Fargo Public Library Board – November 19, 2024 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, John Rodenbiker, Kristen Schipper, Paul Jensen, Hannah James, Jenna Reno
Board Members Absent: Wanda Mengelkoch
Staff: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Board President Amy Ouren 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; Kristen Schipper seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the October 15 Regular Meeting
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the minutes of the Oct. 15 Regular Meeting; John Rodenbiker seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no one present for public comment.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• General News
Northport will reopen on Wednesday, Nov 20.
• Children's
– Family Thanksgiving STEAM, Nov. 23, 10 a.m., Main Library. (Registration is required.)
– Stories after Dark Storytime, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., Dr. James Carlson Library
• Teen
– Cookie Decorating (Registration is required; opens Monday)
Dec. 9, 5 p.m., Main Library
Dec.10, 5 p.m., Dr. James Carlson Library
• Multigenerational
– Family Puzzle Competition, Nov. 30, 10 a.mm, Main Library. (Call to register)
– Denby M. Deegan Exhibit – Main Library Breezeway, all of November
"The Architecture of Surrounded by Enemy, Denby M. Deegan"
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted his meeting with the Mayor, City Administration and Liaison Commissioner Michelle Turnberg on Oct. 16 regarding the Library environment and recent volume and severity of incidents. The Mayor and City Admin were in agreement to begin looking at having 2 part time Facility Protection Officers dedicated to covering Library, along with contract security. Hannah James asked about a possible timeline for this. Director Dirks indicated there is not currently a timeline established. Director Dirks also informed the Board that he is working with Transit to identify a new contracted security service. Seven(7) proposals were received for this joint contract.
Kristen Schipper asked if, with winter weather approaching, will the number of incidents lower. Director Dirks answered no, as we typically service as a haven for the unhoused during inclement weather. Often we see an uptick in higher consumption incidents during bad weather.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• Meeting Room Policy
– In lieu of the 2025 hours of service update, a new draft of the Meeting Room Policy was issued in order to ensure adequate access for library programming. It was proposed that the Main Library Community Room will need to be reserved on Saturdays for FPL events only. All Branch meeting rooms and the Main Library conference rooms will remain open and available to the public.
Board Questions
– Jenna Reno asked about typical usage of the Main Community Room. Director Dirks was not sure of exact numbers, but with losing Sundays for programming, the room will be needed for events.
– Hannah James moved to accept the item as presented. Paul Jensen seconded the motion. It passed unanimously.
• Northport Projects update:
– Northport Branch will reopen with normal hours Wednesday, Nov. 20.
– Kudos to the Facilities Management team and FPL Staff for excellent work and cooperation.
– No issues and we came in under budget.
– Paul Jensen asked if we would be having a grand re-opening or if media would be present.
– Director Dirks indicated this would be a quiet opening.
Statistical Reports
October Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted continued increases in Attendance, Volunteer Hours, Electronic activity and Circulation in October. Total circulation has increased year-to-date by 7.85%. He stated we are still on track to exceed 2019 numbers.
October Financials
Director Tim Dirks noted with 83% of the year lapsed, we are at 78.39% of the Budget spent. We are identifying needs left for purchasing, especially in the area of electronic resources and technology. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks. 2024 Revenue has now exceeded 2024 budget expectations by almost $5000.
Friends of the Library Report
No representative was in attendance.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:17 p.m.