HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Committee - Minutes - 12/2/20131
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;
Courtney6 Dietsche, Iron River Librarian; Darrell Pendergrass, Washburn
Librarian; Beverly Gaber, Washburn Library Rep.; Mary Lintala, Drummond Library
Rep.; Richard Compton, Bayfield Library Rep.; Linda Stobbe and William Sloan,
Northern Waters Reps.; A quorum was present to conduct business.
1. Motion Regarding Minutes of August 26, 2013 Library Committee
Meeting. A motion was made by Sloan/Gaber to adopt the minutes of the
August 26, 2013 Library Committee meeting. The motion carried.
2. Introduction and Explanation Regarding the Concept of a
Community Seed Bank. Tessa Wickus, Americorps VISTA Representative from
the UW-Extension office, was present to explain the concept of having a
Community Seed Bank. Wickus gave a power point presentation explaining the
purpose of a seed bank, why to start one, and how we can accomplish this. Wickus
stated that it can basically start anywhere, but used the ideas of starting it in the
library. You need cabinets that are labeled with individual envelopes containing
the seeds. It is self-run, people can borrow, plant and grow the seeds, the at
harvest time, save enough seeds for yourself and then return some back to the
seed bank. This is an educational opportunity for both youth and adults who do not
have knowledge of planting and would like to learn. Wickus also stated that the
Alliance for Sustainability has taken them under their wing and will do what they
can to help get this started. Wickus explained how the program planning would
work for the year. Planning, swapping and planting seeds in the summer; harvesting
in the fall; and in winter collect, dry seeds and organize for the seeds in the spring
and then start all over again. Programing and tutorials will be done, but that is still
in the planning stages.
Pendergrass stated that when Wickus approached him for the possibility of
having the Washburn Library be the start up place for the Seed Bank. He stated
that he is fine with this, however, he knows nothing about seeds but is willing to
give it a try.
Minutes of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY COMMITTEE
December 2, 2013 – 4:00 pm EOC Room, Courthouse Annex
Washburn, WI 54891
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Discussion turned to the possibility of having a community garden and it was
stated that the Washburn Library presently has a raised community garden. Cable
also has a community garden. Wickus presented this to the Master Gardners and
they are also on board, willing to give this their help.
Sloan stated that he thought it would be good for Wickus to address a
larger group of people.
At this time, Chair Meyers asked if introductions couldn’t be made once
again since we are all so new with each other.
3. Discussion and Possible Action on 3-Year Bayfield County Plan of
Library Service. Kane stated that he had a few corrections to the present Plan.
The Committee went over the corrections and discussed a few other items. These
corrections will be put into final place and Bellile will send out a fresh copy to
everyone. After making the corrections, Chair Meyers asked for a motion to adopt
the amended Plan. A motion was made by Lintala/Sloan to adopt the revision to
the 3-year Bayfield County Plan of Library Service. The motion carried.
4. Presentation on Building Strong Libraries. Chair Meyers updated
the Committee on the award given to Washburn and Cable. Washburn did not have
anything to report as the dollars won’t actually come in until January, 2014, so
nothing can be done yet. Pendergrass did inform the Committee that they applied
for an Otto Bremer grant. They had a representative from Bremer come to the
library for a site visit and stated that they stand a good chance at getting the
grant. So, in the meanwhile, that is where their efforts have been place, in getting
ready for the site visit. A representative from Cable was not present for an
update.
5. Building Strong Library Project Rankings for 2014-15. This was
already adopted for 2014 by the County Board. Discussion on the timeline for
applying for funding. Libraries do not necessarily know by August 1st. It was
thought to reword Program Guidelines, 2. Guidelines, (e) to state: “To be eligible to
participate, municipalities must have provided no less than August of the previous
years’ operating expenses.” This correction will also be incorporated into the
document.
6. Discussion and Possible Action on Capital Project Proposal. Nothing
to report.
7. 2014 County Budget Recommendations and Recommendation from
Committee to County Board. The County Board has approved 100% of the
requests. Namakagon is in Phase III of a hot water solar system. Washburn
granted funds and waiting for more hopeful funding from Bremer.
8. Individual Library Updates:
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Drummond. Lintala reported that they have 3 new computers; they have
routine projects moving along and they have had monthly articles in The Bottom
Line. They are in the process of updating their policies. It was noted that the
Library is also used for part of the Historical Museum and a meeting place for
many entities, almost like a community center. It is very busy this time of year.
Their next Board meeting will be on December 19th.
Washburn. Pendergrass stated they have been focused on obtaining the
Otto Bremer Grant; had a site inspection regarding this funding. They are busy all
the time with the day to day operations.
Northern Waters. Stobbe said they are working on increasing the delivery
service which means for media moving more frequently which can then also use
smaller trucks.
Iron River. Dietsche stated they are working on an expansion plan,
collecting data, surveys, etc. to see where they can either move to, add on, etc. A
campaign will be done around the year 2015. Elaborated on the Clothes for Kids
program and how the library is helping with the collecting of clothing in conjunction
with the Food Shelf. Thus far, 52 children are signed up.
Bayfield. Compton said the library is very busy working on day to day
operations. Brought up the topic of the San Antonio, TX paperless library and how
that may affect our area as well someday. Discussion lead to technology and how it
is sometimes better to provide what we can and leave it at that. Books can always
be circulated, but technology changes so fast, that there is no way to keep up. We
have WIFI available and for now that seems to be very acceptable.
9. Next Meeting Date: April 7th @ 4pm in Iron River, at the
Community Center. Dietsche will arrange for this.
10. Per Diem and Mileage Forms. The County has a form for committee
members to fill out to turn in to the County Clerk’s office for payment of your
meetings. Bellile will forward the forms to everyone.
There being no further business to come before the Library Committee,
Meyers adjourned the meeting at 5:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn
Dawn M. Bellile, Secretary to the
Bayfield County Library Committee