Wednesday, May 23, 2007
President Steve Moberly called the meeting to order at 5:46pm in the Board Room.
There was discussion regarding the possibility of changing the June work session date to June 6 (from June 13). Steve announced the regular June meeting will still be on the 20th, and since Cindy Gray will not be in town on June 13, she would like to attend the work session since it is the preliminary budget work session. The Board agreed to the change.
Steve Moberly announced the dates of Tuesday, June 26 as the first strategic planning meeting, which will begin at 5:00pm. This first meeting will be with the Board of Trustees. Cindy stated that the managers will have a repeat meeting the next day on the 27th.
Steve Moberly announced that Cindy Gray surveyed everyone about the Board priorities. Cindy went over the Capital Project Fund Priorities for 2008-2010. Cindy stated that the highest priorities indicated the annual purchase of computers/CATS. The second thing; Ellettsville came in a short second. The lowest scoring was the 3rd floor reorganization and land for a branch. Cindy suggested that the Board might want to consider putting in the budget a regular replacing line in the budget, rather than haphazardly putting in things as we go along.
Steve stated that he gave Cindy his opinion this morning when we reviewed the agenda for tonight's meeting. Steve stated that he strongly feels the building corporation money is for serious building situations and reconstruction. Steve thinks our highest priority should be the LCPF.
Discussion followed. Randy stated that two of the County Council members agree with Cindy's strategy on priorities. Randy stated he thinks we will lose one vote if we go in promoting the Ellettsville Branch, the land, or this building, and he believes we need to keep in mind where our votes are at.
Discussion followed regarding the purchase of computers, the Ellettsville Branch, land for a Branch, the Bookmobile, 2nd floor renovations, and the priorities of each. Additional discussion followed relating to the difference between an LCPF and a bond, and who pays the bond back (property tax payers).
Steve stated that El Centro has given us a letter of support, and Cindy reported that Melissa had already sent it to the County Council.
Each Board member was given a copy of the handout "In the Public Trusts". Cindy Gray reported that this handout is a communication line that is recommended by the Board handbook.
Penny Austin reported information from a recent state workshop she attended and stated the staff communication to the Board should go through the steps that our policy state. It states we should go through the front line manager. If the front line manager doesn't satisfy them, then they go to the department manager, and then on up the line. Penny quoted Jane from the workshop, saying that e-mails are okay, and Board of Trustees can listen, but we collectively make a decision and cannot vote. Penny suggested e-mails go through the Board e-mail account, then/or through Sue or Ginger.
Steve acknowledged "In the Public Trust" is a nice handout, and stated it is written by librarians for librarians. Steve also stated he does not mind staff contacting a Board member. Linda encouraged the fact that the Board wants to increase communication and agreed with Steve's comments.
Discussion continued regarding communication procedures with staff and public. Cindy Gray confirmed, per the Board's request, that IS could set up an e-mail account for the public to communicate to the Board, as well as post the Board's e-mail accounts for the public and staff to have access to if they wish to send an e-mail to each one of the Board of Trustees separately.
Cindy Gray distributed dates for the budget, and reported that she and Bonnie are working on the budget and will have information available to the Board by June. Cindy stated that she would appreciate any input the Board would like to give, for what they want us to do, and gave examples of needing direction on raises, insurance, and rainy day transfer expenditures. The input is needed by June 1.
Discussion followed regarding the implementation of an auto-system on the phone, the cost that is spent on lawyers and consultants in a budget year, meeting room usage and costs, and information of other libraries on benefits/insurance.
There was no public comment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:47pm.
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
June 28, 2007
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/200705wrk2.html
