JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
April 16, 2009

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on April 16, 2009 in the Archive Room.  Present were Shirley Weuve, Dennis Schuessler, Taena Fowler, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve and unanimously approved.

Citizen Comments

A note from the Suggestion box suggested the Library purchase more Post Secret books.

Meeting Minutes

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the minutes.  Shirley Weuve seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $24,232.55 with city back charges of $286.31.  Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the bills.  The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve and unanimously approved.

Final Budget Amendment for FY08/09

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the Final Budget Amendment for FY08/09 as presented.  The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve and unanimously approved.

June Board Meeting

 The June board meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday June 23 at 5:30 pm.

Budget and Finance

• As of March 31, 2009, total expenditure was $641,241.57.  Spending represents 69.52% of the first budget amendment with 75% of the year having passed.
• As of March 31, 2009, assets in the Library Trust total $56,142.52.

Polk County and Metro Association Reports

• The Polk County Library Association met March 27, accepted the proposed formula, the “cap” to that formula that was presented by Polk County and approved a three year contract.  John Lerdal and Willona will meet with Board of Supervisors next Wednesday morning about the contract.
• The Urbandale, West Des Moines and Des Moines library directors met with the Windsor Heights city administrator about the proposed metro contract.  That contract will go to the Windsor Heights City Council for approval.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was up 12% over last March, library visits increased 7.2% and Johnston items pulled for holds were up 21.5% over last year.
• Interlibrary loan lending to other libraries was up 38.4% over last March while the number of items received from other libraries was down 27.5%.
• Willona will attend Library Commission meeting next week to talk about increased library use and present some anecdotal information.

Interlibrary Loan Service

The Board discussed the library’s Interlibrary Loan service and possible methodologies for dealing with the increased usage.

Strategic Plan Report

Willona presented a progress report for the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan.

Director Evaluation Process

Dennis Schuessler & ShirleyWeuve are the subcommittee for this year’s Director evaluation/review.  Willona will send her completed self-evaluation to all Board members by May 1st.

Director’s Report

Staff & Training Update:

• Alisa Pajser and Kristen Bakke have accepted positions as library shelvers.  The appointments will be approved at the April 20 Council meeting and they will begin training that week.
• Youth Services staff will attend the KidsFirst Conference in Ames in May. Maurine will attend an OCLC conference and Cheryl plans to attend a Reference class.  Willona, Maurine and Cheryl will attend a CILSA Technology session where new tech equipment will be demonstrated.
• Two staff members have been absent for medical leave.  One has now returned to work on a limited basis and will resume her regular scheduled hours in May; we are hopeful the 2nd will be able to return sometime in June.

Building & Grounds:

• Because of the number of events planned for Summer Reading, the large meeting room will be ‘reserved’ for library use from the 2nd week of June through the end of July.  The Archive Room will still be available for public reservations.
• The paint from the paintball episode washed off without permanent damage.  An informational police report was filed but there is little likelihood that the responsible parties will be identified.
• The insurance check for the siding damage was received and deposited.  Remaining repairs of $1,682.00 will be paid out of the library’s budget.
• Window washing has been scheduled for May.

Public Relations & Networking:

• The Polk County Library Association met in March to continue contract negotiations.
• The Library hosted an informational display for the local Camp Fire organization.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• A new laptop, 2 PCs and 3 barcode scanners are being purchased with equipment monies from this year’s budget.

Foundation Report

• The Foundation approved a revised budget at the April meeting.  The bottom line remains unchanged but funds were shifted among several lines.
• The Foundation has received several sizeable donations from memorials and from the annual report mailing.

Adjournment

Dennis Schuessler moved adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last update: May 22, 2009