JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
April 21, 2011

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday April 21, 2011 in the Archive Room. Present were Heather Schmitz, Alex Johnston, Taena Fowler, Dennis Schuessler, Shirley Weuve, and Director Willona Goers.

Approve Agenda

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the agenda.  Heather Schmitz seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Meeting Minutes 

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the minutes.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

Approve Bills

Library claims for the month total $19,868.73 with city back charges of $5,551.62.  Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the claims.   Heather Schmitz seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Date for the June Library Board Meeting

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of changing the June meeting date to June 23 due to Green Days conflicts.   Heather Schmitz seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of March 31, 2011, total expenditure was $710,429.68.   With 75% of the year having passed, spending represented 74.56% of the operating budget.  Due to the bi-weekly payroll schedule, March included three payrolls rather than the usual two.
• As of March 31, 2011, balance of the Library Trust was $30,857.72.
• The FY10/11 final budget amendment was approved by the City Council on April 18, 2011.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was up 11% over last March.
• The move to 5-day holds seems to have had an impact.  The March 2011 items “not claimed” was 5% as compared to the typical 8-11%.  If the trend continues, this is a win for both customers and staff.
• 169 people received AARP tax assistance this month.
• The State Library of Iowa just released the annual library statistics for FY10 for public libraries in the state.

Discussion on Library Director Evaluation Process

• The evaluation of the Library Director must be finalized prior to the May board meeting.  Shirley Weuve and Heather Schmitz were named as the trustee subcommittee to manage the evaluation process.

Strategic Plan 2011-2014 Update

• The April 12 public focus group was attended by eleven participants, plus the facilitator and library director.
• The plan will now be developed and presented for trustee approval at the May meeting.

Staffing Report

• Due to recent staff resignations and anticipated changes due to graduation, etc., we will be making some reassignment of tasks, staffing and scheduling changes in the coming months. We are in the process of doing some replacement hiring at the present time.

Continuing Education for Trustees

• Willona reviewed the library accreditation process that we will be following in the coming months.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• Willona reported on window washing, partition wall repair, microphone system repair, interior door lock repair, and building cleaning.
• The staff workroom has been reconfigured and the discharge station is now located adjacent to the Pre-shelving Area.  The change has been well-received by the staff.

Programs:

• Shred Day on April 9th was big success, with 171 people taking advantage of the free shredding service.
• The Youth Services staff is in the process of finalizing the summer library program schedule.  Fliers will be distributed to all Johnston elementary students.  Instead of doing the skits at the schools this year, the staff is making a video which will be shown at each school building.

Marketing Public Relations and Networking:

• Willona attended a Rotary meeting in March and a Lions Club meeting in April.  The Lions presented a donation of $1,875.06 to the Johnston Public Library Foundation representing the proceeds from the annual book sale.
• Willona reported that the DM Register article concerning metro libraries did not generate library user feedback.
• Willona and Maurine Myers, Assistant Director, met with Trish Dimond and Jeanette Andrews from the Urbandale Public Library for our regular monthly meeting.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• We are very pleased and thankful for the new Canon 2030 copier.

Staff & Training Update:

• Adrianna Zonnefeld submitted her resignation as a shelver effective April 2.  We are in the process of interviewing for replacement hours.
• Cheryl Heid attended a Book Trailer class.  The Youth Services staff will be attending the Kids First conference.  Maurine will be attending the OCLC and the SirsiDynix user group meetings.

Foundation & Friends Report

• The Foundation board members shared their ideas for the strategic plan at their April meeting.
• The Friends held their annual meeting in March and shared their ideas for the strategic plan as well.
• The Friends are planning a fundraiser at the Simpson Barn on Friday, September 16.  It will be an art show with wine and cheese tasting.
• The Foundation and Friends members expressed their appreciation for the social event hosted by the Library Board on March 25.

Trustee Comments

Taena Fowler reported on her recent discussion with council member Gerd Clabaugh, and Dennis Schuessler reported on his discussion with council member Dave Lindeman.

There being no Other Business, Dennis Schuessler moved for adjournment.   The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:39 pm.

Dennis Schuessler, Secretary

Last updated: May 19, 2011