Cornell City Council - Old way of doing things not working for library

Linda Kohls, Cornell Library Board member, spoke to the Cornell City Council Oct. 19, about how the library is operating and how the two boards can work together. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It’s no doubt a library is well-used by all ages, for borrowing books, magazines and DVDs, and Cornell’s is no exception. There is, however, a new way of doing things through the seven-member Library Board, which was discussed at a Finance Committee meeting Oct. 19, prior to the regular Cornell City Council.

“Over the past three to fours years, the board has come to realize that the running, decisions and problems of the library, should not be left to the director alone,” said Library Board member Linda Kohls. “Showing up for meetings, saying ‘Sounds good,’ and ‘It’s always been done that way,’ is not fulfilling all our obligations.”

The Library Board also made some requests of the council, as they’d like to know the amount the council budgets for the running of the library. In addition, Kohls asked why the carry-over money from the 2023 budget, was not deposited into the capital savings account, since it is an emergency fund if repairs are needed.

City administrator Dave DeJongh said he is waiting, because he was told there would be some “extra” expenses this year, and thought it wouldn’t make sense to deposit the money, withdraw it, then deposit what remained.

Kohls agreed that didn’t make sense, but did pass on that, according to state statutes, library expenses must be approved by the Library Board. Although that is the case, some bills have been paid by the city, without Library Board approval, or the Library Board has approved the bills, but the city didn’t cut a check to pay them.

The Library Board would also like to see a copy of the General Fund ledger every month, to keep track of income and expenses, “The library is an important part of this community… there are over 1,000 items checked out of our small library, each and every month,” said Kohls.

During the regular council meeting, members approved seeking a short-term loan of $400,000, from Northwestern Bank, to assist in paying for the Bates and North 5th streets reconstruction projects.

When dealing with city streets, members have been pleased that paving overlays have finally been completed at problem spots around the city. The company hired to do so put off the paving multiple times over the summer, much to the council’s frustration.

Locals are reminded not to drive on the recently completed riverfront trail, while signs have been installed to inform visitors to stay off the paved trail with cars, trucks and ATVs/UTVs.

Members also agreed that DeJongh should pursue a contract with GFL for recycling services for the city, based on their review of proposals for 2024-28.

As a notice to the public, a budget hearing will take place Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m., followed by the regular meeting.

Residents should also take note, that winter parking hours take effect Wednesday, Nov. 1, with no overnight parking allowed on city streets, from 2-6 p.m., to allow for snow removal.