Minutes
ALLEGAN DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
October 20, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:14 p.m. by President Susan Jerkatis. Present were Trustees Susan Jerkatis, Nancy Ingalsbee, Carol Garofalo, Catherine Hellmann, Jo Bortz, Shawn Gavan, and Director Ann Perrigo. Trustee Brian Wott was absent.
The minutes of the September meeting of the Allegan Public Library Board of Trustees and the first meeting on October 1, 2008, of the Interim Allegan District Library Board of Trustees were approved upon a motion made by Trustee Bortz and seconded by Trustee Ingalsbee.
The financial reports were reviewed. Director Perrigo explained problems she has had with the library’s magazine vendor, and her reason for returning to the previous vendor. Trustee Gavan moved that all bills, including $2,112.00 for approximately half of the library’s subscriptions, be approved for payment. Motion seconded by Trustee Ingalsbee and passed unanimously.
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:
A. Director Perrigo reported that she has been named to the American Library Association Alex Award Committee. This committee chooses the best ten books of those published for adults in a specific year which have, in turn, crossed over in popularity to young people. She explained that it will require a good amount of reading, but that the library will as a result be the recipient of many free books. She will also be required to attend both winter and summer ALA conferences.
B. Director Perrigo will look into a company from Illinois which gives EBay classes for a fee of $500.00. She suggested we charge at least $10.00 per person and possibly hold this class in the spring.
C. The library Book Club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The book this month is The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz.
D. The ACLA meets October 21st at 10:00 a.m. at the Episcopal Church in Allegan.
FRIENDS’ REPORT:
A. Minutes of September meeting submitted.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Building Improvements
should last five to seven years.
B. Administrative Assistant/Business Manager Position
Director Perrigo stated that she would feel more comfortable, because of our
District Library status, if she could post this position rather than only considering
Trustee Ingalsbee for the job. Trustee Gavan suggested that we might hire her
immediately on a temporary basis, meanwhile posting the job. Director Perrigo
will contact Trustee Ingalsbee regarding this matter in a few days.
C. Moved by Trustee Gavan and seconded by Trustee Bortz that we approve the
Board of Trustees Bylaws as written. Motion passed unanimously. The Secretary
was given a copy of the Resolution to fill out and sign for the file.
D. All present Trustees approved the draft of the letter to be sent to the township
treasurers. Director Perrigo will send them out within a couple of days.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Subcommittees were established as follows:
Personnel Policy - Trustees Jerkatis and Garofalo
Library Policy - Trustees Bortz and Hellmann
Benefits - Trustees Jerkatis and Ingalsbee
Finances - Trustees Gavan and Wott
Director Perrigo will be on all committees and will contact everyone soon
regarding meeting times.
B. Director Perrigo reported that she called for and has received her Federal
Employee Identification Number (FEIN).
C. Director Perrigo pointed out an insert in the meeting packet which she copied from
DISTRICT LIBRARY LAW which will be a help in our transition. Trustee Jerkatis
will look into having a banner made up to tout our new name and status, as advised
in these tips. The Benefits Committee will look into payroll services. Director
Perrigo stated that our attorney assures her that no retirement benefits will be lost
in the transition. Trustee Gavan questioned whether a local attorney would be a less
expensive option. Director Perrigo stated that it would be because the attorneys for
the transition were very specialized library attorneys, thus the higher fees.
Director Perrigo announced that she had her final meeting with the City of Allegan
Manager Rob Hillard. He "released her," but will come to our next meeting to
swear in the Trustees. Director Perrigo said she will be working with Tracie
Moored, Allegan Finance Director, for the next few months of transition. The
city suggested that we get an employment attorney whom we can call on when
needed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday,
November 17, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol B. Garofalo
Secretary