Fargo Public Library Board - February 15, 2022 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Minutes
Board Members Present: Scott Beaulier, Carlos Hawley Jr., Kristen Schipper, Amy Ouren, Rachael Steenholdt
Board Members Absent: Carrie Peterson, Jenna Reno
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Richardson, Betsy Dauer
Others Present:
President Scott Beaulier called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. and a quorum was declared. This meeting was attended virtually and in person. The meeting started a few minutes late as the meeting prior ran long. Rachael Steenholdt joined a few minutes after the meeting started.
Order of Agenda
A motion was made by Kristen Schipper to approve the Order of the Agenda. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.
Minutes of January 18, 2021 Regular Meeting
Carlos Hawley Jr. made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2021 meeting. Kristen Schipper seconded the motion; motion carried.
Staff Report
Megan Richardson presented a few highlights of staff updates and events.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to his written report in the Board Packet and gave a library covid update. Currently two staff are impacted by Covid.
Unfinished Business
No unfinished business.
New Business
Adjustment to Sunday Hours
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the action item summary sheet in the Board Packet regarding an adjustment to Sunday hours. Supporting the action item summary sheet is a letter from Director Tim Dirks to Michael Redlinger documenting the current understaffing and staff availability issues. Director Tim Dirks recommendation to the Board is to close 11 additional Sunday’s in 2022 starting March 6 through the standard summer schedule until September 4, 2022. Library admin staff have worked with City HR to determine a staffing shortage of 4 FTE. Director Tim Dirks has spoken with City Administration about the identified 4 FTE positions.
The Board decided they will write a letter to the City supporting the addition 4 FTE’s being requested.
After Board discussion, a motion was made by Kristen Schipper to approve the recommendation by Director Tim Dirks. Amy Ouren seconded the motion; motion carried.
Rules of Conduct Draft Policy
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Rules of Conduct Draft Policy in the Board Packet. Changes were identified to align the policy with City Attorney recommendations regarding temporary and permanent trespasses. All changes are in the last paragraph. The last sentence of the last paragraph was added. It says, “Individuals who have been trespassed may contact the Library Director to appeal their trespassed status.
A motion was made by Amy Ouren to approve the Rules of Conduct Policy as presented. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.
Zero Tolerance Draft Policy
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Zero Tolerance Policy in the Board Packet. Changes were identified to align the policy with City Attorney recommendations regarding temporary and permanent trespasses. Changes included replacing “permanently baring” with “indefinitely trespassing” and “indefinite trespass” in two sentences and adding the last sentence, “Individuals who have been trespassed may contact the Library Director to appeal their trespassed status.
A motion was made by Kristen Schipper to approve the Zero Tolerance Policy as presented. Carlos Hawley Jr. seconded the motion; motion carried.
Statistical Reports
Usage
The Library had 27,997 registered patrons for the month of January. Program attendance was 1,373. Circulation was up 42.38% compared to January of the previous year. Overall circulation year to date is 71,156.
Financials
There was $7,435 of incoming donations. There was $2,287 expenditures of donations. The year is 8% lapsed while the budget is 11.29% expended. The thirteenth period of 2021 ended with $27,484 remaining of a total $4,955,257 budget or utilization of 99.45%. Revenue is at $1,157.13 year to date.
Friends of the Library Report
No Friends report.
Public Comment
Christopher Cohen spoke for the allotted time. He spoke about his experience with the statement of concern process. He would like a citizen on the statement of concern committee and an appeal process.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2021 at 4 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Dauer