Appleton Public Library

Board of Trustees Minutes

February 11, 2004

Present: Bergman, Bergen, Bloedow, Chandler, de Young, Ducklow, Dunlap, Eng

Others present: Attorney Behrens, Dawson, Kelly, Muench, Shriver, Lenz, Wiltzius

President Bergman called the meeting to order at 12:01 PM.

Minutes and Bill Registers

de Young moved and Chandler seconded approval of the January 14, 2004 minutes. Bloedow noted that the spelling of Dr. Aristigueta’s name was incorrect. The minutes were approved as corrected.

Eng moved and Bloedow seconded approval of the final 2003 Bill Register. There was a discussion of the complexity of the budget reporting, and it was suggested that the Financial Report be modified to make it clearer. Further discussion was referred to the finance committee. The motion passed. Bergen moved and Eng seconded approval of the January Bill Register. Motion passed.

Planning Committee

Bloedow reported on a meeting of the committee, including himself, Eng, Dawson and Kelly. The consensus at that meeting was that Dawson’s outline of a planning process was on the right track. The committee will meet again after getting additional staff input.

Advocacy Committee

de Young reported on a meeting of the Community Task Force to Restore Library Hours. The group had decided that they did not wish to work as a Board committee, but seek broader involvement. That is an ad hoc group of library supporters, including some board members, some FOAL members and other community members. The group has had communication with several alderpersons and other community members and will continue to work toward the restoration of library hours.

Scholarship Committee

The committee will be meeting next week to determine what scholarships will be awarded. Deadline for applications is Friday, February 13. They will have recommendation for board approval at the March meeting.

Donations

Dawson reported a donation of $200 from Larry and Jean Pooler Family fund at the Community Foundation. Bloedow moved, Eng seconded, that the money be added to the Memorial Fund to be used for materials.

Dawson called attention to a shadow box created by library volunteer and FOAL member Pat Dobberke. Ms. Dobberke proposes to create another box honoring Wisconsin Poet Laureate and Appleton resident Ellen Kort, and then donate the work to the library. Eng moved and de Young seconded to accept the donation, subject to the parameters of the Gifts Policy. Motion passed.

Director’s Report

Dawson reported on his and Kelly’s attendance at the Wisconsin Library Association Library Legislative Day on Feb. 3. They met with Senator Ellis, Rep. Wieckert and Rep. McCormack. There was action that day on AB 169 related to the privacy of children’s library records. It appears that there will be changes in state law requiring libraries to reveal records of a child’s library use to custodial parents. When action is complete on this law, our privacy policy will have to be revised.

Dawson also reported on discussions with Town of Greenville officials and Fred Hauser of the Fox Cities YMCA about the possibility of establishing a library in the town.

All members of the board are invited and encouraged to attend the March 12^th general staff meeting, which will be developed around the theme of “Meet the Board”.

Bloedow has agreed to serve on the OWLS Board of Trustees. His appointment is subject to Outagamie County Board approval.

The meeting adjourned at 1:11 PM.