Normal Public Library
Minutes of the Board of Trustees
October 28, 2008

Members present: Joan Steinburg, President, Amy Christensen, Diane Risius, Karen Farr, and Brian Chase (Library Administrator). Also present were Lolita Netter, Ruth Reeves, and Jeanne Moonan.

President Steinburg called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

Miss Farr 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). Mrs. Risius seconded the motion and it carried 4-0. Miss Farr moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting with the correction of the word “grand” being changed to “grant” (page 3). Mrs. Risius seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.

President’s Report
Mrs. Steinburg gave the board an update from the Uptown Normal Parking Committee.

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 will need to be repaired due to settling ($765.00). The two Pin Oak trees on the south side of the building will need to be taken down soon due to disease.
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.
3. RSA/ILS: The Normal Public Library is actively participating on the RSA/ALS committees pertaining to the new/upgraded automation system. Progress is being made with the remote patron authentication (through WebFeet). The AquaBrower software is now functional. A patron sent an email to town officials, the RSA, and Mr. Chase in regards to his displeasure with the library’s current circulation system. Mr. Chase has spoken to the patron about his dissatisfaction. Innovative Interfaces was demonstrated at the library. Mr. Chase is obtaining a cost estimation on this stand alone system. The library will need to notify the RSA by December 31, 2008 if it is going to leave by June 2009. Several library staff members are going to visit libraries in Lisle and Naperville.
4. Master Plan: Sharon Rowlen, Beth Hager, and Dennis Humphries from Group 3 have been at the library since October 27, 2008. They will conduct a work session following the board meeting focusing on collections and space.
5. Budgeting: Mr. Chase met with the Town of Normal Finance Committee. Property values in the community continue to rise and the levy remains consistent.
6. Friends Book Sale: The Friends of the Normal Public library book sale made more than $6,000.00. Unsold books were given away or recycled.
7. 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.
8. Per Capita Grant: The Per Capita Grant has been sent to the Illinois State Library.
9. Grant: The library received a $5,000 grant from the state through Lisa Madigan’s (Attorney General) copyright settlement. This grant is for the purchase of music, music displays, and/or live performances.
10. Audit report: The Town of Normal Audit report was given to each board member.

Committee Reports

Finance
Mrs. Christensen moved that expenditures amounting to $66,631.87 and three payrolls totaling $188,408.40 be paid. Miss Farr seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.

Alliance Library System
No report.

Personnel
Mr. Chase’s six-month evaluation will be conducted at tonight’s meeting.

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. The College Avenue bridge near Anderson Park is finished. 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. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Mrs. Risius moved that the board approve the FOIA form and policy as presented. Miss Farr seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.
2. Executive session: Miss Farr moved to postpone the executive session for personnel, litigation, and the semi-annual review of the executive session minutes to the November board meeting due to low attendance and lack of time. Mrs. Christensen seconded the motion and it carried 4-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:55p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, November 24, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Farr
Secretary