spending is on track and will be expended by
year-end. 4.) Utilities costs are in good shape, but a drastic increase in the gas bill has staff tweaking the heating
system. 5:) C. Rew was asked to provide the source(S) of the "miscellaneous" funds, which will be provided at the
next meeting.
4. Foundation. I.) The dedication of Undine was completed. 2.) A change in software is being made to.a more
affordable program developed for non -profits that is compatible with QuickBooks. Current files are undergoing
conversion: 3.) The Fulbright Society is at $45,700 in mufti -year commitments. Year-end projection is $50,000.
5. Friends. 1.) About $2,000 was raised in the handmade quilt opportunity drawing. 2.) The silent auction netted
about $1,000. 3.) 3,000 books were donated by Dana Ingram as part of his Eagle Scout project. 4.) Friends
provided $41,500 in funding for 2006 programs and materials, including a "Most Wanted" collection.
6. Old business: 1.) B. Schaffer reported a hearing set for the TIF lawsuit had been cancelled. January 26, 2006 has
been set for the non -jury trial. V. Chadick gave an overview of TIF and noted the original statute was not meant to
include libraries. He expects a ruling within two weeks of the non -trial jury date. 2.) The next steps for long-term
funding were explored. L. Schaper explained how staff arrived at the determination that 2.3 mills are needed to
replace all City funding (general and CIP funds). The 2.3 mills would allow FPL to operate the library and handle
the replacement of major systems, equipment and furniture, such as the roof, the HVAC system, carpeting, etc. as
needed. Monies for those types of replacements are now obtained by requesting an additional allocation of CIP
funds. It was noted that the 2.3 mills will keep FPL at current service levels. If the referendum passes, the 2.3
mills begin collection in 2007, but because the tax bills are not due until October, the funds would not be
received by the library until the end of 2007 and could not be budgeted until 2008. The City would need to fund
FPL through 2007. It is anticipated that it will take three years to begin collecting at the 95% level. It was noted
that the City Council asked FPL to change its funding stream so the City can reallocate current FPL funds to
police, fire and other city services. L. Schaper explained that 2005 library use has already hit the 2020
projections made in 2000. Usage has tripled over the past seven years and has been met by a 48% increase in
staff thanks to efficiencies, the use of technology and volunteer help. M. Roberts moved to prepare a petition for a
referendum requesting 2.3 mils for library funding. B. Schaffer seconded. All voted aye. The procedures for
drafting the petition and gathering signatures were discussed.
7. New business: 1.) M. Roberts moved to accept the revision of Policy KV: Meeting Rooms. D. Ferritor seconded. All
voted aye.
8. A. de Noble moved to adjourn, D. Ferritor seconded, and all voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
9. L. Gottsponer reopened the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
10. M. Roberts moved to go into Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. D. Ferritor seconded. All voted aye. No action was
taken.
11. D. Ferritor moved to exit Executive Session and adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m. B. Schaffer seconded. All voted
aye.