Hello, I am Nancy Kaplan and I’m here really just to ask you to all be as open as possible to RFP ideas, to be very open to different RFP ideas for the Library Lot and that there are many avenues to financial benefit and in fact, financial benefit hasn’t been defined. So, maybe there are other ways than just to get tax money or payments from the developer. So all I am asking is that to keep a very open mind. Because you’ve been very creative like with Malletts Creek or with Traver Library. And so I am hoping that same creative instinct will apply to whatever comes of the library parking lot. And, thirdly just be aware that its public land and so we’re hoping for a really open public process because it is public land and so there is some background that hasn’t been as public and were hoping that from going forward that whatever happens will be a very public process. Thank you.
10-134 VI. FINANCIAL REPORT
Associate Director Nieman reported December showed unrestricted cash balance just under $12.4 million. Tax receipts of just over $11 million reflect 95% of the budgeted amount received through December. The Fund Balance reflects just over $7.1 million. Five items are over budget in operating and will come back into line later in the year. $50,000 was received from the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library.
10-135 VII. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS
(Item of action)
Trustee Surovell, supported by Secretary Leary, moved to approve December disbursements.
President Head reported that the Director’s Evaluation Committee had met. The committee discussed the evaluation process and decided to use a process similar to last years. Committee members are Secretary Leary, Trustee Stearns and President Head.
10-138 IX. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Parker reported that the Ann Arbor News Archive move is almost complete.
Staff was given the opportunity to participate in the strategic planning process. Sixty staff members attended six discussion sessions led by the associate directors. Staff input will be communicated to the Board Strategic Planning Committee.
A new assistive technology lab was created in the Local History Room and the Local History collection was moved out to the second floor area.
Director Parker created and distributed a timeline of the Ann Arbor District Library Building Program from 1958 to January 2010.
10-139 X. OLD BUSINESS
10-127 A. DISCUSSION OF CITY OF ANN ARBOR “LIBRARY LOT” DEVELOPMENT
Director Parker introduced Mr. Roger Fraser, City Administrator.
Mr. Fraser outlined the City’s RFP process for seeking development proposals for the surface of the “Library Lot”. The seven proposals received will proceed through an interview process this week. The City will also be seeking a consultant to review the proposals as the City does not have in-house expertise to ascertain viability.
The Board engaged Mr. Fraser with numerous questions regarding the planning for this project. They expressed their concern of the lack of a master plan for the area.
Secretary Leary left the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
10-140 XI. NEW BUSINESS
10-141 A. VOTE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION AT THE FEBRUARY 15, 2010 REGULAR BOARD MEETING FOR DISCUSSION OF REAL ESTATE, DIRECTOR’S EVALUATION & OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL (Item of action)
Roll call vote
Trustee Murphy, supported by Trustee Stearns, moved to hold an Executive Session at the February 15, 2010 regular Board meeting for discussion of real estate, director’s evaluation, and opinion of legal counsel.