CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Frank Iossi. Also attending were Cynthia Daube, Don De Keyrol, Ann Farnell, Cris Fischer, Ed Haskell, Scott Heck, John Hunziker, Jean Michaels, Sue Reinke, Joanne Swenson, and Joyce Wenz.
Others Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Tom Dyer, Communications Director; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
MINUTES
Ed Haskell moved, Don De Keyrel second to approve the meeting minutes of December 11, 2002. Motion approved.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Kathy Olson reviewed the fourth quarter Treasurer's Report.
Ed Haskell moved, John Hunziker second to approve the report as submitted. Motion approved.
LIBRARY BOARD AND DIRECTOR'S REPORT
The Board discussed the Library's decision to go to a stand alone automation system rather than joining SELCO in their new system. This does not mean that Rochester Public Library will not be a member of SELCO; they will still be a SELCO member just not contract to be a part of their automation system.
The library got its first quote to go stand alone in 1985. We have struggled with getting our needs met that other smaller libraries do not see as needs. Audrey distributed a document with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this change.
Because we will still be a member of SELCO, we will continue to interlibrary loan and share resources, just the process will change. We are the only library our size in the state who does not have a stand alone automation system, so we are not breaking new ground.
Library staff and the Library Board have thoroughly investigated the options and reached the decision based on what would best meet the needs of our patrons.
Board members are encouraged to call Audrey if they have questions or concerns regarding this change.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy Committee
The committee has not met since the last meeting, but they did assist in discussing with Council members the need to purchase a standalone automation system.
Finance Committee
The committee has had a report from David Koch on preliminary investments. Mr. Koch will be at the February Board meeting.
Development Committee
The committee has not met but plans to meet in February.
Wit Wisdom & Wine 2003
Tom reviewed the financial recap: attendance was 111 vs 87 last year; underwriting was less, but expenses were more. At this point, we see a profit of approximately $8,000.
We need to be more aggressive in pursuing underwriting and to start earlier in the year, possibly August or September. This would mean that the speakers would need to be lined up earlier also.
We need to do better marketing and focus committee efforts on this aspect. Board members need to talk it up with acquaintances, friends, and work associates. We may need to look at selling corporate tickets where a company buys 8-10 tickets to give out.
There were very positive comments from the people who attended.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Slate of Officers for 2003
John Hunziker nominated the following slate of officers:
Hunziker, President
Colby, Vice-President
Henoch, Treasurer
Michaels, Secretary
Ed Haskell moved, Cynthia Daube second to accept the slate of officers as presented. Motion approved.
If Board members have an interest in a specific committee, they should let John know. If he doesn't hear, he will appoint people to committees.
Frank Iossi talked to the board about the possibility of needing to underwrite additional hours for Kathy Olson. Two factors may influence this. 1) As the development committee gets more involved in activities, there is an expectation that more support will be needed. 2) The library's budget may be significantly affected depending upon how the state legislature balances the budget. The library plans to continue supporting Kathy's existing hours, but there is no expectation in being able to fund an increase in hours. If a significant cut is given, even a portion of Kathy's hours could be in jeopardy.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Michaels
Secretary