SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY BOARD

MAY 20, 2003

LOCATION: Conference Room

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Frankel, Mrs. Jonen, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Lyons, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Mutter and Mr. Radley

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Madden, Mr. Rodriguez, Ms. Rosario, Mrs. Frankel, Mrs. Bussey, Mrs. Napier, Mr. Vinnedge and Mr. Bare.

TIME MEETING BEGAN: 7:30 p.m.

Minutes.           It was moved by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Jonen that:

                                    The minutes of April 21, 2003 be approved.

                        Motion passed unanimously.

Election Certificates.  Mr. Frankel distributed Cook County election certificates to Mrs. Jonen, Mr. Lucas and Mr. Radley.

Freedom of Information Request.  Mr. James K. Zahn of the law firm of Sabo & Zahn had filed a freedom of information request for any and all e-mail correspondence to and from an employee Barbara Adrianopoli dealing with her position as 8^th Congressional District Committeewoman.  A printout of over 300 emails sent and received by Barbara Adrianopoli was compiled and there were no emails relating to any political matters.

            Mr. Madden noted that this request raised a number of privacy issues relating to the freedom of information request.  Several years ago, another patron requested copies of all W-2’s for library employees.  Eventually, that request was denied because a W-2 contains personal information such as social security number and home address. 

            A copy of the Village of Schaumburg’s freedom of information policy was distributed.  It highlighted the fact that “This Act is not intended to be used to violate individual privacy.  .  .”

            It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mrs. Miller that:

                        The Freedom of Information report be accepted.

            Roll call vote:

                        Mr. Lucas                                Yes

                        Mrs. Miller                               Yes

                        Mrs. Jonen                               Yes

                        Mr. Radley                               Yes

                        Mr. Lyons                                Yes

                        Ms. Mutter                               Yes

                        Mr. Frankel                              Yes

Report of Popular Services Department.  Mrs. Miller noted that she was very impressed with the report distributed by the Popular Services Department.  Mrs. Jonen said that she especially was interested in the continued growth of programming in the teen area.

NSLS Representative.  Mr. Lyons reported that the May NSLS Board meeting is Thursday of this week.  He has submitted his application for a position on the NSLS Board.

Facility and Equipment Committee.  Mr. Radley reported that the committee met last night and had a fairly lengthy meeting.  The main concern was the computer budget and it was examined in great detail.  A number of modifications were proposed including the possible delaying of the purchasing of staff computers.  This item may be bid though to see if the cost is low enough.  Additional budgets relating to equipment and buildings were also examined and may be modified.

            Mr. Frankel also discussed that the Library hopes to install a wireless system next year.  The important thing is to have a security system that does not allow anyone using the wireless system to compromise the Library’s computer system.  Mr. Radley asked that a study of the use of laptops by patrons in the Library be conducted.

Extension Committee.  Mrs. Miller reported that the committee had met this morning.  Program and outreach budgets were explored.  The committee also discussed the funding of a possible new Hanover Park Branch Library.  It was requested that several questions be referred to Steve Larson, the Library’s financial consultant.  This afternoon he was reached and he consulted a bond attorney for the answers:

            Can debt (bond) revenues be expended for mortgage debt if there is any surplus.  The answer is that “only the interest” could be used for other debt service.  Principal could not be used for a mortgage or any other non-bond debt.

            How much “excess” money actually exists in the bond account?  The present balance in the account is approximately $408,754 (including $153,433 in interest).

            Mrs. Miller had an additional question.  If there are any funds remaining in the bond account, how can these funds be used?  It was requested that these questions also be referred to the Library’s attorney, John Juergensmeyer.

Treasurer’s Report.   Mr. Lucas noted that although there is still a deficit, it appears that it may be smaller than first estimated.  This needs to be explored further though.  It was noted that it is fortunate that the Library does have some surplus funds available that can cover the deficit that will occur this fiscal year.

Merger of Magazine and Information Desks.  This morning the Magazine and Information desks were merged.  Mrs. Bussey gave a report on the merger.  It all went very smoothly.  Two additional discussion rooms will be created in the space occupied by copiers.  In the space where the old Information Desk was located, the foreign language collection will be relocated and expanded.

Statistics.  Statistics for the month of April were reviewed, noting some anomalies.  Reciprocal borrowing continues to drop.  While the number of visitors is up, the actual circulation has dropped.  Program attendance though is up dramatically.

Personnel Committee.  The Personnel Committee will meet this Friday at 9:00 a.m.

Russell Radley.  Mr. Radley apologized for missing the last two Board meetings but he had some important personal matters.

Adjournment.   It was moved by Mrs. Miller and seconded by Mrs. Jonen that:

                                    The meeting adjourn.

                        Motion passed unanimously.

Time of Adjournment.  8:06 p.m.