THORNTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
February 11, 2008
Minutes

Vice-President Deanna Brueggert  called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.  Present were Teresa Carter, Stephanie Jones, Patty Ramsey,, Eric Ragsdale, and Deanna Brueggert.  John Merson and Ron Guinn were absent.  Also present were library director Karen K. Niemeyer and treasurer Barbara A. Darnell.

The minutes of the January 14, 2008, meeting were reviewed.  The last sentence in paragraph three is to be deleted:  “There are $13,000 in encumbrances from 2007 to 2008.”   Barbara provided a list of additional claims to be added to the January 14 claims register.  The list is appended to these minutes.  Eric moved and Patty seconded that the minutes of the board of finance be approved as written and the regular session minutes be approved  as amended; motion carried.

Barbara Darnell provided the treasurer’s monthly financial report.  Receipts for January 2008 total $116,159.10 and disbursements total $55,711.80.  The operating fund cash balance is $300,240.02.  In addition there are investments that total $286.977.00 plus $17,457.42 interest.  Total of all funds is $604,674.44.  After discussion, Eric moved and Stephanie seconded that the register of claims be approved for payment; motion carried. 

We have received notice that MBIA will terminate the Invest Indiana program as of April 7 and that the Treasurer of State has ordered it to be replaced with TrustINdiana, a new Local Government Investment Pool “LGIP”.  We have removed all but $59 from our MBIA investments and will make a decision on whether or not to invest withTrustINdiana after we have more information.  The NOW checking account is receiving almost as much interest as our checking account; both are at Home National Bank. 

John Merson’s term has expired and he is legally continuing to serve until his successor has been named.  Since Fern Miner plans to retire and will no longer be on the library staff as of May 1 and since she lives in Jefferson Twp. (as does John Merson), Fern’s name was suggested as a replacement and approved by consensus.

There are no capital expenditure requests.  Per discussion at the last meeting, however, two replacement computers have been purchased and Karen’s repaired for $30.00 by NetTec of Lebanon.

The water pressure booster pump worked well after installation until a switch went bad.  It is under warranty and K2 Plumbing has ordered a new switch.  Karen shared a humorous critique on government law on toilets and light bulbs.

The phone system has been replaced by NetLink and a second session of training has been scheduled.  Linda White will be the in-house manager of the system.  Karen has asked staff whether or not caller ID is desired.
All adjustments have been made to repair a knuckle that blew on a damper and a bad transformer on the HVAC system.  Karen inquired about an higher than usual utilities bill and learned that most in the community were higher for this period.  This was caused by fluctuating outdoor temperatures.  Within the library we know that pulling in and heating excess cold air because of the damper and the freeze stats’  kicking out contributed also to the increase. 

Karen presented a proposal for Capital Projects Fund 2009-2011 for repairs, computers, and maintenance contracts.  When Thorntown established its CPF it did so by decreasing the amount of the Operating Fund and we still operate under that principle.  Any funds remaining at the end of a calendar year may be added to the appropriation for a subsequent year.  We continue to advertise a modest ($33,000-44,000) CPF.  By consensus it was agreed that Karen should advertise a public hearing.

Karen proposed a $3000 increase to Linda White’s salary plus a one-time $1000 bonus.  Linda is now handling all of the computer and network maintenance, thus saving us a large contract and the $12,000 charges (2007) paid to NetLink.  NetLink will back up Linda, as will NetTch.  Eric moved andStephanie seconded that the $3000 be approved and the $1000 denied; motion carried.

Fern will be retiring as of May 1, and Christine Sterle will move from assistant librarian to head librarian at $14.50 per hour.  Fern’s letter of resignation was reluctantly accepted on a motion by Patty and second by Stephanie.  Recognition and a gift will be included during the library’s second annual gala on April 19. 

Eric moved and Teresa seconded that the annual non-resident fee be raised from $90 to $91 according the requirements by state statute; motion carried.

During the director’s report Karen noted that she will provide the librarian’s annual report to the board at the March meeting.  The state and federal annual reports have been completed by Barbara and Karen. 

An article on MySpace.com was provided, as was a list of computers and their dates of purchase in 2007.  There are at least fifteen different computer users daily in the upper level lab.  The surveillance cameras have again found problems with the lower level restrooms and staff have notified the parent of one of the girls.  Karen has talked with the girls.  The cameras continue to be of help to staff.

Fern is managing an adult winter reading program that had 12 participants enrolled in the first week, and 33 total for the first month.  There will be a winter tea from 4-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, with Anita  Hardwick making a presentation on wearable art.

Craig White and Karen have developed specifications for the Secret Garden on the north side of the library and we are awaiting quotations and proposals.  We shall again sell engraved pavers to raise funds and will send solicitation letters, host a fund-raising gala, and seek grant funds.

There being no further business, Patty moved and Stephanie seconded that the meeting be adjourned; motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:25  p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Carter,