Normal Public Library
Minutes of the Board of Trustees
November 24, 2008

Members present: Joan Steinburg, President, Amy Christensen, Diane Risius, Susan Rogers, Charles Sila, Karl Sila (arrived 6:12 p.m.), Karen Farr, and Brian Chase (Library Administrator). Also present were Lolita Netter, Ruth Reeves, Jeanne Moonan, Jennifer Williams, and Pam Lewis (visitor).

President Steinburg called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Mrs. Risius moved that the agenda for the current meeting be accepted with the addition of an executive session for the purpose of personnel (2C-1), litigation (2C-11), and the semi-annual review of the executive session minutes (2C-21). Mr. C. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 6-0. Mrs. Risius moved to approve the minutes of the September and October meetings. Ms. Rogers seconded the motion and it carried 6-0.

President’s Report
Mrs. Steinburg reminded the board that questions and/or comments on the “Needs Assessment” from Group 3 Planners should be emailed to Group 3 by December 15, 2008. Group 3 will be returning in early February to meet with the board and town council. Mrs. Steinburg gave an update on her meeting with Mr. Peterson, City Manager.

Librarian’s Report
1. Monthly financial report. Revenue: Revenue for this fiscal year is up 4% from this time last year. Expenditures: The south entrance brick walkway has been repaired.
2. Parking and circulation: The validation system for the parking deck is working well. The library is encouraging patrons to use the new parking deck. The stripes in the parking deck have been repainted yellow for better visualization. However, due to the color change, permit parkers are now parking on the first two floors of the deck. Mrs. Steinburg and Mr. Chase discussed this matter with Mr. Maschoff from the Bank of Illinois. All parties agree that the first two levels should be left open for public use.
3. RSA/ILS: The Normal Public Library is actively participating on the RSA/ALS committees pertaining to the new/upgraded automation system. Mr. Chase and ten library staff members are looking at stand alone systems. Software demonstrations are scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2008 and Tuesday, December 16, 2008. Site visits have been scheduled for December 4, 2008.
4. Master Plan: Group 3 Planners will return to the library in early February.
5. Budgeting: The Town of Normal Council approved the 2008 property tax levy this past Monday.
6. Illinois Literacy Foundation Grant: The library has been selected to receive the Illinois Literacy Foundation Grant. Borders Bookstores will be asking customers if they would like to donate to the grant from November 24, 2008 thru December 31, 2008. The funds collected will come in the form of a Borders gift card that is redeemable at our local Borders Bookstore. The library will host a Curious George program at Borders on December 6, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7. Synergy Leadership Program: Mr. Chase has completed the Illinois State Library Synergy Leadership Program. He felt it was very beneficial for networking and professional development.
8. Time cards: The library is now using time keeping software instead of time cards.

Committee Reports

Finance
Mrs. Christensen moved that expenditures amounting to $40,008.32 and two payrolls totaling $127,372.46 be paid. Mr. C. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 7-0.

Alliance Library System
No report.

Personnel
No report.

Building and Grounds
Report was given by Mr. Chase.

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: Mrs. Williams gave the board an update on the Children’s Department’s activities.
2. Executive session: Miss Farr moved to go into executive session for the purpose of personnel (2C-1), litigation (2C-11), and the semi-annual review of the executive session minutes (2C-21). Mrs. Risius seconded the motion and it carried 7-0. The board entered executive session