JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Board Minutes
March 23, 2009

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Monday March 23, 2009 in the Archive Room.  Present were Ellen Jessen, Shirley Weuve, Dennis Schuessler, Taena Fowler, Gerd Clabaugh, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

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

Staff Guest

Janene Parks, Library Clerk, described her role and duties at the Library.

Citizen Comments

• A question was asked about why we removed the candy machine from the vending area.

• A thank you was received from the Institute of Character Development for use of our meeting room.

• A comment was received about the building temperature on a recent warm day.

Meeting Minutes

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

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $28,618.04 with city back charges of $5,438.82.

Ellen Jessen moved approval of the bills. Shirley Weuve seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Technology Plan

Willona presented a history of the Library’s Technology development from 2003-2009 and a recommended Technology Plan for 2009-2011.  Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the 2009-2011 Technology Plan.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen and unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of February 28, 2009, total expenditure was $552,415.71.  Spending represents 62.37% of the operating budget with 66.67% of the year having passed.

• As of February 28, 2009, assets in the Library Trust total $56,108.84.

• The 2nd budget amendment is in preparation.

• Willona reported on the status of the Metro and Polk County contracts.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was up 17% over last February.

• Computer use is up, averaging 52 uses/day.

• The February 2009 door count was comparable to the door count of June 2007 (June typically being one of the busiest months because of summer programming).

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• The estimate from Architectural Wall Systems to repair the damaged section of siding was $2,682.00.  The City’s insurance has a $1000.00 deductible for such damage; we are awaiting the insurance company’s response before replying to AWS.

• The Library successfully passed the Johnston Fire Dept’s fire inspection in March.

• We are beginning to have problems with the motors of the automated wall clocks.  One clock has been replaced and a 2nd clock will be purchased as a backup.

Public Relations & Networking:

• Lions Club Book Sale was held March 5-7.  Willona and a Library volunteer assisted with set-up on March 4.  Preliminary sales figures indicate a slight increase over the previous year.

• The Library will host the Johnston Chamber’s Breakfast Before Business on September 15, 2009 from 7:00-8:30 am.

• The Library is again selling Hall of Fame Banquet tickets for the Johnston Community School Foundation.

• Youth Services began promotion of the Summer Library program at KidsFest and in the upcoming Johnston Community Education summer booklet.

• Kinney Carnahan and Jessica Young attended the first annual Reach Out and Read Benefit for Books on March 12.

Legislative Update:

• Children’s books have been removed from the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirement on lead testing.

• House and Senate bills requiring gender balance on appointed Boards and Commissions have recently been introduced in the Iowa Legislature.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The recommended Technology Plan for 2009-2011 was approved by the Board.

Staff & Training Update:

• New part-time staff members are continuing their training with the assistance of experienced staff members.

• Openings for 2 shelver vacancies for about 5 hours/week were posted.

Foundation Report

• The Foundation’s annual report was mailed in February and is available on the Library’s website.

• Willona and the Foundation officers discussed moving some funds in the 2009 Foundation budget from library materials to technology to assist with supplemental cataloging costs.  The officers were supportive of the change and Willona will present the suggested amendment at the April 1 Foundation board meeting.

There being no further Trustee Comments, Dennis Schuessler moved adjournment of the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last updated: April 17, 2009