CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Chris Colby. Also attending were Ken Brown, Cynthia Daube, Don De Keyrel, Ann Farnell, Frank Iossi, Dave Nelson, Barbara Porter, Joanne Swenson, and Joyce Wenz.
Others Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Tom Dyer, Communications Director; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Don De Keyrel, seconded by Dave Nelson, to approve the meeting minutes of May 26, 2004. Motion approved.
2nd QUARTER TREASURER'S REPORT
Kathy Olson reviewed the report. The majority of revenue has been from the annual fund drive. The amount allocated for Undesignated/Operating was a result of actions at the last Board meeting with regard to the Lila Wilson bequest and the donation from the Bernice Krug Donor Designated Fund.
Expenditures included the transfer of Rochester Reads funds to the Library, the final costs for Laurie Ward, and the annual database software support fee.
Barbara Porter asked if Rochester Reads would take place in 2005. Audrey responded in the affirmative. Voting for the title will occur in October, with most events scheduled in February 2005.
Motion by Cynthia Daube, seconded by Joyce Wenz, to approve the 2nd Quarter Treasurer's Report as submitted. Motion carried.
LIBRARY BOARD AND DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Audrey Betcher reported that Tom Dyer is retiring at the end of January. She would like someone from the Foundation Board to serve on the interview team; this would be the same process that was followed when Tom was hired. The interview team would consist of two members of the Library Administrative Team, a representative from the Friends Board, and a representative from the Foundation Board. Barbara Porter volunteered to be on the interview team.
The library has received preliminary approval of a $25,000 grant to produce an orientation video for the library in Somali. RPL is the lead on the grant in partnership with the Minneapolis and Owatonna Public Libraries. The grant money is for out of pocket expenses such as translation, video production, etc., not staff costs. Betty Hutchins from the Library Board was on the initial grant review committee.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy: Nothing to report.
Finance: Nothing to report. The Committee is working on a budget for 2004 and 2005 and will present these at an upcoming meeting.
Development: Kathy updated the Board on the personal solicitations. To date we have received $13,250, with a commitment for another $2,500. We have also received commitments of $3,000 for 2005.
Kathy distributed a spreadsheet for current and potential personal solicitations. If anyone on the Board is willing to make a contact from the list, they should let Tom or Kathy know. We have had some success in the solicitations, but we need to continue to make contacts.
Chris added that at this time we will concentrate on businesses, rather than individuals. Frank added that education is a big piece, even if we don't get a donation.
Tom and Audrey are willing to go along on presentations; Audrey has been along on several presentations to date.
Ann suggested that the large realty firms be added to the list.
To date we have raised $18,895 on the annual fund drive. This includes 168 donations totaling $12,015 for materials, 7 donations totaling $470 for programming, 26 donations for $3,910 for the endowment fund, and 5 Book-A-Year endowments totaling $2,500. 44 donors had not given since 2001, so we are reaching people in the database who have not contributed for several years.
Tom had a call from someone who has been a small giver in the past, but will be giving a gift of stock this year because of the letter and brochure.
Wit Wisdom & Wine 2005: The date for the 2005 event is January 15.
Tom is in the process of calling potential speakers. So far, Jim Russell, Father Nick, and the wine representative have committed. Anyone with ideas for speakers should contact Tom.
We are in need of Board members to solicit underwriting for the event. Chris, Don, and Trevor were assigned to this task.
Board members should also be soliciting items for the silent auction.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
It is time to start thinking about officers for 2005. Chris, Trevor, and Joanne will be on the Nominating Committee.
Several meetings ago, Don inquired about changing the by-laws regarding what constitutes a quorum. Chris, Don, and Ken Brown will work with Audrey to develop language for this change.
If anyone has ideas for new Board members, they should contact Chris or Audrey.
The next meeting date is September 22, 2004, at 4:45 p.m. This will be an important meeting to get things finalized for Wit, Wisdom & Wine and to continue the progress on the personal solicitations.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Cynthia Daube
Secretary