JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
October 21, 2010

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday October 21, 2010 in the Archive Room.  Present were Alex Johnston, Heather Schmitz, Taena Fowler, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

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

Citizen Comments

A thank you was received from Community Education for use of the meeting room.  Another note of appreciation was received from an Ankeny resident who visited the library for a class assignment and Charter Bank sent a “million congratulations” note.   A customer expressed concern about a library policy and the staff member’s method of relaying that policy. 

Meeting Minutes 

Approval of the September meeting minutes was tabled until the next meeting.

Approve FY11/12 Library Automation Services Agreement with Urbandale Public Library

Alex Johnston moved approval of the $42,825.00 ILS (integrated library system) agreement with the Urbandale Public Library for FY 11/12.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library bills for the month total $24,592.48 with city back charges of $5,471.40.  Alex Johnston moved approval of the bills.  Heather Schmitz seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Special Budget Meeting to approve library budget request for FY11/12

Alex Johnston moved approval of a Special Budget Meeting scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 9 at 5:30 pm.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

Approve Holidays and Library Closings for 2011

Alex Johnston moved approval of the 2011 Holiday and Library Closings as presented.  Heather Schmitz seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of September 30, 2010, total expenditure was $243,786.54.  With 25% of the year having passed, spending represented 22.52% of the operating budget.
• As of September 30, 2010, assets in the Library Trust totaled $47,044.61.   Willona reported an additional $2000.00+ deposit that was received in today’s interoffice communication.  The Board directed Willona to begin the FY11/12 budget request from the Trust using 50% of the current total assets.

Monthly Statistics

• September circulation totaled 23,854 which was a 6% increase over last September.

Strategic Planning Survey

The Survey Committee presented a recommendation for the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan Community Survey.  The survey will be conducted online for one week in November and one week in December via the library website; it will also be available in-house using a library computer or a printed version.  There will also be an attempt to allow nonlibrary users the opportunity to respond to the survey via a blurb in the city water bill and a published newspaper article.  Meeting attendees then had the opportunity to test the survey and make suggestions for modifications.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• Simplex replaced and reconnected the magnetic contact on the SW meeting room door that was damaged during a lightning storm.
• Public Works continues to work on routine maintenance:  replacing light bulbs and parking lot lights, moving picnic tables for winter, toilet and sink repair in restrooms, filter replacement and cleaning smoke detectors.
• The City’s building inspector looked at the changes being considered in the Book Sale niche and indicated there would be no problem with building codes if the changes are implemented.
• The irrigation system has been blown out and shut down for winter.
• Trees have been planted on the East side of the building to help protect the windows from sports activities.

Programs:

• Satellite voting, Flu shots, ghost hunting and Iowa Reptile Rescue are all part of the programs offered in October.  Youth Services observed Teen Read Week October 17-23 with a special contest and the annual Pumpkin Patch Part will be October 25.

Marketing Public Relations and Networking:

• We celebrated the Library’s one millionth visitor the morning of October 6 when Weston Danner (age 2), brother Jordan and grandmother Deb Culp entered the building for a Wee Read storytime.  The JPL Friends served cookies for the event.  Bill Jensen had the closest prediction as to when the millionth visit would occur; both Weston and Bill received copies of the book ‘One Million Things’.
• Willona will attend a Polk County Library Association on October 22.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• Five new computers were purchased by the JPL Foundation and have replaced older machines that function as online public access catalogs (OPACs).   Dreama Deskins configured the machines and they are now up and running.

Staff & Training Update:

• Willona, Cheryl Heid, Rita Samuelson, Kinney Carnahan and Jessica Young attended the Iowa Library Association annual conference October 13-15 in Coralville.

Foundation & Friends Report

• The Foundation officers met October 6 and discussed parameters for the 2011 budget.   The proposal will be presented to the full board at the November meeting.   Interviews for the vacant board positions will be held in the coming month.
• The Friends met October 11 to review the 2011 budget proposal to be taken to the November Foundation meeting.

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

Last updated: November 19, 2010