Normal Public Library
Minutes of the Board of Trustees
January 28, 2009

Members present: Joan Steinburg, President, Amy Christensen, Diane Risius, Charles Sila (arrived 6:04 p.m.), Karl Sila (arrived 6:26 p.m.), Karen Farr, and Brian Chase (Library Administrator). Also present were Lolita Netter, Ruth Reeves, Jeanne Moonan, and Jennifer Williams.

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

Mrs. Risius moved to accept the agenda as presented. Miss Farr seconded the motion and it carried 4-0. Mrs. Risius moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented. Mrs. Christensen seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.

President’s Report
Mrs. Steinburg informed the board that Mrs. Rogers has submitted a letter informing the board that she has resigned from the position of library trustee.

Librarian’s Report
1. Monthly financial report. Revenue: December monthly revenue was up 4.7% from last year. Expenditures: A time clock that is directly connected to the Town of Normal’s network has been ordered to make clocking in and out more efficient and reliable. The cost was $2,395.00.
2. Parking and circulation: Additional signage will be added to the Mulberry lot directing patrons to the parking deck. The last day for parking at the University Christian lot is January 31, 2009.
3. RSA/ILS: The Normal Public Library is actively participating on the RSA/ALS committees pertaining to the new/upgraded automation system. The library is currently looking at possible alternative systems. A full-day demonstration will be scheduled in February.
4. Master Plan: Group 3 Planners will return to the library February 11, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. to meet with the board (board room) and on February 12, 2009 for a joint work session with the town council (community room).
5. Budgeting: Mr. Chase thanked all board members that were able to attend the Town of Normal Budget Review Session.
6. Illinois Literacy Foundation Grant: The library has received $1,125.13 to be spent at our local Borders book store. The library will purchase literacy materials for all ages.
7. Remote book and AV returns: The library has discontinued the item count statistics at the remote book and AV returns.
8. Technology Plan: The Technology Plan was approved by the board in August 2007 and accepted by the Illinois State Library on January 13, 2009. Approval of this plan is a requirement of the E-rate funding.
9. Internet/Computer Policies and Social Networking: The library has received requests for social networking sites (Facebook, My space, ect…) These sites are currently being filtered. Current policies do not address social networking.
10. Premium holidays: The Town Council approved a premium waiver for the Group insurance program for the months of September and December in 2008. This resulted in a savings to employees who pay for family health coverage, and it resulted in a savings to the Library Fund ($13,800 in December 2008).

Committee Reports

Finance
Mrs. Christensen moved that expenditures amounting to $103,798.65 and two payrolls totaling $125,404.56 be paid. Miss Farr seconded the motion, discussion was held, and the motion carried 6-0.

Alliance Library System
No report.

Personnel
Miss Farr gave each board member a hard copy of Mr. Chase’s annual review. Miss Farr requested the board members return the completed reviews to her at the February 25, 2009 board meeting. The personnel committee will go over the documents at the beginning of March, and Mr. Chase’s performance review will be conducted in executive session during the March board meeting.

Building and Grounds
Mrs. Risius reported that damaged branches had been removed from the south end of the library. Discussion was held on the East sidewalk and ice/snow removal.

Old Business
1. Uptown Normal: Uptown redevelopment continues and patron access to the library remains a concern. Demolition of the University Christian Church will affect parking in that location and most likely changes to traffic flow in front of the library.

New Business
1. Children’s Department: An update on the Children’s Department activities was given per Ms. Williams. Mrs. Melican has returned to work part-time.
2. Mrs. Rogers’ resignation: Mr. C. Sila moved that the board accept, with regret, Susan Jane Rogers’ resignation. Miss Farr seconded the motion, discussion was held, and the motion carried 6-0.
3. Executive session: Mr. C. Sila moved that the board go into executive session for the purpose of discussing litigation as according to section 2C-11. Mr. K. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 6-0. The board entered executive session at 6:55 p.m. The board exited the executive session at 7:02. Mr. C. Sila moved to authorize Mr. Chase to take whatever action necessary to complete settlement of pending litigation. Miss Farr seconded the motion and it carried 6-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The board will meet on February 11, 2009 at 5:45 p.m. with Group 3 in the board room and then on February 12, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the community room for a joint session with Group 3 and the Town of Normal Council and Officials. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Farr
Secretary