Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Program Room 2B
Tom Bunger.
Vice-President Fred Risinger called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
Bara Swinson presented a recommendation to sign an agreement with collection agency Unique Management, Inc. The current circulation policy allows MCPL to employ a collection agency. Bara presented background statistical information and information on the selection of Unique Management. The committee found that all libraries that were contacted that use a collection agency used Unique Management. All reported high satisfaction with Unique’s services. Bara reviewed the current procedures for overdue notices. The Fine Aging Report shows $499,237 in outstanding charges in accounts that are 30 days to two years overdue. The committee’s full report was included in the board packet.
The board expressed surprise at the amount of money owed and felt that this action would benefit the community. The board discussed the current procedure for collecting fines and what would be added by employing Unique Management.
Attorney Tom Bunger has recommended a few minor changes to the proposed contract with Unique Management, which will be included in the board meeting packet.
This will be an action item at the February 17, 2010 board meeting.
Sara Laughlin presented a Resolution to Match Opportunity Online Hardware Grant. The library has received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Indiana State Library for the purchase of computers for public use. This was previously announced to the board. The library must match 25% of the funding this year. The Resolution states that MCPL will allocate $5,400 from the 2010 Library Capital Projects Fund for this purpose.
This will be an action item at the February 17, 2010 board meeting.
Sara Laughlin reported that the contracts have not yet been received. The City contract is under review with the city attorney. The County contract will likely be signed next week.
Sara Laughlin presented a timeline for the 2011-2013 Library Capital Projects Fund Plan. A public hearing and approval of a resolution adopting the plan must be done before May 15. The plan will be on the March work session agenda, with the board vote scheduled for the April board meeting.
Bonnie Estell presented a report on interest earned in 2009. The total amount earned was $8,182.55, primarily from a .4% interest savings account at Chase Bank. Bonnie reported that advice from the State Treasurer at the State of Indiana Bond Bank Workshop on Public Funds was to beware of banks offering high interest, as that is often a means of improving their financial reports. Bonnie will investigate opportunities for slightly higher interest but recommended a conservative view.
Long-Range Financial Planning UpdateSara Laughlin presented a report on the status of the Long-Range Financial Planning Committee Recommendations. Sara’s report was included in the board packet. Progress has been made in several areas, one being the Friends’ Campaign for Excellence with a goal of raising $25,000. The campaign is in the final design stage with a list of potential donors gathered from several sources.
Fred Risinger suggested that item #7 of the Long-Range Financial Planning Committee’s recommendations – creating board committees – be put on the March board agenda.
VITAL Trend StatisticsSara Laughlin reported on VITAL tutor-learner matches and VITAL volunteer hours in 2008-2009. Two graphs were included in the board packet. The average number of volunteer hours for 2008 was 248. For December 2009, 293 hours were reported. The average number of tutor-learner matches for 2008-2009 was 47. For December 2009, 65 matches were reported.
Fred Risinger asked about the renovation timeline for the second floor. Sara Laughlin noted that everything appears to be on schedule. Mickey Needham will present an update at the February 17 board meeting.
Sara Laughlin reported that the new curb cut on Kirkwood Avenue is completed.
Randy Paul added that the Kirkwood cut provides good access for those using power chairs. The Lincoln Street curb cut provides better access for others. Once the lay-by is completed access will be even better. He felt access had been greatly improved for all handicapped users.
Randy Paul commented that while looking at past board meeting minutes he discovered that a large contribution ($620,000) to the library was made by Alice Freese in the 1960s. He felt that it would be nice to invite members of her family to the re-opening of the Children’s Department event. Sara Laughlin is trying to locate any family members.
Randy Paul commented that he had attended the last Friends Board meeting. He reported on some of their plans to increase their income. He felt that the library board and administration should be supportive of and recognize what the Friends do. He felt that they are not interested in major fund-raising and that the library should respect that. He was concerned that the library does not have a formal structure for major fund-raising and that it should be made clear that the Friends are not expected to undertake this role.
Fred Risinger commented that this matter will likely be discussed when the formation of board committees is addressed at the March board meeting.
None.
Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
February 19, 2010
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/201002wrk.html
