FONDULAC DISTRICT LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

February 27, 2006

 

 

            Members of the Fondulac District Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, February 27, 2006.  President Mingus called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

 

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

 

            M/S/P (Cole/Herring) to accept the minutes of the January meeting of the Board of Trustees.

 

            M/S/P (Cole/Johnston) to accept the minutes of the January 30, 2006 executive session.

 

            M/S/P (Herring/Cole) to accept the minutes of the February 9, 2006 special meeting.

 

            M/S/P (Cole/Herring) to accept the minutes of the February 9, 2006 executive session.

 

            M/S/P (Cole/Johnston) to accept the minutes of the February 17, 2006 special meeting.

 

            M/S/P (Cole/Johnston) to accept the minutes of the February 17, 2006 executive session.

 

            The library statistical report showed receipts of $2,293.45 for February.  There was an increase in circulation for January.

 

            The bills were presented for payment.

 

            M/S/P (Johnston/Herring) to accept the Treasurer’s Report and payment of bills subject to audit.

 

            Treasurer’s Report:

GENERAL FUND CHECKING

01/30/06  Balance                                                                                  1,131.07

01/25/06  Deposit slips                                                                              (27.45)

01/31/06  Interest 3066700474                                                                     2.51

02/03/06  Deposit – Fines, fees, misc.                                                      412.62

02/06/06  Transfer – Investment to checking                                      21,000.00

02/09/06  Checks issued – Payroll                                                      (21,451.29)

02/10/06  Deposit – Fines, fees, misc.                                                      403.70

02/17/06  Deposit – Fines, fees, misc.                                                      366.43

02/20/06  Transfer – Investment to checking                                      21,500.00

02/23/06  Checks issued – Payroll                                                      (21,082.99)

02/23/06  Checks issued – NCPERS Group Life Ins.                               (52.00)

02/23/06  Checks issued – Credit card                                                    (875.00)

02/24/06  Deposit – Fines, fees, misc.                                                   1,110.70

02/27/06  Transfer – Investment to checking                                      23,500.00

02/27/06  Checks issued – Bills                                                          (24,755.92)

02/27/06  Balance                                                                                  1,182.38

 

GENERAL FUND SAVINGS

01/30/06  Balance                                                                                  3,497.44

01/31/06  Interest 3619307057                                                                       .48

02/27/06  Balance                                                                                  3,497.92

 

GENERAL FUND INVESTMENT

01/30/06  Balance                                                                              494,834.97

01/31/06  Interest 7139120393                                                              1,830.22

02/06/06  Transfer – Investment to checking                                     (21,000.00)

02/20/06  Transfer – Investment to checking                                     (21,500.00)

02/27/06  Transfer – Investment to checking                                     (23,500.00)

02/27/06  Balance                                                                              430,665.19

 

WORKING CASH FUND

01/30/06  Balance                                                                              259,447.21

01/31/06  Interest 7139120401                                                                 909.54

02/27/06  Balance                                                                              260,356.75

 

RESERVE FUND

01/30/06  Balance                                                                           1,282,414.95

01/31/06  Interest 7139120419                                                              4,495.76

02/27/06  Balance                                                                           1,286,910.71

 

ENTERPRISE FUND

01/30/06  Balance                                                                                26,437.16

01/31/06  Interest 6900342215                                                                     5.18

02/03/06  Deposit – Rent                                                                          420.00

02/24/06  Deposit – Rent                                                                          450.00

02/27/06  Checks issued – Bills                                                               (445.37)

02/27/06  Balance                                                                                26,866.97

            Mrs. Geier made three authorized transfers in February.  The first on the 6th was for $21,000, the second on the 21st was for $21,500 and the third on the 28th was for $23,500.  All transfers were from the Investment Account to the Checking Account.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson gave the board an invitation to the E. P. Chamber’s Eggs and Issues series.  She and Miss McKeever will be attending the April 28th session.  If anyone would like to attend please let Ms. Falasz-Peterson or Mrs. Geier know and they will make sure you are registered.  The library will be hosting a session in August.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson, Theresa Sloan and Nick Hulva, have been working together on a Technology Plan, which was included in the board packets.  The technology plan is, essentially, a plan of attack, where we were looking, what needs to get done and on what level.  Mr. Johnston suggested that we also include adding different platforms.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson is very proud of the work both Theresa and Nick have done on this project.  They really examined what services we currently have in the way of technology, where we’d like to go, all the while remembering that we are a public library, not a computer center. 

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson stated that also in the board’s packets was information on forming a library foundation.  This information stemmed from previous board discussion on the matter.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson went over with the board the process of setting up a foundation.  There was further discussion on this matter.

 

            Mr. Mingus appointed Mr. Brimberry secretary pro-tem for this meeting.

