Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tom Bunger, Steve Colston, Tom Gillespie, Steve Higgs, Danna Jackson Valerie Marion, and David Warnick
President Steve Moberly called the meeting to order at 5:46pm at the Ellettsville Library Branch meeting room.
President Steve Moberly presented the consent agenda items. He suggested the following correction to the September 12, 2007 meeting minutes:
On the second page, fourth paragraph, change the word "council" to "counsel".
Discussion followed from Penny Austin relating to a questionable item on page 3C of the check summary register. Penny indicated it stood out because it was a large amount of money. Sara Laughlin indicates the money is part of the Friends of the Library budget that allows the library to buy books/items that patrons request. Sara indicated Pam Wasmer is in attendance at tonight's meeting and may be able to confirm that is what the money is for. Pam confirmed Sara's reply.
Penny asks how it works when a patron requests the library purchase a specific item. Penny asks if the request is evaluated first or simply honored. Sara indicated the library does try to honor the patron's request. She also indicated she has recently learned from the library's collections services department that the library receives numerous requests like this. The library does not honor every request, but does try to honor as many as possible. Penny asks for clarification about the "Friends" money.
Steve called Bonnie Estell to the podium for clarification of information regarding this money.
Bonnie stated that the $13,000 item for Midwest Tape is simply a description for the first item. In this instance the first item was a patron request. The others could just be different kinds of requests. The software is only able to print a description for the first item in the order but there could be many items represented by the one description listed. Brief discussion follows.
Penny Austin moved to accept the consent agenda items with the one correction Steve mentioned. Janice Stockton seconded. The vote was unanimous.
Sara Laughlin presented a report on the challenge materials report. Sara stated that there hasn't been much of a challenge recently. The last one was in 2001. Sara indicates her belief that patrons occasionally have questions or concerns about items the library has in its collection but library staff members are able to address these before they become written challenges. Sara states that there is currently one request for consideration in process. She indicates it is outlined in the report to the Board on the process that is followed when that happens. Sara explains the process and indicates she is charged with following it. There was no comment from the trustees.
Sara Laughlin presented the Quarterly Performance Report. As the Trustees reviewed the report, Sara explains the library continues to surge upward. Circulation has doubled since 1994. Sara attributes it to great service, great collections, and hard work by staff. Library visits and programs attendance continues to be high. An increase in adult programs seems to drive that number up. There was a slight decrease in children's and teen programs might be explained by staff turnover in these departments this year. CATS programs also are incredibly strong and growing this year. Sara attributes this to more channel capacity and programs offered. Meeting room use is roughly equal to what is expected, with a normal variation that was within expected range.
Discussion followed regarding the huge growth in adults attending library programs. Fred Risinger indicated he would like to see how the items cataloged break down into groups such as books, videos, and DVD's. Sara acknowledged that the items can be cataloged according to format.
Penny Austin questioned why items are sometimes discarded. Sara Laughlin explains the process followed for these cases include worn out copies, outdated items; misleading or inaccurate information; or previous bestsellers that have "run their course" so the library would remove those items from the collection and give items such as these to the "Friends of the Library" for use in their book sales. Penny questions if reports are looked at for usage of these items before the decision is made to remove something from circulation. Sara indicated reports are run and considered to see if the item hasn't moved or been checked out. She explained that research shows a "thinner" collection turns over faster than a collection filled with outdated materials. In turn, this makes it easier for a patron to find what they want in a thinner collection. Sara indicated the MCPL is fortunate to have a very deep research collection "right down the street". This allows MCPL to focus on most current popular information, with the exception of the Indiana Room.
Fred Risinger announced the Friends of the Library book sale beginning Friday, October 19, 2007 and ending Monday October 22, 2007.
Mickey Needham presented a PowerPoint presentation on the Ellettsville Branch, which highlighted the benefits of having the Ellettsville branch available to the surrounding communities. Mickey went off the statistics.
Discussion followed regarding the internet demand and whether services offered are adequate. Mickey indicated there are peak times of demand, such as after school and on Sundays, when 11–14 patrons may be waiting in line for the next available terminal with internet access.
