JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
August 18, 2011

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday August 18, 2011 in the Archive Room. Present were Alex Johnston, Dennis Schuessler, Heather Schmitz, Taena Fowler, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

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

Citizen Comments

• A customer sent a note of appreciation for extra kindness shown by staff.
• A thank you was received from Community Education for the library staff’s participation in the Dragon School Supply Drive.

Meeting Minutes 

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

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $10,397.51 with city back charges of $786.66.   Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the bills and back charges.   The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

CSS Multi-Year Contract

Dennis Schuessler moved to approve a three year service agreement with CSS for the period 2011-2014 (agreement entitles the library to an upgrade of the HVAC system software at no additional charge).  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.   The multi- year service agreement will be forwarded to City Council for their approval.

Budget and Finance

• As of July 31, 2011, total expenditure was $96,793.37.   With 8.33% of the year having passed, spending represented 8.4% of the operating budget.
• As of July 31, 2001, assets in the Library Trust totaled $37,359.06.

Monthly Statistics

• July circulation was up 1% over last July
• July discharges were up 23% over last July.
• July door count was 13,953, down by about 39 visits/day compared to last year.
• 4,374 hold items were available for pickup, a 21% increase over last July.

FY10/11 Year-End Statistics:

• Willona distributed the Library’s annual statistical report.   This statistical data will be utilized for the annual report to the State Library and the upcoming re-accreditation process.

Annual Report to City Council:

• Willona distributed and discussed the items to be included with the Library’s annual report to the City Council: letter to Mayor and Council members; Library’s annual report brochure; Library’s Annual Statistical Report; recap of completion of the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan; and the Strategic Plan for 2011-2014.   Board President Alex Johnston will present the annual report to the City Council on September 6.

Director’s Report

Programs:

• Fall programming resumes in September as the usual selection of youth programs will be offered.  Adult programs will include a gardening program on September 17 presented by master gardener Robyn Hoffland and flu shot clinics on September 28 and October 12.
• The Senior Advisory Board has expressed interest in partnering with the Library in providing additional lifelong learning opportunities.
• Johnston ‘Night with the Neighbors ‘will be Sunday September 18.  Cheryl Heid and the Johnston Police are coordinating plans that will introduce neighborhood residents to representatives of the Police, Fire Dept., Public Works, Park & Recreation, Library and local elected officials.

Building & Grounds:

• A number of building issues were addressed as the HVAC and chiller required a number of maintenance calls during July’s prolonged heat wave.
• A sewer line was cleaned in response to recurring problems with the staff restroom.
• The project to remove the bump outs from the Circulation Desk was completed.
• Willona presented an update on the Veteran’s Memorial on Johnston Commons that is slated for completion by Veterans Day.

Marketing Public Relations and Networking:

• Willona helped serve at the Johnson Community Education’s “Sundae in the Park” on August 14.
• Willona will be assisting with the upcoming Johnston School Board Candidate Forum on August 20.
• The Polk County Library Association will meet here on August 23.
• The Board discussed an observance of the Library’s upcoming 10th anniversary.
• Willona presented an Open Access update and the possible impact on non participating communities.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The public photocopier required repair this month.
• The laptop lab was disbanded due to the dissolution of CILSA and assets dispersed among the members – Johnston received a monetary payout in lieu of equipment.
• Alliance Technologies completed a major upgrade of the server that hosts our website.

Staff & Training Update:

• Alayna Spiece resigned as her position as shelver effective July 31.
• Aditi Dinakar has been hired as library shelver.
• Alisa Pajser’s classification will be changed from Library Shelver to Library Clerk with her duties expanded to include both discharging and shelving activities.

Foundation & Friends Report

• The ‘Art in the Barn’ fundraiser will be Friday September 16 from 5:30-8:30 in the Simpson Barn.
• A representative of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines will attend the September Foundation Board meeting to give a presentation.

There being no further Trustee Comments or Other Business, Dennis Schuessler moved for adjournment.   The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.

Taena Fowler, Secretary

Last updated: September 16, 2011