JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES

  November 20, 2008

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday November 20, 2008 in the Archive Room.  Present were Taena Fowler,  Shirley Weuve, Steve Scott, Dennis Schuessler, Ellen Jessen, Gerd Clabaugh, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Staff Guest

Karalee Jones, Youth Services Assistant, described her role and duties in the Youth Services department.

Approve Agenda

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

Citizen Comments

An ongoing communication with Marquis Who’s Who and their collection agent concerning a $160.00 payment was referred on to the Johnston City Attorney for final resolution.

Thanks you notes were received from the incoming Iowa Library Association President for our hosting the ILA annual planning meeting on November 8 and from the Election Committee for the opportunity to offer satellite voting at the Library.

Meeting Minutes  

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the meeting minutes of October 21, 2008.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen and unanimously approved.

Dennis Schuessler also moved approval of the meeting minutes of the November 8, 2008 special meeting.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $26,369.36 with city back charges of $4,733.42.  Steve Scott moved approval of the bills, Ellen Jessen seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Approve 2009 Library Holidays & Closings

Steve Scott moved approval of the 2009 Library Holidays & Closings.  The motion was seconded by Ellen Jessen and unanimously approved.

Interlibrary Loan Policy

The Board agreed to table the Interlibrary Loan Policy revision for further discussion.

Board Evaluation

The Board completed and discussed the results of the self evaluation document.  Members will contribute ideas for topics for Board continuing education and development.

Budget and Finance

As of October 31, 2008, total expenditure was $337,540.21.  With 33.33% of the year having passed, spending represents 32.4% of the operating budget.

As of October 31, 2008, the Library Trust had a balance of $78,814.29.

Initial presentation of the Library’s FY09/10 budget was given to City Council on Monday Nov. 17, 2008.

Willona reported on the Polk County Library Association Committee’s meeting with a Polk County representative about the Association’s recommended formula for library service to county residents.  A comparable formula is being recommended for the Windsor Heights’ service contract.

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation for the past month was 22,018, a 2% increase over October of last year.
• The number of library visits for October was 19,804, an average of 639 visits/day.  Satellite voting, plus other programming, brought a significantly higher number of people to the library compared to last year.
• 266 new registrations and 215 renewal/replacement cards were added in October.
• 38 youth programs were held with 1,137 attending.  Eight adult programs, including Satellite Voting, resulted in 2,096 participants and 30 Cub Scouts enjoyed a tour of the building.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• During the Veteran’s Day holiday closing, a professional painting crew painted several walls throughout the building.
• Doug Kueck, the Library’s Public Works technician, continues to work on various maintenance projects around the building.
• CSS, the HVAC maintenance contractor, is working to resolve an imbalance of the building air pressure.

Public Relations & Networking:

• The Diane deGroat author visit, done in cooperation with the Johnston Community Schools, was quite successful with 78 participants.  In addition to strengthening our contact with the Johnston schools, library staff established connection with the home schooling network and private schools which increased the awareness for the author event.
• Hosting the satellite voting in October was a win for both the Library and voters in the eligible precincts as 1,963 people took advantage of the opportunity to vote at the Library.
• Willona was elected Vice President/President–Elect for the Public Library Forum at the Iowa Library Association conference.  Willona will also work on the Metro Library Association contract for the metro group.
• The Johnston Register article about economy down/ library use up was recognized.  The State Librarian is working on a similar article for publication.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• After considerable effort and working with technicians at both VendaPin and EnvisionWare, it appears the upgraded coin-op us functioning as it should.

Staff & Training Update:

• Willona submitted documentation to the State Library for her three year recertification as Level VI librarian.

Foundation Report

The full Foundation Board met in November and passed the 2009 budget with an indication that it might be amended if the Library’s FY09/10 budget warrants. 

Trustee Comments

Willona was commended for all her work on the budget preparation and appreciation extended to Taena and Willona for their presentation to the Council on November 17.

Announcements

Holidays in Johnston will be at the Library Saturday December 6 from 2:30-4:30 and the next Board meeting will be Thursday December 18.

Adjournment

Steve Scott moved adjournment of the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Dennis Schuessler, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary