JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
 February 17, 2011

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on in the Archive Room. Present were Alex Johnston, Shirley Weuve, Dennis Schuessler, Heather Schmitz, 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 comment from the Suggestion Box requested the Library supply batteries for Portabooks.  Willona noted that we discontinued supplying batteries as it was found not to be a viable option.

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 $14,043.38 with city back charges of $349.29.  Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the bills.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved. 

Policy Manual
Dennis Schuessler moved to approve policy changes as presented except for the Photography, Social technologies and Website policies which will be reconsidered at the March board meeting.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

 Budget and Finance

• As of January 31, 2011, total expenditure was $611,263.53.  With 58.33% of the year having passed, spending represented 56.47% of the operating budget.
• As of January 31, 2011, balance in the Library Trust was $30,855.99.
• Willona presented an update on the City Council’s budget discussions.

Monthly Statistics

• January circulation was up 8% over the previous year.
• Express checkout represented 27% of the total items checked out in January.

Strategic Plan 2011-2014 Update

• Willona reported on the Zoomerang user survey and presented the goals grids which were completed by Library Trustees, staff and members of the Teen Advisory Board.
• Plans are underway for public Focus groups that will be held in April.  Focus groups with Library Friends and Foundation will also be held.

Joint Event for Trustees, Foundation and Staff

• The Board discussed plans for the upcoming joint social event scheduled for Friday, March 25 from 5:45-7:00 pm.

Director’s Report

Programs:

• AARP tax assistance began February 1 and will continue until April 15.  This is a well utilized service that does present some logistic challenges.
• The laptop lab will be here in late February.   Plans include several small group classes for the public, outreach programs for seniors and a training session for staff at the February staff meeting.
• The Library will partner with Iowa Public Television and participate in a World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday, March 9.   The Library will host an evening event featuring Dan Wardell / IPTV and a couple of area authors; the event will also be live streamed  worldwide to promote literacy.
• Upcoming March programs include ‘Welcome to Medicare’, a spring break event for school-age students and a Family movie presentation.
• Plans are underway for the Library, City and Northglenn Neighborhood Association to co-sponsor a Jazz in July concert in Johnston Commons on July 17.
• The Greater Des Moines Community Band is scheduled to perform at the Library July 30 for an end of summer reading event.

Staff & Training Update:

• The laptop lab will be used for training at the February staff meeting.

Building & Grounds:

• A replacement microwave was purchased to replace the nonfunctioning one in the staff room.
• CSS recalibrated the HVAC system.
• The motor of a ventilating roof fan required replacement.
• Willona reported a status report on the investigation for cleaning options.

Marketing Public Relations and Networking:

• The Lions Club Book Sale will be March 3-5.   The Library continues to receive a number of donations and several staff and Library Friends will help the Lions with the set-up.
• The Polk County Library Association is scheduled to meet on March 4 at the Urbandale Public Library.
• Willona and Maurine met with Katherine Manion, Trish Dimond and Jeanette Andrews from the Urbandale Library. 
• The 1,000,000th photo is included in the new Johnston Chamber Directory.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• Alliance Technologies continues to work on some network and firewall issues.
• Pat Howard, the City’s communication specialist, has been most helpful in providing assistance with updates to the Library’s website.
• Additional technological infrastructure maintenance will be performed on President’s Day.
• Willona reported on continued problems with the workroom copier and at the Board’s direction, will investigate replacement options.

Foundation & Friends Report

• The Foundation Board held their annual meeting in February.   Officers for the year are:  Greg Judas, President; Paige Fiedler, Vice-President; Lisa Cooper, Recording Secretary; Willona Goers, Secretary and Matt Thacker, Treasurer.
• A mock-up of the annual report was reviewed by the Foundation Board and the report sent to the printer. 
• Copies of the completed Foundation report were presented to the Library Board of Trustees; distribution via email and postal service is underway.
• Discussion included potential fund-raising opportunities.
• Purchase of an Early Literacy Station was approved by the Friends for the children’s area. 

Other Business

The March Board meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 5:30.

There being no further Trustee Comments, Dennis Schuessler moved for adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.

Dennis Schuessler, Secretary

Last updated: March 23, 2011