CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President John Hunziker. Also attending were Ken Brown, Chris Colby, Cynthia Daube, Don De Keyrel, Ann Farnell, Frank Iossi, Dave Nelson, Sue Reinke, Joanne Swenson, Trevor Westrom
Others Present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Tom Dyer, Communications Director; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Don De Keyrel moved, Ken Brown seconded, to approve the meeting minutes from December 3, 2003. Motion approved.
LIBRARY BOARD AND DIRECTOR'S ITEMS
Audrey Betcher reported that the officers for the Library Board for 2004 are Dave Nelson, President; Steve McMaster, Vice President; and Tonya Holt, Secretary.
The transition to the new automation system is continuing to go well.
The Library Board is finishing up work on developing a Strategic Plan.
Steve Kvenvold left 2004 budget as it was and the City will have to make up the difference from the County not funding to the contract amount. It is a flat budget from 2003 except for staff salary and benefit increases and some increases in maintenance contracts.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy Committee: has not met.
Finance Committee: has not met.
Development Committee: Frank Iossi stated that at the last Board meeting Phil Henoch suggested that staff to meet with Laurie Ward or Metanoia to discuss reviewing the ask presentation and the overall plan for the development campaign and get a professional opinion. Phil's point was that this is our first major fundraising effort and we will only have one opportunity to do it well.
Audrey, Tom, and Kathy met with Laurie Ward who is now with Hartsook Companies. Laurie has put together a proposal which we are bringing forward for approval.
The proposal is for an on-going relationship for a period of four months, at a cost of $5,500 plus expenses. During the course of the arrangement, Hartsook will:
Staff do not have development backgrounds and to have more training to give support to the Board is important. Laurie will have constructive ideas on the presentation and development plan. She has worked in Rochester previously and is familiar with the community.
Laurie has blocked time off in January so she could get started immediately after the Board signs the contract. We would begin the campaign after working with Laurie, probably early April.
Cynthia asked who is being solicited that mentoring skills and training are required. John stated that even if you have a relationship with the person being solicited it is important to be able to anticipate questions that might be asked.
Don stated that the Board needs help; it is not easy to raise funds and this is inexpensive help.
Don De Keyrel moved, Trevor Westrom seconded, to accept the proposal from Hartsook Companies. Motion carried.
Special Events: The invitations have been mailed, and the speakers and refreshments are set. The food will be similar to past years.
At this point we do not have any underwriting except for the printing. Since the programs have already been printed it was suggested that if we get additional underwriting to include it on the items given to participants that evening plus a letter to the editor.
As of today, 22 tickets have been sold. Ann suggested that all Board members try to get 10 people to attend.
We have some items for the silent auction, but could use more. If anyone is interested in donating wine it will be packaged with autographed books from Minnesota authors.
Board members should arrive about 6:45 p.m. We will need help at the skyway door and registration desk. The main duty of Board members is to mingle.
OTHER ITEMS
The proposed slate of officers for 2004 is Chris Colby, President; Trevor Westrom, Vice-President; Cynthia Daube, Secretary; and Phil Henoch, Treasurer.
We have several positions open on the Board so if anyone has ideas to fill them, please contact Chris or Tom.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2004, at 4:45 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Shimek Olson
Secretary Pro Tem