Meinders Library March 1, 2023 Board Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Justin Schroyer at 5:15pm. Present were Gerald Brockberg, Justin Schroyer, Taylor Spronk, Pat Weets, Dan Wildermuth, Emily Williamson, Jody Wacker, and Rick Whipple (the presenter). Mary Ann DeGroot was absent.
The agenda was approved with a motion by Brockberg, a second by Spronk, and passed unanimously. There were no community concerns. Prior minutes from the February meeting were distributed for approval. The meeting minutes were approved with a motion by Wildermuth, a second by Weets, and passed unanimously.
There was a presentation by Rick Whipple, the representative of the Meinders Foundation, detailing the plans for remodeling the library. Some of these plans include adding an enclose overhang in front of the garage, removing the wall in the front area for the coffee bar, adding new hardwood flooring for the front and new carpeting for the middle, securing a new front desk with more storage, demolishing the stage to provide handicap access, adding a handicap bathroom, installing new flooring in the hallway, removing the walls in the rear, adding a drop ceiling and new lighting in the rear, and completely remodeling the garage. The garage will include meeting spaces, the steam room, staff space, the director’s office, and storage space. Additionally, the garage will need new flooring, lighting, wiring, fire detectors, etc. In conclusion, these improvements will bring the building up to fire code, make the library handicap accessible, and enlarge the facility from 4,500 to 6,000 square feet.
There was discussion about Wacker using a substantial grant for the Cat 5 wiring. However, the funds can’t be used until July 1st and construction is scheduled to start in April. Ideally, construction would be complete in time for the Water Tower Festival. Whipple contacted Superintendent Enerson about obtaining the Meinders signage, and this should be obtained between June to July. Lastly, Whipple encouraged the board to attend the city council meeting on Monday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. in support of the proposed renovation plans.
The board conducted a tour of the facility to envision the renovations. Spronk suggested inquiring about adding windows to the rear library room. Brockberg initiated a discussion about building a slant roof. Whipple is looking into these items as well.
The director’s report began with a request for any additional ideas or input to be brought to the director’s attention as we do not want anything overlooked during this process. The Winter Reading Program is well underway and will conclude at the end of this month. Additionally, patrons can compete in March Madness this month by filling out the bracket and voting each week. There will be three gift cards available in weekly drawings. Another teen event will be coming up soon as well. Finally, there was some discussion about the renovations disrupting patrons. Wacker plans to sit down with the contractors and receive dates to plan ahead to minimize any disruptions to patrons.
The meeting adjourned at 6:13 pm.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Emily Williamson, Secretary