CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President Trevor Westrom. Also attending were Dan Berndt, Jane Callahan, Chris Colby, Randy Demmer, John Hunziker, Phil Karsell, Mike McNeil, Dave Nelson, Mark Neville, Sue Reinke, Harry Swedlund, Joanne Swenson, and Joyce Wenz.
Others present: Audrey Betcher, Library Director; Carrie Farrow, Director of Communications; Virginia Erbe, Library Staff; and Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant
Carrie Farrow introduced Virginia Erbe who is filling the graphic arts position vacated by Marilyn Campbell.
Trevor turned the meeting over to 2006 President Sue Reinke.
Sue stated that she is looking forward to working with everyone this year. Positive things are happening and it should be a great year. She welcomed John Hunziker and Randy Demmer as new Board members.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Joanne Swenson, seconded by Trevor Westrom, to approve the meeting minutes from December 7, 2005, as submitted. Motion approved.
4th QUARTER TREASURER'S REPORT
Kathy reviewed the report. There was a lot of miscellaneous income during the quarter including $1,500 from Sam's Club for literacy, multiple donations for Storytime Kits, underwriting for Rochester Reads, and some early registrations for Wit, Wisdom & Wine. The major expense item was the reimbursement to the library for Kathy's hours spent on Foundation activities.
As recommended by the Finance Committee, the Book-A-Year Money Market account has been closed and those funds moved to the Endowment Fund to achieve a higher rate of return.
Motion by Trevor Westrom, seconded by Mike McNeil to accept the 4th Quarter Treasurer's Report. Motion approved.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Audrey Betcher reported that the DVD self-check system should be arriving within the next 1-2 weeks.
The Librarian I position in the Reference Division that has been vacant since 2003 has been funded for 2006 and will be posted sometime in March.
The Library Board and administrative staff have been discussing the community survey which was completed in 2005. The survey will be presented at a future Foundation Board meeting. It contains good information on what the library is doing well and what we need to do better.
A facility study was approved and funded in 2005. The architectural firm completing the study is looking at various options to improve the building. A final report should be available in the spring. The Library Board will then discuss how to fit the recommendations into the long-range plan.
There are two open positions on the Library Board. The Mayor is interviewing candidates so if you know of anyone interested in serving on the Library Board have them submit an application to the Mayor.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy: has not met. In late November the Commissioner of Education sent a letter clarifying the role of regional public libraries in the state. There were some issues of concern to RPL and the committee will be meeting to discuss those issues.
Finance: has not met but will be meeting soon to discuss WWW proceeds.
Development: has not met but will be meeting to discuss the fundraising strategy for 2006. As discussed at the December Board meeting, the goal will be to separate out business sponsorship opportunities and individual donation opportunities. A major piece of the new strategy will be library tours to educate people about the facility and what is offered.
Mark Neville stated that this system has been successfully implemented in a number of places. The idea is to build relationships before seeking financial support. Donors are first informed, then involved, then supportive. The key will be for the Board to invite people to take the tours.
We have started some tours as a result of Wit, Wisdom & Wine. Tour dates that have already been set up are January 31, February 10, 15 and 22. Carrie will send an e-mail with dates/times.
We are working on simple handouts such as a wish list of tangible projects for funding and a fact sheet.
In 2006 we are also planning some type of thank you event for donors.
Events: Kathy reviewed the outcome of Wit, Wisdom & Wine. It was a very successful event with 186 paid registrations, as compared to 145 last year. The silent auction took in slightly more than last year and we had more underwriting. All expenses are not yet in, but we anticipate that the net income will be about $13,000.
Carrie thanked everyone that donated silent auction items. Everyone she talked to had very positive things to say about the event.
Sue noted that a special thank you to Ann Farnell for coming up with the original idea and chairing the event for the last five years.
PRESIDENT'S BUSINESS
Sue noted the new contact information sheet. If there are any corrections/changes, contact Kathy.
The committee assignments for 2006 are basically the same as 2005. If you have not been assigned a committee or would prefer a different committee assignment, contact Kathy or Carrie. All committees should try and meet before the end of February to discuss activities for the year.
Audrey reported that the Library Board has approved using the 2005 Endowment Fund proceeds for Rochester Reads, downloadable audio books, a pilot project for delivery of outreach materials, which if successful will be incorporated into the 2007 budget request, and a pilot project for Somali outreach. The library orientation video in Somali was a great start, but this segment of the population is underserved and we need to reach out to them.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2006, at 4:45 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Swenson
Secretary