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Helen Matthes Library Board of Director’s Meeting Minutes February 26, 2007 The regular meeting of the Helen Matthes Library Board of Directors was held on February 26, 2007. It was called to order at 6:00 by President Newton. Present were members Newton, Wiethop, Luchtefeld, Bauer, Kralman and Seiler. Absent were Hook, Weis and Willenborg. Weis entered the meeting at 7:07. Hook entered at 7:25. Also present were directors Standerfer and Schultz. From 6:00 to 7:00, board governance consultant Debby Cook gave a session on the results of the Board Source survey that the board took part in prior to the January meeting. The regular meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. Standerfer explained that the budget looks out of balance in some item areas but the bottom line is fine. She explained that this is typical near the end of the fiscal year. Standerfer suggested a correction in the minutes concerning the role played by Debby Cook. Kralman made a motion to approve the Omnibus Agenda. The motion was seconded by Newton. All present voted aye with a roll call vote. The February bills were examined by the board. Standerfer explained that the NYT subscription cost is donated by an anonymous donor and that the board is still anticipating that donation. The board discussed the cost of being in the City Directory. It was suggested that the cost is no longer justified and that HML will end its participation next year. Motion to approve the bills was made by Seiler and seconded by Kralman. All present voted aye with a roll call vote. The board discussed the proposal to rent display cases in the HML back foyer to interested parties. Luchtefeld made a motion to approve the policy and a second was made by Weis. All aye, no dissent. Discussion of the bookkeeping/account services currently contracted to ER Westjohn. The board expressed satisfaction with the services and price. Bauer moved to continue the contract and a second was made by Kralman. All aye with a roll call vote. There was a discussion of TIF projects to be requested from the city. Kralman suggested the need for more outdoor lighting. Seiler made the motion to approve the request and the motion was made by Bauer. All aye, no dissent. The board discussed the proposed budget. Questions were asked about the amount budgeted for books, the changing cost and nature of the internet connection. Luchtefeld suggested lobbying the county board about funding an upgrade to the internet connection. The board will vote on a final budget at the next meeting. Standerfer gave a report on current grant applications. Member Seiler is looking at a digital imaging grant. Standerfer reported on efforts to make HML a central location for materials related to non-profits organizations. To that end, HML is working to make the HML bulletin board a place for non-profits to share information. It was suggested that non-profits like St. Anthony Hospital, schools and CEFS could benefit. Standerfer reminded members to turn in their statements of economic interest to the Effingham County Clerk. Standerfer asked the board for permission to remove Long Range Planning from the agenda for the night. It will be dealt with at the board retreat scheduled for March 31. Weis suggested keeping the current health insurance carrier. The board discussed the recent success and coverage of some of the HML programs as well as discussion of HML on the local discussion boards. Newton asked for a motion to move to Executive Session to discuss property and personnel pursuant to the Open Meetings Act sections 2(c)(1) and 2(c)(5). Motion was made by Bauer and seconded by Kralman. All aye, no dissent. Upon return from executive session, the board decided to hold off on action on the performance incentives until next month. Newton asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Kralman and seconded by Seiler. All aye, no dissent. Respectfully submitted, |