Fargo Public Library Board – March 18, 2025 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Minutes
Board Members Present: Amy Ouren, Jenna Reno, Kristen Schipper, Wanda Mengelkoch, John Rodenbiker, Paul Jensen and Hannah James (Online)
Board Members Absent:
Staff Present: Tim Dirks, Megan Lass, Cindy Haff
Board President Amy Ouren called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. A quorum was met.
Order of the Agenda
John Rodenbiker moved to approve the order of the agenda; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Minutes of the Jan. 21 Regular Meeting
Kristen Schipper moved to approve the minutes of the Jan. 21 Regular Meeting; Paul Jensen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Public Comment
There was no one present for public comment.
Staff Report
Megan Lass presented highlights of staff updates and events including:
• Children
– Reader’s Theater, Mar 20, 10 AM
Main Library
• Teens
– Flower Book Bags, Mar 29, 2 PM
Northport Library
• Adults
– Planning Your Herbal Tea Garden, March 25, 6 PM
Dr. James Carlson Library
– Seed Library opens April 2
Dr. James Carlson Library & Main Library
Up to 5 seed packets per visit
Director’s Report
Director Tim Dirks highlighted the Friends Group hosting at Read-IN on March 8 which was a huge success. Thank you friends.
Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business
New Business
• Zero Tolerance Policy
– Paul Jensen asked how we would recognize these individuals
Tim Dirks replied through years of experience, also individual’s demeanor, speech pattern (and sometimes smell) are often indicative. He also explained the length of the trespass usually one year can be adjusted in accordance to the severity of the incident.
– A motion to approve was made by Paul Jensen. It was seconded by Wanda Mengelkoch.
– The motion carried unanimously.
• Library Board to go on record in opposition to Senate Bill 2307
– The House Judiciary Committee met this morning and voted 12-1-1. It was referred to the House Appropriations Committee with a “Do Pass’ recommendation.
– A motion to approve was made by Kristen Schipper. It was seconded by Jenna Reno.
– The motion carried unanimously.
• Update on the Library Contract Security
– Director Tim Dirks reported that Signal of North Dakota has been providing security for the Library since January 1. He reported that the management is more engaged, reaching out to the director at least bi-monthly to touch base. He indicated that overall, the quality of service is higher.
– Jenna Reno asked if the budget was comparable. Director Dirks answered that it is not. Signal of North Dakota has a much higher contract price than our previous contract.
– Paul Jensen inquired if there was technology in use that could assist such as facial recognition. Director Dirks indicated that there is not. However, the new company includes body cameras for each guard. In addition, our team maintains a trespass list with pictures of all individuals who are trespassed which is accessible to all employees.
– Jenna Reno inquired how many guards are on duty at any given time. There is one guard on duty.
Statistical Reports
February Usage
Director Tim Dirks noted that we are and will continue to see effects in both usage and circulation due to the ending of Sunday hours. Our numbers are significantly lower than last year due to one less day availability. However, the staff is greatly appreciative to have a day’s break during the week. Volunteer hours are strong.
February Financials
Director Tim Dirks with 17% of the year complete, our budget is at 15.9% spent. He noted continued gifts from the Friends of the Fargo Public Library with our sincere thanks.
Friends of the Library Report
Marisa Nygord, the Friends president was in attendance. Marisa noted the following
• March 8 Read-In hosted between 80 and 90 individuals
• The Friends did provide an opposition statement for SB2307
• The next Book Sale event is April 10-12
• Hannah James asked if the Friends are still looking for new Board Members
– She will be sending some recommendations to Marisa.
Next Regular Meeting
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 15, at 4 p.m. in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m.