FONDULAC DISTRICT LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

February 25, 2008

 

 

            Members of the Fondulac District Library’s Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, February 25, 2008.  President Herring called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.

 

            On roll call the following members were present:  Mr. Goff, Mr. Hale, Mrs. Herring, Mrs. Humphrey, Mr. Johnston and Mr. Lasswell.  Also present were Ms. Falasz-Peterson, Director, Mrs. Hensley, Assistant Director and Mrs. Geier, Business Manager.  Mrs. Cole was absent.

 

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

 

            In Mrs. Cole’s absence, Mr. Lasswell presented the treasurer’s report and the bills for payment.

 

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

 

            Treasurer’s Report:

GENERAL FUND CHECKING

01/28/08  Balance                                                                                             1,191.88

01/14/08  Analysis charge                                                                                     (95.28)

01/31/08  Interest 3066700474                                                                                2.14

02/04/08  Transfer – Investment to checking                                                 26,000.00

02/07/08  Checks issued – Payroll                                                                 (22,560.64)

02/07/08  Checks issued – Utilities                                                                  (3,044.28)

02/07/08  Checks issued – LSTA art grant                                                          (324.00)

02/08/08  Deposit – Fines, fees, misc.                                                                 766.71

02/14/08  Analysis charge                                                                                   (105.19)

02/15/08  Deposit – Fines, fees, misc.                                                                 622.85

02/19/08  Transfer – Investment to checking                                                 22,500.00

02/21/08  Checks issued – Payroll                                                                 (23,129.04)

02/21/08  Check issued – AT&T                                                                          (198.81)

02/21/08  Checks issued – NCPERS Group Life Ins.                                              (52.00)

02/22/08  Aflac payment                                                                                    (229.84)

02/22/08  Deposit – Fines, fees, misc.                                                                 291.44

02/25/08  Transfer – Investment to checking                                                 18,000.00

02/25/08  Checks issued – Bills                                                                      (18,392.39)

02/25/08  Balance                                                                                             1,243.55

 

GENERAL FUND SAVINGS

01/28/08  Balance                                                                                             3,507.66

01/31/08  Interest 3619307057                                                                                  .63

02/25/08  Balance                                                                                             3,508.29

 

GENERAL FUND INVESTMENT

01/28/08  Balance                                                                                         599,815.79

01/31/08  Interest 7139120393                                                                         1,637.37

02/04/08  Transfer – Investment to checking                                                (26,000.00)

02/19/08  Transfer – Investment to checking                                                (22,500.00)

02/25/08  Transfer – Investment to checking                                                (18,000.00)

02/25/08  Balance                                                                                         534,953.16

 

WORKING CASH FUND

01/28/08  Balance                                                                                         253,455.24

01/31/08  Interest 7139120401                                                                            705.16

02/25/08  Balance                                                                                         254,160.40

 

RESERVE FUND

01/28/08  Balance                                                                                      1,823,108.16

01/31/08  Interest 7139120419                                                                         5,072.27

02/25/08  Balance                                                                                      1,828,180.43

 

ENTERPRISE FUND

01/28/08  Balance                                                                                           35,435.36

01/31/08  Interest 6900342215                                                                                6.33

02/07/08  Check issued – Cilco                                                                             (57.84)

02/08/08  Deposit – Rent                                                                                     420.00

02/22/08  Deposit – Rent                                                                                     450.00

02/25/08  Check issued – Bill                                                                              (431.00)

02/25/08  Balance                                                                                           35,822.85

 

            Mrs. Geier made three authorized transfers.  The first on the 4th was for $26,000, the second on the 19th was for $22,500 and the third on the 25th was for $18,000.  All transfers were from the investment account to the checking account.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson reported that the state library has announced the LSTA grants for next year.  She reported that they are very different from past years and we may not qualify for any this year.  Collection development grants are no longer being offered.  Since we do not filter our computers, we do not qualify for any kind of federally funded technology grants to purchase computers or any kind of software that would be shared with the public. 

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson reported that she has been asked to sit on the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce’s government affairs committee. 

