Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tom Bunger, Antonia Matthew, Rita Lichtenberg.
President John Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
John Walsh thanked Randy Paul for suggesting formation of the Health Care Task Force.
Steve Backs reported that a lower renewal quote has been received from Anthem (20% as opposed to 25.5% previously reported). Rather than offering three options as recommended at the Board work session on October 27, the Health Care Task Force is now recommending two options: a) the current Anthem PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) policy; and b) a high deductible plan with Health Savings Account. The task force is recommending that the savings to the library in premiums for the HSA plan be deposited in individual HSA accounts. Steve Backs reported that the task force feels it has met the goal of offering employees a choice with a more economical option to the PPO plan.
Kyle Wickemeyer-Hardy presented additional information regarding health care coverage changes. She noted that offering the high deductible plan may allow part-time employees who could not afford the PPO plan to have insurance even though the deductible is high.
Kyle reported that the task force is recommending dental insurance through HRI at a 13.5% decrease in cost. The HRI plan is a network plan with about 87% of the dentists in Monroe County included. UNUM is recommended for the life and long-term disability insurance at a 8.3% decrease in cost compared with the current plan. The UNUM plan includes an embedded EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Kyle noted that this is a good first step towards her goal of a stand-alone EAP in the future. There has been no change in carrier for vision coverage, but current carrier Spectera has changed its name to United Health Care. Kyle reported that three educational sessions for employees will be held this week with representatives from all carriers present.
Kyle reported that minor revision to wording in the MCPL personnel manual will be required to reflect the changes in offering both the PPO and HSA plans.
Randy Paul noted that there is no leeway time and that board approval of the resolution will be required at the regular November Board meeting.
Janice Stockton and Penny Austin stated that they felt good about offering options to employees.
Stephen Moberly asked about the wording in Section 4.4, Paragraph 8. Sara Laughlin explained that the wording had been changed and a new copy of the resolution distributed. Stephen Moberly requested attorney Tom Bunger’s opinion on the resolution. Tom Bunger noted that he saw no problem with it.
Public Comment: Rita Lichtenberg asked about coverage for mental illness. Kyle Wickemeyer-Hardy explained that most mental health providers in Bloomington do not want to deal with insurance companies and in particular with Anthem. She explained that this issue is part of her goal to provide a broader EAP in the future, one that would enable employees to seek counseling for various issues.
Sara Laughlin noted that the Strategic Plan had been distributed to the Board and that it speaks for itself. It addresses most of the priorities of the community.
Steve Moberly said he felt that the plan provided good guidance for the next few years and appreciated the diligent work of the committee and the input from public and staff.
Penny Austin noted that she had served on the committee and felt that the plan was a dynamic plan and had responded to input from the community and staff. She noted that all have worked hard on the mission statement. Penny read the mission and vision statements for the public.
Sara Laughlin noted that the Strategic Plan is ready for formal adoption at the November regular board meeting. She also noted that she has already seen movement on some of the issues, such as parking.
Steve Moberly stated that when Sara Laughlin was appointed interim director the Strategic Plan was still in the beginning stages. He commended Sara for moving it forward noting that she has shown very good leadership. The Board concurred and gave a round of applause.
John Walsh thanked Sara, the committee, staff, and the community.
Sara Laughlin stated that once the plan is adopted, MCPL will plan an open house to celebrate both the Strategic Plan and the HAPLR award.
Public Comment: Rita Lichtenberg stated that she was unaware of the work on the Strategic Plan and said she did not hear the basic idea of information services to all being addressed, noting that a well-informed citizenry is important to democracy.
John Walsh felt that the issue is addressed in the plan’s mission statement “offering equitable access to information and opportunities …..”
Mickey Needham reported that for several years employees and patrons at the Ellettsville Branch have complained about individuals and groups loitering in the library parking lot and near entrances. It is sometimes a challenge for staff to control with no security. In the past when staff has been forced to call the police, the police have been cooperative but have noted the town of Ellettsville has no ordinances related to loitering. They have requested signage prohibiting loitering so that they would have something concrete to reference. With signage, if individuals refuse to move it would be considered to be trespassing.
Randy Paul commented that he is not in favor of changing policy to deal with a few extreme cases. He noted that he trusts staff’s opinion but is concerned with making teenagers feel unwelcome. He was under the impression that the issue was not a big problem at Ellettsville.
Mickey Needham explained that it not an everyday problem, but there are some activities that staff cannot control. She also noted the concern for liability in the case of injuries.
Randy Paul queried who would be defining “loitering.” Mickey explained that the staff would continue to make the decision to involve the police when necessary.
Penny Austin felt that the “no loitering” statement has a positive tone to it and reiterated that the police are requesting the signage.
Sara Laughlin noted that some of the incidents include harassing patrons, including teenagers who are entering the library and that it is necessary to have a means to deal with situations.
Janice Stockton commented that it has been a long-term problem.
Mickey Needham reiterated that the police will be called only in extreme situations.
Randy Paul queried whether the new space will likely increase the problem. Mickey felt that the problems might decrease, as the addition will cover some of the areas in which individuals currently loiter.
Steve Moberly asked what would happen if signs were posted and the “loiterers” decided to come inside the library. Mickey noted that rules of behavior are already posted inside the library.
Penny Austin noted that the next Board meeting (Wednesday, November 19) will be held at Ellettsville.
None.
Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
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Updated:
November 26, 2008
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/200811wrk.html
