JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
July 16, 2009

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

Approve Agenda  

Steve Scott moved approval of the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Citizen Comments

• Favorable comments have been received about the Library’s summer programming including a special complimentary email about the Bucket Boys presentation.
• Another email was received complimenting one of the Youth Services staff on the way she interacted with his children.
• A California visitor expressed her appreciation and amazement about the Library.

Meeting Minutes

Steve Scott moved approval of the minutes as corrected.  The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library bills for the month total $11,736.93 with city back charges of $522.68.    Steve Scott moved approval of the bills.  Taena Fowler seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Sex Offender Exclusion Zone Policy

Taena Fowler moved acceptance of the Sex Offender Exclusion Zone Policy as written.  Steve Scott seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of June 30, 2009, total expenditure was $1,033,966.50.   At 100% of the year having passed, spending represented 98.73% of the operating budget as amended in May.
• As of June 30, 2009, assets in the Library Trust totaled $58,416.24.
• Capital Improvement Project (CIP) planning is underway for the City.  The Library has no anticipated projects that would meet the qualifications of $10,000+ cost and life span of 15+ years for a CIP project.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was up 7% compared to last June. 27,535 items circulated
• 7,221 items were checked out using Express Check since its installation on June 11.
• The number of library visits was approximately 7% more than last June with 15,768 recorded visits.
• 889 library cards were issued in June; 381 new cards and 508 renewal/replacement cards.

Director’s Report

FY08/09 Strategic Plan Highlights & Statistics:

• Willona reported on the progress of specific items from the 2008-2001 Strategic Plan and highlighted accomplishments for the year.  This information will be included in the annual report to the Council with the annual statistics.
• Willona highlighted some statistics for FY08/09:
• Number of library visits totaled 152,174, a 16% increase over the previous year.
• 392 programs were enjoyed by 16,016 participants, a 41% increase in program attendance.
• Total circulation for the year increased 7% as compared to 1.5% growth during the previous fiscal year.
• The collection development project contributed to the increased circulation as circulation in both the juvenile nonfiction and adult fiction sections increased by 16% over the previous year.

FY09/10 Focus Areas:

• Willona presented the focus areas to be addressed during FY09/10 – improved marketing of the library and more effective utilization of space, particularly in the staff workroom areas of the building.

Building & Grounds:

• Several items from Green Days still are to be completed.  Caulking of the holes in the parking lot and sidewalk was completed this week.

Public Relations & Networking:

• Willona and Maurine attended Sara Pearson’s retirement party at the Urbandale Public Library.
• Willona continues her work with the Iowa Library Association Local Arrangements Committee in preparation for the upcoming ILA fall convention.
• Each City department will staff a booth at the Johnston Farmers Market and the Library’s assigned date is Tuesday August 25 from 3:00-7:00 pm.  Library Board and Foundation members are invited to participate and Willona will email a signup sheet.
• The ‘geekthelibrary’ campaign is off and running.  The Library has requested the “geek” booth for the Farmers Market on August 25 and Willona will be in the ‘geekthelibrary’ booth at the State Fair on August 13.
• The Polk County Library Association will hold its annual meeting in August.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The Express Check unit is working well.  Approximately 40% of the items checked out June 11 – June 30 were handled via Express Check.
• Willona and Maurine will participate in a SirsiDynix webinar on July 29 concerning a product that facilitates sharing information across different library systems.

Staff & Training Update:

• Substitute hours are being used to cover the weekend vacancy in Circulation as we consider how to most effectively fill the vacancy.

Foundation Report

Foundation Officers met on July 1.  A number of bills were paid by the Foundation this month including the Express Check machine and several expenses related to the summer library program.

Other Business

Willona highlighted an article from the journal ‘Public Libraries’ about positive advocacy for the library.

Adjournment

There being no further Trustee Comments, Shirley Weuve moved adjournment of the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Steve Scott and the meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last update: August 21, 2009