Fargo Public Library Board – May 16, 2023 Minutes

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Minutes

Board Members Present: Carlos Hawley, Amy Ouren, Wanda Mengelkoch, Kristen Schipper
Board Members Absent: Jenna Reno, Carrie Peterson, Hannah James
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff

Board President Carlos Hawley 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; Amy Ouren seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Minutes of the April 18 Regular Meeting
Amy Ouren moved to approve the minutes of the May 16 Regular Meeting; Wanda Mendelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Public Comment
There was no public comment

Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Staffing
– Robert Wilkinson has joined the FPL as Branch Services Librarian this week (May 15)
• Children
– The Summer Reading Program (Theme: All Together Now) begins with a Jun 5 Kickoff event at Skate City from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with free admission and skate rentals for anyone ages 16 and under. Skate rentals for adults is $10 per person.
– SRP Pre-registration begins May 22
– The Namaste program – kid’s yoga – is Jun 15 at 11 a.m.
• Teen/Tween
– Teen Book Club begins Jun 6 at 1 p.m. Book discussion is on Out: How To Be Your Authentic Self by Miles McKenna. They will also be making pride flag or pronoun keychains & necklaces. Copies of the book are available at the Carlson and Main information desks.
– Call of the Wild: Outdoor Skills for Kids is being held Jun 20. Registration is required
• Adult
– Community Game Nights – begin June 5 – Staff will introduce one game each session. A variety of tabletop games will be provided. Community is encouraged to bring a favorite game to share
– Puzzle Competition – June 10, 1 p.m. Teams of up to 4. Teams will have 2 hours to complete a 500-piece puzzle that they can keep. Top 3 teams will win a prize.

Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks summarized the written report in the Board Packet. He highlighted the Read-in Event hosted by the Friends of the Fargo Public Library which was attended by approximately 65-70 people.

Unfinished Business
Salary & Benefit Details for the 2024 Staffing Request were provided and reviewed. If approved by the City, these hires will be done early in 2024.

New Business
A. Facilities Master Plan Document
Tim Dirks presented the Facilities Master Plan Document developed in conjunction with JLG Architects and Library IQ. Amy Ouren moved to approve the plan; Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.
B. Statement of Concern Policy
Tim Dirks presented the updated Statement of Concern Policy reworded to limit reconsiderations to City of Fargo tax paying residents. Kristin Schipper moved to approve as presented; Wanda Mengelkoch seconded the motion. The motion carried.
C. Legislative Update
Tim Dirks reported that HB 1205 was passed into law by the Legislature. After several meetings with the City Attorney’s office and City Administration, it was decided our current policies and procedures already existing are in compliance and no changes are needed by the Fargo Public Library. We will consider only the Children’s Collection (as the specific wording of 1205 indicates) in challenges referencing this law. Tim Dirks explained that we will submit our current policies to the specific legislative management team when directed as per item #4 of Section 1 of the bill.

Statistical Reports
April Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that the usage statistics continue to outpace the previous year. Even with several program cancellations due to continued severe winter weather, program attendance increased. Program attendance has increased by 53% and library visits are up 15%

April Financials
Director Tim Dirks recognized the gifts from the Friends of the Library which were donated towards the Children’s Summer Reading Program and funds used for programming and Library Workers Appreciation. Many thanks to the Friends for their continued support.

In terms of expenditures, 32% of the library’s budget has been spent.

Friends of the Library Report
No Friends report this month

Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.

The meeting adjourned at 4:31 p.m.