Library Board Meeting Update

Submitted by Leslie Marinelli

The following is a summary of the Special Called Meeting of the Library Board which took place last night at Sharon Forks Library.

Four agenda items were discussed: 

1. Denmark Library Update

• Representatives from McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture presented an update about the design of the Denmark Library. 
  
  
• They presented a slide show with elevations and floor plans that were more detailed and developed than those shared at the February meeting. We are currently in phase 3 of the process which is the construction document phase. These construction documents will be used for general contractor procurement. 
  
  
• The current estimated time frame for the project is 15 months to complete and the anticipated completion date is December 2023 or January 2024. Supply chain issues continue to be a factor and may affect timing. 
  
  
• MPS brought samples of the finishes and Board members were given the opportunity to see and touch a variety of products. A new pourable, non-slip, easy to clean bathroom floor product seemed to be of particular interest to a number of attendees.
  
  
  
  

2. Fiscal Year 2023 State Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) Grant and Local Match from Fund Balance

• FCPL was awarded $226,500 in MRR grant money from the state. These are 50/50 funds which means FCPL must also contribute a matching amount of $226,500 from our fund balance for a total project budget of $453,000. 
  
  
• We have developed a list of dozens of potential projects at all Library locations that add up to more than the total amount potentially available. 
  
  
• The Board gave approval for Anna to sign documents to accept the FY2023 State Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) grant in the amount of $226,500.
  
  
• The Board gave approval to commit $226,500 in fund balance for the purpose of providing the local match to the FY2023 State Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) grant. 
  
  

3. Proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Adjustments

• The Board approved to increase State revenues and State Personnel expenses by $22,520.48 to reflect new grant information from Georgia Public Library Service.
  
  
• The Board approved to increase Donations revenues and Operations expenses by $4,000 to reflect a grant received from The Rotary Club of Forsyth County to be used for Summer Reading programs.
   
• The Board approved to increase Materials expenses and decrease Operations expenses by $5,000 to cover the replacement of materials damaged at Sharon Forks due to a recent roof leak. 
  
  
• Anna recognized Ann Decherd and Denise Leeson who were both present at the meeting for their work securing grant funding from their respective Rotary Clubs. 
  
  

4. Calendar Year 2023 County Budget Request

• One day after submitting our 2023 funding request to Forsyth County, we learned that site geotechnical requirements will extend the projected opening of the Denmark Library (see agenda item 1c above). This changes the potential need for operational funding for the new library in 2023 from $447,474 to $287,557. Staff recommended submitting a revised funding request to Forsyth County. 
  
  
• The Board approved the Library’s revised Calendar Year 2023 County funding request as presented.