Janice Stockton shared that the community of Ellettsville is very grateful for the Ellettsville library branch, especially for the services it offers to students and teachers in the community.
Steve Moberly asked Mickey to explain, for the public's understanding, what "holds" are.
Mickey explained that holds are various requests patrons make for particular items in the library's collection. She explained the hold process happens when items aren't available when a patron wants it to be, the library will place a hold on that item and when the item comes back in, the requesting patron will receive notification that the item is waiting for him/her at that time. Sara Laughlin stated that holds are "very big business" for the library. Mickey agreed. Sara explained holds can be requested by patrons via the internet, by phone or by coming in to the library.
Steve asked for any questions of Mickey. There were no questions.
Steve Moberly announced Item 6 on the agenda as old business and asked Randy Paul to speak on it. Randy explained that in last week's work session and union resolution that the board had received a draft of an amended resolution from what the employees had given the board initially. He indicated the board spent a lot of time on it but he still has a lot of concerns about it. Randy reads a lengthy written statement indicating his view that by supporting a resolution that has a 75% provision for voter turnout, this board is biased against the union. Randy indicates he has made public statements announcing he, himself, has not made up his mind about the union and whether it is the best thing for the employees of the library. Randy goes on to say this board even instructed their attorneys to go find other libraries that have done the same thing; in effect, to go find a way to rig the election. Randy indicated this is a clear effort by the board to keep this issue from the floor.
Randy Paul stated that from his weekly observations, Sara Laughlin is doing a magnificent job as the Interim Director of the library; the employees are happier and the environment is better. Randy indicated his belief is that the board is hoping to delay long enough for Sara to fix the problems so that the employees will not feel the need for a union. Randy stated the public is watching the board. He indicated the board started with secret meetings and he fought to bring it to a work session and now the board is using work session to bury the issue. Sites concerns from Vick Kellison and Michael Woods.
Randy indicated there was a heated argument about this topic at last Wednesday's work session and he was told then he would have to bring up the issue at tonight's meeting for it to be included on an agenda. Randy moved that the draft resolution the board received last Wednesday, October 10, 2007, be put on a regular agenda for a work session in November or December.
Steve Moberly indicated Randy's motion isn't necessary because it was going to be on the November agenda for the work session anyway. Steve gave Randy the opportunity to remove his motion if he wants to. Randy indicated he was instructed by the chair of the council to bring it up tonight. Randy says if it was going to be included anyway, that is "excellent".
Steve responded to Randy's comments as "unfortunate" considering the board is entering the process for a very important issue of the library coming up. Steve indicated to Randy that he is the only board member that has brought up taking up collective bargaining and says he told Randy in the summer that it would be taken up as soon as the library budget was approved. It was approved and the board has had 6–7 work sessions where the board has worked diligently. Steve indicated the board will have several work sessions needed to decide the issue. Steve pointed out Randy's numerous references to the board being biased. Steve indicated he does not believe that. He pointed out that as Randy may still be undecided on the issue, so the other board members may be undecided also. Regarding the resolution that was prepared with the 75% figure, Steve indicated that it was just prepared and used as a discussion point based on what Indianapolis and other libraries are doing, so criticizing the other board members is very unfortunate. Posturing needs to be lowered and attention given instead to this week's other issues that have been dealt with and resolved in a positive way, such as the thoughtful consideration given to difficult budget issues.
Fred Risinger agreed with Steve Moberly. Fred indicateed that while he agrees with Randy Paul that it should be a majority vote, he does not agree with what Randy said about the rest of the board defending the 75% rule at the last meeting. When a good resolution is had, then the board will give it to the staff. The board is certainly not going to use the 75% rule. It should be a majority vote like any other democratic election in the United States.
Randy Paul responded that when there was no camera at the meeting last week he had a heated debate with Steve Moberly and the last sessions it was turned down every time. He again indicates he was told if he wanted the issue on an agenda he would need to bring it to this meeting.
Steve Moberly indicated nothing was turned down.
Randy Paul indicated the camera is running for this meeting and now it is agreed to put it on the agenda.
Steve asked for other comments.
