Minutes
Allegan District Library Board of Trustees
April 18, 2011
The regular board meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Jerkatis. Present were: Trustees Jason Watts, Catherine Hellmann, Carol Garofalo, Carol Browne, Mike Kiella, Chris Antkoviak, Susan Jerkatis, Director Ann Perrigo and Administrative Assistant Evelyn Lyzenga.
The board said the pledge of allegiance. The agenda for this meeting was amended under “VIII. Committee Reports” under F, Public Relations Committee to add item 2 – Regent Theatre and add item H – Recognition Committee.
The March minutes were accepted with amendment.
Public Comment:
• Anthony Garofalo asked to go on record encouraging the board and citing the Bill of Rights of the American Library Association. He does not wish to see Allegan and its library commented on, chastised or denigrated in any way because of a certain idea or philosophy.
• Kathi Wellever, a teacher for 25 years in Allegan, came to encourage the board to support the Library Bill of Rights with regard to pulling of any books off shelves. She appreciated the variety and diversity in our library.
• Ms. Faye Black stated that she has Christian values and found the book Rage, a novel about homosexuality, to be very offensive. She feels that values are being pushed down her throat.
Trustee Antkoviak asked of Ms. Black “how did you screen your kids”. She was able to drop
them at the library but now does not feel she could without examining what they get.
Ms. Wellever commented about Ms. Black’s statement she hadn’t read the whole book. Ms.
Wellever stated the copyright page and the first page of the story mentioned homosexuality. Ms. Wellever’s guide to students is to read the first few pages of a book to decide whether to read it or not. For the kids in our community who have two moms, Ms. Wellever did feel that we cannot make any judgment on that lifestyle.
The other person present did not identify herself and did not wish to make comment.
Statistical and financial reports were reviewed and received. Trustee Kiella requested the total number of library card holders be shown from time to time.
Director’s Report:
Director Perrigo handed out the calendar which will be included in monthly board packets. She spoke about “Volunteer Energy”, a reseller of natural gas, which will meet with her on April 19th to sign up. Director Perrigo went over the rest of her written report. She also stated staff reviews are written and will be done shortly. She shared her thoughts on the “future of libraries” meeting she attended. BTOP grant has changed and the library has a few more hoops to jump through but the grant will still furnish computers to the library.
Committee Reports:
Friends Committee: Director Perrigo reported on the wonderful “snacks” that the Friends provided every day last week for the staff during Library Week. The Saturday book sale netted $392.80.
Budget Committee: Extra copies of the 2011-2012 budget were passed out. Trustee Watts moved, Trustee Browne seconded, to schedule a public hearing on the new budget for 7:15pm at the May 16th board meeting. Passed. It was noted that there needs to be public notice of this hearing published 7 days before the May 16th meeting and that the board approves the budget after the public hearing ends. The board needs to offer any changes or corrections before the public hearing. Budget committee to meet for final adjustments for the 2010-2011 budget.
Personnel Committee: Trustee Kiella said the committee stands behind the director’s recommendations. They will administer the Director’s review in May. Trustee Kiella discussed the revising of the written job descriptions. As Director Perrigo goes through the employee review process, she will also make sure they are still accurate, and initial and date.
Facilities Committee: Needs to meet to consider soffit project, signage, meeting room policy, DDA response, driveway repair and historical designation.
Finance Committee: Trustee Watts reported they were waiting on Steve Angle, our accountant, for figures for investment. Also that one of the T-bills had matured in February and the disposition of the cash needs to be considered. Trustee Kiella moved to retain the firm – Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter for the June 2011 audit. Trustee Watts seconded and passed. Trustee Watts commented on the superb way this firm handled the last audit and the great follow-up that they did.
PR Committee: no meeting. The ad for the Regent needs to be considered by the committee, as well as the Public Relations Policy.
Selection Committee: President Jerkatis said received no board comments on the Material Selection Policy so decided to leave the policy as is. Trustee Garofalo moved, Trustee Hellmann seconded, that the policy be accepted as written. Comments: Trustee Watts and Trustee Antkoviak expressed concerns. Policy was accepted as written by vote of 4 to 2. Trustee Watts & Antkoviak voted nay.
Letter to Ms. Black. Trustee Kiella moved that the letter to Ms. Black be sent to her last known address as a response to her inquiry to the board of the Allegan District Library. Carol Garofalo seconded. It was requested to underline “Rage” and change the date. Discussion: Trustees Antkoviak, Watts and Kiella shared their concerns and opinions. The letter was passed as written by vote of 4 to 2. Trustee Watts & Antkoviak voted nay.
Recognition Committee – Trustee Garofalo reported the committee met to discuss an appropriate memorial for Jo Bortz. They recommend a plaque as an enduring recognition to Jo. She would be the initial honoree. It would not be an annual reward but as a person is recommended by a board member or the director. The size would be dictated by where it is located in the library. It would be installed sometime in late May or June. Carol Garofalo moved that general funding be approved with a cap of $1,000. for a suitable plaque with adequate spacing for future honorees. Trustee Kiella mentioned the monies would include the installation and engraving. Trustee Kiella seconded. Passed.
Bills to be paid were reviewed and motion made by Trustee Watts and seconded by Trustee Kiella to approve paying the March bills and payroll in the amount of $42,673.85. Passed.
Communications: none.
Unfinished Business:
Strategic Planning: President Jerkatis shared that the committee is working on a survey to send out and a community meeting in September. This is all in house.
Trustee Training is scheduled on April 28th.
Wish List items: Director Perrigo had nothing new to report on digital scanning as information still coming in. On the photocopier, she had heard nothing from Valley Township about the availability of a copier. Trustee Browne will check with Valley.
New Business:
Trustee Antkoviak planted a little idea to cut the trees down in front of the library to open up the building. Several trustees have had people ask where is the library because the trees hid the building. Director shared that the branches in the trees have gone under the roof tiles. She made a note to work with the City’s tree committee.
Board Member Comments:
Trustee Kiella welcomed Trustee Garofalo back to board.
Trustee Watts had dinner with the director of the Van Buren District Library. Director Tate and Director Perrigo should get together to have reciprocal agreement between the two libraries.
Trustee Hellmann had been at daughter’s library over break and shared some bookmarks about authors and their individual books.
Administrative Assistant Lyzenga and staff member, PJ, are reworking the library’s website. Director Perrigo and Alan are working on the library’s Facebook page.
Director Perrigo mentioned that the graphic art students at the Voc Tech Center are working on a logo for the library. She hopes to have something next month.
Trustee Kiella moved to close the meeting at 8:12, seconded by Trustee Watts.
Next board meeting is May 16th.
Evie Lyzenga
Administrative Assistant