|
Helen Matthes Library Board of Directors Meeting Minutes January 22, 2007 The regular meeting of the Helen Matthes Library Board of Directors was held on January 22, 2007. The meeting was called to order by VP Bob Willenborg at 7:09 pm. Present at roll call were Willenborg, Seiler, Hook, Kralman, Wiethop, Luchtefeld and Bauer. Weis entered the meeting at 7:17. Newton was absent. Staff members present included Standerfer, Schultz and Marshall. There was no public present, thus no public comment. The board heard a presentation from Shirley Marshall about the recent success of the children’s programs held by HML as well as an outline of the future plans. The board commended Marshall for her good work. Willenborg asked the board to review the Omnibus Agenda. Standerfer commented that the financials reflected that the Lumpkin Grant, amounting to $19,000, arrived. Motion to approve made by Weis and seconded by Kralman. All present voted aye. Willenborg asked the board to review the bill for January. Motion to approve the bills made by Wiethop and seconded by Weis. All present voted aye. The board reviewed the List of People for Statement of Economic Interest that is required to be submitted to the County Clerk’s office. Motion to approve the list made by Kralman and seconded by Seiler. All present voted aye. There was a discussion regarding items to be submitted for possible TIF reimbursement. Schultz suggested several projects and asked the board for ideas about other potential projects. Seiler suggested that the board revisit the idea of additional property for parking purposes. Standerfer reported that she was gathering information about HML’s options regarding the use of TIF funds in purchasing property. The board agreed that more information needed to be gathered. Standerfer reported on the expenses and difficulties regarding HML’s potential switch to a Direct Deposit program. The board encouraged Standerfer to continue exploring the alternative because of its potential convenience and long term cost savings. Standerfer reported that the Annual Giving Campaign is approaching $7,000 and with other donations we are around $10,000 in donations for the year. Standerfer was also pleased to announce that HML had met the Consolidated Communications “challenge pledge” to build the HML Endowment Fund. Because of the recent donations HML now has over $10,000 in its endowment fund. Standerfer reported that Debby Cook, board governance consultant, will be at the next meeting and that meeting will begin at 6:00pm. Standerfer reminded HML board members that the Board Retreat will be held Saturday, March 31 from 9-4 pm. The Board will be working on the long range plan. Standerfer reported on a proposal by the staff to allow business to rent display case space. The board discussed the proposal and asked for a formal proposal to consider. Standerfer reported that the Board’s comments on the HML building program are overdue. She encouraged members to submit those ASAP. Schultz reported on a proposal to ask a space consultant to reconsider the current layout of HML library. The board agreed that a fresh look might be worthwhile depending on the cost. Schultz was directed to explore the options and report back the board. Discussion turned to the possibility of HML selling coffee, soda and snacks. Surveys have shown the desire of many patrons to have a “coffee shop” atmosphere at HML. Discussion centered on the current policies and the pros and cons of introducing food and drinks. Standerfer was directed to gather more information and report back to the board. Weis turned the discussion to the upcoming elections for mayor and city council. Weis suggested that HML should attempt to discern the candidate’s views toward funding of HML. Standerfer was directed to construct some questions that could be sent to the Effingham Daily News to potentially be used in their candidate questionnaires. The questions could potentially be asked in any potential candidate forum. Standerfer suggested that one of the potential questions could center on what benefit HML might see from the proposed increase in the sales tax. At 8:02, Willenborg directed the board 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 Weis and seconded by Kralman. All voted aye, no dissent. Willenborg asked for a motion to close the meeting.
Motion made by Seiler and seconded by Luchtefeld. All voted aye, no
dissent. |