JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
March 18,  2010

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday March 18, 2010 in the Archive Room.   Present were Dennis Schuessler, Ellen Jessen, Steve Scott, Taena Fowler, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

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

Citizen Comments

• An email was received from a new customer thanking Cheryl Heid for her help and introduction to the library.
• A thank you was also received from Bravo Greater Des Moines in appreciation of the opportunity to conduct a survey at the Library and for the cooperation of the staff.
• Written comments in the Suggestion Box included recommendations for a CD Book and a DVD title.

Meeting Minutes

Ellen Jessen moved approval of the meeting minutes.  The motion was seconded by Steve Scott and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library bills for the month total $31,005.80 with city back charges of $6,270.02. Ellen Jessen moved approval of the bills.  Steve Scott seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Final Budget Amendment for FY09/10

Taena Fowler moved approval of the Final Budget Amendment for FY09/10 as presented.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen and unanimously approved

Library Board Evaluation Discussion

Questions from the 2009 Iowa Library Trustee’s Handbook were used for a self evaluation discussion.   Trustees agreed to concentrate on three areas for the coming year: political advocacy, Board bylaws and state laws applying to libraries. 

Trustee Terms ending June 30, 2010

There will be two vacancies on the Library Board as the terms of Ellen Jessen and Steve Scott will expire on June 30; both have indicated they will not apply for another term.  The Board agreed upon a two person subcommittee to conduct applicant interviews consisting of Dennis Schuessler and a 2nd  trustee.  The City will publish notice of the vacancies as part of an all city boards/vacancies announcement in Johnston Living and on the city website and notice of the vacancies will also be posted on the Library’s website.   Appointments are for a 6 year term beginning July 1, 2010.

Budget and Finance

• As of February 28, 2010, total expenditure was $656,450.82.  With 66.67% of the year having passed, spending represented 62.14% of the operating budget.
• As of February 28, 2010, assets in the Library Trust totaled $42,385.34.

Monthly Statistics

• March circulation was up 3% over the previous March.
• Door count was down 4.5% compared to the previous year but we still experienced an increase in circulation.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• Arrangements have been made to re-upholster the seats and backs of 11 side chairs which are beginning to fray and wear.
• MidAmerican Energy has provided a donation to the Parks & Recreation Department for the purchase of trees; several of these will be planted on the East side of the Library.
• We are continuing to experience repeated ‘trouble’ signals on the fire panel signaling a “positive ground fault”; staff is working with a Simplex technician to resolve the problem.
• We are hopeful the uneven concrete around the building will correct itself with the spring thaw.  The sidewalks and building will require re-caulking this year.

Programs:

• Publicity and program planning is underway for the “Visions of the Universe” exhibit which will run April 21-June 25.  There will be an official exhibit launch for Library Board, Foundation, Friends and City dignitaries on Friday April 23 from 5:15-5:45 pm.
• Spring break activities included Games Galore, Smash Bros. Tournament and a Family Movie @ the Library.
• Additional programs in March will include a safety program for parents and students on ‘Sexting’ presented by the Johnston Police and ‘Gardening 101’ presented by a master gardener.
• April programs will include: Family Movie @ the Library on April 11, ‘Container Gardening’ on April 22, ‘Shred Day’ on April 24 and ‘Home Safety’ on April 27.   AARP tax assistance will continue until April 15.
• Youth Services will continue their regular program offerings in April.

Marketing, Public Relations & Networking:

• Cheryl Heid and Maurine Myers offered senior computer classes at Crown Point using the new laptop computer lab.
• Publicity for ‘Visions of the Universe’ has begun.
• Willona attended a Green Days’ planning meeting.  Crafts for kids and the kids’ art display will both be held in the Library which should increase traffic and library visibility on that Saturday.
• Willona attended a planning meeting for a summer ‘Bike Day’ community event.
• The pilot “geek” campaign is nearing the end.  A display of posters honored ‘Geek Week’ March 15-21 and the Library was a recipient of a ‘thank you ‘ plaque from the Gates Foundation for supporting the Geek campaign
• The Library’s ‘One in a million’ campaign will launch later in March.
• The Friends of the Johnston Public Library “re-activation” meeting is scheduled for April 12 at 6:30 pm.  Friends will have an opportunity to be a community advocate for the Library, pay annual dues, serve as volunteers for events and provide input for Library from a community perspective.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The fiber optic cut-over was completed on February 25, 2010 with only a 2 hour disruption of Internet service.  All systems came up without incident when the cutover was complete.
• ‘On Order’ went live on February 16, 2010 and customers are already enjoying the holds functionality.   Staff is continuing to monitor and tweak the workflow processes.  There will be some additional publicity about this new feature soon.
• Two computers were replaced this month; a 3rd  will be replaced in the upcoming weeks.

Staff & Training Update:

• The laptop lab was used for staff development; every full and half-time staff member (except those on vacation) participated in at least one class.
• Willona will be attending the Public Library Association conference in Portland, OR and will be out of the library from March 22-26.

Foundation Report

• The Foundation’s annual report was mailed to approximately 450 recipients and has already received positive response.

There being no further Trustee Comments or Other Business, Taena Fowler moved adjournment of the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last updated: April 16, 2010