Minutes
ALLEGAN DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
July 20, 2009

Prior to the monthly Board meeting, there was a formal, public reception (given by Friends of the Library) at 6:30 to honor the new board and a swearing in of the Board members present by County Clerk, Joyce Watts.

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President Susan Jerkatis. Present were Trustees: Bortz, Jerkatis, Garofalo, Antkoviak, Watts, Kiella, Director Perrigo and Administrative Assistant Lyzenga.

First order of business was election of officers and setting board meeting date for the upcoming year. Bortz nominated Susan Jerkatis as President, seconded by Watts. The nomination was approved. Antkoviak nominated Bortz for Vice President and seconded by Garofalo. Nomination was approved.

Director Perrigo noted that the position of Board Secretary has changed to a more formal position for correspondence and signature signing. She also mentioned that the Board would now need a Treasurer.

Watts nominated Garofalo as Secretary, seconded by Antkoviak. The motion carried. Garofalo nominated Watts for Treasurer and it was seconded by Kiella. The motion passed.

The meeting date for Board meeting is set for 3rd Monday of each month. The next Board meeting is August 17th.

The minutes of the June 15th meeting were amended with two changes: to change the word “knew” on the 1st page, 3rd paragraph, last sentence to “believed”; and on the 2nd page, 2nd paragraph, 1st sentence “extent” to “extend”. Bortz made a motion to approve the minutes with changes, seconded by Watts. Approved.

The monthly statistics and financial reports were reviewed. Director Perrigo pointed out that circulation was up dramatically from a year ago at this same time – 10,034 in June. She also pointed out that computer use was up and that our children’s programs this past month had 544 in attendence. Kiella noted the significative increase in juvenile books from 3,234 a year ago to 4,562 for this past month. Director Perrigo mentioned that the city financial report may be adjusted for $34,000 that came in this past week from 2 townships and state aid – all monies for last year’s budget. Director Perrigo has put in a request to the city to apply those monies to last year’s budget and has yet to hear an answer. The statistics and financials were approved.

Director Perrigo said the library will be changing telephone service from Verizon to Charter (they presently provide the library’s internet service). It will save money. Bortz asked about voice mail availability. Director Perrigo will check on this. Anthony Garofalo brought up budget plans available for utilities – Director Perrigo will check on this. A motion was made by Bortz and seconded by Watts to approve the additional June and July bills totaling $10,756.55 be paid. Motion approved. Watts made a motion to formally approve the payment of end of June bills and Kiella seconded. Approved.

Librarian’s report

The summer reading program has registered 93 more children than last year for an all-time record.

By Exeuctive Order No.2009-36 Governor Granhom has abolished the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and put its functions under the Department of Education as of July 13th. This order also abolished the Library of Michigan and parceled out its functions to various state departments.

Director Perrigo said there is great concern over the elimination of the Library of Michigan. As a smaller library we use their professional skills to assist in many ways. If the total state library aid falls below the federal minimum state limit, federal matching funds to statewide programs could be eliminated. There was discussion on this whole issue. The Board members were encouraged to send letters to state officials in regard to the funding issue and their concern over the loss of various valuable functions of the Library of Michigan.

Director Perrigo gave a report on the annual meeting of the American Library Association (ALA) she just attended in Chicago. She had opportunity to meet with vendors and network with other librarians.

Director Perrigo reported a staff change. Due to a new job at Herrick Library in Holland, Kathy Anderson has left our employment. Director Perrigo has already put out an ad for a circulation clerk for 18-20 hours a week and received several applications.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Friends Committee: Trustee Bortz reported that the book sale last Saturday was very successful and netted $550.00. Trustee Kiella asked Bortz to thank the Friends at their next meeting for the reception.

Finance Committee: Did not meet.

Personnel Committee: Bortz noted the word “priviliges” on the table of contents needs to be corrected to “privileges”. Watts made a position to approve the personnel policy with one change, seconded by Bortz. Motion passed. It is noted that the official copy of the personnel policy resides with Director Perrigo.

OLD BUSINESS:

Downloadable audio books – available and program is running.

Building issues – Director Perrigo reported that it seems that the deterioration of the stone and brick near the Hubbard Street steps may have caused the leak in the staff restroom. She is looking into repairs for this.

Budget will need to be amended down the road due to increased revenue.

Library Loan policy. The only change is the description of who the library serves. After discussion, Antkoviak made a motion to approve the loan policy, seconded by Watts. Approved.

Value of a mil – Watts received mil value information from Department of Equalization head, Blaine McLeod. One mil’s value is $524.840. The District Library Agreement indicates that a millage should be passed within five years. Antkoviak suggested to form a millage committee. President Jerkatis asked for volunteers. Trustees Kiella and Watts volunteered. It was decided we needed three members and Trustee Catherine Hellmann was appointed.

Since the By-Laws of the ADL Board of Trustees were approved by the previous Board, Antkoviak suggested a review of the By-Laws and re-approval be done at the August meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Mission Statement – is printed on the top of the agenda. It will be reviewed at the August meeting.

SW Michigan Coop – The Cooperative’s level of service has changed dramatically over the last few years. It still holds an important function as it receives state aid and disperses it to member libraries. The Coop funds computer hardware, serves as a clearing house and reimberses libraries for Inter Library loans at $1,000 a year. Watts made a motion to approve the new plan of service, Bortz seconded. Approved.

PUBLIC COMMENT

City Councilman Ed Kowlaski congratulated the Board on their new positions as Trustees of the District Library Board and wished them well in all they will do for this valuable resource.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The next meeting will be August 17th.

Respectfully submitteed,

Evelyn Lyzenga
Administrative Assistant