JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES

October 21, 2008

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday October 21, 2008 in the Archive Room.  Present were Taena Fowler, Dennis Schuessler, Ellen Jessen, Shirley Weuve, 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.

Citizen Comments

Comments in the Suggestion Box included a request to clean the mice on the public computers, two requests for a “real coffee shop” in the library, a request that the library subscribe to the Ref USA database and a comment expressing dissatisfaction with the .25/page charge for color printing.

Willona also shared several thank you messages – one from the local 4H club for displaying its Johnston Forever Green display, another from a book club participant expressing appreciation for the Library’s adult book club and one from a customer who appreciates the Interlibrary Loan service.

A notice was received from the Iowa Dept. of Health regarding a complaint of a smoking violation on the library grounds.

Meeting Minutes

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the meeting minutes as corrected.  Ellen Jessen seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

FY09/10 Library Automation Services Agreement

Ellen Jessen moved approval of the Library Automation Services Agreement for FY09/10 at a cost of $40,204.00.  Dennis Schuessler seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $27,280.00 with city back charges of $5,324.22.

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

FY09/10 Budget Draft

Willona presented the city guidelines for next year’s budget preparation and the Board discussed possible options/scenarios for the FY09/10 budget.

Based on the directive from City Council, a motion was made by Dennis Schuessler to recommend the scenario that reduces the 1.5 FTE and 55% of the collection which also results in reducing hours open by 6 hours per week.  Ellen Jessen seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of September 30, 2008, the total expenditure was $229,568.62.  Spending represents 22% of the operating budget with 25% of the year having passed.
• As of September 30, 2008, assets in the Library Trust total $76,678.16. 

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation for the month was 22,166, an increase of 11% over last September.  An increase in circulation has been seen in those areas on which the weeding/collection development project has recently focused, e.g. Adult fiction 40% increase, Adult nonfiction 12.5% increase and Juvenile nonfiction 35% increase.
• The number of library visits for August was 12,101 or an average of 417 visits/day.
• 808 items were added to the collection and 1,414 items were withdrawn.

Director’s Report

Collection Development Update:

• Staff continues to work on sections of both the Juvenile nonfiction and Adult nonfiction collections.

Building & Grounds:

• The replacement of the security contact magnet on the Staff entrance door and the tightening of the door latch appear to have resolved most of the nuisance alarms.
• The interior and exterior windows were washed in October.  Public Works also blew out the irrigation system in preparation for winter.

Public Relations & Networking:

• Satellite voting and the Flu Shot Clinic at the Library have been very successful.
• Willona has continued to work on the categorization of responses from the Community Needs Assessment.  One of the questions asked at the focus groups was about strengths of the community; eight of the twelve groups cited the Library as a community strength.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• The coin-op machine connected to the public printer continues to be unpredictable and problematic; the vendor is working on a resolution.

Staff & Training Update:

• Several staff members attended the State Library Town Meetings and reported it a worthwhile continuing education opportunity.
• Four staff members attended portions of the Iowa Library Association Conference October 15-17.
• The Engaged Library continuing education opportunity will be held via the ICN on November 13 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Altoona Public Library.  This presentation is intended primarily for library directors, trustees and city officials.

Foundation Report

The Foundation officers met in October and discussed strategies for developing the 2009 budget.

Other Business

• Reminder: the next regular Library Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday November 20.   
• Willona distributed an updated Trustee list with current contact information.

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 7:03 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary