February 23, 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PROSPECT HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD FEBRUARY 23, 2011


I.  CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Prospect Heights Public Library was called to order at 7:01 p.m.

Roll Call:  Present:  Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Peterson, Purcell
Absent:  Trustees Penick and Yager
Also Present:  Greg Mueller, Judith Stetina, Alex Todd, and Executive Director McCully

President Lahey asked for a volunteer to give the Treasurer's report in the absence of Trustee Penick.  Trustee Peterson volunteered.


II.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Trustee Purcell moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson, to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on January 26, 2011 as amended.

Roll Call:  Ayes:  Trustees Berman, Lahey, Peterson, and Purcell
Nays:  None
Absent:  Trustees Penick and Yager
Abstain:  Trustee Kendall


III.  ATTORNEY'S REPORT

No report.


IV.  COMMUNICATIONS

A thank-you note to Executive Director McCully and trustees was received from Arlene Behnke for her service recognition award and check. Dr. McCully noted that he received verbal thanks from many staff recognized for their service this year.

A letter from Wheeling Township thanked the Library for food donated during the Library's annual Food for Fines program.

A Daily Herald article recognized Trustee Peterson and her husband for their work at First United Methodist Church to provide mosquito netting to missions via a handmade Valentine project.


V.  TREASURER'S REPORT

As of January 31, 2011
Cash on Hand                                            $150.00
Library Petty Cash                                        783.09
NOW Checking Account                       214,076.15
Checking - Deferred Medical                     2,661.47
Illinois Funds                                       3,655,820.82
Illinois Funds - EPAY                                    394.55
                                                          $3,873,886.08

Trustee Peterson moved, seconded by Trustee Berman, to approve the Combined Statement of Assets in the amount of $3,873,886.08.

Roll Call:  Ayes:  Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Peterson, and Purcell
Nays:  None
Absent:  Trustees Penick and Yager
Abstain:  None

Trustee Peterson moved, seconded by Trustee Berman, to approve the list of disbursements dated February 23, 2011 in the amount of $187,687.27.

Roll Call:  Ayes:  Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Peterson, and Purcell
Nays:  None
Absent:  Trustees Penick and Yager
Abstain:  None

Trustee Peterson moved, seconded by Trustee Kendall, to approve the transfer of $182,000 from the Illinois Funds account to the Popular Community Bank (formerly Banco Popular) checking account.

Roll Call:  Ayes:  Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Peterson, and Purcell
Nays:  None
Absent:  Trustees Penick and Yager
Abstain:  None


VI.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

A.  Building and Grounds Report
A quote is expected soon for inspection of the Library's air ducts by an independent inspector. The Board's Building and Grounds Committee will then consider the quote and cleaning options.

Greg Mueller reported that new light heads had been installed on the remaining 3 double poles and that all parking area lights are again functioning; two bollard lights are out.

Comcast has been contacted to connect their cable inside the Library.

Cambridge Carpet, our carpet manufacturer has agreed to replace up to 500 yards of carpet that has still not properly adhered with similar new carpet, beginning in 5-6 weeks. All materials and labor required will be paid for by the manufacturer.

A drain clogged with ice caused leakage into the Circulation foyer following the February 1-2, 2011 blizzard; Greg was able to melt the ice and restore flow, which ended the leak. This was not a roof leak.

Greg left the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

B.  ILA Legislative Breakfast Report
Trustees Berman and Kendall attended the Illinois Library Association's President's Day Library Legislative Breakfast on Monday, February 21, 2011 at the Arboretum Club in Buffalo Grove. Trustee Kendall reported that only 8 legislators attended. Trustees were able to visit with Reps. Sid Mathias and Senator Susan Garrett about pending legislation affecting libraries. A picture was taken with Rep. Mathias. U.S. Rep. Robert Dold also attended. Funding from the State of Illinois for statewide library services remains problematic.

Census figures show a decline in population for the City of Prospect Heights but a gain for Wheeling. Dr. McCully noted that participation in this winter's reading clubs for adults, high schoolers and children has set new records.

C.  Technology @ the Library
Head of Adult Services Alex Todd reported on the activities of his department staff, highlighting new technology now available at the Library and its advantages. Services include: BiblioCommons - the new user catalog interface adopted by CCS libraries. This offers much faster searching plus many new personalized features available to catalog users, e.g. personal accounts, shelves, lists. It also provides users with opportunities to rate and comment on items they use. These comments may then be shared with other BiblioCommons users worldwide.

Freegal offers free music downloads to Prospect Heights Public Library users. Now limited to 3 songs/week, this may be increased as usage widens.

MyMediaMall offers downloadable audiobooks, books, and DVDs to library users. Library staff often help with initial downloads, but users seem quite independent after that.

The Library has begun to circulate Blu-ray versions of popular feature films. The current small collection is expected to grow steadily.

In addition, Alex mentioned the extensive weeding project underway for reference books in light of information currently available online. He recognized the outstanding effort of part-time librarian Aldona Salska in building service to Polish and Russian-speaking users and in founding the new Polish-American Librarians Association recently recognized by the American Library Association. Trustees also expressed appreciation for Aldona's efforts as well as those of staff member Sophia Bochula.

Alex left the meeting at 9:02 p.m.


VII.  COMMITTEE REPORTS

A.  NSLS
Trustee Berman reported that the merger process for North Suburban Library System and 4 other regional systems continues with a goal of achieving merger by July 1, 2011. The next merger meeting is planned for February 28.

B.  Chamber of Commerce
Trustee Kendall will represent the Library at the Chamber Associates Board meetings are held from 8 to 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Wheeling Village Hall.


VIII.  OLD BUSINESS

None.


IX.  NEW BUSINESS

Trustees were reminded that the May Board meeting will be held on May 18, 2011.

Our water agreement with Mt. Prospect is approaching its renewal date. Park and Library Board will coordinate their renewal efforts.

President Lahey reminded trustees that the Prospect Heights Community Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, May 7.


X.  ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Purcell
Secretary

ATTEST:
Margaret Lahey
President