1. Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. Present were Clark Nichols, Karon Harvey, Marj Mandujano, Rita Brown, and Bev Russell. Also, present was City Manager Rick Kuckkahn. Steve Viessman was absent.

2. Notice of changes in the agenda. (Additions may not be made to this agenda less than 24 hours before the beginning of the meeting unless added under item 3 of this agenda.)

There were none.

3. Citizens with business not scheduled on the agenda. (As required by state law, no matter may be considered under this item unless the board determines that the matter requires emergency action.)

There were none.

4. Approve regular board meeting minutes of June 9, 2004.

Karon moved that the minutes of the June 9^th meeting be approved. Marj seconded. Motion carried.

5. Petitions, communications, public input:

A thank you letter was received from Nancy Escamilla and Deb Carlson for the board’s support of the movie at the Midwest Theater.

6. Reports and recommendations from the Library Director and/or library staff:

1. Library Budget for FY04-05 discussion: City Manager Rick Kuckkahn presenting update on the City of Scottsbluff budget for FY’04-05.

City Manager Rick Kuckkahn presented a detailed explanation of the city’s financial situation at this time. After explaining the various fund structures of the city, Mr. Kuckkahn focused on the General Fund, from which the library’s budget derives. Revenues for this fund come from sales and property taxes. By law only $175,000 of property tax revenues can go to the General Fund. The rest must go to debt service, thus sales taxes supply most of the money, which goes into the General Fund. At this point in the year, sales taxes receipts are running $15,000 below the same point last year. As a result city departments are feeling the squeeze. Additionally, increasing health insurance costs are forcing the city to cut into its cash reserve to make ends meet. The City Council is hoping to maintain $700,000 to $800,000 in the reserve fund next year and still provide employees with COLA and merit raises as well as increase the city contribution to the health insurance plan by 5%. However, no money is available for department capital improvements and/or increase in department budgets.

Discussion then turned to the expansion of the library building. Mr. Kuckkahn assured board members that this was a priority of this City Council. He explained that in 2006 debt service monies would become available. The City Council has stated that approximately $2 million dollars would be earmarked for a library expansion of the monies, which could be borrowed using debt service.

Bev Russell explained the library board’s view that this money was seen as a possible "nest egg", and the board would attempt to increase this amount through fundraising efforts. She also explained that the board wants to go to the community in the coming year to raise awareness about the expansion of the library and build support, both politically and financially.

Various library board members stated their feelings about the need to plan a library expansion that would serve the city for many years into the future. They also said that they were looking at more than just an expansion but also looking at the possibility of a new building or moving the library to one of the empty buildings in town, such as the old Wal-Mart building. Marj remarked that more is needed than just adding on a room or two to the current building. All feel the expansion should address needs such as future technology, versatile meeting room space, computer lab, workroom for staff, children and teen spaces, quiet study and reading areas and so on. Board members have begun visiting new library facilities and researching the design innovations of these buildings.

Karon Harvey mentioned the need to raise money but the dilemma of attempting to raise funds without any clear answers, regarding design and location. The need for a feasibility study of the current facility is a priority. Possible methods of funding a feasibility study were discussed. Bev said that the current CIP for the library building designates $30,000 for planning in FY05-06. This would still need the approval of the City Council during the budget process that year. Mr. Kuckkahn mentioned the possibility of requesting KENO funds for this purpose. He suggested that if the library foundation earmarked $15,000 of its money for this purpose and requested a matching $15,000 from KENO money that the City Council might be favorable to that request.

The Library Board decided to take that matter up when they reconvened at the Library Foundation meeting, following this meeting.

The Library Board thanked Mr. Kuckkahn for his presentation, and he left.

2. Statistical reports: June 2004. (see board packets)
3. Library activities for June 2004 & Summer Reading Program update.

• June 1 – Registration
• June 3 – Film Day
• June 8 – Barrels of Fun Day
• June 11 – Panhandle Library System Annual Meeting in Sidney
• June 15 – Joint program with Riverside Zoo
• June 16 – Trailblazers – 5^th & 6^th grader’s program
• June 17 – Film Day
• June 18 – NLA Board Meeting in Grand Island – Bev attended.
• June 19 – Monument Hike – teen program
• June 22 – Children’s Theatre of Florida
• June 24 – Film Day
• June 22 – Midwest Movie Party
• June 30 – Trailblazers’ program for 5^th & 6^th graders

1. Discussion regarding market research and strategic planning:

• Finalize Blue Ribbon/Visionary list and talking points.
• Assign library board members to visit people on Blue Ribbon List
• Discuss Tier Two: Key Constituencies i.e. networking – Facilitator & locations for focus group meetings

1. Actions items:

1. Library Summer Hours: August end date recommendation.

8. Adjournment