Minutes
ALLEGAN DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
July 20, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice President Jo Bortz. Present were Trustees: Bortz, Garofalo, Hellmann, Antkoviak, Watts, Director Perrigo and Administrative Assistant Lyzenga.

Trustee Watts made a motion, seconded by Hellmann, to excuse Trustees Susan Jerkatis and Mike Kiella. Motion carried.

The minutes of the July 20th board meeting were reviewed.

The statistical report included both annual (July 2008-June 2009) and monthly statistics. The annual stats were compared to the year before (July 2007 to June 2008). There were increases in all areas of the library. For example visits for 2008-2009 were up by 10,000 and computer usage up by 6,000 sessions.

Bills to be Paid - Director Perrigo reported that the telephone service change to Charter had been made and now there are available 4 voice mail boxes. She mentioned that with next month’s “bills to be paid” she would be listing the telephone service under budget item “contracted services”. A motion was made by Antkoviak and seconded by Garofalo to approve the July bills totaling $10,395.44.

LIBRARIAN REPORT

Director Perrigo reported that we have a new circulation clerk on duty – Holly Dowd. She is a delightful addition to the library staff.

Director Perrigo reported that Peggy Westgate had fallen on the stairs coming down from our upstairs’ meeting room. There was discussion and concern for Peggy. As a precaution Acting President Bortz suggested that we post a sign for the stairs saying “Please use hand rail”. Director Perrigo also informed the board of a patron who was stung by a bee from a hive in the ground while coming up the sidewalk. She reported the measures taken to get rid of them.

There will be a new newsletter coming out around Labor Day.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Friends Committee: Trustee Bortz reported there was no meeting in July and that the book sale on last Saturday was successful and netted $437.70. A long time Friends member, Shirley McElwee, has passed away and will be greatly missed.

Finance Committee: Director Perrigo said this is on the agenda to have the budget committee meet to amend the current budget.

OLD BUSINESS:

Downloadable audio is up and running but not being used much. Board made a suggestion that there be a time publicized for sign up or patrons signing up for the internet could be asked if they would like to sign up for downloadable audio.

Director Perrigo has spoken to Rossman about our soffit repair but he has not yet started work.

Director Perrigo has contacted a mason, Ron Stark, who came out to inspect the front steps. His inspection revealed that all the mortar around the front steps, brick and rocks is decaying and needs replacement. This mortar requires a specific kind of mason tool which he is trying to find. He gave Director Perrigo a verbal estimate of $600.00. The Board requested that the Director get a written estimate from him.

At this point in the meeting, State Representative Bob Genetski of the 88th district arrived and gave the Board a rundown of the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2009-36 that abolishes the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. This order eliminates the Library of Michigan. There was good discussion and questions asked.

NEW BUSINESS:

Antkoviak moved, Watts seconded, that the current Mission Statement be approved with one change of “Allegan Public Library” to “Allegan District Library”. Approved

Revision of By-Laws. Watts suggested that the Board appoint a By-Laws Committee because there are so many changes to be made. Acting President Bortz asked for volunteers for the committee. The By-Laws Committee (Watts and Hellmann) will meet September 2nd before Labor Day.

Personnel Issue: There was discussion concerning staff pay rates. A Personnel Committee (Antkoviak, Kiella) was established to work on implementing a salary schedule and to develop an exit survey. Director Perrigo was asked to start employee performance reviews.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. The next meeting will be September 21st.

Respectfully submitted,

Evelyn Lyzenga
Administrative Assistant