JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
August 19, 2010
The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday August 19, 2010 in the Archive Room. Present were Shirley Weuve, Alex Johnston, Heather Schmitz, Dennis Schuessler, Councilman Dave Lindeman, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.
Approve Agenda
Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the agenda. The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.
Citizen Comments
A comment in the suggestion box recommended that a library card not be required for checkout as this customer felt a photo ID was more secure.
Meeting Minutes
Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the June 21, 2010 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve and unanimously approved. Heather Schmitz moved approval of the July 15, 2010 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.
Approve bills
Library bills for the month total $20,965.76 with city back charges of $6,163.22. Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the library claims. Heather Schmitz seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.
Budget and Finance
As of July 31, 2010, total expenditure was $73,358.77. With 8.33% of the year having passed, spending represented 6.78% of the total operating budget.
As of July 31, 2010, assets in the Library Trust totaled $47,036.19.
Monthly Statistics
July circulation was 30,953 or a 4% increase over last July.
There were 3,101 unique website visitors; a 30% increase over last July.
Library staff utilized the computer laptop lab to present six outreach programs to seventy seniors at Crown Point.
Library’s Annual Report to the City Council
Shirley Weuve, Board of Trustees President, will present the Library’s annual report to the City Council on Tuesday September 7 at 7:00 pm.
The Board reviewed the documents to be included with the annual report: 1) cover letter highlighting key accomplishments; 2) statistical brochure (copies of the brochure will also be available in the Library and on the library’s website); 3) detailed statistical report including specific data required by library ordinance; 4) the Library’s current Strategic Plan with priorities and accomplishments for FY09/10.
Strategic Plan Timeline
The Board discussed a proposed planning process for development of the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan and agreed upon a target goal of May 2011 for completion. Willona will email a drafted timeline for discussion at the September board meeting.
Current Recycling Activities
Willona presented a document detailing the Library’s current recycling activities.
Director’s Report
Building & Grounds:
Two additional chairs were sent for reupholstering
Public Works employees repaired two faulty irrigation heads
A tree in the parking along North Glenn drive was removed following storm damage.
A service call has been placed with Simplex to check the security alarm which malfunctioned during a recent storm.
Programs:
The summer library program was a great success with 1,147 youngsters and 305 adults participating.
Polk County Health Dept. held a free health clinic for preschool and early elementary students on August 18.
The Johnston Police Dept. will offer a Bicycle Identification Tagging program on August 21.
The large meeting room has been reopened for public use after being primarily used for library activities this summer.
Staff & Training Update:
Alayna Spiece and Ananya Kumar have been hired as library shelvers and began training on August 9.
Warren Graham, a well-known speaker on library security issues, will be presenting workshops for library staff on September 8 and 9. The presentation is being co-sponsored by the Directors of the Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale and Johnston libraries. Library Board members are also invited to attend but pre-registration is required.
Several staff will be attending the Iowa Library Association conference in Coralville in October and the State Library’s Town Meeting in Urbandale in September. Board members interested in attending ILA should complete their registrations with Willona.
Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:
We are hopeful that the issues with Sirsi’s ‘My Account’ have been resolved.
Marketing, Public Relations & Networking:
The ‘One in a million’ campaign has begun and is receiving good publicity.
Willona and Cheryl Heid have been working with Pat Howard, the City’s Communication Specialist, on website enhancements.
Representatives from the Library and the Library Friends will be at the Johnston Farmer’s Market on August 31.
Foundation & Friends Report
Foundation officers met on July 28 with the next meeting scheduled for September. Two vacant positions on the Foundation Board are yet to be filled.
Friends of JPL will meet August 30 at 4:30 pm to finalize plans for the ‘One in a million’ celebration.
Trustee Comments
Willona responded to a question about downloadable capabilities. Downloadable audiobooks are currently available for customers but ebooks are not yet available.
There being no additional Other Business, Dennis Schuessler moved for adjournment. The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.
Dennis Schuessler, Secretary
Last updated: September 17, 2010