JOHNSTON LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES

February 19, 2009

The Johnston Public Library Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday February 19, 2009 in the Archive Room.  Present were  Shirley Weuve, Dennis Schuessler, Taena Fowler, Steve Scott, Gerd Clabaugh, Director Willona Goers and Assistant Director Maurine Myers.

Approve Agenda as amended

Steve Scott moved approval of the agenda as amended.  The motion was seconded by Dennis Schuessler and unanimously approved

Citizen Comments

• A letter was sent from City Hall to Horizon Elementary School 3rd graders answering their questions about various city departments.
• A note was received from Sara Wessling, JHS AP English instructor, thanking Willona for her participation in the mock grant project.
• The suggestion box included a request for a coat rack and a comment expressing a customer’s displeasure at having to complete the patron registration form.

Meeting Minutes

Steve Scott moved approval of the minutes.  Dennis Schuessler seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved/

ADG contract

Steve Scott moved approval of the annual automatic door maintenance contract at a cost of $1,412.50.  The motion was seconded by Dennis Schuessler and unanimously approved.

Approve bills

Library claims for the month total $18,655.40 with city back charges of $12,444.93.  Steve Scott moved approval of the bills.  Dennis Schuessler seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Library Holidays and Closings

Steve Scott moved that July 3, 2009 be added to the Library’s list of holiday closings.  The motion was seconded by Dennis Schuessler and unanimously approved.

Policy Manual Review

Dennis Schuessler moved approval of the suggested policy amendments as reviewed.  The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve and unanimously approved.

Budget and Finance

• As of January 31, 2009, expenditures totaled $502,818.71.  With 58.33% of the year having passed, spending represents 54.62% of the budget.
• State Library reimbursements for Open Access in the amount of $21,310.00 and Access Plus in the amount of $1,864.00 have now been received.  This income will be posted on the February budget report.
• As of January 31, 2009, assets in the Library Trust total $56,066.46.
• FY09/10 budget update – The City Council considered restoration and decision package requests at the January 19 meeting.  $24,400 for library materials was restored to the Library budget, bringing the materials budget up to 9% of the operating budget. 
• The city’s budget hearing is scheduled for March 2 with certification to occur at the following Council meeting.
  

Intergovernmental contracts

• The Metro Library Association Agreement and the Polk County Association Agreement were reviewed by the Johnston City Attorney and both contracts were then sent to the respective parties for review. 
• Willona presented an alternative funding formula that was proposed by the Polk County Supervisors. The Polk County Library Association library directors will meet next week to discuss acceptance of Polk County’s suggested formula.
• The Polk County Library Association met on February 9 to receive an update on the current funding and the contract status.
• Due to a calculation error, we should expect to receive an additional $2,500.00 in this year’s 4th quarter payment from Polk County. 

Monthly Statistics

• Circulation was 21,032 this month, an increase of 4% over last January.
• There were 2,200 website visits which is an increase of 22% over last year.
• The statistical reports now include wireless uses to better reflect computer usage in the Library,

Iowa Public Library Special Survey Statistics

Willona distributed a spreadsheet demonstrating the increased usage in Libraries throughout the state.

MySpace Report

Willona distributed a report on usage of JPL’s Teen MySpace page prepared by Jessica Young, Youth Services Assistant.

Director’s Report

Staff & Training Update:

• Elizabeth Brown will resign her position as Library Shelver in May and assume a contractual position with the Youth Services department to provide coverage and assistance during the Summer Reading program.
• Riley Svec has been promoted from Library Shelver to Library Clerk.  He will continue to do some shelving and work the Circulation desk on alternating weekends. 
• Lindsey MacAllister has accepted a position as Library Clerk to work alternate weekends opposite Riley.
• Kara Jund has been hired as part-time Public Services Assistant Librarian to work 25 hours/week.  She is scheduled to begin training after February 26.
• Willona distributed copies of the 2009 Trustees Manual.

Building & Grounds:

• A leak in the Workroom area was repaired by Public Works.
•  Midwest Caulk will come in the spring to repair cracks in the concrete caused by the winter weather.
• Aramark indicated there is no resale value for the snack vending machine; however, they are willing to recycle it for us and the Foundation Board approved removal of the machine at their February meeting.  The Library receives no commission on these products because there isn’t sufficient volume sold.
• We are again experiencing a turnover in our cleaning personnel.  Willona will continue to monitor the situation.
• During the last snowstorm, there was some damage to siding on the west side of the building caused by snow removal equipment.  Architectural Wall Systems has been contacted to provide a quote for repair.

Public Relations & Networking:

• Kathryn Manion has been selected as the new Urbandale Public Library director.
• Willona and Maurine met with Urbandale management staff on February 17th for a quarterly meeting.
• Willona participated in a Local Arrangements Committee meeting in preparation for the Iowa Library Association conference in Des Moines in October.
• Willona will represent the Library at the Johnston Chamber of Commerce annual banquet on February 12.
• The Lions Club Book Sale will be held March 5-7 and Willona will assist with setup on March 4.

Technology, Telecommunications, Networking:

• New large size monitors and thermal receipt printers have been installed at the front desk for use with the Sirsi.
• Planning is underway for the addition of an express check machine.  The Library Foundation has approved the purchase in their 2009 budget. 

Foundation Report

• The Foundation annual meeting was held in February.
• The 2008 annual report was approved and will be printed and distributed in the next few weeks. 
• Paul Jacobson was named Business person of the year at Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.

Other Business

• Reminder – the next regular meeting will be on Monday March 23. 
• Discussion of including a 360 evaluation component in the upcoming Director’s review – a subcommittee will proceed with planning. 

Adjournment

Dennis Schuessler moved for adjournment.  The motion was seconded by Shirley Weuve, unanimously approved and the meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.

Ellen Jessen, Secretary

Last updated: March 24, 2009