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Home My WebLink About~Master - Ames Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes of the Regular Meeting 09/19/2016Ames Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes of the Regular Meeting September 19, 2016 The Ames Public Library (APL) Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, September 19, 2016 in the PEO Room, 515 Douglas Avenue, with Acker, Barchman, Butler, Campbell, Linch, Marshall, Rohret and Library Director Carey in attendance. Briese and Glatz were excused. Customer Accounts Services Manager Tracy Briseno and Ames Public Library Friends Foundation Development Officer Elizabeth Beck were guests. Call to Order: Board President Acker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Consent Agenda: Moved by Butler, seconded by Rohret, to approve the following items on the consent agenda: 1) Resolution No. 2016-L035 accepting donations: a) From Helen Seim in honor of Herb Harmison for books for early readers ................. $20.00 b) From Maribeth Henney Irrevocable Trust ............................................................... $150.00 c) In memory of Bill Weisshaar from i) Sarah & Rob Bohlke ......................................................................................... $25.00 ii) Margaret Johnson ............................................................................................. $50.00 iii) Jane Lohnes ..................................................................................................... $35.00 iv) Ronald & Sharon Schorpp ................................................................................ $25.00 v) David & Donna Wilder ....................................................................................... $25.00 d) From Beverly McMahon in appreciation for Herb Harmison’s assistance ............... $100.00 2) Motion approving minutes of the regular meeting of August 18, 2016 3) Motion approving payment of claims 8/1/2016 – 8/31/2016 Vote on Motion: 6-0. Approved unanimously and adopted. Public Forum: None. Ames Public Library Friends Foundation (APLFF) Report: Trustee Butler reported that the auditor, Eric Seeman, presented his financial review of the organization and APLFF Treasurer Jennifer Garst shared that the organization is now holding about $215,000 in unrestricted donations. APLFF’s new Development Officer, Liz Beck, introduced herself. The content of Whistleblower Policy was approved and financial policies were reviewed. Ingrid Place was welcomed to the Sales Committee. Activities, including the Tri-wizard Trek, Author Café, Art Gala, and year-end fundraising mailing, were discussed. Library Director Carey stated that the Teen Advisory Group’s (TAG’s) Tri-wizard Trek took place on September 17. There were 150 participants and it turned out to be a perfect, very fun day. Liz Beck was introduced. She shared her professional background, which includes 27 years as Director of the Iowa State University (ISU) Honors Program, several years as Executive Director of the National Collegiate Honors Council, and six years at Heartland Senior Services. Art Committee Report: Acker said that some works of art already owned by the Library were reviewed at the last meeting and the committee members considered where to hang them. They also discussed how to issue a call for artists, should there be a desire to commission items. 2 Strategic Planning Report: Carey passed around her working copy of the 2016-18 Strategic Plan booklet that will be used, along with a new video, to introduce the plan to staff. Administration Report: Carey said one of the initiatives in the new strategic plan is to increase collaboration with ISU, and several activities are in place: • A class of design students will be working with APL and Wheatsfield Grocery to create works of art out of recycled materials that have words printed on them. Each student will have a column in the vestibule to display his/her interpretation of each assignment. • APL is working closely with freshman education majors, who are assigned to groups to do community projects. Last year’s group won an award for its work with the Library. This fall they will work to present “Bookland,” a live action board game. • A logistics class will come in for a tour and discussion about how the Library operates. • Interviews are taking place to hire the second full semester of interns for public relations, information technology, and two new positions—one for a person who will be assigned to the Bookmobile and the other to work on early literacy skill development. Carey reported that two more cohorts have started the Small Talk program. There are 10 families in one and 15 in the other and staff has not had to recruit. She said representatives of the LENA program were in Ames last week to observe and discuss administration of the program. They were pleased with what they saw and feel APL’s program should positively affect their research. Carey said that last week’s programming schedule was full. In addition to the Cheryl Strayed presentation and Tri-Wizard Trek, APL hosted three programs for Maximum Ames and partnered with IRIS on the Peace Walk at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. The Library will offer programs complementing the presentations at ISU by Gloria Steinem in October and Margaret Atwood in November. In preparation and for promotion, Carey said the Library has created displays of these authors’ works which are very popular. Carey stated that revising the formatting of Page One was another task identified in the strategic plan, and a new design was introduced with the October issue. A large calendar was spread across the inside of both covers and regular, ongoing programs appeared on an insert. Carey called attention to one noteworthy event, the “Art and Artiface of Audiobook Narration” presentation by George Guidall at APL on October 26. Ad Hoc Event Planning Committee Report: Acker said that the “Beyond Words” celebration of the Library’s works of art is scheduled on October 14. She said each ticket comes with two free beverages and the event offers an opportunity to meet some of the artists and participate in a silent auction. 2015/16 Annual Report: Customer Account Services Manager Tracy Briseño said the 2015/16 Annual Report was designed around the four key areas of the new strategic plan. The format uses images, graphics, and bits of information in an attempt to tell the story of what the Library does and how the community uses it in a way that is more meaningful than a column of numbers. Carey said that the Annual Report is the Board’s report to City Council, and she invited the trustees to give the staff feedback on any aspect of it before it is submitted. She complimented Briseño and Jillian Ocken for their hard work pulling the report together, and Karen Thompson 3 for helping compile statistics. Acker suggested that the zombie theme should be identified to help outsiders understand the photo of the teens on the last page. Agreement with Mary Greeley Medical Center: Moved by Linch, seconded by Butler, to adopt a resolution approving the agreement with Mary Greeley Medical Center for the loan and display of a restored stained-glass window from the Greeley Mausoleum. It was noted that the Greeley glass is now hanging in the Rotary Room, in a window where the Library’s original front door was; its companion piece hangs in the atrium at the Medical Center. Vote on motion: 6-0. Resolution No. 2016-L036 approved unanimously and adopted. Artist Proposal: Acker said that Stewart Buck responded to the call for artists that went out a couple years ago from the first art committee. He is a local resident who grew up using Ames Public Library. Approval of this resolution would allow the committee to move forward. Moved by Rohret, seconded by Barchman, to adopt a resolution authorizing the Art Committee to finalize a proposal from Stewart Buck and proceed with the acquisition of an original painting. When asked what the piece would be, Carey said that Buck will present some proposals. He recently spent some time in the Heritage Room and is suggesting a piece with a railroad theme. Carey said he is thrilled about being able to contribute, after having grown up in Ames. A question was asked about the budget. Carey said funding is available from building project money that was raised by the APLFF and has not yet been spent. Vote on motion: 6-0. Resolution No. 2016-L037 approved unanimously and adopted. Trustee Comments: • Marshall said she enjoyed trustee orientation and is excited to serve on the Board. • Campbell welcomed Liz, noting that she is an “Iowa State treasure.” • Barchman congratulated everyone involved in the Tri-wizard Trek, which she said just blew her away. She complimented the teens on their enthusiasm and great work. • Acker invited anyone who is interested to volunteer at the Library’s upcoming events. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by consent at 7:35 p.m. The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., in the Dale H. Ross Board Room, Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Avenue.