HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board Minutes 08.09.2011 Minutes of the
Laurel Public Library Board of Trustees
August 9, 2011
Attending:
Clair Killebrew (presiding) Dixie Feller
Nathan Baillet Bruce McCullough
Nancy Schmidt
Election of Officers:
Dixie motioned that Bruce be elected Board President, Nathan Seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Clair motioned that Dixie be nominated for Vice - President, Nathan seconded the nomination. Motion
passed. Dixie motioned that Nathan continue to serve as Library Board Federation Representative. Clair
seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Minutes:
Minutes from June and July board meetings were read and approved.
Correspondence:
None
Circulation Report:
Traffic: up 2.9%; circulation: all items circulated went down 18%, book circulation fell 15 %, media
circulation fell 26 %; computers: internet use up 12%, children's use up 29 %, wi -fi use down 22%; patron
cards: report not available until 10 of each month.
Old Business:
Nathan gave a report on the progress of the Library Foundation. The gentleman that had expressed
interest in setting up the foundation would not be able to proceed as planned. The MSU- Billings Career
Services will make the Foundation Chairmanship available as an internship in September. The internship
will be available for 3 credits at MSU - Billings.
Ashley had left the library BTOP position because of her new full -time position with Aqua systems. Her
new schedule conflicted with the library schedule. Patti McGahan has been hired as a replacement for
Ashley. Patti's hours will be the same as Ashley's had been: Monday & Wednesday 10 -3 and Saturday
9:30 -2:30. There may be a need for some occasional adjustments to help accommodate patron requests
but Patti doesn't feel that there will be a problem with these schedule changes.
Nancy went to a budget meeting on August 2nd in the Mayor's office. The final library budget has been
cut $7,115 from the original submission in March. The final budget will allow for a 3% pay increase for all
employees and is scheduled for approval in September.
New Business:
The rabbits that live under the shed on library property have become a nuisance to one of the
neighbors. Brian Peterson has requested that we fence the area around our shed to prevent the rabbits
from nesting beneath the shed. After discussion, it was decided that the fencing would be done IF there
is money left in the budget line item of grounds maintenance.
Grounds maintenance around the library was discussed at length. Dixie has presented the idea that
landscaping changes be made around the library. The Fire Chief Brent Peters has declared the trees in
the front of the library to be severe fire hazards. The Fire Department will help with removal of the
trees. We will replace the Russian Olive trees with either Cottonwood, Mountain Ash, or Aspen trees.
Nancy brought up the suggestion of regular staff evaluations, or if they are needed. After discussion it
was decided that there would not be staff evaluations until the city of Laurel requires them on a
consistent basis. Any staff problems that arise will be handled by Nancy when needed rather than
waiting for a quarterly evaluation.
The summer reading program was very successful this year. Patti created the activities and content for
each week's session. 139 children picked up Program Bags and 99 have been returned for prizes. We will
continue to give out prizes until school starts or we run out of prizes.
Other:
Nancy has received a cell phone from the City for library use. She gave the number to all of the board
members so they could reach her at any time. This number can be used when the main library phone
number is continuously busy.
Addressing the Board:
Next regular meeting:
September 13, 2011
Future Considerations:
Overdue Collections Policy Personnel Evaluation
Technology Plan Update Library Personnel Policy
Library Partnerships