The meeting was called to order by President Michele Martin. Also attending were Cynthia Daube, Ann Farnell, Ed Haskell, Phil Henoch, John Hunziker, Frank Iossi, Leigh Johnson, Dave Nelson, Cecelia Szurszewski, Joanne Swenson, and Dennis Wong.
Absent: Nancy Domaille, Paul Horgen, Bill Jonason, Jean Michaels, Bob Murphy, Veena Nayar, and Jeanne Parker.
Also present: Tim Burchill and Laurie Ward, The Metanoia Group; Amit Raikar, Library Board; Audrey Betcher, Acting Director; Judy Kereakos, Acting Assistant Director; and Kathy Olson, Administrative Assistant.
National Library Week is April 9-15. The library is planning several programs and promotional events for the week. The kick-off program on Sunday, April 9, is a family program: Remarkable Reptiles. Tuesday night is Bedtime Stories, Thursday night is young adult movie night, and Saturday will be a children's program with storyteller Julie Goldstein
.The library has put together several proposals needing funding:
All program publicity, magnets, and banner would include "provided/sponsored by" information.
Phil Henoch stated that McDonalds would sponsor the banner in the Foundation's name.
Ann Farnell moved, Ed Haskell second that the Foundation sponsor the Sunday kick-off program at $135.00. Motion approved.
Ed Haskell moved, John Hunziker second to approve the meeting minutes from January 5, 2000, with a correction indicating John Hunziker was present. Minutes approved.
Cecelia Szurszewski reviewed the Treasurer's report for the period of October-December 1999.
Ed Haskell moved, Joanne Swenson second to approve the Treasurer's report as submitted. Motion approved.
Michelle Martin welcomed Tim Burchill and Laurie Ward from The Metanoia Group.
Tim stated that the Foundation is moving in the right direction with it's Informational Campaign which captured the right messages: it focuses on people who use the library and it talks about how the library affects the user. The campaign also tells the story of the Foundation and makes a point that the library is underfunded.
Tim stated that he did not think the Foundation should consider a major campaign in the near future. There are currently two major campaigns underway or about to get underway and he is not sure the community has the capacity to absorb another major campaign.
Tim's advise was to continue the public relations/marketing efforts. The Foundation should also accelerate it's endowment efforts with one on one contacts, and pursue bequests, trusts, estate planning etc.
The Board discussed how we differentiate between the Friends of the Library, Foundation, and library fundraising efforts. Tim's preference is that all gifts for the library come through the Foundation to avoid confusion and multiple mailings.
Frank Iossi voiced his concern that we will lose Board members due to lack of activity. There is a huge gap between a Board that needs a major activity to keep its interest strong and circumstances that indicate we should be more low key for the time being.
Michele suggested that Board members each be required to solicit 5-6 gifts.
It was suggested that a subcommittee be formed to formulate a series of options the Board can implement in the next several years. Among items to be addressed are: the book a year endowment which has enormous potential for fundraising and a pamphlet should be designed which could be handed out at programs, etc; planned giving is another area that could have great potential for the Foundation; and staffing will need to be addressed at some point.
Tim stated that someone would need to be responsible for convening meetings of the small group, such as someone from the community with experience in this type of activity or it is a service that Metanoia could provide. He would suggest meeting two hours a month. Michele requested that Metanoia provide a quote for such services.
Ed Haskell moved, Leigh Johnson second to nominate Bill Kullback at PEMSTAR to fill the unexpired term of Bob Murphy. Motion approved.
Fran Lee who recently moved to Rochester has a strong interest in libraries and volunteering and may be available to assist on projects. It was suggested that she be invited to the next Board meeting.
Cynthia Daube will check on the status of Louis Rukeyser and report at the next meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 26.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Olson
Secretary Pro Tem