Scottsbluff Public Library
Board
Regular Meeting – 2:00 p.m.
April 8, 2008
Minutes
President Teresa Clark called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Present were Teresa Clark, Kristin Wiebe, Sue Waite, Eric Vath, Library Director Bev Russell and Librarian Jana Kehn, who took notes. Also present were Shirley Flack, Donna Giebler, and Maunette Loeks, reporting for the StarHerald. Carol Holyoke was absent.
A notice of the meeting had been published on April 4, 2008, in the Star Herald, a newspaper published and of general circulation in the city. The notice stated the date, hour and place of the meeting, that the meeting would be open to the public. Anyone with a disability desiring reasonable accommodation to attend the council meeting should contact the Library Director’s office. An agenda of the meeting, kept continuously current, was available for public inspection at the office of the Library Director. The Library Board could modify the agenda at the meeting if it is determined that an emergency so required. A similar notice, together with a copy of the agenda, also had been delivered to each Library Board member.
Teresa noted that a copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act was posted in the meeting room.
Agenda item 8b Discussion of current campaign status and strategy for remainder of capital campaign, including Gering City Council Special Meeting agenda item discussing shared library services discussing shared library services will be moved to follow item 4.
There were none.
Bev opened the discussion by saying it has been an interesting week. The idea for moving the library to Gering came from a Gering Council work session. It did not come from anyone connected with the City of Scottsbluff. Two members of the Library Board, Bev, two Council members and the City Manager met last Thursday to discuss the plan for the library and to set a date for the end of the formal capital campaign. It was a good discussion. Kristin, Teresa, and Bev told Rick and the Council members of their meeting with Leo Daly architect Ed Vidlak. We looked at ways to accomplish our goal of an expanded/remodeled library with the funds available. We felt many good ideas came out of the meeting with Ed and summarized them for Rick and Council representatives. Council assured us of their support for this project and appreciated our efforts to work within the funds raised. During the meeting we realized that Gerings’ idea of a joint library with part of it housed in the old Gering Sunmart Building had been reported on KNEB.
Teresa said that it was great to discuss collaboration, and the Library Board wants to continue to do so, but public input is needed. We need to focus on the rest of our own campaign.
Kristin was sorry that Gering did not address their idea privately and not in such a formal meeting.
Sue heard from patrons again in support of the library project. Sue mentioned that her televised remarks, regarding Gerings’ proposal, were highly edited. She has received five phone calls opposed to the Gering proposal. She told them that we have not deviated from our plan. We seem to be at the mercy of public discussion and the media.
Bev remarked that the public nature of this proposal was unfortunate. Our last meeting with City Council was so positive. Any major changes should always involve the public because this is their library. We did our homework four years ago and incorporated their ideas into our plan. We have no plans to quit now.
Teresa mentioned that public support has been overwhelming.
Kristin said she felt we were unifying and coordinating well with the City, following our leadership meeting last Thursday.
Shirley Flack asked who were the City representatives.
Teresa said they were Randy Meininger, Linda Redfern and Rick Kuckkahn. She felt after that meeting that we were all on the same track.
Sue believed that we shouldn’t be angry about discussion. It was just unfortunate that we were blindsided.
Bev mentioned that the Library Board has taken time to research every suggestion and listened to all ideas that have been formally presented. After spending time to go back and look at ideas a second time the Board has reaffirmed its position that this is the best option for this library at this time.
Teresa reiterated that it is time to proceed forward with this plan.
Kristin said this plan leads the library well into the future.
Sue moved that the Board send a letter to City Council members, stating their request that the Council publicly supports the Library Project with a copy going to the City Manager. Kristin seconded.
Yes – Clark, Waite, Wiebe, Vath No – None
Donna Giebler told the Board that she was the Treasurer of the Friends organization. She came to the Library Board meeting so she could report back to their Board about this discussion.
Shirley Flack told the Board that she was planning to write a personal letter to perspective donors, asking for contributions.
Kristin mentioned that in looking at other web sites it might be nice to have Board members pictures on the Library web page. After some discussion about this Teresa mentioned that DECCA might take the library web page as a marketing project for next year. She will visit with the DECCA sponsor about this possibility.
Kristin moved the approval of the Special Library Board minutes from March 11, 2008. Sue seconded.
Yes – Clark, Waite, Wiebe, Abstained - Vath
Bev read a copy of the letter from City Manager Rick Kuckkahn, appointed Eric Vath to the Library Board.
These are in the Board packets and will be attached to the minutes.
This service has been well received. Plans are in place to increase the number of books available. Jana has been the library’s "go-to" person to help patrons master this new technology.
All the schools contacted about the Read-a-thon have been very receptive to it. Individual students decide if they want to participate. It is not required.
The Board discussed another time for meetings to better accommodate Eric’s schedule.
Kristin moved that the Board change the time for their regularly schedule meetings to the second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Eric seconded.
Yes – Kristin, Eric, Sue, Teresa No - None
As per the previous motion, Bev and Teresa will draft a letter to the Mayor and City Council stating their opposition to the Gering City Council’s proposal for a joint library. A copy will be sent to the City Manager and Foundation. Bev will let Board members know when it is ready so they can come in and sign it.