BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETING
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Library Annex Meeting Room #406
Elkhart Public Library
MINUTES
ROLL CALL & INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Elkhart Public Library was called to order by Janice E.
Dean, President, at 6:00 PM, on September 21, 2011, in meeting room #406 of the Library Annex.
Members present: Janice E. Dean, Barbara G. Anderson, Krystal Anderson, Brian Byrn, Renee’
Cocanower, and J. Scott Troeger. Krystal Anderson was named Acting Secretary.
Members absent: Mary E. Davis
Others present: Deborah L Stewart, Director; Sandra Bevins, Business/HR Manager;
Guests present: Elizabeth Layman, staff; Charles Pieri, staff; Jim Miller, Elkhart Truth; Bob Kronemyer,
patron.
PUBLIC INPUT ON BUDGET REDUCTIONS
The Board invited public input on the Library’s budget reductions. Bob Kronemyer spoke against the
reductions. He asked the board to keep the hours of operation the same or even increase them. He
suggested trimming staff hours instead of hours of operation as a way to save money. No other
comments or suggestions were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Adoption of Consent Agenda
Krystal Anderson moved
THAT – the Board adopt the Consent Agenda as presented.
Second: Barbara G. Anderson Motion: Carried
PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS
A draft version of the Library Director Job Description was presented. Revisions were requested. No
action was taken.
Krystal Anderson moved
THAT – the Board resolve to change the date of the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting to
Wednesday, October 19, 2011.
Second: Barbara G. Anderson Motion: Carried
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Director and the Business/HR Manager will be attending the County Council Meeting on September
22, 2011, for a non-binding review of the 2012 budget. Planning for One Book One Michiana has begun.
This year’s Biz-Ness Expo will be held on October 13, 2011. The Library is planning to participate in
Elkhart’s holiday parade. The Director, Business/HR Manager, Building Superintendent, and Network
Manager attended a Disaster Planning seminar on September 21, 2011. New door signs reflecting the
change to open hours will be posted on the public entrances of all buildings. The Circulation Services’
foyer of the Main Branch will be made available to accommodate the citizens awaiting the early morning
trolley.
Minutes of the Elkhart Public Library Board of Trustees 09/21/2011 Page 2
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Phase 1 Project
Renovation is expected to begin the first week of October and be completed by year end. Staff have begun cleaning departments. Carpet choices and paint colors are under consideration.
Long Range Plan
The planned survey of the un-served population will be integrated into the Long Range Plan. The planning committees have been asked to reconvene and finalize their respective goals by the end of October 2011.
Sale of Property – Bookmobile and Garages
No further discussion has taken place with a local library concerning the sale of a bookmobile unit. The Director and Building Superintendent met with two appraisers for the Bookmobile buildings. Appraisals are expected to take a month for completion.
Organizational Study
The Board received the following organization and compensation study proposals for consideration:
Rahmberg Stover and Associates; Birmingham, MI; $36,500.00
The Singer Group; Reisterstown, MD; $41,900.00
The Board considered the proposal amount, anticipated expenses, and references.
Krystal Anderson moved
THAT – the Board approve the organization and compensation study proposal presented by Rahmberg Stover and Associates.
Second: Brian Byrn Motion: Carried
NEW BUSINES
1782 Notice Response Resolution
The Board considered a blanket resolution that would give the Director permission to respond to the 1782 statement of the 2012 budget. This action will allow unspent 2011 appropriations to increase the 2012 budget.
J. Scott Troeger moved
THAT – the Board adopt the 1782 Notice Response Resolution as presented.
Second: Barbara G. Anderson Motion: Carried
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 6:55 PM. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on October 19, 2011, 5:30 PM, in meeting room #406 of the Elkhart Public Library Annex.
__________________________
Krystal Anderson, Acting Secretary
