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Home My WebLink About2007-12-17 MinutesFayetteville Public Library Board of trustees Regular Meeting December 17, 2007 MINUTES Prepared by S. Terry, Communications Manager Board Members present: D. Ferritor, M. Hunt, E. Jordan, M. Malone, D. Marr, B. Schaffer and L. Brewer. Staff present: K. Rago, C. Rew, L. Schaper, S. Terry and S. Thorup. Press: M. Meinichak. Attorney V. Chadick was also present. The Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at 4:06 p.m. by D. Ferritor. 1. Approval of minutes. M. Malone moved to approve the minutes from the Oct. 15 meeting. M. Hunt seconded. All ayes. 2. Library Reports. 1.) L. Schaper discussed the power outages that occurred at the library on Dec. 14 and 16. SWEPCO believes the root cause of the damage was lightening. Since that time, three lightening arrestors have been replaced. Schaper said the library has learned that rechargeable flashlights and a communication plan are needed for any future incidences. 2.) S. Thorup discussed the outreach program that Youth Librarian Laura Cleveland is conducting with the Washington County Detention Center. The program teaches students life skills. 3.) S. Thorup discussed the Children's Book Week visit by author Trenton Lee Stewart and the visit by author Kevin Brockmeier as part of the annual Gathering of the Groups. 4.) K. Rago discussed Anthony Bourdain's Oct. 19 visit that brought 600 people to the library. Rago also noted the Friends of the Library silent auction and book sale in early December. 3. Statistical and Financial Report. 1.) Schaper said the library is projected to hit 964,000 check outs this year but this is unlikely because of the closed days due to the holidays and the power outages earlier this month. 2.) Schaper noted there has been a 52 percent increase in holds filled. While people love the service, it is very staff intensive. 3.) C. Rew said she will ask the board to roll the library materials budget forward into 2008 if there is any funding remaining at the end of the year. 4.) C. Rew asked to roll forward $40,000 to 2008 to put an AN system in the Children's Library. This was planned when the library was built but had to be eliminated because of expenses. There is money available because of the utility savings realized. M. Hunt made a motion to roll $40,000 for the children's library AV system forwarded to 2008; L. Brewer seconded. All voted aye. 4. Art Committee 1.) K. Rago noted the Art Committee met in November and considered several pieces. A sculpture tea pot was donated to the Children's Library. Barney Saltzberg, children's author and illustrator, has donated one of his pieces. Henry Wingate has painted a portrait of Jim Blair, which will be unveiled at the library later this year. 3.) K. Rago said the art committee is considering what to do after Steve Hoover's death halted the production of the interactive wall. M. Malone made a motion to accept the artwork; B.Schaffer seconded. All voted aye. 5. Old business. A.) 2008 Budget — C. Rew said $47,000 has been eliminated from the library's revenue sources from the city. She noted the budget was tight but possible to live within. The board asked that personnel costs be broken out in future budget reports. D. Ferritor suggested setting up the Foundation so that a stable amount is given to the library each year for 10 years, regardless of the stock market. B. Schaffer made a motion to accept the 2008 budget; L. Brewer seconded. All voted aye. 6. New business. A.) Committee appointments — D. Ferritor has established several committees of board members: A nominating committee with M. Malone, M. Hunt and E. Jordan. An audit committee with B. Schaffer representing the library board, A. Sorrell representing the Foundation board and R. Woods representing the Friends board. A library working group task force with members from Friends, Foundation and library board will include D. Marr from the library board. B.) PA -56 Screening — L. Schaper introduced the policy, providing background on its research and writing. Discussion ensued, staff and the library's legal counsel fielded questions. M. Hunt moved to table the item to allow staff time to follow up on the issues the board presented; B. Schaffer seconded. All voted aye. E.) Revision to PA -13 Extended Sick Leave — The library asked the board to reduce the number of days to get to each person's extended staff leave bank to two days or immediately in the event of an FMLA event or pre -planned event and expanding payout amount. D. Marr moved to approve the policy; M. Hunt seconded. All voted aye. 7. Agenda items without discussion or action were AR State Library related items and Executive Director job description revision. 8. B. Schaffer moved to adjourn; L. Brewer seconded. All voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.