Allegan Public Library
Minutes-Board of Trustees
January 19 , 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 by President Susan Jerkatis. Present were: Trustees Bortz, Garofalo, Jerkatis, Hellmann, Wott, and Director Perrigo.
The minutes of the December 15, 2008, meeting were approved. Director Perrigo announced a new (unofficial) member of the Provisional Board, Pam Smuda, who was not able to attend this evening. Trustee Smuda lives in the City of Allegan and has been active in the Friends Committee.
The monthly statistics and financial reports were reviewed. It was noted that Penal Fines are down from last year, perhaps because people are driving slower to conserve gasoline, or maybe the courts just aren’t getting the money from people because of the economy. Director Perrigo also pointed out that we now have our own Master Card through Fifth Third Bank. Director Perrigo explained that the bill dated 1/14/09 to Dawson Renovations for $2350.00 was for the Friends bathroom project. She urged everyone to take a look at the beautiful transformation before they leave. Moved by Trustee Wott, seconded by Trustee Bortz, that we pay December bills totaling $6,694.26. Motion passed unanimously.
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:
State Aid Report: Director Perrigo will complete the State Aid report before leaving for Denver.
Book Club: Director Perrigo distributed Book Club schedules and copies of the February 3 rd book club topic of discussion, Geography of Love, to those interested.
African American Cowboys: The reception honoring the African American Cowboys display was a success. Director Perrigo described guest of honor Murphy Darden as “a spry 81 year-old,” and urged everyone to note his interesting collection in the case across from the check-out desk.
John Pahl Program: Director Perrigo reminded everyone of the Friends-sponsored lecture on Sunday, January 25 th, at 2:00. The event will be held in the Carnegie Room and the topic will be Allegan Buildings: Gone But Not Forgotten. Kim Sparks of AHS will videotape the talk.
COMMITTEE REPORTS;
Friends Report: Trustee Bortz reported the first Book Sale of the year netted over $500.00.
Finance Committee: Trustee Wott recommended Angle & Steffes to handle our accounting and payroll services. They were the most helpful of those he spoke with, and the only ones who actually had a plan for us. It was decided that Trustee Wott would get a contract written (possibly with the help of Trustee Antkoviak) before the board votes. Motion made by Trustee Wott to this effect; seconded by Trustee Bortz; passed unanimously.
Personnel Committee: The committee has met and Trustee Jerkatis is working on a spreadsheet which will compare personnel policies at other libraries. Director Perrigo felt this was too important to be decided by committee and, therefore, will be brought to the board for vote. Trustee Jerkatis reported a conference call for Benefits will be held February 3 rd.
OLD BUSINESS:
Signage: Director Perrigo will call the gentleman who put up the original sign to see what can be done.
Rest Room: The Friends renovation project is completed and turned out beautifully.
Township Responses: A copy of Allegan Township’s signed contract was included in the board’s packet. No other township has responded at this date.
Audit: Director Perrigo has been informed by the auditors that an audit for July-September is not necessary. This opinion is backed by both Lance Werner and Kathy Webb of the Library of Michigan.
NEW BUSINESS:
Trustee Elections: Director Perrigo urged all Interim Board members to file to run for election to the board. The election will be held May 5 th. Deadline for filing petitions is February 10 th. Applications and petitions can be obtained at the County Clerk’s office. Those who sign petitions must live in the Allegan school district.
Voice Mail: Trustee Wott suggested adding voice mail to the library’s phone system. It was agreed that it would be a more professional and private way of leaving messages for Director Perrigo and other staff members. Director Perrigo will contact Verizon about adding this feature.
Advocacy: Director Perrigo pointed out a sheet in the trustee’s packet devoted to Library Advocacy. She urged those who desire to run for election to the board to familiarize themselves with these resources from the ALA.
COMMENTS:
Trustee Jerkatis noted that the Fennville library received a $5,000.00 grant for books from the DeLano Foundation. Director Perrigo will look into the possibility of our library applying for this.
Trustee Bortz complimented Trustee Hellmann on a recent Kalamazoo Gazette article on her visit to Ellis Island and Hyde Park, NY, which was funded by a grant she had applied for. She told of the many teaching tools she acquired on this study trip with regard to Ellis Island and FDR.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. The next meeting will be held February 16, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol B. Garofalo, Secretary