Normal Public Library
Minutes of the Board of Trustees
February 27, 2008

Members present: Joan Steinburg, President, Amy Christensen, Charles Sila, Karl Sila (entered at 6:10 p.m.), Karen Farr, Brian Chase, and Robert Wegman. Also present were Ruth Reeves, Lolita Netter, and Daniel Freburg (visitor).

President Steinburg called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

Mr. C. Sila moved that the minutes of the previous meeting and the agenda for the current meeting be approved as presented. Mrs. Stillwell seconded the motion and it carried 5-0.

President’s Report
No report.

Librarian’s Report
1. Monthly financial report. Revenue: Revenue for this fiscal year is running about where it should be for this time of year. Expenditures: Funds will be added from unappropriated equity to pay for the new floor drains and urinal in the bathrooms. The staff photocopiers and the Risograph have been replaced. Two new electronic door openers are to be installed on the College Avenue entrance.
2. Parking and circulation: The January circulation report is unavailable due to a problem with the new system.
3. RSA/ILS: The Normal Public Library is actively participating on the RSA/ALS committees pertaining to the new/upgraded automation system. Problems with the new system are being worked out.

Committee Reports

Finance
Mrs. Christensen moved that expenditures amounting to $87,987.61 and two payrolls totaling $119,473.87 be paid. Mr. C. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 6-0.

Alliance Library System
Mr. K. Sila reported:
• The 2nd life virtual conference is on March 8, 2008.
• An article on the ALS website stated that homework does not help grade school children succeed.
• The web junction area of the ALS website has “board briefs”.
• ALS is taking orders for copies of the new library laws.
• ALA is having a wellness push with National Library Workers Day (April 15, 2008).
• RSA’s trouble shooter’s meeting is on March 18, 2008.
• RSA’s users group will meet on March 6, 2008.
• El Paso’s library needs more space and is looking at many options.
• Classes are available for designing outreach programs.

Personnel
Mrs. Stillwell welcomed Mr. Chase to the library. She encouraged him to get to know the board members.

Building and Grounds
Mr. Wegman informed the board that the parking blocks by the steps between the bank and the library have been removed.

Old Business
1. Uptown Normal: Uptown redevelopment continues and patron access to the library remains a concern. Construction on the parking deck is progressing.
2. Parking: Mrs. Steinburg gave the board an update on Uptown Normal parking. Mrs. Steinburg is an active member of the Uptown Normal Parking Committee.
New Business
1. Master Plan Consultants: Mr. Chase will contact Group 3 and set up a conference call.
2. Meeting dates: Mr. C. Sila moved to adopt the meeting dates for 2008-2009 as presented. Mr. K. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 6-0.
3. Executive session: Mrs. Christensen moved to go into executive session for the purpose of litigation (Section 2C-11). Mrs. Stillwell seconded the motion and it carried 6-0. The board entered executive session at 7:12 p.m. The board exited executive session at 7:26 p.m. Miss Farr moved to approve actions taken in executive session. Mr. C. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 6-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Farr
Secretary