Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Program Room 2B
Tom Bunger and Will Murphy.
President John Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m.
Sara Laughlin presented the 2010-2012 Capital Projects Fund proposal.
Proposed for year 2010 are: $185,154 for completion of the Main Library renovation; $200,000 for purchase of new bookmobile; and $126,853 for computer-related purchases. Proposed for year 2011 are: $345,560 for materials handling system; $125,000 for computer-related purchases; and $60,000 for allocation for future projects (hold over for 2012). Proposed for year 2012 are: $486,782 for new branch site; $125,000 for computer-related purchases.
The Capital Projects Fund Plan will be on the March 25, 2009 board meeting agenda for approval with advertising to be done on April 3.
Sara Laughlin presented information on the upcoming search for a new Associate Director. A national search is planned using both formal and informal channels. An interview team will likely hold phone interviews before inviting 3-5 prospects to come to Bloomington. The process will be inclusive including presentations to staff and board members with a process for feedback. Sara believes MCPL is in a position to attract good candidates due to our location, fairly stable budget, new strategic plan, and recent library recognition. Sara hopes to have a decision by early June with a new associate director in place by September.
The board discussed the organization chart and various functions of the library as they relate to the new position.
Michael White, CATS Director, and Will Murphy, General Manager of WFHB, were present to discuss the proposed memorandum of understanding.
Michael White reported that CATS currently tapes about 20-30 hours of local government meetings each week. It is proposing to produce (in collaboration with WFHB) a “Week in Review” program condensing that material, with a moderator and clips of the meetings. The memorandum of understanding provides for a $10,000 annual payment to WFHB.
Will Murphy explained that the $10,000 would be housed in a separate easy-to-track account with quarterly reports to the MCPL board. The funds would be used to help offset costs of a consistent support person.
Steve Moberly requested information on WFHB. Will Murphy explained that WFHB is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with the FCC license being held by a nine-member board of directors. A community advisory board has recently been formed to increase community input. Will Murphy is the general manager and supervises 2.5 employees. The station has been broadcasting since 1993 and now broadcasts about 50% news and 50% music. Steve Moberly requested a list of board members and community advisory committee members.
Steve Moberly expressed concern about editorial decision-making and how to insure impartiality. Michael White said he envisions a format with an introduction, sound bites, and conclusion. The purpose would be to bring news to people who cannot watch full meetings and not to provide a forum for any particular interests. Michael reported that the County government has been asking for the program and is supportive of it.
Steve Moberly asked why WFHB was chosen and whether other stations were considered. Michael White said WFHB was chosen because CATS has experience with them, has had a long working relationship with them, and their services are affordable.
John Walsh asked what the cost to CATS would be to do it all in-house. Michael White said it would be more costly, requiring new staff for reviewing material and hiring a journalist.
John Walsh shared some of Steve Moberly’s concerns about neutrality. He thought the concept could be good for the community but was concerned about the library’s role. He thought a trial period might be in order if the collaboration is approved. Will Murphy said that under the current memorandum either party could walk away with 30 days notice.
Michael White noted that funding agencies have requested this type of endeavor and that failure to deliver might have funding ramifications. Sara Laughlin added that when she last met with the County Commissioners they asked when the news program would be up and seemed to be looking forward to it.
The board continued to discuss the need for neutrality, who would be the anchor and what would be the role of the anchor, any possible political ramifications, and the library’s role and liability. The board requested that Tom Bunger review the materials.
None.
Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
April 3, 2009
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/200903wrk.html
