Urbana Free Library Board Meeting

The Urbana Free Library Board of Trustees Minutes of a Regular Meeting Held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 Present: Bill Brown, Mary Ellen Farrell, Anh Ha Ho, Anna Merritt, Beth Scheid, Chris Scherer, and Jane Williams Absent: Scott Bennett and Mark Netter Staff present: Becky Brown, Celeste Choate, Lora Fegley, and Mary Towner Also present: Crofton Coleman and Carol McCusick The Urbana Free Library Board of Trustees met in the Lewis Auditorium of The Urbana Free Library on August 12, 2014. The meeting was called to order by the president, Chris Scherer, at 7:03 p.m. It was moved by Anna Merritt, seconded by Jane Williams, and passed unanimously to accept the consent agenda as presented. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Public comment Carol McCusick had comments about library newspapers and Boards and Commissions ordinance rules. Presentations None. ITEMS FOR ACTION OR DISCUSSION Building and Grounds None. Technology None. Finance It was moved by Beth Scheid, seconded by Mary Ellen Farrell, and passed unanimously to approve the FY 2012/2013 post-audit budgets as presented. Board of Trustees of The Urbana Free Library – Minutes for the meeting of August 12, 2014 – Page 2 Policy Chris Scherer asked for an update on the library Policy Manual. Celeste Choate explained that various staff members are working on policies. Several policies will be ready for Board discussion at the September meeting and Board approval at the October meeting. Others will be presented for discussion at the October meeting. Also, the plan is to have a staff handbook approved by the Board by January, so it may be presented to staff before the February staff in-service day. Staff Evaluations will occur this fall, also. Education and Training Kathy Wicks is currently attending the American Library Associate Leadership Institute training. REPORTS OF LIAISON OFFICERS Friends of the Library The Friends meeting on August 6 was focused on the upcoming book sale. The August sale will be held during the same weekend as the Sweet Corn Festival. The Friends sent letters to members reminding them of the sale. The letters also had membership expiration dates, which has resulted in several renewals. The Urbana Free Library Foundation The Foundation will meet on September 11, 2014. They are experimenting with meeting at noon instead of an evening meeting. Illinois Heartland Library System Jane Williams reported that IHLS/Lincoln Trail was able to get the needed quorum and resolved the outstanding property issue. REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Executive Director Celeste Choate clarified that she and Becky Brown had met with Rich Hentschel on July 31, 2014 not July 31, 2013. Beth Scheid expressed concern about missing Celeste’s and Kathy Wicks’s interview with Sean Powers from WILL. Celeste reassured her that the interview had not yet been aired, and that she will inform the Board when she gets a date. Associate Director No further report. Board of Trustees of The Urbana Free Library – Minutes for the meeting of August 12, 2014 – Page 3 Adult Services No further report. Children’s Service Lora Fegley reported that Furball, the hamster, is continuing to charm the Children’s Department patrons. There was a question about whether the temperate summer weather has helped or hindered traffic in the Children’s Department. Lora said that she had noticed some beautiful Saturdays were a little quieter than usual. Archives No further report. Circulation Services Bill Brown asked about card applications at the centralized school registration. The library issued a number of cards during the three days. There was discussion about the percentage of the school population that lives outside of the Urbana city limits and possible ways to serve them. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. CLOSED SESSION At 7:26 p.m., it was moved by Jane Williams, seconded by Bill Brown, and approved by roll call vote to move into closed session to discuss property pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(5) and personnel pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1). At 7:55 p.m., it was moved by Anna Merritt, seconded by Mary Ellen Farrell, and approved by roll call vote to move back into open session. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Jane Williams and seconded by Anh Ha Ho to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Becky Brown Recording Secretary Supplementary information and department reports are available in the Board packet of August 12, 2014.