 

            The finance committee met on February 22nd.  They talked about how much money would need to be raised for the building project.  After discussion, based on a $12.4 million construction cost, they guessed it would be around $11.2 million.  They then allocated $850,000 from the Reserve Fund.  Also discussed was what kind of tax levy would be required to raise the $11.2 million over a 20 year period of time.  That figure would be approximately 28 cents above our current 28 cents tax rate.  They also discussed if there was a need to hire a financial advisor.  They didn’t feel we are at that point yet; other libraries generally wait until after they have passed a referendum to hire an advisor.  Mrs. Herring questioned whether an advisor could possibly help the library pass a referendum.  The committee discussed the various ways to get the money, i.e. mortgage, bonds, etc. but it all depends on getting a referendum passed first.  Most libraries use bonds.  Mrs. Herring and Ms. Falasz-Peterson met with representatives from Regions Banks to discuss our project, plans and our hopes and dreams and about needing their support.  They were very positive about the project and East Peoria with all the changes that are going on.  They also stated that they have been very active in putting together some of the bond issues and would be very interested in helping us out in that area.  No promises were made from anyone, although we got verbal support from them on our project.  Mr. Goff asked if the committee had discussed contacting foundations.  Mrs. Herring replied that they had not.  Mr. Goff feels this could be very profitable.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson touched on highlights of chapters 10-14 of the Trustee Fact File.

 

            Mr. Mingus appointed Mrs. Cole secretary pro-tem for the January 2006 meeting.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson reported that when the cost of health insurance was presented for Mrs. Smith’s insurance, the life insurance component was not included.  Mrs. Smith has stated that if she has to pay, she is not interested.  Mrs. Herring felt this was a mute point, since the Smiths would have to pay their 10%.  After contacting our attorney, Phil Lenzini, regarding a written contract between the library and Mrs. Smith, it was decided that the library should draft a letter to Mrs. Smith that would require not only her signature, but Mr. Mingus’, as the president of the board.  Before the letter was read into the minutes, Mr. Brimberry stated he would like to make an amendment to the letter.  He asked that a phrase, “as the prior board did as well”, in the last paragraph be removed.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson read the letter into the minutes.

 

Dear Norma:

 

At the February 17, 2006 special meeting of the Fondulac District Library, the board of trustees made the following motion:

 

“…to continue to cover with Medicare supplemental for both Smiths at 90% and ask the Smiths to cover 10% of the premium.  The board will cover the gap in dental coverage in the interim period.”

 

The supplemental insurance is comparable to the current policy with Blue Cross Blue Shield.  There is a slight difference in the dental coverage.  There is a six month waiting period for basic dental services, including x-rays, fillings, sealants and simple extractions.  There is an 18 month waiting period for major dental services, including crowns, bridges, dentures, endodontics, periodontics and oral surgery.  If you or Ron should require these services in the interim period, the board will cover those expenses.  Additionally, there is a small difference in drug coverage.  The new cost for generic prescriptions will be $7 and $30 for preferred.

 

This is intended by the current Library Board to be a long term resolution and agreement between you personally and the Fondulac District Library Board of Trustees.  But as you know, the current Board cannot legally speak for future boards especially given the unforeseeable events of health insurance costs and insurance policy terms, future Trustee elections, and of course your own circumstances.

 

The board is grateful for the dedication and years of service you have given to the library and the East Peoria community, and while it is concerned about establishing a precedent for other retirees, it has taken this action, to favor you specifically, and has not generally created any “retirement” policy for others.  If you agree with this result and payment of the 10% premium, we would ask that you sign the copy of this letter and return it to the Library as concurrence.

 

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 645-6587.

 

Sincerely, Seth Mingus, President

 

            Miss McKeever reported that though our building model is not quite finished it is progressing nicely.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson has asked Miss McKeever to think about some possible unveiling events for our model.  Mr. Schlipf suggested that the unveiling of a model should take place any where from 3-6 months before a referendum.  Six months in advance of an election would be October and three months would be January 2007.  She and Ms. Falasz-Peterson have discussed possibly talking to the city council, to get them behind us, before we would have a public unveiling.  Miss McKeever stated that she has been in touch with several people at Bradley University regarding a virtual tour for our new facility.  She received some strong “nos”, but she did get a response from the chairman of the civil engineering and construction department who stated that Miss McKeever would need to share more information on the scope and timeline of this project with him, and that he would be happy to explore possibilities.  She will contact him with more information.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson has contacted PSA to make sure we were not violating our contract with them and where they would be happy to produce a virtual tour for us at an extra expense; it is not violating our contract to look elsewhere.  Mr. Johnston suggested possibly unveiling the model during National Library week then “vaulting” it until later in the year, possibly reintroducing it at the Eggs & Issues the library is hosting.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson asked the board if any of the board members would be interested in attending if she were to invite Mayor Dobbelaire for a sneak preview of the model.  They all stated they would be interested.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson reported that we received our per capita grant in the amount of $25,659.53.  She handed out her expenditure recommendations.  Mr. Johnston asked if the library still held a motion picture licensing and if it would be renewed.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson reported that neither she nor Miss McKeever are big fans of showing movies at the library as they feel our resources could be better spent on things patrons have less access to at home.  M/S/P (Johnston/Herring) to approve the per capita grant expenditure recommendations.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson reported that the state law in Illinois for going out to bid has changed from $10,000 to $20,000 and she is recommending that our policy be changed to reflect the state law change.  M/S/P (Johnston/Brimberry) to accept the Purchasing and Bidding Policy change.

 

               Mr. Johnston reported on ALS news.  He stated that the delivery hub that is being built at system should be completed by July 1, 2006.  Mr. Johnston also reported that the Quincy facility will be closing and that Quincy Public Library is interested in purchasing that building.

 

            Mr. Mingus adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.