Minutes
North Liberty Community Library
Board of Trustees
May 21, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Matt Irving at 7:03 p.m. at the North Liberty City Council Chambers, 25 W. Cherry St.

Board members present were, Matt Irving, Peggy Waters, Carol Thompson, Andrew Freeman, Shawn Selch and Library Director Dee Crowner.

Approval of Agenda:
There were no additions or changes to the agenda offered. Moved by Selch, second by Waters, to approve the agenda. Approved.

Public Comment: Tom Salm from the North Liberty City Council was present to observe the meeting. He expressed appreciation to board members for their volunteer service.

Approval of Minutes:
The minutes were amended previous to the meeting. Moved by Waters, second by Freeman, to approve the minutes as amended. Approved.

Reports:

Budget - Jenny Garner:
Dee presented a report from the Community Foundation of Johnson County showing that we had additional donations of $2150 last year, and our total is now $8336.23 including investment results. There has been a question of whether the payment from our budget for mold abatement would be amended back into our budget by the City Council, as promised by the former City Administrator. We learned that the budget amendment which was published for consideration by the Council tomorrow night did not include our item. Discussion. This unexpected and unplanned expense would have to be taken from another line item and will make a considerable difference in our operating budget. For example, it would exceed 13% of our yearly book budget. Tom Salm stated that he would bring the matter up at tomorrow’s Council meeting. Aside from this item, the budget is on target for the year.

Youth and Teen Services - Elaine Reitz:
Sign-up for summer reading program started today. This year’s SRP will not have the prize tables. Instead, readers will earn raffle tickets and there will be special prizes for the top 3 readers in each age group. There will be fewer prizes, but they will have higher value.

Assistant Director - Jennie Garner:
Adult SRP is called “Ravenous Reads At The Library” and will focus on food. The library is working with the Rec Center to provide three “Splashtacular” movie nights at the pool this summer.

Director - Dee Crowner:
Dee reported on the new databases, Tutor.com (a homework mentoring database) and Tumblebooks for preschoolers. She is suggesting that we review the fee for Interlibrary Loans. There are two summer concerts scheduled. The library has received the first order of leased books. Next month’s order will consist mostly of the new Harry Potter. The City’s salary compensation study is expected to be finished by July 23 and salaries may be amended accordingly. As it stands now, most staff will receive 6% increases of COLA and step increases combined. The library will have a float in the Fun Days Parade. Library furniture has been rearranged again to make space for two computers for 15-minute use. This will accommodate people who just want to look up their e-mail or download an item.

Friends of the Library - Carol Thompson:
Friends met May 2. Birdies for Charity is coming up and plans are in place to expand our donations. There will be forms available at the North Liberty Golf Outing. Dee will do publicity.
Fifty-seven people attended the volunteer lunch. Membership in Friends has increased due to the recent membership drive and now is about even with two years ago. There is $3078 in the checking account and $4052 in savings. Next meeting June 27 at noon at the library.

Policy Review:
Gift and Donation Policy: Moved by Waters, second by Thompson, to approve as it stands. Approved.
Operational Policy: The following changes were suggested. Change the section about hours to say that the library will have stated hours and explain where they will be posted rather than stating specific hours. Change the Interlibrary Loan fee from $.75 to $1. Delete the language about computer games available in the lounge. Discussion of a change to require library card registrants to have a valid phone number. Dee reported on responses she received from other libraries. Most do not require a phone number. Discussion of whether the requirement would discourage some library users from the very neediest families. Consensus was to leave the language as it stands. Dee will revise the policy the it will be on next month’s agenda for a vote.

Old Business:
Steering Committee
Caryl Lyons will be Secretary and Doug Neal will be Vice-Chair. No Chairperson has been selected as yet. RFP spec sheets will be ready for review at the next meeting and then will be submitted to Council. There are two council members on the committee. Discussion of the need for library board approval resulted in consensus that the committee and Council will provide sufficient oversight. Library board will be kept apprised of all developments. All Council members will receive committee minutes.

New Business: None
 
Adjournment:
Moved by Selch, second by Waters, to adjourn. Approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Carol Thompson, Vice Chair, on May 22,, 2007.