Present: Linda Simmons, Anne Benson, Amy Welden, Tulli Kerstetter, Lee Hallberg, Dana Petersen, Koko Smith, Silvia Fleitz
1. Call to Order at 7:06
2. Minutes of previous meeting, sent out to all Board members last month, were approved.
3. Proxy votes– none
4. Correspondence – none
5. Financial report – Amy read the report, stating $256.92 in savings and a checking balance of $9006.58. View the September/October report.
6. Librarian’s report. Items covered included: date set for 2018 Cowboy Half Marathon (June 23), landscaping update, refinancing of library’s lease purchase loan (see below), the annual holiday party (December 16, 3:30 p.m.), 2018 Draft Budget, grants of $4000 to supplement book purchases, Follies, fundraiser letter. (See report for details). Lee commented on the Draft 2018 Budget, stating that the revenue drop for next year is due to lack of abundance of commercial properties in our district. Also driving the new budget is the recently passed laws affecting minimum wage, which will increase 6 percent over several years.
Additionally, Lee requested $1650 to cover the cost of mailing the annual end-of-year fundraising letter. The request was approved.
The ongoing discussion concerning early payment of the lease purchase loan continued, with Lee stating that he will probably make a request next year to Friends for funds with which to help pay down the principle.
Linda Simmons from the Historical Society made a presentation to Friends regarding the Follies, which is to take place March 3rd at Millwood Junction. The Follies consist of entertainment, a silent auction and raffle, which has in the past been successful at raising $5000-$7000. Entertainment and decorations would be provided by the historical society, while Friends could help with the silent auction, obtaining raffle items, selling tickets, and item collection/setup for the event. Committees need to be formed, with help from five ladies who were instrumental in putting on prior Follies. Proceeds would be evenly split between the Historical Society and Friends. Linda suggested meeting in December to get committees and duties delegated, a theme picked, and a date set for a January meeting to begin planning in earnest. Lee noted that library staff will be busy with the Half Marathon and will not be available to help with the Follies in requesting donations of items, financial support, etc.
A vote on whether to join the Historical Society in putting on next year’s Follies was tabled until December’s meeting.
7. Old business
Englehart cards– no update.
Donor table plaque – update on plans. No update.
8. New business
Amy made a presentation about the Artists in Residence (AIR) program at Mesa Verde National Park. Five artists are chosen from applications, and each winner has to do a public program. Amy proposed that the artists might do their presentations at the library rather than in the park, which may attract more attendees. Friends would help promote the presentations and possibly contribute some logistical help. All agreed to allow Amy to pursue this relationship with AIR on behalf of Friends.
Slate of officers – Anne is willing to be first VP to replace Silvia, with no change to the rest of the Board. The new slate of officers was approved.
Wrap-up discussion on bylaws review and Friends to donate to library projects in lieu of the loan. See discussion under Librarian’s report above.
Bear-proof dumpster discussion. Lee chose bearicuda model, 64 gallon size, for $215. Purchase approved.
Dec. book sale – 12/9 with setup after 3:30 pm on Friday the 8th. Final plans inc. available FOL folks for setup, sales, tear-down. Dana stated that there will be townwide events going on that weekend, all of which will be advertised together. See October minutes for details. Book sale hours: 10-3 on Saturday. Room for 4 tables in community room and a table or two by the permanent sale bookshelves in the library.
9. Adjourn at 8:20 p.m. Next meeting Dec.4, 2017