JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES

May 19, 2011

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm Thursday May 19, 2011 in the Archive Room. Present were Dennis Schuessler, Alex Johnston, Heather Schmitz, Shirley Weuve, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

Heather Schmitz moved approval of the agenda.  The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Citizen Comments

• Comments were received and responded to concerning the lack of availability of a public telephone in the Library and the Library’s policy regarding inability to check items out without a library card.
• A thank you was received from a regular library user expressing appreciation for the “on order” records and how useful he finds the information.
• Letters were received from 3rd grade students at Beaver Creek as part of a study unit on city departments.

Meeting Minutes 

Heather Schmitz moved approval of the minutes of the March 25, 2011 special event and the April 21, 2011 board meeting.   The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $27,773.09 with city back charges of $5,566.30.  Heather Schmitz moved approval of the claims, Alex Johnston seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Staff Evaluation Report and Compensation Approval

All employees having met a ‘Satisfactory’ level of performance, Heather Schmitz moved approval of a 3% wage increase for FY2011/12.  The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Nomination of Board Officers:

A slate of officers for FY11/12 was presented: President – Alex Johnston; Vice-President – Heather Schmitz; Secretary – Taena Fowler; Foundation Board liaison – Taena Fowler.  Shirley Weuve moved for acceptance of the slate of officers as presented.  The motion was seconded by Dennis Schuessler and unanimously approved.  Election of officers will occur at the June 2011 board meeting.

Custodial Bids

After reviewing three bids for custodial services from Midwest Janitorial Services, Midwest Green Clean and ServiceMaster Green, Heather Schmitz moved approval of the bid presented by Midwest Green Clean for services to begin July 1, 2011.  The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Strategic Plan 2011-2014

Heather Schmitz moved for approval of the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan as amended.  The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of April 30, 2011, total expenditure was $892,426.73.  With 83.33% of the year having passed, spending represented 82.33% of the operating budget.
• As of April 30, 2011, assets in the Library Trust totaled $37,355.40.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was up 5% over last April.
• During the month of April, meeting rooms were used for 143.75 hours; approximately 60% of the hours the library was open to the public.
• The Technical Services staff handled approximately 300 order records and cataloged 600 items in April.

Interlibrary Loan Service Agreement:

We are still waiting confirmation from the State Library concerning coverage of ILL activity for FY11/12.

CILSA Grant:

A grant proposal for the ‘TumbleReadables’ online subscription for $499.00 was submitted and approved.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• Because of ongoing issues with the wireless doorbell, staff is investigating a hard wired option for the staff entrance.
• Flowerbeds have been planted and mulched in preparation for Green Days.
• Summit Middle school students are scheduled to assist with grounds cleanup prior to Green Days.
• Construction across the street has presented some traffic challenges and the Library was closed early on May 4 due to a major waterline breach.

Programs:

• There was little programming scheduled for May as Youth Services staff prepares for summer.   A special DVD was created by Youth Services staff and distributed to the schools to publicize the upcoming summer reading program.
•  Bicycle Roundup was not held May 14 due to weather conditions.
•  Senior computer classes will be offered at Crown Point on May 25 and 26.
•  Library staff will present two story times at the May 31st Farmer’s Market.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The library network and related technology has been stable.

Staff & Training Update:

• There were two resignations:  Kara Jund, Public Services Assistant, resigned effective May 26 and Murl Pace, Circulation Clerk, resigned her 20 hour/week position effective June 9 although she will continue as a substitute until September 15.   Both job openings have been posted.

Marketing Public Relations and Networking:

• Julie Wells from the Norwalk Public Library has been named Director of the Urbandale Public Library.
• Willona and Maurine met with Trish Dimond and Jeanette Andrews from the Urbandale Public Library.
• Willona reported on the recent open house at the newly remodeled Crown Point facility.
• The Library’s large meeting room was used on May 13 for an Iowa Library Association Public Relations Forum workshop for statewide librarians.

Foundation Report

• The Foundation officers met on May 4.
• The Friends fundraiser at the Simpson Barn is confirmed for Friday September 16, 2011.
• The Library Board approved the Friends’ use of the Library meeting room for a library fundraiser on June 2 with all profits supporting the Friends’ organization. 

Other Business

• Reminder that the June board meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2011 at 5:30 pm.

There being no further Other Business or Trustee Comments, Heather Schmitz moved for adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.

 Dennis Schuessler, Secretary

 Last updated: June 23, 2011