CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Trevor Westrom. Also attending were Ken Brown, Jane Callahan, Chris Colby, Don De Keyrel, Ann Farnell, Ed Haskell, Phil Henoch, Harry Swedlund, and Joanne Swenson.
Others present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Carrie Farrow, Director of Communications; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Don De Keyrel, seconded by Ken Brown, to approve the meeting minutes from October 26, 2005. Motion approved.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Audrey reported that three SELCO libraries have been discussing pulling out of SELCO's automation system, and North Mankato has been discussing not automating with their regional system.
She has received a letter from the Department of Education regarding library system membership and whether State resources will be available if libraries decide not to automate within their regional system. At this time we do not think this should not affect us since RPL is a full member of SELCO and their by-laws currently do not require a member to participate in their automation system.
Audrey reviewed how the regional library system works and what we would lose if this moves forward. Audrey and Carrie will keep the Board informed. If this moves forward we will be calling on the Board to talk to our local legislators regarding the adverse impact on RPL.
The new DVD self-check system should be ready to go in the next couple of months.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy: has not met.
Finance: met today to review the anticipated budget for 2006 and the Endowment Fund proceeds for 2005. There is approximately $53,000 available in Endowment proceeds. The Committee recommends that 2%, $12,882, be allocated for Foundation operating expenses. Of the remaining proceeds, the Board recommends that up to 50%, $20,428, be allocated to the library and the remaining 50% remain in the Endowment Fund to grow the fund.
Motion by Ann Farnell, seconded by Don De Keyrel, to approve the Finance Committee's recommendation. Motion approved.
Ann thanked Carrie and Kathy for their time spent on Foundation activities.
Kathy reviewed the proposed budget for 2006. It was suggested that she update the budget form quarterly so the Board can keep a handle on expenses.
Motion by Ken Brown, seconded by Chris Colby, to accept the 2006 budget as presented. Motion approved.
Development Committee: Chris and Trevor met last week to discuss an approach for fundraising in 2006. This approach will require everyone's involvement to identify people and get them connected with staff for a tour of the library. The idea is to build a relationship before asking for donations.
Audrey stated that it is a major shift in strategy, but the strong point is trying to get people in to learn about the library and finding out if the person wants to build a relationship with the library. If they don't want to build a relationship, they are off the hook.
Chris added that it is an effort to separate individuals from businesses. Businesses would be requested for things that have a short life and/or have a value to the business as advertising.
Comments from the Board were that as we talk to groups and individuals, they may be interested in funding specific items such as Storytime kits. With diversity on the Board we can have diverse approaches. It is a tool and thought process that at a minimum will grow awareness of the library.
Events Committee: Phil thanked Ann Farnell for coming up with the original idea for Wit, Wisdom & Wine.
The date for the event is Saturday, January 14, 2006. Thirteen diverse speakers have been lined up including Coleen Rowley, James Russell, Tim Penny, and Mike Cordes. Invitations are being mailed this week. Carrie will be lining up spots on several radio shows. Trevor will be doing a spot on the KTTC "Around Town" community calendar. Cynthia Daube will be recording a radio ad that will air in several of her advertising times as well as times donated by Construction Partnership. Information about the event will be sent out to the Chamber of Commerce member to member promotions. Carrie will be distributing invitations at Rotary on January 5th.
We are in need of silent auction items. Every Board member was encouraged to solicit/ contribute three auction items.
SLATE OF OFFICERS
The proposed slate of officers is: Sue Reinke, President; Jane Callahan, Vice-President; Joanne Swenson, Secretary; Harry Swedlund, Treasurer.
Motion by Ed Haskell, seconded by Don De Keyrel, to accept the proposed slate of officers fro 2006. Motion approved.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Trevor recognized and thanked Don De Keyrel, Phil Henoch, and Ann Farnell for their dedication and service on the Board.
If anyone has ideas for new members, contact Carrie.
The next meeting is January 25, 2006, at 4:45 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Swenson
Secretary