CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President John Hunziker. Also attending were Ed Haskell, Mohammad Babur, Don De Keyrel, Ann Farnell, Cris Fischer, Frank Iossi, Dave Nelson, Joanne Swenson, Trevor Westrom
Others Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Tom Dyer, Communications Director; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ed Haskell moved, Joanne Swenson second, to approve the meeting minutes from August 27, 2003. Motion approved.
3rd QUARTER TREASURER'S REPORT
Kathy Olson reviewed the 3rd Quarter Treasurer's Report. The majority of the income has been from the annual fund drive. Expenses were the final expenses from the fund drive.
Harry Potter donation was to buy the newest Harry Potter book to meet demand.
Don De Keyrel moved, Trevor Westrom second, to approve the 3rd Quarter Treasurer's Report. Motion approved.
LIBRARY BOARD AND DIRECTOR'S ITEMS
Audrey Betcher stated that the Library Board will be asking for Council approval to use a collection agency. We are not changing the fee structure in terms of overdue fees, but if a patron doesn't pay for overdue or lost items, they will eventually be sent to a collection agency. Currently trying to recover lost books or fees Is very staff intensive. The key reason for using a collection agency is to get items returned or collect the funds to replace lost items. The company we are working with specifically works with libraries. They will ask people to return materials and/or to work with the library to pay the fees for lost items. If they don't, it will go on their credit report.
John asked if the library will make sure to get information on this change out to the public, possibly a Speaking Out column that explains we are trying to get materials returned; reiterate what drives usage of the collection agency.
Audrey added that the library will have the ability to suspend accounts; to tell the collection agency to quit pursuing an account.
In response to a concern that there is a method to get this off a person's credit report once the fee is paid off, Audrey stated that the system that we are converting to has an interface with the patron's record. The wording on fine notices will be changed to explain if the patron doesn't pay it may go to collection agency.
The Library Board and staff have a plan for budget cuts. Based on preliminary information from Steve Kvenvold, we won't have to cut library hours. However, for 2003 and 2004 we have reduced temporary staff hours, and several vacant full-time positions will not be filled. Patrons may have to wait in line longer.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy Committee: The Advocacy Committee has not met. Frank asked if the committee has thought about communicating with the Council about the budget.
Finance Committee:
Development Committee: Frank Iossi reported that the Development Committee has met. Hilla Cline was at a meeting today to review the ask presentation and gave very constructive comments. There is still work to do on the presentation before it is ready. Staff is also putting together talking points for one on one meetings. The Committee's efforts are on-going.
The Committee is working on a prospect list of potential donors and will need input from Board members on individuals they will be willing to make the initial contact with.
At the last meeting, the Board talked about calling donors who have not contributed this year. Kathy will generate a list of all who received the solicitation letter and have not contributed this year.
Special Events: The Committee is working on finalizing speakers. The tentative list so far is:
Charlie Abboud: Middle East
Cary Olson: Dr. William W. Mayo
Holly Ebel: cooking
Bruce Wolf: history of the banjo
Jim Russell
Father Nick
plastic surgery
Mayo one pilot and reserve office
OTHER ITEMS
Joanne Swenson presented information on the Read With Me program which has been funded by the Friends of the Library. The Friends do not believe they will be able to continue funding this program and so they are looking for another funding source. Several suggestions were made for funding sources and Joanne will take this information back to the Read With Me coordinator.
The next Board meeting will be December 3, 2003, at 4:45 p.m. in Meeting Room B at the library.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Shimek Olson
Secretary Pro Tem