HomeMy WebLinkAboutLIB 2007-05-17 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE LIBRARY BOARD
OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
HELD IN THE LIBRARY BOARD ROOM
LOCATED AT 6720 NORTHEAST LOOP 820
Present:
Kay Schmidt
David Nelson
Mary Shilcutt
Jane Birkes
Avis Crisp
Kathy Antropik
Absent:
Don Tipps
Mike Madar
Staff Members:
Steve Brown
Kelly Preston
Guests:
Ken Sapp
Chris Amarante
Ernie Runyon
Bob Holmes
George Coon
Clara Ruddell
May 17, 2007
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Alternate
Board Member
Board Member
Library Director
Administrative Secretary
Council, Place 2
Construction Manager
Grand Lodge of Texas
Grand Lodge of Texas
Grand Lodge of Texas
Historical Commission
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kay Schmidt called the meeting to order May 17, 2007 at 6:06 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the April 19, 2007 meeting were approved with one correction.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Steve Brown updated the Library Board on the following:
Statistical reports show the number of library visits has increased over the past few
months, yet there continues to be a decrease in circulation. This pattern is partly due to
less library materials available to the patrons. Steve requested funding for library
materials to be increased to the level prior to budget reductions to help increase
circulation numbers.
Linda Evans, Adult Services Supervisor's last day with North Richland Hills Library was
May 8th, 2007. Resumes have been reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled within
the next couple of weeks. Laurene Teter, former Children's Librarian of North Richland
Hills Library, will temporarily work part-time until the position is filled.
Ms. Avis Crisp mentioned she would like to send a letter of appreciation to Linda Evans
for her time and service at North Richland Hills Library.
Circulation of movies on VHS format has fallen more than fifty percent over the past two
years, while circulation of movies on DVD has increased. On average, each DVD is
checked out forty-eight times per year, while VHS format are checked out approximately
ten times per year. Only popular movies on VHS format will be shelved at the new
library.
The Library has been preparing for the Summer Reading Club which will start on May
29th. The program will run through the summer and end on Saturday, July 21st.
UPDATE ON LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION
Mr. Steve Brown introduced Mr. Chris Amarante, Construction Manager for the City of
North Richland Hills. He will be overseeing the construction of the new library.
Mr. Brown gave a presentation on the construction progress of the new library.
The slab for the first floor has been poured and is almost complete. The steel frame of
the building is now being erected, and crews will begin constructing the second floor
foundation in the next couple of weeks.
The post oak tree near the staff break room does not appear to be doing very well due
to the stress from construction and weather. The tree will eventually need to be
removed. The wood will most likely be given to the Wood Turner's of North Texas.
Most of the trees were treated by an arborist before construction began and appear to
be doing well.
The new library completion date is now scheduled for December 24,2007.
CONSIDER REQUEST FROM SMITHFIELD MASONIC LODGE TO PLACE
CORNERSTONE ON NEW LIBRARY
Member's of the Grand Lodge, Ernie Runyon, Bob Homes, George Coon, and also
Clara Ruddell of the Tarrant County Historical Commission, gave a presentation on the
history and purpose of placing a cornerstone on a public building. The Smithfield
Masonic Lodge asked the Board to consider placing a cornerstone on the new library.
In line with Masonic tradition, they requested:
· The cornerstone be placed on the northeast corner of the building
· A cornerstone leveling ceremony
· The stone be carved "Leveled by the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M.", with
the Masonic emblem and the year built
Discussion followed.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that Mr. Mike Madar expressed his support for the
Masonic Lodge and their desire to place a cornerstone on the new library.
It was the consensus of the Board that the new library should belong to all of the
citizens of the city, and they are concerned that the cornerstone might appear to the
citizens as if the Masons had in some way laid a special claim to a public facility.
MR. DAVID NELSON MOVED TO NOT ALLOW THE MASONIC LODGE TO PUT A CORNERSTONE
ON THE NEW NORTH RICHLAND HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY. MS. AVIS CRISP SECONDED THE
MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 6-0.
LIBRARY BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
The Board discussed putting a time capsule in the new library. Mr. Chris Amarante will
need to know the location and details before the walls of the new library are
constructed. Steve mentioned the possibility of putting the time capsule behind the
mantle on the fireplace. The Board agreed that a plaque should indicate the time
capsule's existence and location.
Ms. Jane Birkes reported emails she received from residents of Home Town who
expressed concern for the design of the exterior of the new library building. Steve will
inform City Management about their concerns.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next Library Board meeting will be Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the
Library Board Room.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
ATTEST:
/JffiI~
Kelly Preston, Administrative Secretary