Fargo Public Library Board – July 16, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Jenna Reno, John Rodenbiker, Paul Jensens, Hannah James (Online)
Board Members Absent: Amy Ouren, Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch
Staff: Tim Dirks, Melisa Duncan, Cindy Haff
Board Vice President Jenna Reno called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the June18 Regular Meeting
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the minutes of the June 18 Regular Meeting; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no one present for public comment
Staff Report
Melisa Duncan presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Staffing
– Anna Lynch was promoted to Teen Librarian/ Adults Services Librarian
– Dani Leapaldt was promoted to Librarian at the Northport Library
– Dani (LAIII) and Anna's (LAI) former positions are currently open along with an LAIII Position for Carlson
• Children's Event Highlights
– Adventures in Science!
July 13, 1 p.m. at Main Library (Registration is Required)
– Navy Week: Sailors Read to Kids Storytime
July 25, 10 a.m. at Main Library
• Teen Event Highlights
– Adventures in Science!
July 13, 3 p.m. at Main Library (Registration is Required)
• Adult Event Highlights
– Navy Week: Educational Displays
July 24, 11 a.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
July 25, 10 a.m. at Main Library
– Navy Band Great Lakes Brass Quintet Concert
July 24, 1 p.m. at Dr. James Carlson Library
Director's Report
Director Tim Dirks took vacation from July 8-12
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• 2025 Budget Updates
– Director Tim Dirks has attended 2 Departmental meetings with the COF Budget team.
– The Mayor's Preliminary Budget is scheduled to be released on July 25
• Operating Increases
– Books & Materials – tentatively looks to receive less than half of the requested budget increases for 2025
– Marketing and Programming increases were denied
• Capital Expenses
– Repurposing of the Coffee Shop has been preliminarily approved
• State Aid was received at a higher level than expected
– Carpet and Door Widening projects for 2024 are approved
• Staffing Requests
– Strong possibility of the Security position being approved
– Will be based under facilities, and not library
– Director Dirks has been assured this will be strictly a library designated position
– Request for status of other unfilled library positions is unknown at this time
– Request to increase Page's wage is unknown at this time
– Paul Jensen asked, in reference to our current budget, if we expect to meet or exceed the 2024 budget
– Director Tim Dirks answered he is confident we will come in within our 2024 budget
– Vice President Jenna Reno inquired as to the plans for the Coffee Shop Space
– Director Tim Dirks confirmed a gender-neutral bathroom, a private nursing room and a laundry area for the Wiggle Room are slated for this space.
Statistical Reports
June Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted continued increases in Attendance, Volunteer Hours, Electronic activity and Circulation in June. The strong volunteer hours growth does not include the Friends of the Fargo Public Library Bookstore.
June Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks. 2024 Revenue to date was $16,827.12 and is on pace for 2024 budget expectations.
Friends of the Library Report
There was no report from the Friends this month.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.