The regular meeting of the Helen Matthes Board of Directors was held on June 15, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by President Bauer. Board members present for roll call were Gloria Bauer, Rachael Fearday, Dana Keller, Charlie Bovard, John Latta, and Ellen Welton as well as Director Jeanne Hamilton. Those absent were Bob Willenborg, Karen Luchtefeld, and Rod Wiethop. Also present were City Council member Karen Flach and Effingham Daily News reporter Angie Faller. There was no public comment.

As part of the Omnibus Agenda May discussed the new online calendar sign-up for upcoming library events.

Recent statistics showed that in May (when it first became available) there were 1,666 page views and 201 registrations. So far in June there have been 2,518 page views and 404 registrations. May also stated that she attended the Small Public Library Institute and will later give an update. As there were no questions about the agenda Welton moved to accept them; the motion was seconded by Latta. All were in favor.

Bills for the month of June were reviewed, and after some discussion a motion was made by Bauer and seconded by Keller to approve them. A roll call vote was made receiving all ‘ayes’.

At 7:10 p.m. the board moved into executive session to discuss property and personnel pursuant to sections 2(c)(1) and 2(c)(5) of the Open Meetings.

At 8:41 p.m. it was moved by Bauer and seconded by Welton that the board leave executive session. All were in favor.

We are required by law to pay union wages on public works projects completed. This amount is based on the city in which you live. A motion was made by Bauer, and then seconded by Keller to pay this wage. All members agreed.

We will let Mrs. Jones know our fence repair/replacement plan by October.

Welton made a motion to approve the TIF request letter with the addition of quoted projects. It was seconded by Fearday and received all ‘ayes’.

The board decided to approve the ongoing maintenance/repair plan after a motion was made by Keller and seconded by Fearday. All were in favor.

May explained the contribution request made by the Rolling Prairie Library System (RPLS) Farm Progress Show. Former Director Standerfer said the library had donated once a few years back. It was decided it would be a good PR thing to do as our area is a farming community. Bauer moved to contribute $25, and after the motion was seconded by Welton it passed.

When asked if the Executive Session Minutes archives should be released May suggested not to have them released. Latta so moved, the motion was seconded by Bauer, and agreed upon by all members.

Bauer and Bovard both received e-mails from former board member Dave Seiler who felt patrons should not be charged for or not offered concessions at future events. At the Kick Off event for the summer reading program this was done. It was advertised that concessions would be available for a price. The board feels that the library cannot afford to give away bottled water, etc. for everyone since the focal idea is to help raise money for their programs. We had already committed to Culver’s and had bought bottles of water. Possible solutions for next year were to give away coupons for treats. The general feeling is to keep mostly free items available and to make it clear in advertising that the public will have a choice to purchase some items.

In an RFID update the company has connected to our system and the speed is ready to go based on their test.

As there was no other business a motion from Bauer and seconded by Latta was made at 9:08 p.m. to adjourn. All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted by

Dana Keller, secretary