Fargo Public Library Board – April 15, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Jenna Reno, Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch, Paul Jensen and Hannah James
Board Members Absent: John Rodenbiker
Staff Present: 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
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the order of the agenda; Hannah James seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the March 18 Regular Meeting
Wanda Mengelkoch moved to approve the minutes of the March 18 Regular Meeting; Hannah James 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:
• Staffing
– Ann Arbor Miller is a returning employee, hired as LA I. Another position is awaiting final backgrounding process
• General Information
– We are closed on Friday for the Holiday
• Community Engagement
– We have started offering computer classes at the YWCA Emergency Shelter once a month.
– This is a six month trial.
• Children
– Bugs in Your Backyard, April 19, 10 a.m.
Main Library
• Teens
– Teen Hangout, Apr 17, 2-4 p.m.
Dr. James Carlson Library
– Teen Book Club, Apr 5, 6 p.m.
Main Library
• Adults
– Word Dances: Poetry in Motion, Apr 22, 6:30 p.m.
Main Library
– Free for All: The Public Library, Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Apr 23, 7 p.m., at the Fargo Theater in partnership with Prairie Public
– Craft Supply Swap, Apr 26, 11 a.m.
Main Library *craft supply donors may arrive at 10 a.m. with entry ticket
• Hannah James extended her gratitude to the FPL staff in recognition of National Library Week
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted recent media interviews regarding Federal budget cuts and Legislative bills currently impacting libraries.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business.
New Business
• 2024 Impact Report
– Reports were distributed to all board members by Director Tim Dirks
– Director Dirks gave special thanks to Melisa Duncan for her excellent work creating the report.
• Legislative Update/Senate Bill 2307
– The bill passed the Senate by 2 votes on Monday.
– A reconsider vote was attempted today but did not have enough support.
– The State’s Attorneys have publicly expressed strong opposition to the bill.
– FPL has strong support from the City Administration and City Attorneys.
– The bill is waiting on the Governor’s signature or veto.
There is currently no timeline for when the bill will be sent to his office.
Paul Jensen encouraged everyone to contact the Governor to support a veto.
• Endowment Disbursement Expenditures
– Annual Disbursements from the Endowments held by the FM Area Foundation total $26,600.
– Director Dirks is proposing using these funds for:
– Reupholster furniture at Main Library($7,000)
– Replace Children’s Furniture at the Dr. James Carlson Library ($13,700)
– Motion was made by Paul Jensen to approve the disbursements. Motion was seconded by Kristen Schipper. The motion passed unanimously.
• 2026 Library Budget Proposal
– Director Dirks detailed the 2026 Budget Proposal
– Hannah James inquired where the self-checkouts were needed.
– Director Dirks indicated Main, but Carlson and Northport will also be evaluated.
– Paul Jensen asked why there is such a big jump for Maintenance Service Contracts(MSC).
– Director Dirks explained that MSC have been increasing annually with no budget increases for the past several years from the City.
– He also suggested to City Administration that perhaps it would be fiscally prudent to explore consolidating contracts across the city to potentially lower costs.
– Motion was made by Wanda Mengelkoch to approve the 2026 Budget Proposal. A second was made by Paul Jensen. The motion carried unanimously.
Statistical Reports
March Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that, despite a drop in circulation and attendance during January and February, March saw record numbers. Program attendance also increased over March of last year.
March Financials
Director Tim Dirks with 25% of the year complete, our budget is at 23.24% spent. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks.
Friends of the Library Report
Marisa Nygord, the Friends president was in attendance. Marisa noted the following:
• The Semi Annual Book Sale resulted in record sales at Main of $3,800.
– Marisa was appreciative of strong local media coverage.
– The Friends also conducted a special sale for FPS teachers which resulted in $580 income.
– The Friends committed funds to support financial the Library’s Summer Reading and Northern Narratives Programs this month.
– Marisa was asked how to donate books to the Friends Bookstore (“2nd Editions”)
Books can be dropped at the bookstore directly during bookstore hours.
A limit of 5 boxes may be dropped off at the Library anytime during open hours.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled Tuesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.