McLean County Times

Bloomington Public Library Board met Nov. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order

President Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

II. Roll Call

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ary Anderson, Laurie Nippe, Ruth Novosad, Patti Salch, Jodi Sherman, Stephen Peterson

MEMBERS ABSENT: Stephanie Walden

OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Dunham, Jeanne Hamilton, Colleen Shaw

III. Introductions

There were no introductions.

IV. Public Comment

There were no public comments.

V. President’s Report

President Peterson reported that City Council had a meeting on November 13, 2018.

There is no additional news to share.

VI. Approval of Minutes

A. October 17, 2018

PATTI SALCH MOVED, ARY ANDERSON SECONDED, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 17, 2018 MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

VII. Staff Reports

A. Director’s Report

Director Hamilton discussed the Celebration of India: Day of the Child event held on November 10. We had 390 people attend which is a great turnout. It was our 6th year hosting this Celebration and is great opportunity for the BPL to work with our community partners. Director Hamilton consulted with the Board on packet distribution. She discussed how we bring an extra copy of the Board packet to the meeting each week. Discussion was held about holidays and mail service as well WIFI capabilities both at the library and home. After a group discussion, the final directive was as follows:

Stephen Peterson – Email Only

Jodi Sherman – Email Only

Laurie Nippe – Email Only

Patti Salch – Email and postal mail

Ary Anderson – Email and postal mail

Ruth Novosad - Email and postal mail

Stephanie Walden will be consulted on her preference at the December meeting.

An update regarding the City Council and the BPL Expansion Project was requested. Director Hamilton reported that there were no decisions made. Most of the City Council members are supportive of the Library. Discussion was held regarding funds for the roof repair in the next five years. Director Hamilton clarified that the BPL has the money for the roof repair, but we are waiting on the decision regarding a future construction project before we spend the money on the roof repair. The City Manager and the Library Board has requested the City Council render a decision by budget time which is April 2019. A question was asked about the Find More Illinois Program. Informational discussion was held. Director Hamilton updated the Board on the switch to a new catalog, Polaris, in early April 2019.

B. Outreach Report

Circulation and Outreach Manager, Colleen Shaw, reported that her department sent out the first large batch of student cards to District 87 students and are currently finishing work on the Unit 5 cards. Students can now check out A/V items along with print items but are still limited to 3 total check-outs. The Bookmobile schedule was sent to Ellsworth, Arrowsmith and Shirley. Discussion was held on total number of check-outs from those locations

C. Financial Report

Director Hamilton presented the Financial Report. There are three corrections to the dates on the Revenues, Expenditures and Ending Balance. They should have the date of 10/31/18 instead of 9/30/18. A question was raised about the total for printing. Director Hamilton explained that it was for printing the budget ordinance in the Pantagraph per legal compliance. A question was raised about the legal services amount. Director Hamilton explained that it was for the budget review. Discussion was held about the fees charged by the attorney. The consensus from the Board Members was to have Director Hamilton add this item for discussion to New Business in May 2019. Director Hamilton notified the Board that the draft audit will be emailed to Board Members. It will be on the agenda for a vote at the December meeting. Director Hamilton presented options for the renewal of the surety bond. The renewal premium is $795.00 which is the same as last year. Our agent quoted an additional option covering faithful performance of duty. This would increase the premium by $200.00. The Board is covered up to $400,000 which is based off what is received in yearly taxes. A consensus from the Board Members was reached to renew the surety bond as presented without the additional coverage. The Board requested the Business Manager to find how much additional it would be to increase the coverage amount to a higher amount. President Peterson reported that the CD held by GPPLD is maturing on February 6, 2019. He will check on interest rates prior to the December meeting. This item will be added as New Business on the December 19, 2019 agenda.

VIII. Unfinished Business

A. Approve Proposed Amendments to the Bylaws.

Discussion was held to confirm that all members were up-to-date on changes reviewed and proposed at the October meeting.

STEPHEN PETERSON MOVED, JODI SHERMAN SECONDED, TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. Summaries from the ILA Conference

Board Members Jodi Sherman and Laurie Nippe reported on the ILA Conference. They attended the Trustee sessions. Our Board is in a different situation than most of the other Trustee Boards. We are elected. We do not have a library. We do not have employees. There was a presentation about how libraries are social service organizations. Director Hamilton confirmed that we work with two local agencies to provide services here at the BPL. An interesting take away is that 75% of board agenda should not be discussions but should be report outs. For example, “Jodi, I need you to take the CD issue and report out next time.” So, it’s the higher-level summary instead of the all the detail. This would result in the Board spending our meeting time reaching a consensus instead of discussing topics. Both members thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend the conference.

C. Discuss Election Procedures

Notarized paperwork from Stephanie Walden and Ary Anderson is being held by Amy Dunham. Stephen Peterson and Laurie Nippe need to turn in their notarized paperwork to Amy by December 10, 2019. Secretary Ruth Novosad will file them with the County Clerk’s office between December 10 – 17, 2018. President Peterson reminded Board Members who are running for re-election that the Statement of Economic Interest is also required. It can be found online under the McLean County Clerk’s Office.

IX. New Business

A. Discussion of Per Capita Grant Requirements

i. Ruth Novosad watched the Serving Patrons with Disabilities Webinar. She summarized what she learned and shared that communication is the key. Some key points she shared were:

1. Discussions should take place with community members assessing their needs.

2. Programming should incorporate universal design to allow for usability for everyone.

3. Websites should have an option to request an accommodation for any programs or events.

4. Disabilities come in many forms, not all are physical disabilities.

5. Libraries should have staff training on how to communicate with patrons with disabilities on a periodic basis.

X. Comments from Board Trustees December 19th is the next Board meeting.

XI. Adjournment

PATTI SALCH MOVED, STEPHEN PETERSON SECONDED, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. President Peterson adjourned the meeting at 6:22 p.m.

http://www.bloomingtonlibrary.org/Assets/files/gppld_board/minutes/2018/2018.11GPPLDminutes.pdf