JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

November 18,   2010

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday November 18, 2010 in the East Meeting Room.   Present were Dennis Schuessler, Taena Fowler, Heather Schmitz, Alex Johnston, Public Services Librarian Cheryl Heid, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

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

Citizen Comments

• A note of appreciation was received from a customer whose lost wallet was found in the Library.
• The Suggestion Box included suggestions for online catalog improvements (one of which currently exists) and keeping record of everything checked out by an individual.

Meeting Minutes 

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the September 16, 2010 meeting minutes.   The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Heather Schmitz moved approval of the October 21, 2010 meeting minutes.   The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Heather Schmitz moved for approval of the November 9, 2010 special meeting minutes.   The motion was seconded by Alex Johnston and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $24,178.03 with city back charges of $5,275.65.  Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the bills.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

E-book Addendum to Wilbor Contract

Dennis Schuessler moved to approve the addendum to the Wilbor Contract to add ebooks by paying a pro-rated fee of $200.00 for eBook content for FY10/11 plus an additional payment of $1,300.00 to be applied toward accelerated purchase of additional titles.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

Sex Offender Exclusion Zone Policy

Dennis Schuessler moved to approve the modification of the Sex Offender Exclusion Zone Policy to reflect the change of code citation from Chapter 692A to Chapter 692A.113.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of October 31, 2010, total expenditure was $356,275.89.  With 33.33% of the year having passed, spending represented 32.91% of the total operating budget.
• As of October 31, 2010, assets in the Library Trust totaled $49,366.14.

Monthly Statistics

• October circulation totaled 24,996; a 4% increase over last October.
• A total of 3,703 holds were available for pickup this month as compared to 2,876 for last October, an increase of 29%.  Holds are one of the most labor intensive services handled by Circulation staff.

Website & Social Networking Sites:

• Cheryl Heid presented new enhancements to the Library’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• The concrete replacement has been completed by Public Works and Midwest Caulk replaced caulking in the affected area.  Search for a concrete solution will be continued in the spring.
• Two UPS batteries failed to pass inspection and were replaced.
• Willona reported on a proposed Over55 retiree townhome rental development being considered for construction south of the library.  The development’s site plan has been approved by City Council.

Programs:

• The annual Pumpkin Patch Party was well attended and enjoyed by all.
• November programs include Welcome to Medicare, a movie Toy Story 3, Gift Jars and Personal Safety.
• Preparations are under way for Holidays in Johnston which will be held at the Library on December 4 from 2:30-4:30 pm.

Marketing Public Relations and Networking:

• Character Counts Week was October 17-23.  Willona and other city officials attended a banquet honoring Johnston as a “Community of Character” in the state of Iowa.
• Publicity for Holidays in Johnston has begun.
• The Strategic Plan timeline has been modified; the survey is now planned for December/January with a final report to appear later in the spring.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• Willona reported on the attempted upgrade of the Symantec antivirus software during the November 11 holiday.
• The Board discussed options for replacement of the workroom photocopier and directed Willona to pursue a written quote.

Staff & Training Update:

• Willona reported on the status of the city’s current compensation study.  Library position descriptions are being reviewed as part of an across the board review of city job descriptions.  Changes to library descriptions may be considered in an effort to more accurately reflect actual duties and reduce the number of unique job descriptions.
• Several staff attended the annual Iowa Library Association conference in October.
• Cheryl Heid and Kara Jund are currently taking online library science classes.   Cheryl’s work toward an MLS has qualified her to move her library certification from level IV to level V.
• Maurine Myers will renew her library certification in December at a Level VI (Masters in Library Science).

Foundation & Friends Report

• The full Foundation Board met November 3 and approved the 2011 budget.
• Foundation officers and Willona interviewed candidates for vacant board positions and plan to have the positions filled by January 2011.
• Library Friends have been invited to volunteer at the Holidays in Johnston event on December 4.

There being no further Trustee Comments or Other Business, Dennis Schuessler moved for adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.

Dennis Schuessler, Secretary

Last updated: December 20, 2010