CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President John Hunziker. Also attending were Mohammad Babur, Chris Colby, Cynthia Daube, Don de Keyrel; Ann Farnell, Ed Haskell, Scott Heck, Phil Henoch, Frank Iossi, Joyce Wenz, and Trevor Westrom.
Others Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Tom Dyer, Communications Director; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
John Hunziker introduced Muhammad Babur as a new Board member.
MINUTES
Don de Keyrel moved, Phil Henoch second to approve the meeting minutes of February 26, 2003. Minutes approved.
FIRST QUARTER TREASURER'S REPORT
Kathy Olson reviewed the Treasurer's Report. The majority of the income and expenses during the quarter was from Wit, Wisdom and Wine 2003. The balance in the Endowment Investment account as of March 31, 2003, was $248,066.38.
Ed Haskell moved, Joyce Wenz second to approve the 1st quarter Treasurer's Report. Motion approved.
LIBRARY BOARD AND DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Audrey stated that the Library Board has selected Sirsi as the vendor for the new automation system and are in contract negotiations. Once the contract is finalized, it will need to be approved by the Library Board and the City Council.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy Committee: Chris Colby reported that the committee has met and discussed how to address budget concerns of the library. They will be putting together a letter for mailing to select individuals regarding budgetary concerns and how the individuals can help by contacting their legislators. The City of Rochester, and subsequently the library, is facing substantial financial threats relative to state budget legislation.
The committee will submit a draft for general Board review before the letter is sent out.
The letter will address cuts in local government aid that will have an impact on the City of Rochester and thus the library. Also of concern is a bill that would repeal maintenance of effort for libraries (limitations on how public libraries are funded) and would allow any governmental body to defund libraries. The bill did not get a hearing, but its sponsors have tried to add it as an amendment on another bill. The concern is that cities and counties would no longer have to fund public libraries.
Finance Committee: No report.
Development Committee: Frank reviewed the direction for the Development Committee is taking on building a base of support and working from that. The committee would also like to come up with list of no more than 50 prospects to make personal contacts regarding fundraising; everyone else in the database would get the annual fund drive mailing. Tom is working on a fundraising brochure. It is anticipated that the fund drive mailing would go out by mid-May to early June. Frank also suggested that the Foundation consider sending a newsletter 2-3 times per year updating donors on library and foundation activities.
Special Events: Ann stated we need to start thinking about speakers for Wit, Wisdom and Wine 2004. Ideas for speakers should be directed to Ann. Ann will meet with Tom to set a date for 2004. Phil will work with Ann on how to pass out information on giving options at the event.
Cris Fischer had an idea to expand on the idea for a summer event: Brains, Beer & Brats.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Kathy reviewed the 2002 fund drive summary. Net proceeds to be given to the library are $15,978.00.
John asked Board members to talk to local legislators asking for their support for the Dorman bill which is a fair cut tax bill.
The next meeting date will Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at 4:45 p.m. in Meeting Room B.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Olson
Secretary Pro Tem