LOCATION: Conference Room, Central Library
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Frankel, Mr. Hetzer, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Lyons and Mrs. Scott
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Jonen and Mr. Radley
OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Heggem, Mr. Madden, Mr. Hanrath, Mrs. Napier, Mrs. Jones, and Ms. Kasamansis
TIME MEETING BEGAN:
7:00 (Truth in Taxation Hearing) and 7:30 (Board Meeting)
Truth in Taxation Meeting.
A Truth in Taxation meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. No members of the public attended and there were no questions presented.
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
Ms. Heggem from the Board of the North Suburban Library System came and reviewed current system issues including: a) statistics, b) system services, c) upcoming meetings of interest to trustees, d) the NSLS homepage, e) classes offered, and f) publications available.
Trustee Comments.
Mr. Frankel requested that the following information on the Friends of the Library be included in the minutes. The Herald reported that the Cook County State’s Attorney has cleared Robert Miller and the Friends of the Schaumburg Township District Library of any suspicion of financial mismanagement. The State’s Attorney investigation followed another complaint of mismanagement against Miller of which the Illinois Attorney General also cleared him a year ago. Library Trustee Richard Hetzer had criticized the one man organization for its lack of accountability and lack of not-for-profit status. Mr. Frankel added that Mr. Miller should be commended for his many years of service.
Mr. Lucas reported that he has decided not to run again in April, 2007 when his present term will expire. He stated that his thirty-four years on the Library Board have been a wonderful experience and that he is proud to have seen the library progress in so many ways.
Mr. Hetzer asked that the Board consider expanding the term of the Board President from one year to two years. He said that state statues do allow for a longer term. This would require a bylaws change.
Minutes.
It was moved by Mr. Hetzer and seconded by Mr. Lucas that:
The minutes of September 19, 2006 be approved.
Motion passed unanimously.
A draft of the executive meeting minutes for September 19th will be distributed at the November Board meeting.
Director’s Report.
Mr. Madden noted that most of the work at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library has been completed at a cost of $950.00. This work involved changing the landscaping around the perimeter of the building in order to improve the flow of drainage. There have been a number of leaks that have occurred because of drainage problems. Gary Salavitch, the Director of Engineering for the Village of Hoffman Estates, has been reviewing and assisting with this project. The Board requested that a note be sent to the Village commending Mr. Salavitch for his assistance. Mr. Lyons noted that he had talked to the staff at the branch library and the drainage changes seem to be successful in preventing leaks. There is still some drainage work that remains to be done on the northwest corner of the building where a brick wall exists.
There was then an extensive discussion on statistics released for all public libraries in the state. Mr. Lucas covered a number of statistics that he found especially interesting including the ratio of librarians to clerical staff, the users of automation and others. Mr. Lyons asked about the status of the Hanover Park project. Mr. Madden said the project was completed and the final bills have been paid.
Youth Services Report.
Mrs. Jones highlighted the activities of the Youth Services Department over the summer months. Mrs. Scott asked about van services. In the summertime, the library sends out a van to various community sites. During the school year, both District #54 and #211 send their vans to the library to take and return items from the schools in the districts.
Mr. Hetzer asked about home schoolers and what services were provided for them. Mrs. Jones mentioned what was available. Mr. Frankel gave an overview of three classes on the subject of censorship that he led recently at Conant High School.
NSLS Report.
Mrs. Scott reported on a number of matters including: a) programs offered by the system, b) the Mel Gibson poster controversy, c) the medal received by Sarah Long from Emory University, d) training sessions on parliamentary procedure, e) the new state library consultant to the system, f) LSTA grants received by NSLS libraries and g) the status of the bridge behind the system headquarters.
Mr. Lyons said that an initiative of the system is for the system director to meet with legislators in their office. He accompanied her on a visit to a legislator in McHenry County. Mr. Hetzer asked if the system was trying to standardize libraries in the areas of RFID technology or if there was any initiatives on the part of the system in this area. Ms. Heggem said that there were done but she would look into the matter further.
Report On The Staff Meetings Held By The Personnel Committee.
Mr. Frankel noted that there were a number of concerns raised but none of them involved an issue of major impact. Mr. Lyons felt that more time was needed for discussion and when meetings are held in the future, there should be time for issues to be raised at the meetings. Mr. Hetzer suggested that a paper could be distributed in advance giving answers to some of the questions raised. It was also noted that for future meetings, a notification should be sent to the press in advance. There was then some discussion about the first issue on what kind of sign could go on Schaumburg Road. The staff request seems to be for an electronic sign rather than a highway library sign. This matter will be looked into further.
Treasurer’s Report.
Mr. Lucas reported that tax receipts have been very early this year.
CD and DVD Dispensing Machines.
Under unfinished business, Mrs. Scott asked about the status of dispensing machines. Mrs. Napier said that the problems with the machines for our library are: a) our collection is so large that a huge amount of space for machines would be needed, b) the machines would require staff to keep refilling the machines, and c) the machines would curtail the ability of the public to browse items. Mr. Lyons asked about the numbers of DVDs and videos held by the library. Mrs. Napier gave an overview on the numbers owned, the circulation, and current buying patterns.
Board Resolutions.
It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mr. Frankel that:
The following resolutions (See Appendix A) be approved:
-- 40th Service Year for Patricia Llerandi
-- 40th Service Year for Jane Davey
-- Davis Cup Award for Amy Alessio
Motion approved unanimously.
Levy Ordinance.
It was moved by Mr. Lyons and seconded by Mr. Frankel that:
An Ordinance Levying Taxes for Library Purposes for the Fiscal Year 2006/2007 be approved.
Roll call vote:
Mr. Lucas Yes
Mr. Frankel Yes
Mr. Lyons Yes
Mr. Hetzer No
Mrs. Scott Yes
Mr. Hetzer noted that he was not in favor since he felt the budget was inflated and that the raise granted to staff was too high.
Adjournment.
It was moved by Mr. Frankel and seconded by Mr. Hetzer that:
The meeting adjourn.
Motion passed unanimously.
Time of Adjournment.
9:10 p.m.