Monthly Meeting
                                                           of the
                                        Columbus Public Library Board

                                                     July 14, 2006

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Columbus Public Library Board was called to order at 4:30 PM on Thursday, July 14, 2006 by the President of the Board, Craig Neid. Other Library Board members present included Jerry Jirka, Carol Keller, Jim Schaefer, and Lynne Rambour. Also in attendance were Brad Hruska, the Children’s Librarian, Larry Mares from RVW, Joe Mangiamelli, the City Administrator, and Robert Trautwein, Library Director.

Notice of this meeting was given in advance with a copy of the agenda posted at City Hall, the County Court House and in the Public Library. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the convened meeting was open to the public.

The Minutes of the June Board meeting were reviewed and allowed to stand as presented with a motion from Lynne Rambour and a second from Jim Schaefer. The motion passed by voice vote.

The Library Director distributed the July Financial Reports for the City Library and the County Library Service. He noted that June is the 10th month of the 2005-06 budget year. A motion was made by Jim Schaefer and seconded by Jerry Jirka to accept the expenditures. The motion passed by roll call vote: Jirka-aye, Schaefer-aye, Rambour-aye, Keller-aye, and Neid-aye.

The Director’s Report was briefly reviewed.

There were no Committee Reports .

Under Correspondence, Trautwein reviewed a memo he presented to the president regarding the resignation from the Platte County Library Advisor Board of Clayton Brunt. Mr Brunt and his wife are moving to a house in Colfax County. Mr. Brunt suggested a replacement, a lady by the name of Liz Young, a teacher at Sunrise Elementary School. She and her children have used the bookmobile since 1982.

Trautwein said that in the past when there was a vacancy on the Advisory Board, the Library Board would find a person to propose to the County Board of Supervisors who would act upon the Library Board’s recommendation and appoint the candidate to the Advisory Board.

Mr. Neid asked if the Board had any suggestions. He proposed that Mrs. Young be invited to attend the next Library Board meeting.

Under Old Business, Trautwein said that the new bookmobile had been delivered on
Thursday, June 29th. It arrived in time to be driven in the Columbus Day’s Parade on July 2nd. On the morning of Monday, July 3rd, staff and volunteers shifted the books and other materials from the old (1991) vehicle to the new one. Regarding mechanical problems with the new vehicle, Trautwein said that it was delivered with the cruise control not working. The vehicle will be driven to the Freightliner dealership in Norfolk on Friday, July 28th for the repairs.

Craig Neid introduced Larry Mares of RVW who was at the meeting to review his work on alternatives for the remodeling of the Children’s Room (see document). Mr. Mares said that his firm had been commissioned to explore enhancement possibilities for the Children’s Room. The possibilities include windows on the west or south sides of the room, change out of lighting and ceiling panels, and the possibility of adding skylights. A combination of the above was also considered.

Mr. Neid asked about which skylight plan would give the most “rise to the ceiling” effect. Mr. Mares said that plan #7 with the large triangular skylight would offer the best
effect. Mr. Neid said that he agrees as the peak of the pyramid would be much higher
than skylights in plan #6. Mr. Mares noted that if plan #7 were used, there would need to be supplemental lighting strips on the bottom of some of the encased beams.

Mr. Mares noted that with any of the plans, additional costs would include new carpet and painting. Mr. Schaefer clarified the possibility adding strips of skylights and the west windows. Mr. Mares agreed that this could be done.

Brad Hruska asked Mr. Mares which plan would offer more natural lighting. Mr. Mares said that plan #7 would afford more lighting. Mr. Neid asked, from an aesthetical point, which would be the most pleasing. Again Mr. Mares said that plan #7 would be. Mr. Neid said that there would be a “coolness” factor with #7.

Regarding the time frame for the project, Trautwein said that he has submitted a “Capital Improvements Plan” which includes $60,000 with a $60,000 match from the Library Foundation. Trautwein also said that he had included a separate “CIP” for the cost of the new carpeting (the statement was incorrect, the carpeting “CIP” is for new carpet in the Art Gallery).

Mr. Mangiamelli asked if there were any problems with “historic preservation” in regards to building modifications. Mr. Mares said that he was not aware of any historical issues.

The Board decided to postpone the discussion of the “Holiday Closing…” policy until
the August meeting.

Regarding the Budget Update, Trautwein said that on Monday-Wednesday, July 24th to the 26th, the city’s “Committee of the Whole” will be reviewing the draft budgets of each city department. These meetings will begin at 6:30 PM and last approximately 2 hours. Trautwein said that he will be attending the days pertinent to the Library.

The last item of discussion was the “Open Meeting” workshop in Norfolk at 7:30, Tuesday, August 1st. Regarding the new “Open Meeting” law, Joe Mangaimelli asked if the Library Board would mind meeting in the “Constitutional Room” in the future. He referred to a large laminated poster of the new state law. This poster must be posted in rooms where public governmental meetings are held. He recommended, that as city’s “Tree Board” also meets in the Constitution Room, it would be better to designate that room as the “Open Meeting” room.

Craig Neid said that he would be interested in attending the Norfolk workshop on Tuesday, August 1st. (Trautwein will send an e-mail reminder to all the Board members closer to the date to remind them of the meeting and to learn if anyone else would like to attend.)

Jerry Jirka informed the Board that he will not be able to attend the August Library Board meeting.

A motion to adjourn was made by Jim Schaefer and seconded by Lynne Rambour. This motion passed by voice vote.