02-24-2003 LIBMHutchinson Library Board Minutes
for meeting Monday, Feb. 24, 2003
Present: Julie Jensen, Newt Potter, Connie Lambert, Kay Peterson, Larry
Ladd and Kay Johnson
President Connie Lambert called the meeting to order. Julie Jensen moved
to accept the November, January minutes.
Reports:
1) Pioneerland Update
Jack Sandburg attended the meeting and shared information with the board
on funding issues. At present, the Minnesota Department of Children,
Families and Learning is in a state of flux with potential major changes on
the way. According to John Houlihan, director of Pioneerland, potentially
changes in this state department may be worse for libraries. At present,
the Minnesota Library Association is pushing the Minnesota State Library
Initiative, which Houlihan feels hopeful about. Another option, library user
fees. John Houlihan encourages library staffs and boards to contact
legislators and help them understand how important funding to cities is.
Jack said it is important to note that Pioneerland will cut any library that
is unable to meet its annual financial obligation to the organization.
Fortunately, Hutchinson is one of the healthier libraries. According to
Mary Henke, head librarian, "We have at least three months of operating
income in reserve."
2) Legislative Day, Feb. 19
Mary Henke reported on attending Legislative Day, Feb. 19, 2003, with Amy
Wilde, Meeker County Commissioner. They visited with Steve D. and Tony K.
Mary also sat in a meeting with John Houlihan /Amy Wilde and Dean Urdahl.
Among the issues discussed — the, Education Communications Act, which
would provide a permanent source of funding for telecommunications. It
has been suggested to add a 25 -cent user fee to telephone bills. According
to Mary, "It's always hard to know what kind of impact you had."
Old Business
1 Library Remodeling Project
Plans are in the works for remodeling the Hutchinson Public Library for
the 2004 100 -year anniversary. At present, Lee W. is removing the
baseboards in the upper library section and engraving each piece as to
location. From there, the boards will be stripped, stained and varnished. A
complete schedule of projects was included in the January board minutes.
Mary reported that Lee W. found the ceiling tile pattern at Menards. The
original price was $2.19 per. square. He found it at Menards on sale for 79
cents each. At this time, he is looking for installers to hang the new
ceiling. Mary also brought carpet samples to the meeting. Julie will attend
the March board meeting to discuss carpet, as well as any other issues
regarding the building projects.
New Business
1. Terms expire in April for Hutchinson Library Board members Kay
Johnson and Larry Ladd. Kay Johnson agreed to be reappointed. Larry Ladd
will contact Connie Lambert with his decision.
2. Resignation of Linda Goetz as Children's Librarian. Linda has resigned
her position effective March 15, 2003. She wants to devote her time to
writing. Discussion took place in regard to her position, Pioneerland rules,
etc.
3. 100 -year anniversary of the Library's dedication in June 2004. Board
members are asked to come prepared to the next meeting with ideas for
the 100th anniversary celebration.
Next meeting: at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 24.
Meeting adjourned.