Fargo Public Library Board – July 19, 2022 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 Minutes
Board Members Present: Carlos Hawley Jr., Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch, Hannah James (virtual) and Amy Ouren (virtual)
Board Members Absent: Carrie Peterson, Jenna Reno
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Richardson
Others Present: Shelly Byron, Commissioner Arlette Preston, Whitney Oxendahl
Interim President Carlos Hawley called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. and a quorum was declared. He welcomed new members Hannah James and Wanda Mengelkoch.
Order of the Agenda Approved
Kristen Schipper made a motion to approve the Order of the Agenda. Amy Ouren seconded the motion; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Minutes of the June 21, 2022 Regular Meeting Approved
Amy Ouren made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 21, 2022 meeting. Second by Kristen Schipper; all the members voted aye and the motion carried.
Public Comment
Whitney Oxendahl said when she has served on the Library Board she realized one of the most important things the Board did was approving policy. She said some things she feels could improve the process would be to include having an advocate from the homeless community give feedback before a policy is passed and bring policy past DEI Director Terry Hogan to be sure policies remain welcoming to people in the community. Also, having someone from circulation or staff at the Library talk about how existing policy looks and how it would look after a policy change. Talking about before and after would help to get all the questions answered.
Staff Report
Megan Richardson presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
Staffing Update:
• Cindy Haff has been selected as Principal Office Associate and will begin next week and the Board members will be able to meet her at next month’s Board meeting.
Community Engagement:
• Pride in the Park – August 13, 11:00-4:00 p.m. at Island Park
• Red River Market – August 20, 10:00 a.m. at Broadway Plaza
• Native American Community Picnic – August 20 at MB Johnson Park in Moorhead
• The partnership with Job Service is expanding to have Job Service representatives visit the Carlson Library the second Tuesday and the Main Library the third Thursday of each month.
• The Summer Reading Program is still going strong; the Reading Challenge goes through August 20th.
• School Supply Bingo is happening halfway through August at all three Library locations.
• Crafting programs continue for all ages, adult book clubs continue through the summer and a Silent Reading Party will be held this weekend at Drekker.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He said the request for four FTE’s has been reduced to two FTE’s in the Mayor’s Preliminary Budget and, if possible, he will ask for the other two FTE’s mid-year. Capital funds for the replacement of the main shades is in the preliminary budget and as far as operating, $20,000.00 is in the preliminary budget for books and periodicals and there is an increase in the computer line of $7,500.00. Also, in the preliminary budget is a 3.5 percent cost of living adjustment. As in the past, some of what is requested is granted, not all.
Unfinished business
No unfinished business was discussed.
New Business
Director Tim Dirks said an Impact Report is done as a snapshot annually for elected officials, donors and stakeholders.
Statistical Reports
June Usage
Director Tim Dirks said June attendance up 30% from last June and visits through June are up 42% from last year. Programming has been moderated somewhat due to staffing issues. It is great to have the volunteers are back. Internet usage and webpage hits are about the same as last June. Overall circulation is up 11% over last year.
June Financials
Director Tim Dirks said the Library received $208.00 from the Women’s Club and $108.00 anonymous. Expenses include $450.00 for the Traveling Lamp Program and a $218.00 grant reimbursement. He thanked the Friends of the Library for the staff recognition cards, which would not be possible if they did not fund it. At the halfway point in the year, about 49% of the budget is expended. Revenue through the end of June is at $11,388.18.
Friends of the Library Report
No report.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2022 at 4 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.