HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Committee - Minutes - 8/26/20131
The monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Library Committee was called to
order by Chair Beth Meyers, at 4:00 pm. Those in attendance were: John Bennett,
County Board Supervisor, Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator; Dawn Bellile,
Deputy County Clerk, Timothy Kane, UW-Extension Community Resources Educator;
Linda Parker, Darrell Pendergrass, Beverly Gaber, Richard Compton, and William
Sloan. A quorum was present to conduct business.
Introductions were made by each other since many on the Committee are
new representatives to the libraries. Bill Sloan is a new representative
representing Northern Waters.
Motion Regarding Minutes of July 26th Library Committee Meeting. A
motion was made by Gaber/Bennett to adopt the minutes of the last July 26,
2013 Library Committee meeting. It was noted that on #6 - Library Updates,
Red Cliff should be removed since there is no longer a library there. On #4 of the
minutes, there is a sentence that is missing a couple of words, “made some
revisions” will be added to this sentence, to read The Committee thought it looked
good and “made some revisions.” The motion carried.
Discussion, Possible Action and Approval of 3-Year Bayfield County Plan
of Library Service. Kane explained that Bellile had been working on revisions of
the Plan. Bellile reported that she had received narratives from all of the libraries
except for Bayfield and Iron River. Revisions to the graphs were done by Linda at
Northern Waters and Bellile incorporated them into the Plan. Discussion on the
fact that we can approve the plan the way it is and just add the library narratives
if and when they are received. Darrell said he would contact these two libraries.
A motion was made by Bennett/Gaber to adopt the Bayfield County Plan of
Library Service. The motion carried.
Presentation on Building Strong Libraries. Abeles-Allison explained the
document going through it with the Committee. Discussion took place on the
capital expense projects that libraries can apply for. Abeles-Allison explained that
capital expenses do not count as library costs which would allow the County to
allocate more dollars towards library expenses rather than reimbursement to
other libraries. Discussion took place on the reimbursement schedules and how
Minutes of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY COMMITTEE
August 26, 2013 – 4:00 pm EOC Room, Courthouse Annex
Washburn, WI 54891
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much each library receives per user. After much discussion, a motion was made
by Gaber/Bennett to approve the Building Strong Libraries Program. The
motion carried.
Discussion and Possible Action Amongst Library Committee Members on
Building Strong Library Project Rankings for 2014. Meyers reported that we
presently only have 2 applications. One application is from the Forest Lodge
Library and the other one is from the Washburn Public Library. Meyers asked
Pendergrass to explain his application. Pendergrass gave his report stating that
the library is undertaking an on-going rehabilitation project. The total cost of the
project is estimated at $556,600, however spread out over several years.
Pendergrass submitted a draft proposal from C&S Design & Engineering. Item #8
on the proposal is for 23 lower level, single glazed windows that need to be
removed and replaced. The cost for this item is project to be $30,250.00. The
library is asking for $14,454 to make the project whole. The library already has
$5,000 set aside for part of the expenses and if funds are received from BSL.
The Washburn Library Board and the City Administrator have also approved the
plan, and the City will make the remaining payment of $10,796 in 2014. The
window replacement meets the goal of the county program as the facility will
continue to be utilized by area residents for meetings, gatherings, both
educational and governmental. Discussion took place on the parking lot and roof
repairs.
Parker gave her report on behalf of the Forest Lodge Library in Cable. The
Library is in Phase III of the solar-powered HVAC project. In 2012, the library
was the recipient of a Lennox Heat Pump which provides air-conditioning and also
heats the log cabin library for a portion of the hearing season. This portion of the
project included the installation of four solar panels, located on the roof of the
adjacent Cable Natural History Museum to maximize access to direct sunlight.
These four panels offset 30-55% of the cost of cooling and heating. It is our
hope to install 4 more panels. This phase of the project is funded with budgeted
library funds, funds raised at an annual event and a donation towards a local
sustainability project the Cool Planet Skiers of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The solar
panels are sold in 4-packs. The purchase of a 4-pack and labor are estimated at
$6,000.00. Discussion took place on the savings that have been made since the
windows were installed.
Discussion then took place among the Committee members regarding the 2
applications. The applications meet the requirements and both of them together
do not exceed the amount that they have to give out this year – so we could
essentially grant both of the applications. After a bit more discussion, a motion
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was made by Sloan/Gaber to grant the monies requested by the Forest Lodge
Library in the amount of $6,000.00 and monies requested by the Washburn
Public Library in the amount of $14,454.00. The motion carried.
Library Updates:
Washburn – Pendergrass stated that they held a golf tournament at the
Superior View Golf Course in Washburn. They raised approximately $2,000 which
will be put into the activity fund for special programs. They had sponsors for each
of the holes and they were amazed at how many people were willing to help out in
any way they could. There is a lot of interest for the library. The library is air-
conditioned, and many people have come in with their laptops, to sit and do some
work for an hour or two, to escape the heat and to rejuvenate themselves.
Pendergrass also wanted to state that he believes the 5 libraries have outstanding
librarians/directors. They are always in contact with each other and sharing ideas.
He couldn’t ask for better communication.
Forest Lodge Library – Parker stated they have had a lot of people in this
summer. They have had films on Saturdays, a conversation group on Thursdays,
and garden sharing. The library is a social place or gathering spot for many people.
They are in the planning stages for Oct”Beer” fest. This fund raiser will benefit
the library and she also commented about how many people are eager to help out
the library. It is very comforting to know this.
Abeles-Allison commented that the libraries are dependent on the internet.
He was wondering if their computers are compatible with the new technology.
Pendergrass commented that they are and if someone has wireless they can access
the Washburn Library 24/76 just by being outside the library. Many people do
park beside the library.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, November 18th at the Bayfield Carnegie
Library, 4 p.m. is the next meeting date.
Chairwoman Meyers adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn M. Bellile,
Secretary to Library Committee