FONDULAC DISTRICT LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

December 14, 2006

 

 

            Members of the Fondulac District Library Board of Trustees met in special session on Thursday, December 14, 2006.  President Herring called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

 

            On roll call the following members were present:  Mr. Brimberry, Mrs. Cole, Mr. Goff, Mrs. Herring, Mr. Lasswell and Mr. Mingus.  Also present were Ms. Falasz-Peterson, Director, Miss McKeever, Assistant Director and Mrs. Geier, Administrative Assistant.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson reported that after the last board meeting she met with Randy Gibson of PSA to discuss projected costs for utilities.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson explained that she came up with the projected numbers for utilities by looking at what was budgeted in the last three fiscal years and what the library actually spent.  Currently, the library is paying approximately $2.10 per square foot for utilities, based on a 12,500 square foot building.  Mr. Gibson estimated that at today’s prices, which are subject to change, the library can expect to pay approximately $82,000 annually on utilities, with a 5-7% cost escalation in the new facility.  This translates into a cost of $1.76 per square foot.

 

            To figure salaries and benefits on a new building, Ms. Falasz-Peterson met with Lee Logan from Alliance Library System.  After looking through some numbers, Mr. Logan felt that with the current staff of 13 full time employees and five part time employees, the library would possibly need to hire one full time and one part time employee.  Mr. Logan also suggested considering possibly a reorganization of the current staff in a way that would utilize them in the best role possible in the new facility.  Therefore, Ms. Falasz-Peterson feels that the library will not see a huge increase in staffing.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson and miss McKeever will be working on a reorganization plan.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson discussed her communication with attorney Phil Lenzini.  She reminded the board that Kevin Heid from First Midstate had mentioned a special eight cent levy for new construction.  Mr. Lenzini stated that he is not in favor of this levy as it is another ballot question that will need voter approval.  As for asking patrons while they are in the library to volunteer to have yard signs in their yards, Mr. Lenzini didn’t feel this would be the best way to spend library funds. 

 

            Mr. Lenzini also suggested that the board determine whether they want to follow the alternate revenue bond or if they want to place just a building bond question on the ballot. 

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson handed out a projected costs/budget for the new building.  To compile this paper, she looked at the projected total income based on this year’s EAV as there is no way of knowing what kind of income the library will have in 2008/09.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson took the budgeted income and added what Mr. Heid had projected in his handout as the library’s income.  She then looked at the total projected expenses for 2006/07 as well as the estimated first repayment of the alternate revenue bonds.    This left a deficit.  However, it does not include any withdrawal from the reserve fund or any interest generated.  She also reported that the library’s EAV has gone up an average of 5% over the past three years.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson stated that she feels this is all the information the library board is going to receive.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson asked the board to make a decision on whether they want the question on the April ballot to be for alternate revenue bonds or building bonds.  Once the decision is made, Ms. Falasz-Peterson will begin making phone calls to move forward.  She stated that February 13, 2007 is the final deadline for having a ballot question to the county.  Phil Lenzini, however, advised the board they should have something in place by the end of January.  Mrs. Herring stated that the board needed to decide if they wanted to pose a question that would keep the income in place or just going for bonds for the building.  There was some discussion on the differences in building bonds and the alternate revenue bonds.

 

            Mr. Johnston arrived at 6:45 p.m.

 

            M/S/P (Lasswell/Johnston) to go with the alternate revenue bond question on the April 17, 2007 ballot.  On roll call all present voting yea.

 

            Mr. Brimberry asked where the library stands as far as our tax rate compared to other taxing bodies.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson will get that information for the January 10th special meeting.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson asked the board if they would like to retain First Midstate’s services as a financial consultant.  Mr. Heid left a contract for the board to sign.  They work on a no pass, no pay basis.  Mr. Brimberry feels that anyone can provide this service and it may benefit the library to use a local lender.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson will talk with other banks and have more information for the January 10th special meeting.

 

            Mr. Johnston moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m.