Fargo Public Library Board – June 21, 2022 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 Minutes
Board Members Present: Scott Beaulier, Carlos Hawley Jr., Carrie Peterson, Amy Ouren, Rachael Steenholdt, Jenna Reno
Board Members Absent: Kristen Schipper
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Richardson, Beth Postema
Others Present: Whitney Oxendahl
President Scott Beaulier called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared.
Order of Agenda
A motion was made by Rachael Steenholdt to approve the Order of the Agenda. Jenna Reno seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes of April 19, 2022 Regular Meeting
Rachael Steenholdt made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2022 meeting. Jenna Reno seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Minutes of May 17, 2022 Regular Meeting
Rachael Steenholdt made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 17, 2022 meeting. Jenna Reno seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Public Comment
Former Library Board Member Whitney Oxendahl thanked Scott Beaulier and Rachael Steenholdt for their service to the Fargo Public Library and the community. She recommended to incoming board members that they follow the American Library Association through social media channels to learn more about library issues and about services and programs being offered by other libraries across the country. Director Tim Dirks informed the board that two new board members have been nominated by the Mayor and approved by the City Commission. Hannah Jones and Wanda Mendelkoch will be joining the board in July.
Staff Report
Megan Richardson presented a few highlights of staff updates and events.
Staffing Update:
• Leslie Klingenstein will be retiring effective July 2, 2022. Staff are reviewing applications to fill this position.
• Principal Office Associate interviews are taking place.
Community Engagement:
• The library will have a presence at the Fargo Police Department Community Picnic at Urban Plains Park on Wednesday, June 29.
Programming:
Children
• The Summer Reading Program has launched; daily visits to the Main Library were around 1,300 for each of the first two days the program.
• Oceans Alive at the MSUM Oceanarium is being hosted by FPL as a program off site; all three sessions are full, with a waiting list.
• Gooseberry Park Players perform a preview of SpongeBob, The Musical at Main and at Carlson on July 7.
• Homeward Bound Theatre presents The Wonder Weavers “Pue the Pirate on July 11; kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite pirate.
Teens
• Teen programs are happening every week at Carlson on Tuesday mornings and repeated at Main on Wednesday mornings. This week’s program is on creating DIY book totes
Adults
• There will be a Silent Reading Party at Camp Lone Tree, a rooftop bar, on Sunday, June 26.
• The Farmer’s Lawyer – a Visit with Author Sarah Vogel is happening on Wednesday, July 6 at the Main Library. Vogel is former ND Agriculture Commissioner who argued the case for family farmers against the federal government.
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to his written report in the Board Packet. He commended the work of the steering committee on selecting the planners for the facilities master-planning project.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
Facilities Master Planning Steering Committee Recommendation
Director Tim Dirks distributed the scope of work statement from JLG Architects. He forwarded the recommendation from the Facilities Master Planning Steering Committee to secure the services of JLG Architects to complete a facilities master plan for the Fargo Public Library. He will meet with the City Finance Committee to secure an additional $9,500 to cover the costs above the capital budget appropriation. Rachael Steenholdt moved to approve the selection of JLG Architects as planners for the FPL facilities master plan. Amy Ouren seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Rules of Conduct Policy revision
Director Tim Dirks referred the Board to the Rules of Conduct Draft Policy in the Board Packet. A line was added that states, “Bicycles are not allowed within library buildings.” There was brief discussion of how this addition affects the loan of bicycle locks and other wheeled devices that might cause difficulties in the future.
Rachael Steenholdt moved to approve the Rules of Conduct Policy as drafted. Carlos Hawley, Jr. seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Statistical Reports
Usage
The Library had 27,704 registered patrons for the month of May. The number of library visits was 33% higher than May of 2021, and year-to-date visits have increased by 46%. Internet use is up 52% over last year. Circulation was 11.37% higher compared to the same month of the previous year and has increased by 13.36% year-to-date. Director Tim Dirks noted the number of volunteer hours, stating that many volunteers were happy to return after the various closures. There was no need to recruit many new volunteers.
Financials
The Fargo Public Library received $1,000 in a directed gift from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library. Of that donation, $162 has been spent. With 42% of the fiscal year passed, the library has expended of 42.21% of its total budget. The library has collected $10,596 in revenue thus far this fiscal year.
Friends of the Library Report
There was no report from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library. Director Tim Dirks reported that the Friends had raised over $1,000 at their latest book sale.
Next Board Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, at 4 p.m. The Annual Meeting of the Board, including election of board officers, will also take place on that date, following the regular monthly board meeting.
Director Tim Dirks presented plaques to both Scott Beaulier and Rachael Steenholdt on behalf of the City of Fargo Commission in appreciation for their years of service to the library and the citizens of Fargo.
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.