Janice Stockton responded that she was not at the last meeting but it was a necessary absence. She indicated there has been a lot of extra sessions this summer in order to have good decisions and careful thought about issues. Janice indicated she needs time to take time and hear an issue, think about it and needs time in order to get good resolutions without acting too quickly.
John Walsh indicated it is not his recollection that this issue was turned down at the last meeting. He indicated the board was informed that it would be on the agenda after hearing from the attorneys with information.
Randy Paul indicated that is not an accurate account of what happened at the last meeting. He indicated there was a heated discussion at the end of the last meeting of this board. He indicated this is a poor example of this Board to basically rewrite the history of the last week's meeting.
Fred Risinger indicated there is no difference in this meeting and the last session other than the clothes everyone is wearing. He indicated there is no other difference in the beliefs he is stating no matter if a camera is rolling or not.
Steve Moberly indicated the camera does do strange things to some people from any other work sessions.
Randy Paul indicated this session is different because it is being televised. Randy recommends the public should try to attend work sessions versus regular board meetings. He indicated his motion failed due to a lack of a second last time. Randy tells the board their work sessions need to be televised or they will spend a lot of time justifying their actions. Randy says he's felt the union issue is important to be televised for the public to see it, follow the board and understand how the board arrives at their decision. Randy indicated he is willing to stand on what he has said in work sessions. He indicated his concern is for access of information for the public. Randy indicated there is an average of 5 to 7 board members that attend work sessions. He says it is unfair for the public to be expected to attend the meetings in person with such demands on an average person's time with their families to be at the board's meetings. He indicated it is up to the board to allow better access for the public.
Randy Paul made a motion for all future work sessions to be televised by CATS. There was no second. Steve announced the motion died since there wasn't a second.
Steve asked if there is any further old business. None followed.
Steve Moberly asked for new business.
Sara Laughlin presented a revised copy of the media policy. Sara indicated the copies tell why we have this media policy and the history of it. Sara references Margaret Harter's work on this policy. Sara says Dave Ivey's policy notebook from 4–5 years ago after the last strategic plan was created is a good resource for her because it is where all the policies are pulled together except for a policy on media. She indicated the library doesn't have a statement for a media policy. Sara indicated Margaret Harter brought together and referenced media policies used by other organizations who speak publicly so that it is included here. Sara indicated Randy Paul's question asks if the board is covered by this policy or just library staff. So a sentence has been added to the policy regarding library employees regarding relations with the media. Since the board is of course dedicated to the First Amendment right to freedom of expression, the board struggles not to infringe on people's rights but also needs to have a clear statement to have someone that can speak as a representative of the library. If an employee is giving personal opinions to the media, it is the employee's responsibility to state they are not speaking as a representative of the library. Bloomington is a small community so those are the two changes in the policy. And it does come with recommendations from the department managers and the library's community relations manager.
Steve Moberly requested any questions.
Randy Paul indicated he talked to Sara Laughlin about this issue previously but wants to ask what people are covered by this policy, such as volunteers of the library, Friends of the Library, and trustees.
Sara responds that anybody who does not work for the library is not covered by this policy. Sara indicated the policy is for the library employees. She indicated the union organizing committee is exempt from this because of special guaranteed rights to conduct that activity. Per a request from public media, Sara asked Ned to distribute copies to the public present in the meeting.
Fred Risinger indicated his belief that it is a good policy and the changes made do not change the content of the policy, it just clarifies what was already included in the policy.
Fred makes a motion to approve and accept the changes. There was no second.
Steve Moberly indicated a discussion can occur first in a work session before it is presented in a regular business meeting as an action item.
John Walsh asked how a discussion can be had if there hasn't been a motion.
Steve Moberly reminded there has been a motion to approve the proposed media policy changes be accepted. He asked for a second. There was no second.
Steve Moberly indicated that usually when there are changes to be considered, they are brought to a work session first, where board members talk about it first. He indicates this is the first time the board has seen this. He indicated that representatives of the media are present at tonight's meeting. He indicated his belief that it is appropriate not to decide to tonight but to bring it back at the next session.
Penny Austin agreed, indicating she would like a chance to read it first.
