MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PROSPECT HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD MARCH 30, 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 7:03 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Penick, Peterson, Purcell, and Yager
Absent: None
Also Present: Anthony DeRicco (Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.), Sue Seggeling, Judith Stetina, and Executive Director McCully
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Purcell moved, seconded by Trustee Peterson, to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on February 23, 2011 as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Peterson, and Purcell
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: Trustees Penick and Yager
III. ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Attorney Smith recommended no action be taken at this time regarding a letter received from the Alliance Defense Fund of Leawood, Kansas about meeting room policies or the Village of Wheeling's projected challenge to a tax exemption for the Korean Cultural Center in our district. Attorney Smith will attend a Board meeting in the near future.
IV. ENGINEER'S REPORT
The agenda was amended to hear Mr. DeRicco's report. Generator installation is running several weeks behind schedule for a number of reasons. Proposal and pricing for additional work will be provided by the contractors. Trustees discussed the project with Mr. DeRicco, who left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
V. COMMUNICATIONS
A patron's favorable comment regarding the student art display was read along with the e-mail response from Executive Director McCully.
Trustees discussed a suggestion to maintain township government at the expense of library and park districts. The township representative in Springfield denied that this approach is endorsed by townships. With government consolidation in the wind, libraries need to monitor developments carefully.
The annual LACONI Trustee Dinner will be at Cantigny in Wheaton on Friday, April 15.
VI. TREASURER'S REPORT
As of February 28, 2011
Cash on Hand $150.00
Library Petty Cash 783.23
NOW Checking Account 227,018.10
Checking - Deferred Medical 2,662.08
Illinois Funds 3,526,552.26
Illinois Funds - EPAY 450.85
$3,757,616.52
Trustee Penick moved, seconded by Trustee Yager, to approve the Combined Statement of Assets in the amount of $3,757,616.52.
Roll Call: Ayes: Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Penick, Peterson, Purcell, and Yager
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Trustee Penick moved, seconded by Trustee Kendall, to approve the list of disbursements dated February 23, 2011 in the amount of $196,655.91. Continual heating problems during the winter were discussed; Mechanical contractors seem unable to solve the continuous heat distribution problems.
Roll Call: Ayes: Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Penick, Peterson, Purcell, and Yager
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Trustee Penick moved, seconded by Trustee Berman, to approve the transfer of $180,000 from the Illinois Funds account to the Popular Community Bank checking account.
Roll Call: Ayes: Trustees Berman, Kendall, Lahey, Penick, Peterson, Purcell, and Yager
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Trustee Penick also noted receipt of a letter from Illinois State Librarian and Secretary of State Jesse White informing the Executive Director that $15,479.91 was authorized as a per capita grant to Prospect Heights Public Library.
VII. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
A. Building and Grounds Report
Since Greg Mueller was on vacation, Dr. McCully reported the status of several maintenance projects: new light heads had been installed on the remaining 3 double poles; Comcast connected their cable inside the Library; carpet replacement where needed has begun. The old toilet with the broken tank top in the staff restroom has been replaced.
B. Master the Art of Reading Winter Reading Program
2011 marked our 3rd year in a row of double digit growth - and another year of 100% staff participation.
2011 2010 % change
Master Cure
the Arts Cabin
READ Fever
Total Enrollment 183 158 17.7%
Staff 41 41 0%
Patrons 142 117 21.3%
2009 % change
Reading
Road
Trip
Total Enrollment 129 22.4%
Staff 34 10.8%
Patrons 95 27.1%
Total 268 completed book logs
83 qualified for prizes - an increase of 9 patrons from last year.
Most popular winter challenge - biographies! Congratulations to Maria Ampulski of the Adult Services Department for another very successful year!
C. Wolves Winter Reading Club for Children
The annual Wolves Winter Reading Club for children was very successful again this year. From January 17 to February 26, 2011, children (ages birth - 8th Grade) were invited to join the Wolves Winter Reading Club. This year participants were required to come to the Library once a week during the program to win prizes. Total: 88 sign-ups (85 in 2010, 80 in 2009, 63 in 2008).
D. UIUC Library Student - Monica Fumarolo
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (the nation's top-ranked library program!) Master's degree Library Science student Monica Fumarolo visited the Library last week for her week-long "Alternative Spring Break." She was particularly interested in learning about all the Youth Services Department did, so Sue Seggeling coordinated her visit. We kept her very busy exploring the variety of programs and activities to be found working in our Library. We wish her well in her goal of working with young people in libraries after graduation.
E. National Library Week, April 10-16, 2011
There will be lots of activities in the Library during this week. (See your April calendars!) Staff have planned some great programs for adults and children. Money Smart Week runs from April 2-9.
The Staff Development Day held March 25 was divided between technology updates, particularly e-readers, and a visit to the new Fox Lake Public Library.
Merete Penick left the meeting at 8:10 p.m. due to illness.
Sue Seggeling, Head of Youth Services, reported on her Department's many activities, website features, summer reading plans and participatory possibilities. Youth Services staff are also involved in several important area and ILA positions. After responding to several questions and compliments, Sue left the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Trustees were reminded to complete their annual Statements of Economic Interest online this year and provide a copy of the receipt to the Library.
VIII. 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. Return of donations received to continue delivery service was addressed by ISL Director Anne Craig in a letter to NSLS, and NSLS will return them. Northwestern University students studied delivery service, and presented their report to NSLS.
B. Chamber of Commerce
Trustee Kendall reported on the Chamber Board meeting held March 1 at Wheeling Village Hall. Board members expressed condolences on the death of Charles Everett. Trustee Kendall volunteered to help the Chamber collect some outstanding dues, and plans to attend the Chamber Board's April 5 meeting.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
Negotiation of the new refuse hauling contract for Prospect Heights has been delayed.
X. NEW BUSINESS
President Lahey reminded trustees that the Prospect Heights Community Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, May 7.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Purcell
Secretary
ATTEST:
Margaret Lahey
President
