Estacada Public Library Board of Trustees

Minutes         February 26, 2008

 

Attending: Bruce Whiting, Suzanne Mahan, Dennis Weber, Katinka Bryk, Margaret Palandech, Malana Ganz

 

Called to order 7:05 pm

 

Minutes of February 5 were approved as read.

 

Librarian’s Report:

There were no new statistics for the month of January as the Board had seen them in their Feb 5th meeting. Katinka reported that $565 had been collected YTD in Flora Community Room fees.

 

There was discussion on the Library Foundation’s intent to hold another fundraising gala, perhaps in conjunction with the City. Margaret and Malana had excellent suggestions for auction items that will be passed on to the Foundation.

 

Ms. Bryk reported the Envisionware PC reservation and print management software is still being fine tuned. She showed a print revenue report that showed $105 taken in over two weeks for printing costs. Four thin clients are still not working. George Yobst, the information technology specialist from Network, introduced himself.

 

Library staff complained that now that a valid card is required to use the internet, delinquent patrons have been spotted using other people’s cards to access the computers. As we currently allow patrons to use family member’s cards to pick up holds etc, we did not see anyway to prevent this behavior, though it makes the staff uncomfortable.

 

Katinka reported that the Serving Spanish Speakers workshop that was held in the Flora Community Room on Feb 15th was a success. The library has card applications and an informational brochure translated into Spanish, and is working on flyers for local distribution and on increasing the Spanish language collection.

 

Old Business:

Malana reviewed the recap letter to the City Manager, thanking him for attending the special meeting and addressing our concerns.

 

Ms. Mahan reported on the Friends of the Library. She met with some Friends from the Oregon City Library and gained some insight. She has concerns that as the Book Nook is under the Foundation and book sales are normally a staple of Friends fundraising, what will replace that revenue stream. Perhaps we need to have a conversation with the Foundation regarding the Book Nook.

 

The Bylaws will be finally reviewed and approved via email. Katinka will get them to City Hall for binding and inclusion in the next City Council meeting packets.

 

New Business:

There was discussion on whether groups should be allowed to sell or have promotional tables in front of the Library. It was decided the patrons are best served if they are not interfered with as they enter the building.

 

The art donation of eight photographs of Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX was unanimously accepted.

 

It was agreed to create a rental movie collection where DVDs would check out for 25 cents per day. This will keep movies in local circulation as they do not allow for holds, and should provide patrons with quicker access to newer releases.

 

It was decided not to purchase the Family Cultural Passes for FY 08-09. The cost is $700, and the usage is relatively low- about 75 uses total for all six passes.

 

The upcoming patron survey was reviewed and a few changes made. Katinka will have them printed and folded and available for patrons during the month of March.

 

There was lengthy discussion on the City Manager’s proposed changes to the Library Board’s role by amending the City Code. The general feeling was that the Board, in their special meeting with the CM, had shown great financial rigor in reviewing the library expenses, and are continuing to do so. The proposed changes will strip the Board of any financial oversight and place the responsibility for all library expenditures in the arms of the CM. The Board feels this is a step backward; they take their role as financial watchdogs of library funds seriously, and believe that if the CM relieves them of that responsibility the city runs the risks seen so unfortunately in the fire department, that of unsupervised expenditures being made. Bruce will draft a letter to the CM with the Board’s concerns.

 

There was lengthy discussion on the initial draft proposition from the CM regarding next year’s budget. City expenses were finally clearly defined in the budget spreadsheet. The Board looks forward to more productive discussions on this topic in the near future.

 

Katinka has invited the Strategic Planning Committee to the City Council work session on March 10th at 6pm. The Board will review the Plan and ask Katinka if they have any questions prior to the meeting.

 

Meeting adjourned 9:55 pm

 

Special meeting Monday March 10, 6 pm City Council Chambers

 

Next regular meeting Tuesday March 25, 7pm.