Steve Moberly indicated it will give the media a chance to weigh in at the work session in November if the media has any suggestions at that time. Steve indicated he does think Randy Paul's suggestions to Sara Laughlin are good ones.
David Warnick, executive director of AFSCME Council 62 spoke to the Board regarding the normal process he is involved in when a union is being considered. He is responsible for all AFSCME International operations, in addition to Kentucky and Indiana. He is responsible for 1.5 million public employees and there are 72 locals. He is extremely involved in many negotiations. He indicated that other than Indianapolis' public library, every other time there has been a majority. He indicated they normally look to the national relations act for private organizations.
David Warnick explained the normal process. He works with an employer to come up with a system for recognition. 30% of a petition is needed to show interest. Little cards are then used for employees to sign indicating they wish to be represented by AFSCME. A third party looks at it to make sure there is enough. Then the elections process is set up and that is looked at with the employer. David explains the Excelsior list. He indicated some issues then need to be worked out. Once that process is done, then the Department of Labor is brought in to actually conduct the elections. He said they are easy to work with. Sometimes the election does take a long time. With the Marion County Public Library, it took almost 2 years. David agreed with Randy that 75% is a biased system. When a biased resolution is suggested it actually makes the situation worse. David indicated that even with AFSCME being involved for many years with 72 locals, AFSCME has never had to become involved. He indicated AFSCME is more of a consultant and teaches employees how to be a union representative or how to be a union president.
David Warnick raised issue about an employee being terminated and not brought back except by complaint by being found not guilty of wrongdoing of having to start from scratch. He indicated that AFSCME would not agree with that type of handling for that type of situation.
Steve Moberly indicated the board would need to defer that issue to their legal council, Jim Whitlatch, who is not present at tonight's meeting.
David Warnick references page 6, section 2, at the very top. He likes the discussion he heard that the board was just looking at the resolution. He says they can get information to the board to look at as a good example, such as Hammond.
Someone asks what David's real job is.
David Warnick responds that he is an Indiana State employee, then he got involved with AFSCME.
John or Fred references David's mention of 1 million public employees. He asks David how many of that number are public library employees.
David Warnick responds that over 100,000 of that number are public library employees.
Is that just in Indiana and Kentucky?
David Warnick responds, no. The figure includes all employees that AFSCME represents in the nation. He indicates AFSCME has a special library national committee for library employees. They meet on a quarterly basis and discuss library issues and any political, congressional issues that are pending congress involving libraries.
No further questions are raised.
Steve Colston, president of AFSCME Local 3425 which represents the Louisville Free Public Library. He indicated their good working relationship is an asset to that organization. He indicated their union and the library do a lot of things together. He said his union talks with their library about a lot of issues. They agree on a lot of things. Because of that relationship they have a win/win situation. They work things out and discuss things. Most times, both sides come out feeling accomplished with what's happened. For example, there is an issue on their ballot right now for a library referendum. Their director contacted his manager and his supervisors contacted him to say they wanted to meet with his union. Union members voted that it was a good idea. The director was happy their union was on board but wanted to talk to other unions. Steve got the support of the UAW, building trades.
Steve Moberly asked Steve Colston what his job at the library facilities is.
Steve Colston indicated he is the maintenance library mechanic. He indicated he is at the top of their list of maintenance mechanics at his library.
Steve Moberly asked for any other public comments.
Valerie Marion indicates she hasn't been in attendance for a few weeks. She indicates at one of the meetings after the last work session, Randy asked that the board remain in the same room when the meeting was adjourned so that the work session could be televised. The board denied the request indicating advertisement as the reason. Valerie indicates she then spoke with the public access counsel while she was attending an Indiana State Fall meeting and used this example to ask what is the policy/procedure regarding a situation such as this. Valerie says the public access counsel indicated it would be fine to stay in the same room. She said put a sign up on the other door, give a few extra minutes for people to get there, but access should always be the focus and if you have access you can decide. Valerie wanted the board to know this for future reference so they might consider televising the meeting.
