HomeMy WebLinkAboutLBMinutes_2013_07_09BROOKINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
July 9, 2013
MINUTES
The Board of Trustees of the Brookings Public Library met Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. in the
Historical Room of the Brookings Public Library
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Gengler, Mac Harris, Janel Hoffelt and Larry Rogers
OTHERS PRESENT: Elvita Landau, Alice Hayes and Cathy Enlow
President Mac Harris called for approval of the meeting agenda. Elvita Landau requested the addition of
an agenda item regarding travel requests. Larry Rogers moved to approve the agenda with the addition.
Bill Gengler seconded. Motion carried.
Mac Harris called for approval of the minutes from the June 11, 2013 meeting. Larry Rogers moved to
approve the minutes. Janel Hoffelt seconded. Motion carried.
Bills and Salaries:
Elvita Landau presented a brief overview of the list of bills. Larry Rogers moved to approve the list of
bills. Bill Gengler seconded. Motion carried.
Financial Report:
Elvita Landau noted that half of the fiscal year is done. We will need to keep an eye on the General
Supplies line item, since over 50% has already been spent.
Librarian’s Report:
Elvita Landau gave preliminary information on the results of the Library patron survey which just
concluded. The primary complaint was the computer problems in the computer lab. There was also a
desire for longer Library hours (open earlier and later). Some mothers suggested that the Library open
earlier in the summer time. Some people would like us to be open on holidays. More ebooks were also
requested. Now that the survey is completed, we will work on compiling the results for the Board’s
review.
2014 Budget:
Elvita Landau met this week with City Manager Jeff Weldon and Rita Thompson and Shawna Costello
from the City Finance Office. There was discussion of the Library’s request to add a full-time position
focused on electronic resources. Jeff Weldon has not completed his budget deliberations yet, so it is
uncertain if the position request will be approved. Nothing else has been cut from the budget. Budget
hearings with the City Council are coming up in August.
Mango Tree Coffee contract:
The Library Board again discussed the pending Concessionaire Agreement to be signed by the City of
Brookings and Harsha Mistry. There was discussion of the need for consistent hours of operation, as
previously discussed at the June 11 Board meeting. Harsha Mistry had stated at last month’s meeting
that Mango Tree would be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10:30
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Larry Rogers suggested requiring a codicil or supplementary
document, in addition to the contract, that clearly states the hours of operation for Mango Tree. Mac
Harris suggested a 60-90 day period to look at adherence to being open during the agreed-upon hours.
Larry Rogers moved to accept the contract as adapted to indicate times of opening and closing, and a
mechanism for a 90 day review period. Janel Hoffelt seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Harsha has requested permission from Elvita to mount a Mango Tree sign on the exterior of the Library
building. Janel Hoffelt questioned the city sign ordinance and if this would be allowed. Elvita Landau will
investigate that. Larry Rogers suggested instead a free-standing sign that would be outside when Mango
Tree was open, and taken inside after closing. Rogers/ Hoffelt moved to include approval for posting a
sign. Motion carried.
Strategic Planning:
Elvita Landau is planning to start the strategic planning process in September or October. That will give
her time to compile the information from the patron surveys. Elvita asked Library Board members who
are willing to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee to let her know by the August 13, 2013 Board
meeting.
Travel Requests:
Katherine Eberline, incoming chair of the Prairie Pasque Children’s Book Award committee, asked to
attend a committee meeting in Pierre on August 9. The request was approved.
The SDLA/NDLA/MPLA Tri-Conference will be held September 25-27 in Sioux Falls. Those attending will
be the professional staff and one support staff person, Alison Tappan. The cost for registration and hotel
will total $2,400.00, which is available in the budget. Bill Genger moved to approve the request. Larry
Rogers seconded. Motion carried.
Annual Review of Library Director:
Elvita Landau asked the Library Board to complete an evaluation of the Library Director in preparation
for her review in August. She distributed evaluation forms to the Board members. Elvita will compose an
evaluation form for the staff members to complete. Completed staff forms will be returned to Mac
Harris.
The next Library Board meeting will be on Tuesday, August 13, at 5:30 p.m.
Bill Gengler moved to adjourn the meeting. Larry Rogers seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elvita Landau, Library Director