Library Commission Minutes

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Location: Ford Warren Branch Library

Members Present: Susana Cordova, Suneeta Hazra, Fofi Mendez, Kevin O’Connor, Karen Rokala, K.C. Veio.

Excused: Lois Ann Rovira, Sid Wilson.

Staff Present: Shirley Amore, Robert Bowles, Bertha Brunsvold, Elizabeth Elder, Eleanor Glover, Letty Icolari, Cori Jackamore, Celeste Jackson, Evi Klett, Elaine Langeberg, Diane Lapierre, Rachelle Naishtut, Jo Sarling.

Guests Present: Hanne Lichtenfels, Denver Public Library Friends Foundation; Jana Miller, Ciruli Associates; Steve Hildmann, community member.

1. Call to Order.
   • President K.C. Veio called the meeting to order at 3:40 p.m.



2. Approval of Minutes of August 17, 2006, Regular Monthly Meeting.
   • The minutes were approved as written.



3. Public Comment Period.
   • The staff and guests present introduced themselves.  Steve Hildmann, community member, expressed his concerns/interests in Library matters.



4. Report of the President and Members.
   • K.C. Veio presented the composition of the current Commission Committees and requested that members speak to him should they desire to be removed from, added to, or moved to a particular committee.
   • Karen Rokala and Hanne Lichtenfels reported that since the very positive “Building Bridges” Joint Meeting of the Friends Foundation Board, Library Commission and Library staff on September 6, two subcommittees have met to create drafts of the Mission, the Vision and the Values statements.  Three separate committees are being organized to look into 1) fundraising, 2) membership and 3) volunteers groups.
   • Susana Cordova reported on the New Commission Member Orientation Program.
   • Fofi Mendez reported on the activity of the Cultural Facilities Subcommittee of the Mayor’s Infrastructure Priorities Task Force. The Denver Public Library report will be presented to the Committee on November 6.
   • Fofi Mendez will be awarded the Julie J. Boucher Memorial Award for Intellectual Freedom at the Colorado Association of Libraries Conference Award Luncheon on November 11.  The nomination was for her strong advocacy of intellectual freedom during last year’s fotonovela review and the subsequent Library Commission review of the Denver Public Library’s Collection Development and Reconsideration Policies.  The “Julie Award” is bestowed annually to an individual or organization in the library community who actively promotes intellectual freedom in Colorado.



5. Report of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation.
   • In addition to reporting on the “Building Bridges” meeting, Hanne Lichtenfels reported that the Friends Board approved both the updated investment policy and three new members.  Also, the Awards Committee met to begin work on the Second Annual Friends Award.  Marilyn Amer, winner of the first award, is joining the committee.  The next honoree will likely be chosen in December.



6. Financial Matters.
   • Robert Bowles presented the monthly Financial Report through August 31, 2006.  At K.C. Veio’s request an Events (i.e., Booklovers’ Ball, Used Book Sale, Rare Book Auction) Revenue Report will be created to show offset to expenses listed on the Special Trust Fund Budget.
   • Robert Bowles presented an update on the Mayor’s 2007 Budget Proposal.
   
   
   
7. Approval of Proposed 2007 Library Staff Incentive Plan.
   • Letty Icolari reported on the details of the plan.  Upon motion by Kevin O’Connor, seconded by Karen Rokala, the plan passed unanimously.
   
   
   
8. Report of the City Librarian and Staff.
   • In addition to her written report Shirley Amore announced that:
   • Michael Graves sent two copies of his latest book to add to our collection.
   • The current exhibit on level five of the Central Library, “Classic Colorado Architects,” was partially funded by a grant from the Colorado Historical Society.
   • A DVD vending machine is being tested at Ford Warren Branch Library to see if it cuts down on DVD theft and saves on staff manpower.
   • Diane Lapierre reported that:
   • Revenue from the August 27-28 Used Book Sale amounted to approximately $53,000.
   
   
   
9. Other Business.
   • Kevin O’Connor reported on the Booklovers’ Ball Corporate Committee efforts.  Eleanor Glover is now coordinating this effort from the Library side.  K.C. Veio reported on non-corporate activity and reminded everyone to purchase and to sell tickets to the Ball.
   
   
   
10. K.C. Veio adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
    

Submitted by Lois Ann Rovira, Secretary