The regular meeting of the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by President Ed Haskell. Also attending were Paul Barton, Maggie Brimijoin, Dick Hall, Frank Iossi, Ann Larson, Susan Lee and Naomi Lipsky.
Absent with notification: Jeanne Parker and Amit Raikar.
Staff present: Connie Jo Ozinga, Audrey Betcher and Kathy Olson.
Others present: students from Mayo High School
Paul Barton moved, Ann Larson second to approve the meeting minutes from December 8, 1999. Motion approved.
There were several unusual invoices this month including one to Johnson Printing for printing of the folders to be used for the new Library Guide, and to Schmidt-Goodman Office Products for the purchase of ten ergonomic office chairs to replace ones brought over from the old building.
At this time we anticipate that the 1999 budget will be underspent by approximately $25,000. This would take into account the revenue shortfall of approximately $12,000. We will have unexpected retirement costs in 2000 of $14,000, which we will be requesting to encumber from 1999 funds.
While circulation figures continue to be approximately 4% below the same period in 1998, the door count and Internet use figures continue to increase, which reflects an increase in use.
At their January 3 meeting, the Foundation Board discussed future direction. We have several more informational presentations scheduled in January and will try to schedule more with other community groups. There is a need to focus on an annual event; we have an informal commitment from Louis Rukeyser for this summer.
The Board also discussed developing a marketing and communications plan with details on how to donate to the Foundation.
Michele Martin has been appointed as President for 2000.
The Board discussed meeting again with Tim Burchill from the Metanoia Group and with Peter Pearson from the St. Paul Library Foundation to get some ideas on future direction.
SELCO will be moving to their new building in late February. As a result, RPL will also close at 5:00, Saturday, February 26, and remain closed until our regular opening time on Monday, February 28.
Paul Barton reported that the Nominating Committee recommends the following slate of officers for 2000: Susan Lee, Secretary; Dick Hall, Vice-President; Paul Barton, President. Maggie Brimijoin seconded the recommendation. Motion approved.
Dick Hall reported that the Personnel Committee met on January 11, 2000, with Paul Barton, Kathy Olson, and Human Resources Director Linda Gilsrud to discuss actions required by the resignation of Library Director Connie Jo Ozinga.
The Personnel Committee will over the next month or two review and update the current Library Director job and position description. The Committee will also define those qualities that we should look for in our next Library Director.
Following the establishment of the job description and candidate objectives, a Search and Interview Committee will be established. The Search and Interview Committee will consist of the Library Board President, Personnel Committee, City Administrator, a Library Foundation Board member, Kathy Olson, and another Administrative Team member.
The Personnel Committee also recommends the Library Board acceptance of Connie Jo Ozinga's resignation and the appointment of Audrey Betcher as Interim Library Director effective March 2, 2000.
The Board approved the Personnel Committee's recommendations.
Connie stated that the Administrative Team will be meeting on January 20 to discuss a transition staffing plan and also to brainstorm key skills and characteristics they would like to see in a new director. The results of this will be communicated to the Board.
The Foundation Board recommends the appointment of Veena Nayar to fill an open term on that Board.
Approved.
Staff recommend that the word "fighting" be added to the Code of Conduct under the section headed Harassment.
The Board discussed the flexibility of the policy. It would not be desirable to have to spell out every unacceptable behavior, but rather to have some wording that would cover many types of unacceptable behavior. Suggestions included "any other behaviors deemed inappropriate" or "any breach of publicly accepted decorum". It was suggested that the City Attorney be consulted about suggested phrasing to allow security to feel empowered in enforcing the Code of Conduct.
Paul Barton moved, Frank Iossi second to add the word "fighting" to the Code of Conduct and to have the City Attorney review the policy and suggest wording that would be more inclusive. Motion approved.
It was the consensus of the Board to not hold a long range planning meeting until a new director has been hired.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Lee
Secretary
The next regular Board meeting will be Wednesday, February 9, 2000, at 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B on the second floor of the library.