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MINUTES OF
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 28, 2007 The Hennepin County Library Board met Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at the Ridgedale Library. Present: John Gibbs, Holly Guncheon, Patricia Izek, Claudia Kelly, David Pratt, Cynthia Steinke, and Therese VanBlarcom. Library Staff: Amy Ryan, Judith Friedrich, Lois Langer Thompson, Patrick Jones, Linda Trandem, Rebecca Mobarry, Margie Schuster, Sharon Ehresmann, Lin Maki, Gretchen Wronka, Margaret Gillespie, Bill Berg and Marilyn Zastrow. Public: Diane Sannes and Mike Maki. CALL TO ORDER John Gibbs, President called the Hennepin County Library Board Meeting of March 28, 2007 to order at 5 p.m. and welcomed all attendees. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Agenda was unanimously approved. MINUTES Patricia Izek moved approval of the minutes of the February 28, 2007 Library Board meeting, Therese VanBlarcom seconded the motion which was approved. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Gibbs invited members of the public to provide comments to the Library Board. Diane Sannes, Friends of the Brookdale Library asked if communication between Hennepin County Library's Friends groups and the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library was permitted. The Hennepin County Library Board does not oppose communication between the groups. Library Board members make an effort to attend Friends of the Library meetings, appreciate, and share news of their support and activities with others. PROGRAM - Library Board Recognition - 2007 Acts of Caring Award from the National Association of Counties for At Home Service Mr. Gibbs introduced Lin Maki, Patrick Jones, Becky Mobarry, Linda Trandem and Sharon Ehresmann, Outreach, and presented a certificate of recognition from the Library Board. Lin Maki summarized the program. Amy Ryan and John Gibbs will attend the National Association of Counties Award ceremony on April 26 in Washington, D.C. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS David Pratt: Attended the Hennepin County Board meetings on the proposed Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Library consolidation. Holly Guncheon: Has worked with Pen Pals and thanked the Ridgedale Library for displaying art from local elementary schools. Therese VanBlarcom: Attended information meetings regarding the proposed consolidation. Cynthia Steinke: Advised all to "go carefully in all the details" when considering the proposed consolidation. Patricia Izek: Expressed appreciation for the wonderful service the library provides by displaying artwork for school districts. She also plans to attend future Friends of the Library group meetings. John Gibbs: Attended the retirement farewell for Janet Leick. It was inspiring to see the level of support from colleagues from other county departments. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Position vacancies - Sandy Vargas, Hennepin County Administrator, accepted the position of Director of the Minneapolis Foundation effective April 2. Richard P. Johnson was named the acting County Administrator. Janet Leick's retirement left a vacancy which has been scrutinized and some changes have occurred. In addition, Amy Ryan's involvement in County matters with Information Technology Governance, Property Services, etc., resulted in a need for a Deputy Director to be in charge in her absence. Lois Langer Thompson was selected and accepted this position which will oversee the Library Services Division, Human Resources & Payroll and Budget & Finance. After further review, the Operations Division Manager vacant position will be held open for approximately 30 days and during this time, Facilities & Security and Material & Procurement will report to the Library Director. Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis Public Library proposed merger overview:
Urban Libraries Council Conference A brochure for the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Conference, Library Board travel information and conference calendar were distributed to Library Board members. Amy is attending the conference, May 4-5, 2007 in Cleveland, Ohio as a co-presenter on, "Culture Impact on Institutional Buildings." Lois Langer Thompson will conduct the April 25, 2007 board meeting. Priority Ideas for Development and Implementation in 2007 Discussion occurred on HCL's mission, vision, and service commitment. Priorities highlighted for 2007 include: developing 21st Century libraries, positive environments, youth development in after school success, lifelong learning access for serving adults 55+, and community outreach to new and prospective customers. NEW BUSINESS Appointment of a Nominating Committee: Officers for 2007 Mr. Gibbs appointed Mr. Pratt, Chair with Ms. Steinke and Ms. Izek to present nominations for officers at the April 25, 2007 Library Board meeting. OLD BUSINESS Report from Bylaws Review Subcommittee - Therese VanBlarcom and Patricia Izek Issues discussed and recommendations made:
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS Ms. Guncheon moved to accept the donations, seconded by Ms. Izek, motion passed (seven yeas).
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