MINUTES OF THE MARSHALL LIBRARY BOARD – July 14, 2010

The Marshall Public Library Board of Trustees met in regular session Wednesday, July 14, 2010.  President Janet Hasten called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Board members present were Melissa Strait, Kent Hall, Carol Halloran, Jody Ferris, and Eleanor Macke.  Nancy Claypool, Director, and Alissa Tipton, Head Librarian, were also present.

The minutes of the June meeting were reviewed.  On a motion by Carol, seconded by Jody, the minutes were approved.  Correspondence received included an email from Patsy King praising our new web site, and a note Jim Buechler included with his Friends renewal regarding his pleasant memories of the library as he was growing up in Marshall.

The June invoice listing was reviewed.  On a motion by Eleanor, seconded by Jody, to approve payment of bills in the amount of $3,825.28 plus an add on of $173.00 for Alissa’s recent trip mileage, a roll call vote was taken with the votes recorded as follows:  Janet Hasten-yes, Melissa Strait-yes, Kent Hall-yes, Jody Ferris-yes, Eleanor Macke-yes, and Carol Halloran-yes.

Alissa presented the Librarian’s Report for June.  City resident and area resident borrower cards numbered 2,653 and 1,946 respectively; computer usage was 1,408; total materials in the collection, including AV materials-35,170; total items checked out during the month-5,138; the door count was 7,151.

Nancy reported that the Friends of the Library met July 8 with eight in attendance.  They have $3,076.79.  Their recent membership drive brought in 42 memberships.  They have agreed to set up for the children’s area open house and book sale, and will fund an Autumn Fest float.  Discussions are starting regarding their next members only program.  Their next meeting will be September 2.

Nancy reported that the Area Board met June 22.  They passed their FOIA ordnance and prevailing wage, and discussed their tax levy and an appropriation of $108,800.00.  Their next meeting will be August 24.

Nancy presented her written Director’s Report, which updated the Board in detail on several items of interest.  She highlighted the following:  Tiffany Klinehoffer’s last name is now Cervantez; the children’s area computer desk was installed, and the stage and tree should be finished before the July 30 open house; smoke alarm batteries were replaced, and Morgan Plumbing performed maintenance on the air conditioner drain and the women’s rest room faucet; Nancy’s computer was replaced due to lightning damage, and Brian is installing children’s software on her old one; the new web site is up; we are still waiting for a determination on our USDA grant application; some of the computer classes were cancelled due to low interest; the Saturday Internet Café continues; Alex and Phyllis Burris Meek are reading with special children on Saturday’s; at a date to be determined, we will be receiving the “Abraham Lincoln:  Self Made in America” traveling exhibit from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Nancy reminded the board of the tour of Casey Township Library August 11; we will meet at the library at 5 p.m. and carpool to Casey for the tour, with a dinner/meeting afterwards at Richard’s Farms.

The financial report for June was reviewed.  It shows a balance of $97,196.79, including $97,863.35 in the building fund; since we are awaiting appropriations, the operations fund shows as ($666.56).  The Budgeted vs. Actual expenditures report was also reviewed.  10.7% of the budget has been spent to date, with two months of the fiscal year having passed.

Under unfinished business, Nancy circulated a sign-up sheet for the August library tour.

Under new business, the Policy Committee reported on their July 13 meeting.  They have been comparing our by-laws to those of the ILA and the Trustee’s Facts File, and distributed their recommendations and additions for review and discussion.  After the city attorney has reviewed these recommendations, a vote to adopt will be held at a later meeting.

Under other business, Nancy thanked those who attended the appropriations meeting.  She also mentioned the need to discuss provisions for employee retirement funds.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m. on a motion by Kent, seconded by Jody.

Melissa Strait, Secretary