HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-11 Minutes1
Board of Trustees Meeting
Fayetteville Public Library
March 11, 1996
Present: Steve Singleton, Carol Phillips, Mark Burdette, Michael Thomas, Jeff Koenig,
Linda Harrison, Karen Duree, Mary Jo Godfrey, Lynaire Hartsell, David Johnson, June
Jefferson, and Lolly Maxey
Thomas called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Burdett moved to approve the minutes, and
Phillips seconded the motion. The minutes of the February 12 meeting were accepted as
submitted.
Correspondence: Harrison briefly pointed out a letter sent to a the patron and an article in
which the library was acknowledged for helping a researcher. Thomas asked about the
memorandum he had just received from Mary Dillard, Chair of the Commission on Library
Laws. Duree said that they were asking for comments by March 29 on problems caused by
existing laws or by absence of needed laws. An attached sheet listed issues raised
concerning library law. Thomas asked everyone to look at it. The board discussed several
of the issues listed, along with some of their own. Thomas asked the board members to
communicate any suggestions directly with the Mary Dillard and make a copy for the board
files.
Librarian's reports: Thomas asked why volunteer hours had not increased. Another
question concerned whether it was time to change banks, and Phillips said that they have
always banked where they got the highest interest, moving the money around. She has
always asked for guarantees. Thomas said that he would like to leave it open. He noted the
rise in cost of office supplies. Johnson reported on the coffee venture with Arsaga's.
Arsaga has appreciated the exposure, and the service has been without complications for
the library. When asked about the voter registration project, Johnson said that it has not
been much trouble, except for the additional postage cost. Koenig muttered about unfunded
mandates. Phillips asked about the survey the library did. Jefferson said we had 684
responses, but the statistics have not yet been compiled. Harrison said that the problem is
categorizing the responses. Jefferson has been concentrating on the pay matrix, but the
survey is her next priority.
Harrison reported that it will cost an additional $14,700 to fund the new pay matrix for
1996. There was much discussion about whether the city will provide the money. Koenig
made a motion to authorize the President of the board to enter correspondence with city hall
about the funding. Phillips seconded it, and the board unanimously approved. Singleton
suggested that next time the library and board be more pro -active when they know a new
pay matrix is being planned.
Committee Updates: Burdett and Harrison said Lolly contacted Washington Regional,
who said that if the library had people who wanted to read to children, they could apply at
the hospital. It would be their project. Burdett asked Johnson to report on the project
providing library services to shut-ins. They met with Rick Sweet of Meals on Wheels, who
was enthusiastic about collaborating. Their short-term plan is to distribute a flyer
announcing the library's "A Lending Hand" program through the Meals On Wheels
volunteers, have library volunteers train with Mr. Sweet, and send volunteers out with
Meals On Wheels a week after the flyer goes out to answer questions for possible
participants and register them for the program. Meals On Wheels reaches about 100 people.
Johnson hopes to have the program operating by late spring or early summer. Duree told
him they might get input from Rogers about how their program works, since they have
been doing sonet.pg like that for some time. Singleton reported on the Fundraising
Committee mpptip. I'liet decided that they need to learn more about fundraising in general.
All the money is in for the magazine project. In the future, they want to have one of the U
of A Development people address a meeting. Thomas asked Lolly to report on the horse
painting project for library week. She said that on April 13 a group of fourth graders will
put the handprints all over the horse, which is at Northwest Arkansas Florists. They will
ask a Walmart manager to donate paint. A staff member will paint a sign about National
Library Week for it, and they'll try to get coverage in the Sunday Living section in the
Times.
Harrison reported that they received four bids for the custodial maintenance contract, and
the low bid was from Z Tech. Next in line was Ryan's Cleaning service, then Judy
Osburn, and then The Cleaning Crew. Harrison votes to stay with Z Tech. Phillips
motioned to accept Z Tech on a 2 -year contract. Singleton seconded, and the board
unanimously accepted. Koenig noticed that they advertised for a 3 -year contract and
motioned that they rescind the previous action, with Singleton seconding. Vote was
unanimous, and then Phillips motioned trhat they accept Z Tech for a 3 -year contract. This
was seconded and approved by the board.
For landscape maintenance, Harrison said they received four bids also, with the low bidder
being Southside Lawn for $4200 a year. Scott Peterson and DelRay Brandt own
Southside, a new company that has been in business for 2 years. Phillips asked whether
they can ask for a trial period. Koenig said they are obligated to try the low bidder. Phillips
suggested that they request references. Koenig asked for a record of their jobs, contracts,
and contact people over the last two years—and then do do some checking. Koenig
motioned to give the present landscapers a month's extension on their contract at their
current rate while they check out the new company. This was seconded and approved.
Other Business: Johnson has been investigating getting donated computers for the
library. There is a possibility of getting computers on loan throught the Alladin Project at
the U of A. He has contacted several businesses and corporations. Koenig checked on the
price of a Pentium computer, and you could get one for about $1500 with CD-ROM.
Koenig motioned that they buy 2 Pentium class computers compatible with Regional's
plans. Phillips seconded it. All were in favor.
Thomas and the board thanked Koenig and Phillips for all the work they have done for the
board over the years. Koenig said he had enjoyed it. June said the staff appreciated their
efforts and support.
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 pm.
Submitted by Karin Wiggins
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