Fargo Public Library Board - July 20, 2021 Minutes

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Minutes

Board Members Present: Rachael Steenholdt, Scott Beaulier, Carlos Hawley Jr., Whitney Oxendahl
Board Members Absent: Kristen Schipper
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Richardson, Betsy Dauer
Others Present:

Vice President Rachael Steenholdt called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared. This meeting was attended virtually and in person. Two Board member’s terms ended in July, Mary Batcheller and Carrie Peterson, reducing the current Board members to five. A quorum of three was present at 4:00 p.m. Whitney Oxendahl arrived at 4:02pm.

Order of Agenda
A motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the Order of the Agenda. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.

Minutes of June 15, 2021 Regular Meeting
Carlos Hawley Jr. made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 15, 2021 meeting. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.

Staff Report
Megan Richardson presented a few highlights of staff updates and events.

Staff updates and Staff development activities:
• LAII Position at Branches – Alexa Deschene, previously a library page, started on July 12.
• Interviewing for two Library Page positions – one for the Carlson Library and one for the Main Library

Community Engagement Events:
• Library staff will be out in the community attending several events in August
• Native American Community Picnic, August 7, at Trollwood Park
• Pride in the Park, August 14, at Island Park
• Red River Market – Kids Day, August 14, at Broadway Square
• Red River Market – Senior Day, August 21, at Broadway Square

Programming:
Upcoming Featured Events & Programs (for a full list of all upcoming FPL activities, visit FargoLibrary.org):

Children
• Baby Rhyme Time Online – July 22 at 10:00 a.m.
• Paws for Reading
-Main Library – July 24
-Carlson Library – August 14
• The Traveling Lantern Theatre Company Presents The Caterpillar Hunter – Monday, July 26 7:00 p.m. to Sunday, Aug. 1 7:00 p.m.
• All About Animals Outdoor Yoga with MojoFit Studios – July 28
-Ages 3-6: 11:00 A.M.
-Ages 7-12: 4:00 P.M.

Teens
• Crafts to Go : Friendship Bracelets – July 26

Adults
• Outdoor Yoga. Classes are held every Thursday evening at 6:30 P.M., weather permitting.
• Book party: August 19, 7 p.m.
• Spice Club: A Take and Make Cooking Club. The featured spice for August is Fennel Seed and pickups will be during the week of August 16-20.
• Book Clubs.
-Diverse Perspectives Book Club, August 12 – Evicted by Matthew Desmond
-Tea Time Book Club, August 9 – The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
-Summer Garden Book Club, August 17 – World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
-Senior Book Club, August 24 – Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum

Multigenerational
• Chess Club

Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to his written report in the Board Packet and gave a library covid update. The Breezeway Café opened July 19th. The mayor’s budget presentation will be Monday, July 26Th.

Unfinished Business
Director’s Review Committee
Vice President Rachael Steenholdt directed the Board to the Director’s Review Committee Recommendations document in the Board Packet. She gave a brief overview of how the committee arrived at these recommendations.

After discussion, a motion was made by Carlos Hawley Jr. to approve the Director’s Review Committee Recommendations. Scott Beaulier seconded the motion; motion carried.

New Business
Notary Public Draft Policy
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Notary Public Draft Policy in the Board Packet. This policy was developed in conjunction with the City Attorney’s Office. Members of the public often inquire about notary services.

A motion was made by Scott Beaulier to approve the Notary Public Draft Policy. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.

Gifts to the Library Policy Review
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Gifts to the Library Policy in the Board Packet. No changes were recommended for this review.

A motion was made by Scott Beaulier to approve the Gifts to the Library Policy as is. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.

Statistical Reports
Usage
The Library had 29,823 registered patrons for the month of June. Program attendance was 4,995. Circulation was up 133.20% compared to June of the previous year. Overall circulation year to date is 403,546.

Financials
There was $1,712 of incoming donations. There was $65 expenditures of donations. The year is 50% lapsed while the budget is 45.25% expended. Revenue is at $7,018.16 year to date.

Friends of the Library Report
No Friends report. Outdoor book sale was July 17th.

Public Comment
Christopher Coen spoke about his public comment at the June 15, 2021 Board Meeting. He stated he had requested a correction be posted to the Fargo Public Library’s website in regards to Director Tim Dirks’ comment to the Forum from March 5, 2021, which said "They will stay on the shelves until they're physically not available based on wear and tear and what have you.” Mr. Coen stated he had the library’s policy and there are many more reasons an item may be removed from the collection.

Vice President Rachael Steenholdt thanked Mr. Coen for staying in the three-minute timeslot. Adding that a decision was made at the April 20, 2021 Board Meeting in regards to the items from his Statement of Concern and that is the final decision.

Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 4 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. The annual meeting followed immediately after the regular meeting.