LOCATION: Hoffman Estates Branch Library
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Frankel, Mr. Hetzer, Mrs. Jonen, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Lyons and Mrs. Scott
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Radley
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Adrianopoli, and Mr. Madden
TIME MEETING BEGAN:
7:30 p.m.
Reception for Ed Cook
A reception was held for Ed Cook a local artist at 7:00 p.m. A painting acquired from Mr. Cook was dedicated.
Budget Hearing
Library Treasurer Jack Lucas held a hearing for the 2006-2007 library budget at 7:00 p.m. No members of the public came to the hearing.
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
Mr. Miller distributed a spreadsheet showing income and expenses for the Friends of the Library from 1992 to the present. He suggested that since background checks are now being done on employees, that background checks should also be done on library trustees. Mr. Lyons said that the election process is a background check for trustees. Mr. Miller also said that he would like a copy of a complaint filed by a library trustee with the Cook County States Attorney.
Trustee Comments.
Mr. Hetzer said that he would like to receive ordinances with the Board mailing since there is limited time to review them the evening of the Board meeting. Mr. Madden said that documents often come after the Board packet is mailed. However, what could be done is that Board members could be contacted that additional documents are available. Those documents could then be kept at the drive-up window.
Mrs. Jonen said that it is a pleasure that her year as association president has come to an end. She will now have more time to devote to library business.
Director’s Report and Statistics.
The Director’s Report was reviewed. It included statistics for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. Mr. Lucas questioned the current attendance statistics at Hanover Park. The circulation there is so high and the attendance is not quite as high. Mr. Frankel asked why adult program statistics are down. Mr. Hetzer commented that the viewing of our web page has increased significantly.
Minutes.
It was moved by Mr. Hetzer and seconded by Mr. Frankel that:
The minutes of July 17, 2006 be approved.
Motion passed with an abstention by Mrs. Jonen.
NSLS Representative.
Mrs. Scott reported on the NSLS Board meeting and distributed a copy of a new NSLS brochure on reciprocal borrowing. Mrs. Scott did note that the NSLS Board was concerned about the criticism in the press about the number of librarians on the NSLS Board. Mr. Frankel said that over the years our library has had more representatives and more officers on the NSLS Board than any other library. This has lead to an historical appreciation of how the NSLS Board has operated over the years. It has always been important to have the trustee community involved with the NSLS Board. One thing that has complicated this relationship is the fact that more librarians are now on local public library boards. Several of them have now been elected to the NSLS Board.
Committee Appointments.
A committee listing for 2006-2007 was distributed. Mr. Radley asked not to be a committee chair. All other Board members are chairs of a committee.
Personnel Committee.
Mrs. Jonen said that it would be good to have open meetings with the staff. She suggested the following dates and times:
September 20th at 8:00 a.m. and at 6:00 p.m.
September 21st at 1:00 p.m.
She also requested that whenever possible concerns of the staff be obtained in advance so questions can be researched, if necessary.
Treasurer’s Report.
Mr. Lucas reported that the reserve at the end of the 2005-2006 fiscal year was even larger than anticipated – about $950,000.00. He also mentioned that it is important for the long term financial health of the library to have a reserve balance. Mr. Hetzer noted that there are some substantial expenses in the future such as the RFID project as well as issues relating to water problems at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library. Mr. Frankel felt that a reserve fund of around $10,000,000.00 would promote the long term fiscal health of the library. Mr. Lucas noted that he feels that a referendum in 2011 will be necessary in order to protect the operating income of the library.
Hanover Park Branch Library.
Mr. Madden reported that the financial report distributed on the Hanover Park Branch Library includes bills paid as well as expenses incurred but not paid yet. The main bills to pay are $98,000.00 to the general contract and $11,000.00 for computer wiring.
Hoffman Estates Branch Library.
A proposal had been received from Mr. Oliver on the cost to study the water issues at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library. Mr. Madden reported that the Hoffman Estates Village Engineer is also going to examine the problems this coming Thursday. Mrs. Scott said that she would like to attend the meeting with the Village Engineer. Mr. Hetzer said that it is important that a structural engineer review the building problems. Mr. Lyons felt that the contract with Mr. Oliver will probably be needed since there is a lot of coordination that needs to be done in order to resolve the building issues.
It was moved by Mr. Lucas and seconded by Mr. Lyons that:
The proposal for services by Mr. Oliver be approved.
Roll call vote:
Mr. Lyons Yes
Mrs. Jonen Yes
Mr. Frankel Yes
Mr. Lucas Yes
Mr. Hetzer Yes
Mrs. Scott Yes
Report on Callable Bonds.
The report prepared by Steven Larson on selling callable bonds and reinvesting at a higher interest rate was reviewed. It was felt that Larry Ranken who purchased the callable bonds also needs to review this matter. The issue was tabled to the September Board meeting.
Ordinance Setting Board Meeting Dates for 2006-2007.
It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mrs. Jonen that:
The dates for the 2006-2007 Board meetings be approved.
Motion passed unanimously.
Budget Ordinances for 2006-2007.
It was moved by Mr. Lucas and seconded by Mrs. Jonen that:
An additional tax of up to .02 percent of equalized or assessed valuation of taxable property for particular building and equipment purchases be approved.
Roll call vote:
Mr. Lyons Yes
Mrs. Jonen Yes
Mr. Frankel Yes
Mr. Lucas Yes
Mr. Hetzer Yes
Mrs. Scott Yes
It was moved by Mr. Lucas and seconded by Mr. Frankel that:
The Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for Library Purposes for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 be approved.
Roll call vote:
Mr. Lyons Yes
Mrs. Jonen Yes
Mr. Frankel Yes
Mr. Lucas Yes
Mr. Hetzer Abstain
Mrs. Scott Yes
Transfer of Working Cash Funds Into the Operating Account.
No action needed since no funds needed to be transferred. Mr. Lucas did note that later we will need to transfer reserve operating funds into the Library’s Building and Equipment Fund.
Policy on Circulation of New Audio-Visual Items for Non-Residents.
Mrs. Scott gave some background on this issue based on a request that she had received from a resident of the Roselle Library District. That resident had requested that our library relax its restriction on the loaning of new audio-visual items to non-residents. A report had been prepared by Mrs. Napier showing figures on the circulation of new audio-visual items. That report showed that there is a very high demand for these items by residents of the library district. Mr. Frankel said that our first responsibility is to the taxpayers in our library district and that the policy should not be altered. Mr. Lyons reported that the Popular Creek Library is considering a referendum and they may request that our library institute additional restrictions on non-residents.
Adjournment.
It was moved by Mr. Hetzer and seconded by Mr. Frankel that:
The meeting adjourn.
Motion passed unanimously.
Time of Adjournment.
8:45 p.m.