JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
September 15, 2011

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday September 15, 2011 in the Archive Room. Present were Alex Johnston, Heather Schmitz, Taena Fowler, Shirley Weuve, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda

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

Citizen Comments

There were no citizen comments reported.

Meeting Minutes 

Taena Fowler moved approval of the minutes.   The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $13,688.74 with city back charges of $4,553.73.  Taena Fowler moved approval of the bills.  The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz and unanimously approved.

Review of Board By-laws:

Taena Fowler moved approval of the By-laws as reviewed.   Heather Schmitz seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Urbandale Integrated Library System (ILS) Agreement

Willona presented a draft of the 28/e ILS agreement with the Urbandale Library for FY12/13 for review.  The agreement will be on the agenda for approval at the October board meeting.

Budget and Finance

• As of August 31, 2011, total expenditure was $99,011.15.   Spending represented 16.98% of the operating budget with 16.67% of the year having passed, the additional spending due to a 3rd payroll in August.
• As of August 31, 2011, assets in the Library Trust totaled $43,937.69.

Monthly Statistics

• Both August circulation and door count were down from the previous August. 
• The number of holds processed was 1,000 more than last August, an increase of 29%.

State Reports

• The State Library’s annual statistical report for FY10/11 has been completed and submitted.
• Preparation has begun for the State Library’s triennial accreditation report which will be due in 2012.   This year’s online submission method will help expedite the process.  A space assessment discussion will be included on the agenda for the October Board meeting.

Continuing Education on Legal Matters for Public Libraries:

• The Board reviewed Chapter 10 of the ‘Library Trustee’s Handbook’.  Topics included Library Ordinance, Financial support, Open meetings, Confidentiality of library records, Patriot Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Iowa Gift Law, Compatibility of Office, Board Liability, ADA and OSHA compliance, Architect requirement for public libraries, Construction bidding process, Theft of library materials, Meeting rooms, 28E agreements,  Combined school and public libraries and Library districts.

Director’s Report

Building & Grounds:

• Staff continues to monitor the interaction between the chiller and the building automation system as we wait for an upgrade to the HVAC automation software.
• Several routine quarterly inspections were completed this month.

Programs:

• Regular Youth Services programming resumed in September.  Sundown Storytime is now offered every Thursday evening.
• Cheryl Heid attended the Senior Citizen’s meal site on September 8 to promote library programs and services.
• Adult programming activities for the month include a gardening program, Johnston Night with the Neighbors, flu shot clinics and the Family Movie @ the Library.   Upcoming in October will be the IPART Ghosthunter program at the Simpson Barn.

Marketing Public Relations and Networking:

• Willona attended a Polk County Library Association meeting to prepare for a meeting with the Polk County administrator.
• The Library will be represented in the Johnston Homecoming parade on September 22.
• The Library will host the Pioneer Breakfast Club on September 29 for a program and tour.

• Willona is serving as a member of the Johnston School District’s 100th anniversary team planning for their 2014 observance.
• Several library staff member s have volunteered to plan for the Library’s 10th anniversary in this building.
• Character Counts week will be October 16-22.   As part of the Johnston Alliance for Character Development, Willona will participate in observances at the Johnston School Board meeting, City Council meeting and the Johnston High School football game.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• Several staff members participated in the Brodart training on September 13.
• Staff is compiling preliminary budget information in anticipation of a technology infrastructure upgrade in FY13.

Staff & Training Update:

• Aditi Dinakar began duties as a shelver on September 7.
• Alisa Pajser has begun training for discharging on the Library’s Sirsi system.
• Murl Pace’s last day as a substitute was September 15.
• Several staff members will attend the State Library’s Town Meeting on September 21.
• Willona and Rita Samuelson will be attending the Iowa Library Association annual conference in Council Bluffs in October.

Foundation & Friends Report

• The ‘Art in the Barn’ fundraiser will be Friday September 16 from 5:30-8:30 pm in the Simpson Barn.
• A grant request has been submitted to Pioneer Hi-Bred to help defray the cost of musicians and an off-duty police officer for the ‘Art in the barn’ event.
• Sheila Kinman of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines attended the September Foundation Board meeting to discuss investment opportunities.
• Greg Judas will represent the Library Foundation in the Johnston Homecoming parade.

There being no further Trustee Comments or Other Business, Taena Fowler moved for adjournment.   The motion was seconded by Heather Schmitz, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 7:03 pm.

Taena Fowler, Secretary

Last updated; October 21, 2011