Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Program Room 2B
Tom Bunger.
President Fred Risinger called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
Sara Laughlin presented the CATS contract with Monroe County. The City of Bloomington contract has not yet been received. Tom Bunger has reviewed the County contract. For 2010 the County will contribute $216,000 (50% of 2008 franchise fees) to the operating expenses of CATS. The contract stipulates the cable casting of Ellettsville Town Council meetings and Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation meetings in 2010 in the absence of a contract with the town of Ellettsville.
Sara Laughlin presented background and preliminary information on the 2011-2013 Capital Projects Fund with projected revenues and expenditures (in packet). A three-year plan will be presented to the County Council for approval but funding is approved on a one-year basis. The projection for 2011 allocates $83,560 for additional Main Library renovation; $322,000 for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) costs; and $125,489 for computer expenses, totaling $531,049.
The Board discussed the Capital Projects funding and process. The public hearing for the Capital Projects Fund will be April 21 (regular Board meeting date).
Steve Moberly commented that while viewing the County Council meeting he heard about an overpayment in tax distributions. Bonnie Estell confirmed that she had heard unofficially that the County’s estimate of overpayment to the Library was approximately $16,000. Those funds are in the Rainy Day Fund so will have no direct effect on the operating budget.
Pam Wasmer and Mary Loro presented a recommendation from the Materials Security Task Force that MCPL adopt the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) materials security and automated handling system solution proposed by Integrated Technology Group (ITG). This recommendation is based on the following criteria: technical ability of vendor to complete project as described; vendor compatibility with Polaris; cost; vendor reputation, credit rating and stability; and library references. The total cost of the system from ITG is $751,413 ($102,587 less than the available funding).
The board discussed the recommendation and details of the system.
In response to a question from Steve Moberly, attorney Tom Bunger confirmed that the public request for proposals met all legal requirements.
John Walsh asked if approval of the whole package is requested at this time. Sara Laughlin stated that approval of ITG as the vendor and expenditures from the 2010 Operating Budget and 2010 LIRF seemed appropriate. Expenditures from the 2011 Capital Projects Fund could be approved by the Board after that funding is approved by the County Council, which must occur before July 31, 2010.
John Walsh asked about price guarantee. Pam Wasmer stated that the prices are guaranteed through the end of 2010.
Sara Laughlin recommended hiring Ted Mendoza, Gengee LLC, to conduct an energy audit for MCPL. The primary goal would be to focus on energy savings but it could also serve as a stepping stone toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification should the library decide to pursue it. LEED certification has been a topic of interest at the library and has been discussed by the library’s Lean and Green Committee. Bill Brown, Director of Sustainability at Indiana University, spoke at the 2009 Staff Day and later met with the Lean and Green Committee. LEED certification for existing buildings is a possibility. Mr. Brown recommended Ted Mendoza for the energy audit.
Attorney Tom Bunger has reviewed the proposed agreement with Ted Mendoza and suggested including an end date and billing timetable.
Steve Moberly felt that the audit would be worthwhile if it could pinpoint potential savings in energy costs. He did not see LEED certification as being particularly relevant.
The recommendation of the Long Range Financial Planning Committee regarding forming committees of board members to address various issues was discussed.
John Walsh commented on a previous suggestion by Dave Ferguson that for most issues the entire board could work more efficiently at work sessions rather than in smaller groups. John felt this was a reasonable suggestion.
Fred Risinger agreed and noted that he would prefer ad hoc committees as needed rather than structured committees.
Melissa Pogue concurred.
Sara Laughlin commented that although the recommendation was made by the Long Range Financial Planning Committee, it might not necessarily be the best fit for this board, and the board could decide.
Steve Moberly felt that with only seven board members, all of whom are volunteers, committees were not necessary. It would likely be burdensome and repetitious since committee recommendations would then have to be reviewed by the entire board.
Fred Risinger asked board members to check their calendars as the October 13 board work session must be rescheduled. It is currently scheduled on the same day as Staff Day and the library will be closed. He suggested moving the work session scheduled for that night to the week before – Wednesday, October 6.
Steve Moberly reminded the viewing public that the March board meeting will be held on March 24.
Sara Laughlin thanked the public for their patience during the library’s continued renovation.
Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
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Updated:
March 25, 2010
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/201003wrk.html