CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by President Dick Hall. Also attending were Jerry Balm, Paul Barton, Ed Haskell, Betty Hutchins, Naomi Lipsky, Steve McMaster, and Elisabeth Miller.
Members absent: Dave Nelson, and Jeanne Parker.
Staff present: Audrey Betcher, Director; Kim Edson, Head of Readers Services; Carrie Farrow, Circulation Services Manager; Beth Warfield, Head of Children's Services; and Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
Others present: Al Dollerschell, Friends
Dick Hall introduced Jerry Balm who has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Ann Larson.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ed Haskell moved, Naomi Lipsky second to approve the meeting minutes of October 17, 2001. Motion approved.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
We will have a larger than average end of year balance due to the position openings with the organizational study. We will be bringing back a report for spending those funds.
Last year with the end of year balance we allocated some for materials, the computer equipment revolving fund, and the hands free bookdrop. Some of the items to expect for this year will be materials, small equipment, a smart bin for the hands free bookdrop, and relamping the building.
Ed Haskell moved, Paul Barton second to approve payment of the November bills. Motion approved.
MONTHLY REPORT
Ed Haskell moved, Naomi Lipsky second to accept the monthly report. Motion approved.
FOUNDATION REPORT
Several months ago, the Board instituted several working committees which have been meeting and have been making progress.
The Development Committee has met three times and much has been done to lay the groundwork for a fundraising effort. The committee has been working on a case statement, which defines the need for funds.
The Special Events Committee is busily planning for a fundraising event to take place on Saturday evening, February 9, 2002.
SELCO REPORT
SELCO is still discussing the makeup of the oversight committee for the new automation system. They have put out a call for volunteers for the topical committees.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
The Personnel Committee is still waiting on word from the City on how they are going to reclassify City department heads. This will be voted on in January by the City Council.
POLICY COMMITTEE
The Policy Committee has met and discussed the Internet and Internet Safety Policy. They also discussed the policy for using wordprocessing PCs.
Staff have been working on making the wordprocessing PCs self-service using the Pharos system. Whatever solution is arrived at will be easier to administer if we don't charge a fee. It may also make it easier to not offer staff support if a fee is not charged. The Committee's consensus was that the wordprocessing fee be discontinued.
PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Facilities and Technology committees are meeting and expect reports by mid-December.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee puts forth the following slate of officers for 2002:
Betty Hutchins, Secretary
Dave Nelson, Vice-President
Dick Hall, President
The slate of officers will be voted on at the December meeting.
INTERNET AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
The Policy Committee met and discussed changes to the Internet and Internet Safety Policy. The changes help meet the requirements of the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Paul Barton moved, Jerry Balm second to approve the changes to the Internet and Internet Safety Policy, Motion approved.
Steve McMaster moved, Ed Haskell second to approve the recommendation to eliminate the fee for the wordprocessing PCs.
2002 BUDGET
We have received a tentative bottom line from Steve Kvenvold, City Administrator that is 6% over 2001. He fully expects a mid-year cut due to state budget shortfalls.
Steve discussed the proposal for increased summer hours with the City Council, and they did not make a decision on the issue. If we want to increase summer hours, it will have to come out of the bottom line given. In light of the expected bottom line, and possible mid-year decrease, AT recommend that we not fund increased summer hours.
The Board discussed the demand for increased Saturday hours.
Ed brought up the fact that the issue has been raised previously that fines can be a barrier to patrons using the library, especially children.
Ed Haskell moved, Betty Hutchins second to give the Director authority to bring forth a proposal to drop children's fines for one year if the question should come up on what the library needs for budget. Motion approved.
DIRECTOR'S INFORMATION ITEMS
The Library Board/Administrative staff gathering will be after the January Board meeting.
The Board/staff luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, April 4.
Statistics for the self-check machines for the first week of the circulation desk changes are very positive. We did about 60% of circulation on the self-checks vs. usual 35-40%.
STATISTICS
Discussed what statistics the Board wants to be included in the monthly report.
Comparison to peer libraries
holdings per capita
budget per capita
community and service population
what population is served
what percentage of city or county has library cards
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Hutchins,
Secretary
The next regular meeting of the Library Board will be Wednesday, December 19, 2001, at 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B on the second floor of the library.