Normal Public Library
Minutes of the Board of Trustees
September 26, 2007

Members present: Joan Steinburg, President, Amy Christensen, Karen Farr, Diane Risius, Charles Sila, Karl Sila, Susan Stillwell, and Robert Wegman, Library Administrator. Also present were Ruth Reeves, Jeanne Moonan, Lolita Netter, and Tori Melican.

President Steinburg called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented. The agenda for the meeting was approved as presented.

President’s Report
Mrs. Steinburg recommended that the board accept Mr. Wegman's retirement in new business. She informed the board that she is on the Town of Normal’s Uptown parking committee. Mrs. Steinburg presented the board with an article written by Jane Chamberlain from the Bloomington Public Library. The article, entitled “Today’s Trustee: A Conversation,” was published in the ILA Reporter (August 2007). She encouraged all board members to read this interesting article. In addition, Mrs. Steinburg informed the board that a CORE committee was created in order to assist with the job search for new library director. The members are Mrs. Melican, Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. Stillwell, Miss Farr, and Mrs. Steinburg.

Librarian’s Report
1. Monthly financial report. Revenue: Revenue for this fiscal year (excluding receipts from property tax) is running about twice what it has been for this time of year. Expenditures: Supplies for Colormarc, a shelving program, are being purchased.
2. Parking and circulation: The circulation for August was down 3,124.
3. RSA/ILS: The Normal Public Library is actively participating on the RSA/ALS committees pertaining to the new/upgraded automation system. There have been three training sessions on the new system.
4. Budget for 2008-2009: The budget for 2008-2009 is complete. The finance committee has met to review the budget. The budget has been forwarded to the Town of Normal’s budget committee.

Committee Reports

Finance
Mrs. Christensen moved that expenditures amounting to $44,736.30 and two payrolls totaling $114,324.93 be paid. Mr. C. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 7-0.

Alliance Library System
Mr. K. Sila informed the board that the ALS has a board meeting tomorrow at BroMenn and that their annual meeting is October 25, 2007. The ALS’s website has many links to interesting articles on school librarians, computers in the library, and many other topics. Also, the website has information on construction grants. The ILA ban book week is next week.

Personnel
Mrs. Stillwell informed the board that the CORE committee will meet after tonight’s board meeting to discuss the posting of the director’s position and its supplemental questions. The posting will run on the ILA, Lincoln Trails, RSA, and the Normal Public Library websites for the entire month of October.

Building and Grounds
Mrs. Risius complimented Mrs. Wegman for making the front of the library so beautiful. The front sidewalk has been repaired and a concrete pad has been poured under the statuary.

Old Business
Uptown redevelopment continues and patron access to the library remains a concern. Construction on the parking deck has started.

New Business

1. Mr. Wegman’s Retirement: Mr. C. Sila moved that the board with regret accepts Mr. Wegman’s letter of retirement and thanks him for his many years of service. Mrs. Stillwell seconded the motion and it carried 7-0.
2. Community Room Policy: Mrs. Risius moved to approve the community room policy as presented. Mr. C. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 7-0.
3. In Loco Parentis: Mr. K. Sila moved to accept the modified In Loco Parentis policy as presented. Mrs. Risius seconded the motion, discussion was held, and the motion carried 7-0.
4. 2008-2009 Budget: Miss Farr moved to approve the budget as presented. Mrs. Risius seconded the motion, discussion was held, and the motion carried 7-0.
5. Executive Session: Mr. C. Sila moved to go into executive session for the purpose of the semi-annual review of the executive session minutes as according to Section 2C-21. Mr. K. Sila seconded the motion and it carried 7-0. The board went into executive session at 6:53 p.m. and exited at 6:56 p.m. Mr. C. Sila moved to approve actions taken in executive session. Mrs. Christensen seconded the motion and it carried 7-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Farr
Secretary