Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tom Bunger, Antonia Matthew, Rita Lichtenberg
President John Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m.
John Walsh noted that it had been requested that public comment be heard at the beginning of the meeting rather than at the end and that this meeting would be a trial run of that system. Fred Risinger moved; Randy Paul seconded to hear public comment at the beginning of the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Rita Lichtenberg stated that she agreed with hearing public comments before the vote is taken on items.
The consent agenda was presented for approval (Minutes of September 17, 2008 Board Meeting; Minutes of October 8, 2008 Work Session; Monthly Bills for Payment; Monthly Financial Report; Personnel Report). Fred Risinger moved; Penny Austin seconded approval of the consent agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
Sara Laughlin announced two changes to the Board of Trustees calendar: The November 19, 2008 Board meeting will be held at the Ellettsville Branch and a Work Session has been scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2008. Randy Paul moved, Fred Risinger seconded, approval of the two changes to the Board calendar.
Penny Austin noted that the 2009 March Board meeting is scheduled during spring break. Sara Laughlin will review and present a new date to the Board.
Sara Laughlin noted that her report was included in the Board packet. In addition, Sara reported that the latest HAPLR (Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings) show MCPL as rating #2 in its population category, based on 2005 numbers). Naperville (IL) Public Library is rated #1. The next rankings will be released in early 2009.
Penny Austin congratulated staff for this achievement.
Randy Paul suggested hearing public comment after the presentation by the architects.
Matthew Mayol, president of Odle McQuire Shook, presented final plans for the Ellettsville addition. In answer to questions from Board members, Mr. Shook noted that the addition is 1,900 sq. ft. of interior space; the wall between the new condenser and the dumpster is 8 ft. to 8 ft. 6 in. on the outside with “thorny” bushes in front; wall is 4 ft. on the inside. The main entrance will remain unchanged. There will be a new staff entry with better lighting. All will be ADA compliant. The bicycle rack will be relocated.
Debora Sparks presented information on the interior design. There will be two different floor coverings (vinyl flooring and carpeting) and diagonal shelving as suggested by staff.
Penny Austin questioned the “greenness” of the flooring.
Debora Sparks replied that vinyl was selected for its durability. Linoleum was considered but was not selected as it does absorb moisture.
Timeline and costs were discussed. The cost is estimated to be $495,300, not including furniture. It is hoped that some current furniture can be re-used. Odle McGuire Shook is confident that the project can be completed under budget. With Board approval, bids will be solicited with the goal of signing a contract and beginning construction in early December depending on weather. The job should be completed by September 2009.
Randy Paul expressed an interest in hiring local trades as much as possible. Mr. Mayol believes that due to the size and scope of the project at least five local companies will likely bid.
There was no public comment.
Fred Risinger moved, Penny Austin seconded, approval of the Ellettsville addition plans. Motion carried unanimously.
Sara Laughlin reported that seven bids were received for the library roof repair with the lowest bid being from Quality Roofing Services, Inc. (Indianapolis) at $111,000, including a $4,000 upgrade in insulation and a possible deduction of $2,000 depending on the condition of the ballast protection mat. She recommended accepting the Quality Roofing Services bid.
John Walsh asked for public comment; there was none.
Penny Austin moved, Fred Risinger seconded, acceptance of the Quality Roofing bid in the amount of $111,000. Motion carried unanimously.
Pam Wasmer reported on the process for dealing with challenged materials. Of four challenged items in 2007-2008, none were appealed once the process was completed and a decision reached. One item was moved from the Children’s collection to the Adult Services area.
Sara Laughlin presented a report on the status of library parking. She noted that the community survey showed parking to be a big concern, but, lacking a parking garage, improvements are likely to be made in small increments. The library currently leases 93 spaces for staff parking at an annual cost of $29,398. The library hopes to add covered secured bike parking soon. She also noted that the “Ride the Bus Free with a Library Card” on the first Saturday of every month started in October. Discussion ensued regarding parking, buses, walking and bicycling. Randy Paul requested statistics on the “Ride Free” days.
The Ellettsville Branch report will be presented at the November board meeting to be held in Ellettsville.
Sara Laughlin reported that the Staff In-Service Day was very successful. Process improvements were highlighted via 10 posters. She showed a video produced by Library pages showing improved shelving techniques. Randy Paul thanked the Friends of the Library for funding for Staff Day.
Randy Paul commented on the lack of diversity on the Board and felt that the appointment process should be more transparent. Discussion ensued regarding the process and ways to bring attention to available seats on the board, as two openings will occur in January. John Walsh commented that the matter can be discussed at an upcoming work session, but it is not up to the library board to make decisions for the appointing agencies.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
November 24, 2008
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/200810min.html
