The meeting was called to order by President Michele Martin. Also attending were Nancy Domaille, Ann Farnell, Ed Haskell, Phil Henoch, John Hunziker, Frank Iossi, Bill Jonason, Bill Kullback, Jean Michaels, Veena Nayar, Cecelia Szurszewski, and Dennis Wong.
Absent: Cynthia Daube, Paul Horgen, Leigh Johnson, Dave Nelson, Jeanne Parker, and Joanne Swenson.
Also Present: Peter Pearson, Director St. Paul Public Library Friends; Audrey Betcher, Acting Director; Judy Kereakos, Acting Assistant Director; Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant; Fran Lee; Carol Smyrk.
Michele Martin welcomed new Board members Veena Nayar and Bill Kullback, and Fran Lee who has volunteered to help with special projects.
Ed Haskell moved, Phil Henoch second to approve the meeting minutes of March 22, 2000. Motion approved.
Cecelia Szurszewski reviewed the report for the first quarter of 2000.
The Board asked for a report on the informational campaign at the next meeting.
Bill Jonason moved, Jean Michaels second to approve the treasurer's report as submitted. Motion approved.
Audrey Betcher reported that the activities for National Library week went well and thanked the Board for their support.
At their last meeting the Library Board approved the annual fund drive going out under Foundation letterhead. The Board also discussed the issue of the potential for conflict between the Friends organization and the Foundation. The Library Board is not concerned with the potential for conflict and passed a motion in support of the Friends remaining a separate organization.
Michele introduced Peter Pearson, director of the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, and thanked him for taking the time to meet with the Board.
Peter stated that the St. Paul Friends is a fairly unique group, since it is a combination Friends and Foundation. They have a staff of 5. Their mission is threefold:
One way to increase public awareness is by referencing each other: Friends, Foundation, programming. For instance, if the Friends do a membership drive, indicate in the membership material that the library does have a Foundation. If the Foundation is putting on an event, the promotional material should reference the Friends support in volunteer hours, bookstore, etc. At programs, should have information about the Foundation out for people to take.
Peter suggested that the Friends and Foundation can maintain different identities but develop an umbrella logo. In this manner, each organization gets recognition but avoid confusion by the public.
As monies come in to the St. Paul Foundation, they have no set policy on what to do with it. The majority of bequests go to the endowment, other gifts are typically earmarked for the endowment or for other purposes. At this point Peter encouraged the Board to put the majority of funds raised into an endowment and develop a policy on how to spend the interest from the endowment. He would also suggest the development of a broad investment policy and then turn the actual investing over to commercial fund manager.
The St. Paul Foundation does very few events. They find it easier to write grants for special projects and do corporate solicitations. Part of their lobbying effort is to pledge a certain amount of private funds to match city money.
The library sets priority for funding needs and then the Foundation tries to slot which funding needs would be most appropriate for lobbying, Foundation funds, grants, or other outside funding.
St. Paul has 1,500 Friends members and they are the largest core for annual fundraising. They require 100% financial participation from board members. They use volunteers from the Foundation Board and individuals with contacts in the community to do person to person solicitation. One on one contact is needed for successful solicitation.
Some foundations ask for funding from the city or county to fund a staff person for several years during start up. Eventually will need staff for clerical support, grant writing, relationship building, etc.
Last year the Foundation contributed $100 to be a sponsoring organization. Should we renew for 2000? $100 is the minimum recommended support to defray costs of public relations, etc.
Ed Haskell moved, Ann Farnell second to approve a $100 sponsorship to Leave a Legacy. Motion approved.
Leave a Legacy is hosting a Board development luncheon on May 15; cost is $15 per person. The theme is Giving Back Keeps Giving Alive. If anyone is interested in attending, contact Michele by May 10.
We have received a letter from The Metanoia Group responding to our discussion at the last meeting regarding a proposal to help us develop a brochure and expand the Book A Year program, explore launching a planned giving program, and coordinate efforts between the Friends and the Foundation. Michele will follow up with Laurie Ward to get further details on what Metanoia would provide for their fee.
Jean Michaels moved, Ann Farnell second to approve the proposal from The Metanoia Group, at a cost not to exceed $5,000. Motion approved.
We are moving forward on the annual fundraising letter to go out under Foundation letterhead. We have an outline and Veena Nayar is helping to review the wording.
Ed Haskell moved, Bill Jonason second that if the Executive Committee finds they are moving ahead quickly with the fund drive and need to proceed before the next Board meeting, they have approval to proceed generally in line with what has historically been spent. Motion approved.
Bill Jonason moved, Frank Iossi second to approve filing the annual report with the State of Minnesota. Motion approved.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Michaels
Secretary