Minutes
ALLEGAN DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
October 19, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by President Susan Jerkatis. Present were Trustees: Jerkatis, Hellmann, Antkoviak, Watts, Bortz, Garofalo, Director Perrigo and Administrative Assistant Lyzenga.

Trustee Watts made a motion to excuse Trustee Mike Kiella. Motion seconded and carried.

The minutes of the September 21st board meeting were reviewed and approved.

The September statistical report showed that while circulation was down, the visits for the month were up along with new library cards and computer usage over last year September statistics. The financial report was reviewed.

A motion was made by Watts, seconded by Hellmann, to approve the September bills totaling $16,241.71. Motion passed.

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:

Director Perrigo told of attending the most recent meeting of the Southwestern Michigan Library Cooperative. The State Librarian was there and gave information on what has happened since the Governor’s Executive Order that disbanded the State Library. The Coop, when they receive their state monies, intends to buy movie licenses for all public libraries in the Coop so that the libraries can show licensed films. The Coop will also fund MEL delivery– the interlibrary loan program.

October 20th, Tuesday, there is a meeting of Allegan County Library Association in Fennville. Director Perrigo regrets that she will not be able to attend.

The Library’s Teen corner has grown rapidly and is now out of space. Nancy Thelen, the teen librarian, has been working on a plan to restructure the “corner”. Director Perrigo said they will be trying to get some idea of the cost for new library shelving. Trustee Watts mentioned he has a contact or two who work in library furniture.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Friends Committee: Jo Bortz said Friends are sponsoring an event on November 8th (Sunday) at 2:00 pm called “Rocky Mountain Shadows” – folk songs with Gary Brandt here at the library. It is a free event. The book sale last Saturday, October 17th, totaled $583.30. In light of a news story of two men robbing a book sale recently, Trustee Watts reminded Trustee Bortz of security with regard to the money box during the sales.

Personnel Committee: The committee did meet and made some progress. With the help of input that Director Perrigo collected from other libraries, Trustee Kiella is working on salary schedules and job descriptions.

OLD BUSINESS:

Building issues – Director Perrigo said she has not received any estimates or phone calls on the soffits and exterior lights nor the masonry work that needs to be done. She will have Administrative Assistant Lyzenga do some phone calling and see where we go from here. The work may have to be done in the spring.

Budget – the Budget Committee did meet. As spokeswoman Trustee Bortz said the budget was amended due to payments from the townships. The committee revised the acquisitions and salary line items. Trustee Antkoviak moved to approve the amended budget and Garofalo seconded. Motion approved.

Revision of the By-Laws – Trustee Watts said he had made some prelimary edits. The committee will meet before the end of the year.

Millage Proposal date – Trustee Watts will contact Trustee Kiella to discuss this important topic.

Advertising - Trustee Watts looked into placement of a banner ad on the Allegan County News website. The 13 week contract was more than the Board wished to spend at this time. The library could advertise with the Regent Theatre for $75.00 for a month. Trustee Watts made a motion to spend up to $150.00 to place an ad with the Regent for a 2 month experiment starting November 1st, seconded by Garofalo. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Investment - Director Perrigo brought a Fund Balance Report which makes it clear that a portion of these funds should be invested. Trustee Antkoviak made a motion to authorize $100,000 to a 3 month CD and by the end of 3 months to have investment plan in place. It was seconded and passed. It was decided that Trustee Kiella, Jerkatis and Watts will be a new Finance Committee which will also serve as Investment Committee. Trustee Antkoviak mentioned that the Board should set up some goals for the committee. One goal was decided for the committee - to create the most advantageous return on investment for the full amount of the Fund Balance. Trustee Watts also mentioned he will need a resolution authorizing him to officially transfer the funds. A resolution will be drafted.

Retirement Monies – currently still with the City of Allegan. Retirement is an item the Library Board has not dealt with as yet. The Board requested Director Perrigo to get the totals from the city for each employee. This will be another item for the Finance Committee.

Holidays – Director Perrigo mentioned that Christmas and New Year’s fall on Friday this year. The library will be closed the day before each of these holidays. The question she raised is – does the library open on Saturday of those weeks? Trustee Watts made a motion that the library be closed the Saturday after Christmas and New Years. The motion was seconded and passed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. The next meeting will be November 16th.

Evelyn Lyzenga
Administrative Assistant