Valerie Marion indicated she has spoken with several board members about a number of issues. She is very discomforted that the initial resolution was 75% for a vote because to her that is a recommendation to squash; she indicates this country has a majority vote for a good reason. She said she realizes the board wants to move forward and knows the board talked to the school superintendent and the board wants healing. She indicated, to her, putting forward a resolution of 75% says the board doesn't have faith in their employees. She indicated the employees tried to get the board's ear for months and months and months. She indicated it was only when some community members and Randy focused the issue that the board address the problems with the director. She asked the board not to let this happen again. Employees are focused on this. She said it isn't that Sara isn't doing a good job now, that's not it at all. Valerie says the atmosphere is better, the employees feel better, but she points out the library will not always have the same director. The library is your staff. So Valerie hopes the board puts integrity back in the resolution by making it 50%.
Steve Moberly asked if there is any other public comment.
Steve Higgs, editor and publisher of the Bloomington Alternative said that by the board saying they are for public access and free speech but refusing to do business in public is contradictory.
Steve Moberly indicated the work sessions are open to the public.
Steve Higgs asks if they are tape recorded.
Steve Moberly said no.
Steve Higgs said then if the work sessions aren't tape recorded, the only evidence are notes taken and minutes taken. He recommends going publicly. He said be open and honest and give it to people.
Regarding the media policy, Steve Higgs said the two additional lines saying it is okay for employees to make comments on their own to media but all other pages of that policy seem to indicate overall to a library employee to "keep your mouth shut" without getting permission from the library. Steve Higgs indicateed this is an attempt to chill the feelings of employees. The policy should make it clearer that employees can express their opinions. The policy is not necessary for the media.
Steve Moberly asks Steve Higgs if there are any other work sessions locally that are televised.
Steve Higgs indicated there aren't any others that are televised but so what?
Steve Moberly then indicated that it appears that Steve Higgs only wants televised work sessions for the library's Board of Trustees. Steve Moberly asked Steve Higgs if he will be appearing at any other work sessions.
Steve Higgs indicated he will not be appearing at other organizations' work sessions but would certainly recommend to all that sort of media policy.
Tom Gillespie addressed the board to comment he would like to "third" the comments of previous speakers that the un-televised meetings are a way to "hide" what the board is doing. Tom indicated that Monroe County Public Library is unique in that the library encourages community access comments but doesn't broadcast all public meetings to give access to all. Tom indicated he believes it may be a violation of ADA. MCPL has the ability to set a precedent by choosing to broadcast meetings via television.
Steve Moberly asked if there is further public comment.
Danna Jackson addressed the board to indicate she is "disappointed" with the board regarding the 75%. She indicated she considers it a chilling of the employees and foot dragging on the part of the board. Dana expressed her belief that the library should not advertise for a new director until this issue is resolved. She would want it settled before a new director is hired because that would not be the American way.
Steve Moberly indicated the 75% does not mean 75% of voters have to approve. It means 75% of eligible voters had to turn out in order for it to be a viable election.
Steve Moberly asked for further public comment. There was none.
Janice Stockton indicated that as a member of a school board also, she has had to solicit support. On that school board, she is the only one who had taught school for 30 years so she tries to take concerns raised back to the other board members. There is power in numbers and indicates the public does need to be a part of board meetings. However, many people are too busy; many are intimidated by cameras. Janice expresses her belief that the board can best educate one another through discussion sessions. Some people would express true opinions in private but not want to be on public record for misinterpretations. That's why public meetings or discussion sessions don't get accomplished.
Randy Paul shared with the board that Sue Murphy is the new VITAL coordinator. He indicated it is her third day on the job. On her third day, she has already provided information to the advisory council that has been needed for 3 years. The work she has already begun doing has helped so much.
Steve Moberly thanks Randy Paul for that positive report. Steve shares that the library has won a couple of awards. One is the 2007 Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Award for education and training of Bloomington's future. The other award is United Way's 2006–2007 Community Participation. Steve gives thanks to library staff, Friends and patrons.
Penny Austin announced there would be an author event on Friday, November 16 at Buskirk-Chumley with author Luis Urrea.
Steve Moberly asked if there was anything else that needs to come before the board. There were no further comments.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00pm
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Updated:
November 21, 2007
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