Approve/modify agenda: No changes to the agenda. Proclamation of Appreciation: for the Talbot Family and The Barkley Company was read by Chair, David Edelstein. Public comment: Iris Kaneshige and Christine Perkins further thanked John Moullen, Construction and Facilities Manager for The Barkley Company for all of his assistance through the final stages of the project. Minutes approved: August 26, 2008 regular meeting minutes were approved. Claims approved: August 2008 general fund $69,987.99; gift fund $113.98. Library performance & activity measures: August performance and activity measures were approved. Pam Kiesner noted that next month we would be including the Barkley Branch statistics. Communications: None. 2009 Budget: Marilyn Mastor gave a report on behalf of the committee which reviewed the 2009 rates and fees. A 25% increase was recommended for the community room rental rates. Dave Edelstein proposed a change in the [Note: facility use rates will increase annually beginning in 2010 to: facility use rates will be reviewed annually.] Special invoices for in-depth research for out of county customers was increased to $40/hr. A charge of $10 for Obituary research and handling per name for out of county requests were added as well. The 2009 rates as proposed by the Committee was approved with the change in the Note. Pam Kiesner reported that she had no update on the 2008 and 2009 Operating Budget for the Library. Reports: No reports from Board Members. Library Director’s report: Pam Kiesner reported that she and Christine Perkins will be meeting with Julianna Guy and Beverly Jacobs, co-presidents of the Guide Meridian-Cordata Neighborhood Association in the next week or so. Vicki Marshall offered to attend as well. Christine Perkins added that the cost of opening the Barkley Branch was about $200,000, $150,000 of which was the generous contribution by the Barkley Company. Pam also mentioned that staff will be meeting with Western Washington University later this week to discuss a similar partnership to Whatcom Community College. Assistant Director’s report: Christine reported that last week, she was involved in the Architect selection for the Fairhaven Branch Renovation Project. They selected Fletcher, Farr, and Ayotte (FFA) of Portland, OR with RMC Architects of Bellingham, WA. FFA strongly recommended that the library close during this renovation. Dave Edelstein agreed, that trying to stay open while the renovation work was being done would be more of a hardship and a terrible inconvenience. He asked that the Architects submit a letter outlining reasons for the closure, the magnitude of the job along with a recommendation for the length of the closure and storage or materials and equipment. Other board members concurred. If the Fairhaven Branch is closed, the board will have to review and decide what kinds of interim services will be offered and altered. Pam informed the Board that the Barkley Branch lease with Barkley Co. began 9/1/2008. Christine provided a tour of the Barkley Branch. Next Regular Library Board Meeting – October 21, 2008 will begin at 4:00 p.m