Fargo Public Library Board – August 15, 2023 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Wanda Mengelkoch, Jenna Reno, Paul Jensen, Kristen Schipper, Hannah James (online)
Board Members Absent: Carrie Peterson
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Others Present:
Board Vice President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda Approved
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the order of the agenda; Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the July 18 Regular Meeting
Jenna Reno moved to approve the minutes of the July 18 Regular Meeting; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
There were no members of the public present
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Community Engagement
– Native American Community Picnic, Aug 19 at MB Johnson Park
– Day of Dignity, August 27 in Broadway Square
• Children
– School Supply Bingo, August 22
Northport -11 am
Main-2 pm
• Teen/Tween
– DIY Buttons and Magnets
Northport - Sept 14, 4:30 pm
Carlson -Sept 18, 11 am
• Adult
– Author Visit Sept 11, 1:30, Carlson; author Sylvan Loegering, A Big Challenge for a Little Brother
– Reforest the Red, Sept 12, 12 pm Lindenwood Park
This is a One Book One Community Event
Amy Ouren asked if there would be Evening Storytime scheduled this fall. Megan said she did not believe there were any scheduled but will check and get back to the Board with a definitive answer
Director's Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He addressed the citizen concerns regarding and increase in incidents at the Main Library this summer. He assured the Board that all incidents have been relayed to the City of Fargo Administration. Director Dirks indicated all questions or concerns raised to FPL Board members can be directed directly to himself.
Mr. Dirks also advised the board that Harm Reduction staff are aware of the elevated incident level and hare trying to be present as much as possible, keeping in mind their own staffing issues and needs
Kristen Shipper asked if Mr. Dirks was concerned for staff safety. Director Dirks answered he is always concerned for them and acknowledged the staff are well trained in how to manage incidents and always do a good job with it.
Paul Jensen asked if the City is looking into the reasons for the escalation. Mr. Dirks did not have a answer for what the City has or has not looked into
Amy Ouren asked if attendance has suffered due to the elevated incident level. Mr. Dirks answered that it has not and that numbers continue to rise post-pandemic.
Ms. Ouren followed up with a question of how to prevent people from entering the Children's Area who don't belong there. Director Dirks answered with a reminder that parents must always be vigilant in public spaces. The staff will do what they can to monitor, but parents must remain vigilant of their children in any public space, including the library.
Amy Ouren finished up by asking if there is anything else citizens can do. Director Tim Dirks answered by reminding them that citizens should first and foremost relay any and all concerns to himself. He also encouraged anyone wanting to take matters further should contact their City Elected Officials with their concerns. Director Dirks did reiterate that he brings all concerns to the City Administration.
Paul Jensen asked if any elected officials had reported back to Director Dirks with action plans or a response. They had not. Mr. Jensen then asked if the situation was intolerable. Director Dirks answered that, while it has the potential, it is not currently intolerable.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business
New Business
A. Law Enforcement Inquiries Procedures Draft
Tim Dirks presented updated Law Enforcement Inquiries Procedures Draft, which clarifies that requests for security camera footage by law enforcement does not need any additional approval from Library Administration and the request should be accommodated as soon as possible.
Director Dirks explained this was precipitated by the shooting incident at Carlson and was updated to clarify the procedure for staff with specifics. Paul Jensen asked if staff were trained for these situations. Tim Dirks assured him that they are fully trained. Mr. Jensen then asked if it was clear to staff that these guidelines applied only for requests for security camera footage.
Mr. Dirks referred to the first line of the new language which clearly spells out it is for security camera footage.
Hannah James motioned for the draft to be approved as written. Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The Draft was approved unanimously
Statistical Reports
July Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that numbers continue to climb. Volunteer hours climbed this month as well. Circulation is up 9% for the year and library visits up 11%. Program attendance has increased year to date by43%.
July Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted a continued Healthy trend upward. With 58 % of the year complete, the budget is at 55% Revenue is just over $20,000 for the year.
Director Dirks thanked the Friends of the Fargo Public Library for their continued donations which serve to enhance what we are able to provide to the community as well as to our staff. It is greatly appreciated.
Friends of the Library Report
No representatives were present to give a report
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.