November 8, 2006

The regular meeting of the Rapid City Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by Monte Loos on November 8, 2006 at 5:13 p.m. 

Members Present: Monte Loos, James Olson, Sandra McNeely, Ron Kroeger, Sue Callahan and Greta Chapman

Audience: Heidi Archie, Terri Davis, David Castelli

Excused: Maria McCarthy-Anderson, Eric Abrahamson

Introduction of Staff

David Castelli: New employee working as the Training and Reference Services Librarian I.

Public Comment

MINUTES

Olson moved approval of minutes; McNeely seconded motion; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS

Budget Narrative, City Budget and Bills, County Budget and Bills, Library Board Funds Budget and Bills: Kroeger moved approval of consent calendar items; Olson seconded motion; no further discussion; motion passed unanimously.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Director’s Report: Olson questioned if staff had been contacted by county in response to negotiations. Chapman stated there has been general community conversation and there were comments shortly after the letter went out to county residents, but they had decreased.

Statistics Narrative: Olson questioned whether the statistics on the email computer hours was available last year? Davis commented that last year the email computers were free standing machines without timing software. This year we have installed the timing software on them allowing a 30 minute limit. The computer usage would still be up over last year without the addition of the email computers.

Olson questioned if Library staff could deduct what was driving the amount of new Pennington County borrowers? Chapman replied that information was not currently available. However, previously sampling indicates that they are either new resident, new to library services or haven’t used services in many years. Staff will determine if this type of tracking could be incorporated for future reviews pending contract negotiations.

Olson questioned if county users were in a database and can be sorted by zip codes? Chapman responded that that information was available and has recently been done. However maps weren’t created due to a lack of interface between software systems. Olson would like to know if an interface is possible or if information would have to be input manually. The Board feels the information would be useful for determining major usage areas of county residents.

Statistics Report: No additional comments on the Statistics Report.

Space Use Update: A permit is currently pending from the South Dakota Historical Preservation Board to demo the wall for Friends book sale area.

McNeely asked if anything has changed with regard to funding. Chapman responded that nothing has changed.

POLICY COMMITTEE

Contract Renewal List: McNeely moves approval of contract renewal list; Olson seconded motion; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

Closed Days Calendar: McNeely moved approval of the closed days calendar; Olson seconded motion; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

LIAISONS

City Council Liaison: Kroeger asked for any questions. Chapman stated the Department Heads, Mayor and Council have a meeting scheduled to discuss roles and responsibilities.

Chapman asked how the Civic Center was going. Kroeger responded that all bids were rejected for cost and a meeting is being scheduled to discuss what will happen next. Chapman asked if some of the high cost was based on the assertive timeline. Kroeger said he didn’t think so. The program was fast-tracked and some items may have been missed, but not enough to add $7 million dollars. Currently the Council has two projects over $9 million over budget.

County Liaison: Callahan gave a handout to the Board regarding her notes from the County Commissioners meeting from October 31, 2006. The purpose of the meeting was to finalize contracts with Wall, Hill City and Keystone libraries. Olson appreciated Callahan attending the Commissioners meeting.

Callahan commented that with the recent elections, she was unsure of the process of filling Kirkeby’s seat. Loos stated procedurally it is an appointment by the commission but it is unclear whether new or old commission. It would depend on when he tenures resignation. Chapman commented that elected officials are involved and make the decision.

Foundation: Chapman stated the Capital Campaign project is underway and their goal is to raise $50,000 by the first of the year.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Foundation and the Board has been negotiated as is ready for review and approval by the Board. Olson moved approval of the MOU and authorizing Loos to sign on behalf of the Board of Trustees; Kroeger seconded motion; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

Friends: No comments or questions on minutes. Davis commented that the Friends met today and has newly elected officers:

• Keith Storm - President
• Carol Jenkins – Vice President (new member)
• Jim Miller – Secretary (new member)
• Karen Allen – Treasurer

Davis felt they are progressing as a group and are interested in growing and changing.

Chapman commented that she and Davis held an orientation meeting last week for new members and had about 10 new members present. Davis commented they are excited about new book sale items.

McNeely asked how many members the group currently has. Davis responded that the membership up to 37 but not all are active.

State Library Board: Abrahamson not present.

Other:

Executive Session

Olson moved to go into Executive Session to consider negotiations with Pennington County Contract at 5:50 p.m.; McNeely seconded motion; no further discussion; motion passed unanimously.

The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. No action was taken from the Executive Session.

Olson motioned to adjourn meeting at 6:30 p.m.; McCarthy-Anderson seconded; no further discussion; motion carried unanimously.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friends of the Library Monthly Meeting November 8, 2006

Foundation Board

Board Agenda December 4, 2006

Board Meeting December 13, 2006