JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
April 15, 2010

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday April 15, 2010 in the Archive Room.   Present were  Dennis Schuessler, Ellen Jessen, Shirley Weuve, Steve Scott, Taena Fowler, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

Steve Scott moved approval of the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Citizen Comments

A thank you was received commending Cheryl Heid for her excellent customer service.  Also received was a note of appreciation from a library colleague for sharing some items no longer needed by the library.

Meeting Minutes

Steve Scott moved approval of the minutes.  Taena Fowler seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Liebert Maintenance Contract

Steve Scott moved approval of the $4,000.00 annual Liebert Maintenance Contract for the UPS batteries.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library bills for the month total $27,635.89 with city back charges of $6,681.12.

Steve Scott moved approval of the bills.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen and unanimously approved.

Reschedule date for June Board meeting

The Board agreed to reschedule the June meeting for Monday June 21 at 5:30 pm.

Budget and Finance

• As of March 31, 2010, total expenditure was $748.978.84.  Spending represented 70.90% of the operating budget with 75% of the year having passed.
• As of March 31, 2010, assets in the Library Trust total $42,389.03.
• The final budget as passed by the Iowa Legislature will reduce our state funding by roughly $9,000.00 (1/3 of our total state reimbursement) for FY10/11.

Monthly Statistics

• March circulation was up 8% over the previous year.  Willona noted that the yearly circulation was up 7% for the first 3 quarters of the current fiscal year.
• While door count was down 200 visits compared to last March, website visits were up 22% and the downloadable audio circulation tripled over the previous March.

Update on Trustee Application Process

Two applications have been received to date.  The Board agreed to proceed with interviews of the applicants; Dennis and Taena will serve on the interview committee.

Director Evaluation

Dennis & Shirley will serve on a subcommittee to conduct Willona’s annual review.

Continuing Education

Willona presented a synopsis of laws affecting Iowa libraries as detailed in Chapter 10 of the Trustee Handbook including:

• Library Ordnance
• Financial support for libraries and the required library levy
• Open meetings law
• Access to information and Children’s Internet Protection Act
• Open records and Confidentiality
• U.S. Patriot Act (sunset date of Dec. 31, 2009 having passed)
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Iowa gift law
• Compatibility of office
•  Board liability
• Americans with Disabilities Act
•  OSHA
• Architect requirement for public library design (public buildings)
• Construction bidding requirements
• Theft of library materials and equipment
• Library Meeting Rooms
• 28E agreements
• Library districts
• Nolte vs. Brown decision and ordnance requirements for City Council contractual requirements vs. library board approvals.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• The upholstery work on the side chairs has been completed.
• The electrician identified the smoke alarm that was causing the ‘ground fault’ problem and repair was completed.
• Johnston Parks’ staff removed dead trees from the front of the library and planted ornamental grass in those areas.  Flower beds have also been mulched in preparation for summer.

Programs:

• The Board was invited to the official launch of the ‘Visions of the Universe’ exhibit on April 23 from 5:15-5:45.  Numerous other programs are scheduled for April, May and June; the brochure detailing these events was presented.
• Youth Services will be doing school visits the end of May to promote the Summer Reading program.
• A ‘Welcome to Medicare’ program will be presented by SHIP on Saturday May 8 at 10:30 am.

Marketing, Public Relations & Networking:

• The Friends group re-organizational meeting was held April 12 with 15 attendees.
• The ‘One in a million’ campaign to commemorate the library’s one millionth visitor will begin soon.
• Willona is serving as this year’s President of the ILA Public Library Forum and has been working to identify speakers for the ILA Conference in October.
• Willona will attend the Lions Club meeting May 10 to express the library’s appreciation for the recent book sale donation.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The fiber optic line is working well.  With receipt of the first bill, the Library realized a savings of @$300.00/month compared to the former T-1 line.
• An upgrade to the Sirsi automated library system was completed on April 6.

Staff & Training Update:

• Willona expressed her appreciation for the opportunity of attending the Public Library  Association meeting in March.
• S.Sue Sellers has submitted her resignation as part-time circulation clerk.

Foundation Report

• The Foundation annual report has thus far generated $1,175.00 in donations which covers the cost of production and mailing and leaves a gain of $400+.
• Linda Beaman and Judy Andersen attended the April 7 board meeting and presented a check for $2,692.30 from the Lions Club book sale.

Trustee Comments

The Board noted Willona’s presentation on the Library laws was quite helpful.

Adjournment

There being no further comments or Other Business, Steve Scott moved adjournment of the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last updated: May 21, 2010