January 17, 2007

The regular meeting of the Rapid City Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Monte Loos on January 17, 2007 at 5:20 p.m.

Members Present: Monte Loos, James Olson, Sandra McNeely, Robert Van Norman, Sue Callahan and Greta Chapman

Audience: Heidi Archie

Excused: Maria McCarthy-Anderson, Ron Kroeger

Introduction of Staff

Public Comment

Board Appointments:

Monte Loos reappointed for a three year term

Robert Van Norman, appointed to fill Eric Abrahamson’s remaining term

MINUTES

Olson moved approval of December Board minutes, McNeely seconded motion; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS

Budget Narrative, City Budget and Bills, County Budget and Bills, Library Board Funds Budget and Bills: Olson moved approval of consent calendar items; McNeely seconded motion; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Director’s Report: The Board discussed the public’s reaction to the space use changes within the library. The Board also discussed the web site redesign. Loos asked about the city’s pandemic plan and how that affects the library. Chapman responded that the library would become a command center in the case of a disaster.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

2007 County Budget: Olson explained that due to the newly signed contract with Pennington County for library services, a budget is being brought forward for discussion and approval. The approved budget will be supplemented. The proposed budget was allocated to the materials budget which had the most under funded line item. The budget does not meet the standards for the population served and remains under-funded. Olson moved approval of the 2007 County Budget; McNeely seconded; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

POLICY COMMITTEE

Officer Elections: McNeely discussed that the policy committee will bring forward at the February Board meeting a slate of officers. The committee did not meet due to 24-hour turn around time between the appointment notification and the board meeting.

Proposal to change time of Trustee meeting: Loos stated McCarthy-Anderson had requested discussion to change meeting time from 5:15 p.m. to noon. The board discussed individual schedules, the unpredictability of board meeting lengths, and the need for a quorum to make decisions. The consensus was that 5:15 p.m. is the best time for all members present. McNeely will speak with McCarthy-Anderson prior to the February board meeting to determine if further discussion should be held on the issue.

LIAISONS

City Council Liaison: Member not present; no discussion.

County Liaison: Callahan stated there are three new commissioners.

Foundation: Chapman stated that Eric Abrahamson was Foundation Liaison to the Board and asked that a replacement liaison be designated during Committee assignments.

The Foundation is holding open house tomorrow at library. They are targeting a certain market during lunch hour and after work hours to take a tour through building and aid in fundraising. The idea is to make the meeting fast, convenient and hands on. Community members will come to us and physically see the project. Foundation members will then follow up with attendees.

The Open House will be from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. All Board members are encouraged all board members to attend.

Additionally the Foundation has a vacancy for the Executive Secretary position. They are looking at accounting firms to retain bookkeeping and an event coordinator to help with events.

Olson asked if the Foundation has an event scheduled in February. Chapman commented tat the Annual Dinner is Saturday, April 14, 2007. It will correspond to the National Library Week kick-off.

Friends: Chapman commented that the Friends are continuing to progress and grow membership. They have set regular meetings through May and have determined to meet year round. Library staff will be presenting programming information at their monthly meetings. Board meetings will be held quarterly. A budget was presented around space use needs.

Their goal is to have 50 new members and they are currently at 30. They are working to keep new members engaged and build relationship with them.

State Library Board: Currently SDLA is proposing one legislative bill which will bring small libraries into the South Dakota Library Network due to the State Library transition. Additionally, the SDLA plan is being updated. She anticipates a meeting with SDLA, the State Library and SDLN about universal access, and what services are needed to provide state-wide access and what role SDLA would play in that.

Other: Nothing presented.

Olson moved adjournment of meeting at 6:03 p.m.; Van Norman seconded motion; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Foundation Open House January 18, 2007

Board Agenda February 5, 2007

Board Meeting February 14, 2007