JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
March 22, 2011

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday March 22, 2011 in the East Meeting Room. Present were Heather Schmitz, Alex Johnston, Taena Fowler, Dennis Schuessler, Shirley Weuve, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the agenda.  Alex Johnston seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Citizen Comments

Comments in the suggestion box included suggestions that we reduce the .25/page printing fee and that we provide a public phone.

Meeting Minutes 

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

Purchase of Office Equipment

Dennis Schuessler moved to purchase a Canon C2030 copier with inner finisher from Midwest Business Solutions for $5,124.00.  Alex Johnston seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

 Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $26,876.27 plus an additional claim of $5,124.00 for the purchase of the Canon copier with city back charges of $12,825.88.  Shirley Weuve moved approval of the claims.   Dennis Schuessler seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

FY11 Budget Amendment

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the FY10/11 Budget Amendment.   Shirley Weuve seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Policy Updates

Dennis Schuessler moved to approve the Photography/Video, Social Technologies and Website policies as updated.   The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve and unanimously approved.

 Budget and Finance

• As of February 28, 2011, total expenditure was $688,316.01.   With 66.67% of the year having passed, spending represented 63.59% of the operating budget.
• As of February 28, 2011, balance of the Library Trust was $30,856.91.
• The FY11/12 budget was approved at the March 7 City Council meeting.  The approved budget includes the Library’s $27,500.00 decision package that restored funds to the library materials line items.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was up 6% over last February.
• 156 people received AARP tax assistance this month.
• Express check-out represented 27% of the total items checked out in February.

Strategic Plan 2011-2014 Update

• Focus group discussions are scheduled for Saturday April 2 and Tuesday April 12.
• Staff will be voting for the top three strategic priorities from the ‘Achieve’ list developed at the last staff meeting.

Joint Event for Trustees, Foundation, Friends and Staff

• Plans are being finalized for the Joint Event which is scheduled for Friday March 25 from 5:45-7:00 pm in the Library’s Large Meeting Room.

Director’s Report

Programs:

• There was a school-age special the week of spring break in addition to regular programming.
• A ‘Welcome to Medicare’ program was held March 19.
• The ‘World Read Aloud’ day event on March 9 went well with approximately 60 attendees. 

Staff & Training Update:

• Jim Sanders, City Administrator, will attend the March staff meeting to provide an update on the FY11/12 budget.
• Geri Clark has submitted her resignation effective March 30.

Building & Grounds:

• Willona reported on the bids received for removal of the bump-outs from the Circulation Desk.
• Willona and the Johnston Police responded to a false burglar alarm on Friday March 11.

Marketing, Public Relations and Networking:

• The Lions Club book sale was held March 3-5.
• Willona reported on an upcoming DM Register article concerning metro libraries.
• The Johnston Community Education summer catalog will include an ad for Johnston Library activities.
• Planning is underway for upcoming collaborative events: the Library’s joint social event in March, Bike Roundup in May, Green Days in June, Jazz in July in July and a Johnston neighborhood safety program in the fall.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• Dreama and Mark are continuing to troubleshoot the public printer and offer alternative solutions.
• The Early Literacy Station is now available in the Children’s Area.

Foundation Report

• The Foundation officers met in March and approved a reallocation of funds to pay for the removal of the bump-outs at the Circulation Desk if a reasonable bid is obtained.
• The Friends’ Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday March 30 at 6:30 pm.

Trustee Comments

Shirley Weuve reported on her recent discussion with council member Bob Culbert.

There being no Other Business, Dennis Schuessler moved for adjournment.   The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.

Dennis Schuessler, Secretary

Last updated: April 22, 2011