The board discussed the current long range plan.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson stated that she had three questions on which she would like input from the board.  She feels these questions will help her as she begins to think about the library’s future in East Peoria.  The questions are: 

 

1.      What do you see as being successful in the last five years?

2.      What could we be doing better in the next three years?

3.      How can we become more focused and relevant to our community? 

 

Mrs. Herring responded that she wasn’t here when the plan was made, but she realizes that there has been a real effort to broaden the range of programming and increase attendance.  She feels that the staff has done a very good job in being creative in the types of programs offered.  She does feel however, that the library needs to figure out a way to get the library’s name out into the community more and make people aware of what the library is contributing to the community.   Ms. Falasz-Peterson suggested possibly better marketing of the library.

 

Mr. Goff feels that the board needs to step beyond the plan and identify our constituencies and start reaching out to them.  Mr. Hale asked if the staff was still visiting the schools on a regular basis.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson replied that they are and that the partnership between the library and the schools is something that has really come together this past year.  She reported that staff has been invited twice to the high school to sign students up for cards and the children’s department staff has attended several functions at the grammar schools.  Mr. Hale suggested sending something to the schools to be handed out at kindergarten registrations. 

 

Mrs. Herring felt that inviting the elected officials was very positive and helped the library get publicity.  She feels that the city council should be invited back to tour the building and talk to board members as a reminder that we are still in need of a new building.  Mr. Goff also feels it is very positive that Representative Mike Smith has asked both he and Ms. Falasz-Peterson sit on different committees.  It was decided that Mrs. Herring and Mr. Goff will attend legislative day in Springfield as both Ms. Falasz-Peterson and Mrs. Hensley have a previous commitment with the East Peoria Woman’s Club.

 

Mr. Lasswell feels that updating the upper level and changing the layout was a big improvement.  Mr. Goff stated that he felt it would be good for the board to do more community outreach.  He suggested that each board member bring a list of their networking circle to a board meeting to share.  Mr. Lasswell suggested that board members could attend the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce’s business after hours. 

 

Mrs. Herring suggested that board members attend city council meeting.  Mr. Hale asked what exactly it is the board would like to see from the city.  Mrs. Herring stated that the city council knows that the library needs and wants a new building, so she feels that by just being at the meetings would be a good reminder to them.  Mr. Hale stated that he feels the board needs to be clearer as to what they want from the city council. 

Mr. Johnston suggested possibly a “take a librarian to work day.”  He felt this may help people see how the library can be more useful in getting their jobs done more efficiently. 

 

            Mr. Lasswell suggested possibly getting the original long range planning committee back together to see how they feel about what the library has done in the last five years and to see if they feel we’ve met the originals plan’s goals.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson thanked the board for their input regarding the Long Range Plan.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson asked the board how they would like her to proceed now that we have the new building program.  She did report that Randy Gibson stopped by and expressed some concerns about downsizing the building to fit the updated building plan without starting over.  Mr. Lasswell feels that Ms. Falasz-Peterson should set up a meeting with Fred Schlipf and Randy Gibson with the entire board, and then perhaps they could meet with the building committee.  The board feels there should be a lot of discussions before more plans are drawn. 

 

            Mr. Hale will now serve on the building committee with Mr. Lasswell and Mrs. Cole.  Ms. Falasz-Peterson will invite Mr. Schlipf and Mr. Gibson to the March board meeting.

 

            M/S/P (Lasswell/Hale) to take the by-laws change off the table.

 

            M/S/P (Lasswell/Hale) to accept the change to the by-laws, Article II, Section A, which will change the meeting start time from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  On roll call all present voting yea.

 

            Ms. Falasz-Peterson explained that with the installation of PC Reservations on our computer network, she felt this would be a good time to streamline our internet policy. 

M/S/P (Lasswell/Johnston) to revise the internet policy.

 

            Mrs. Herring stated that it had come to her attention that information from an  executive session was discussed outside the meeting.  She reminded the board that any subject brought up during executive sessions is to stay within the group.

 

            Mr. Hale moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m.