Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tom Bunger, Antonia Matthew, Rita Lichtenberg, Mercy Rodriguez, Kate Paul, and Ned Powell.
President John Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
Sara Laughlin presented an overview of Capital Projects Funding and Priorities. The projects for renovation in 2009 are: drive-up window ($25,000, Building Corp.); Indiana Room and microfilm area ($200,000, Building Corp.); floor coverings and technology for meeting rooms ($25,000, Building Corp.); Children’s Department update and carpeting ($120,000, LIRF); Reconfiguration of Main Checkout (phase 1) and remodeling of AV area ($228,125 LCPF). $40,000 has been designated in 2008 LIRF funds for architectural services for these projects.
Randy Paul queried whether these funds could be used for any other items.
Sara Laughlin explained that the money must be spent on capital projects.
Sara presented a preliminary list of commercial architect firms to contact regarding main Library renovation and asked the Board for guidance in selection criteria. In addition to the firms listed, Sara noted that she had heard from Ratio Architects, an Indianapolis firm. The Bloomington firms listed do not have experience with libraries but do have commercial experience.
David Ferguson noted that Ratio Architects is probably one of the largest in Indiana and that larger firms often have in-house expertise in many areas.
Steve Moberly suggested contacting the local firms plus some Indianapolis firms (including Ratio) and K.R. Montgomery in Anderson.
John Walsh agreed and added that if we have a good working relationship with Odle McGuire Shook they should be considered.
David Ferguson asked whether we are ready to ask for proposals yet, and, if not, suggested asking for packets showing work experience.
Randy Paul felt that the Library does not do enough to find local firms and that it is unfair to take the money out of Monroe County.
David Ferguson noted that larger firms often team with smaller local firms for projects.
Steve Moberly felt that even if local firms do not have Library experience, they should not be ruled out in that we are not building a new building but rather renovating certain areas.
Fred Risinger felt that we should consider local firms but the first priority should be getting the best firm for the job.
Randy Paul stated that he would like to discuss the matter of moving the HVAC repair work to 2008 as discussed at the previous meeting. As stated before, he felt that it is accelerated spending to avoid line-by-line County Council review. He stated that there is a big difference between accountability of appointed and elected boards; that this Board does not listen to the public; did not listen to any public suggestions regarding hiring an attorney for union negotiations; felt that if there is ever a need for oversight it is with this current Board; and felt that the Board is accelerating spending to avoid line-by-line County Council review. John Walsh stated that this matter is not relevant to the matter of selecting an architect.
Randy Paul felt that it was relevant and referred to a petition filed that day contesting $80,000 budgeted for legal fees.
Randy Paul presented an additional petition contesting any effort by the Board to avoid a line-by-line review by the Council County by reducing the budget to within the 4% Assessed Value Growth Quotient.
Fred Risinger recalled that the number one request of the staff was repair of the HVAC system.
Randy Paul believed that the item would be discussed at an additional Board hearing required by the filing of the two petitions.
Steve Moberly suggested consulting legal counsel Tom Bunger.
Randy Paul felt that Tom Bunger would have a conflict of interest because he represents the Board rather than the community.
Sara Laughlin stated that the hearing would be conducted by the Department of Local Government and Finance and not the Library Board. The Library must include findings when the budget is submitted.
Tom Bunger stated that these petitions do not result in a hearing, but rather the petitions and the Library’s responses will be sent to DLGF along with the budget. The DLGF hearing will be after the budget is adopted and the tax rate is published. Sara Laughlin stated that last year she attended a DLGF hearing in February.
None.
Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
September 26, 2008
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/200809wrk.html
