JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
November 19, 2009
The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday November 19, 2009 in the Archive Room. Present were Ellen Jessen, Dennis Schuessler, 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 Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.
Citizen Comments
Several favorable comments have been received about the new library card renewal procedure and an attendee of the recent “Gifts in a jar” program called to express her appreciation for that program. Written thank you notes included one from the Iowa Geographic Information Council for use of the library’s meeting room and another from the Iowa Library Association Local Arrangements chairpersons for the Library’s help with the 2009 ILA conference.
Meeting Minutes October 15 & Nov 4
Taena Fowler moved approval of the minutes of the October 15 and special November 4 meetings. The motion was seconded by Dennis Schuessler and unanimously approved.
Approve bills
Library bills for the month total $29,805.05 with city back charges of $4,059.86. Steve Scott moved approval of the bills. Ellen Jessen seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Approval of Holidays and Library Closings for 2010
Ellen Jessen moved approval of the 2010 holiday closings as proposed. Taena Fowler seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. The Board also discussed the impact of the Library’s seven day work week on holiday observances Ellen Jessen moved that Willona draft a resolution for City Council approval accepting the named Christmas and New Year’s holidays as official Library holidays.
Approval of Mobile Laptop Lab 28E Agreement
Ellen Jessen moved to approve the 28-E Mobile Laptop Lab Agreement. The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler and unanimously approved.
Position Descriptions and Adjustments
Ellen Jessen moved to approve the adjustment of position and compensation rates for staff. Taena Fowler seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Budget and Finance
As of October 31, 2009, total expenditure was $335,586.76. Spending represented 31.77% of the operating budget with 33.33% of the year having passed.
As of October 31, 2009, assets in the Library Trust totaled $65,049.44.
Notice was received from the State Library that the 10% cut in state budgets would not affect the Enrich Iowa programs and payments.
Willona presented a budget update for FY10/11. The proposed FY10/11 budget has been submitted to the City’s Finance Department for review.
Dennis Schuessler will present the Library’s FY10/11 budget request to the city Council on Tuesday, December 15.
Final Polk County figures have been received and the Library’s revenue from the Polk County contract will be somewhat higher than expected.
The shared fiber optic project with the City will reduce the cost of the Library’s public/staff internet charges.
Monthly Statistics
October circulation was up 9% over last October.
Door count was down considerably from last October; however, this was expected as satellite voting for the general election accounted for last year’s increased traffic. This October’s door count was 14% higher than October 2007.
Express Check continued to represent around a third of the items checked out.
Board Evaluation Discussion
The Board agreed to use the Board evaluation document included in the 2009 Trustee Manual for this year’s evaluation process.
Director’s Report
Building & Grounds:
Scratches on the metal siding on the west side of the building appear to have been made with a key. The incident was reported to the City; however, it will not result in an insurance claim.
A recent roof leak has been identified and repaired.
Fiber optic cable has been run into the building and a new rack that will hold equipment for the fiber network has been installed in the large Telecom room
Programs:
Both the Chad Lewis author event and the Pumpkin Patch Party were well attended.
Because of increased demand, Youth Services has added an additional Wee Read program for toddlers. There will be a Friday morning program in addition to the 3 sessions currently held on Wednesdays.
The intergenerational program “Gifts in a Jar” was enjoyed by 17 attendees.
The annual Holidays in Johnston event will be held Saturday, December 5 from 2:30-4:30.
Marketing, Public Relations & Networking:
Staff is regularly entering items in the DM Register’s event database and we are receiving more coverage of library events in the Johnston section of the paper.
Willona was elected president of ILA’s Public Library Forum.
The Library hosted the Iowa Library Association’s planning meeting on November 13.
A number of community groups will be involved with the Holidays in Johnston event.
The Johnston Dollars for Scholars Holiday Boutique will be held at the Simpson Barn at the same time as Holidays in Johnston
Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:
Dreama and Maurine are progressing with the “on order” project. Several test records have been added to the database and we will launch the new service when it has been thoroughly tested.
The fiber optic line has been pulled into the building and a cabinet installed.
The Board discussed switching providers for the dedicated T1 line that supports the library’s integrated library system and agreed to delay any immediate decision as the current contract runs through July 2011.
Staff & Training Update:
Youth Services staff attended a planning meeting for the 2010 Summer Library Program.
The Board approved Willona attending the PLA conference in Portland March 23-27, 2009.
Foundation Report
Foundation Board approved the proposed 2010 budget.
Tracy Rood tendered her resignation due to work commitments. The Board is in the process of filling all vacancies.
Other Business
A Board member expressed her appreciation for the Wilbor downloadable audiobooks.
Adjournment
Ellen Jessen moved adjournment of the meeting. The motion was seconded by Taena Fowler, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.
Ellen Jessen, Secretary
Last updated: December 18, 2009