Library Commission Minutes

March 16 , 2006

Location: Woodbury Branch Library

Members Present: Fofi Mendez, Kevin O'Connor, Karen Rokala, Edward Schenck, K.C. Veio, Sid Wilson.

Excused: Julie Rodriguez, Lois Ann Rovira.

Staff: Robert Bowles, Diane Christman, Elizabeth Elder, Jennifer Hoffman, Letty Icolari, Celeste Jackson, Elaine Langeberg, Willow Pappageorge, Jo Sarling, Kristen Svendsen, Derek Wolfgram, Evi Klett, Lisa Murillo.

Guests:Hanne Lichtenfels, Denver Public Library Friends Foundation; Wellington E. Webb, President of Friends of Blair-Caldwell; Steve Hildmann, Kip Cheroutes, community members.

1. Call to Order
   President K.C. Veio called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
   
   
2. Approval of Minutes of February 16, 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 reported on the progress of the City Librarian search. The deadline for applications was March 15. The Library Commission will meet on April 3 to review applicants.
   • Sid Wilson reported on the February 17, 2006 Staff Council meeting.
   • Fofi Mendez reported on the March 11, 2006 Latino Awards event at Woodbury Branch Library. She commended the Woodbury staff for a wonderful event.
     


5. Report of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation
   Hanne Lichtenfels reported that on March 14 the Finance Committee of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation had their first meeting with their newly selected investment management firm, AMB Investment Management, Inc.
   
   
6. Monthly Financial Report through February 28, 2006
   Robert Bowles presented this report.



7. Report on Friends of Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library Fund-Raising and Activities
   Wellington Webb reported as President of the Friends of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. The Friends group was established to provide for supplemental needs of the branch. The first annual fundraising event held on February 9 was very successful. There are plans to hold a fundraising event annually during Black History Month. K.C. Veio thanked the Friends group and Wellington Webb for their efforts and offer of assistance.
   


8. Reports on Human Resources Measures, 2005
   Kristen Svendsen presented the Human Resources Annual Turnover and Employment and Diversity reports for 2005. In her review of the full report she noted that the loss of 16 limited term clerks effective December 31, 2005 skewed the turnover rate significantly higher in 2005.


9. Discussion on Celebration of National Library Week.
   K.C. Veio reported on ideas for the Denver Public Library's participation during National Library Week. Celeste Jackson, Denver Public Library Publications Manager, will check into possible media coverage.
   
   
10. Report on Recent Media Coverage
    Celeste Jackson reported on the significant amount of recent Denver Public Library media coverage. She also presented a video clip from the television show Colorado & Company, "Rick Ashton, A Look at 20 Years."
    
    
11. Report of the City Librarian and Staff
    In addition to the written report, Letty Icolari reported that this month:
    • A happy customer sent the Library a $5,000 unrestricted donation.
    • Two $5,000 restricted donations were received from Bear Valley customers.
      
      
12. Other Business
    K.C. Veio reminded the Commission members about the importance of attending the Draft Implementation Plan meeting on Friday, March 18. His intended outcome of the meeting is to, "give staff clear guidance and direction on how to implement the plan."
    
    
13. K.C. Veio adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lois Ann Rovira, Secretary