River Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Monthly Board Meeting
July 12, 2005

Call to Order
President Molly Ryan called the regular meeting of the Board to order at 7:25 p.m. Present were Library Director Mrs. Bussey and Trustees Ryan, Horstman, Cusack, Soffer and Daly. Mr. Coe was absent and Mrs. Fischer arrived late.

Audience to Visitors and Trustee Comments
Mr. Al Popowits asked whether there were any requirements regarding qualifications of volunteers at the Library. Ms. Bussey responded that tasks have been specified at all levels and volunteers would be asked about their interests and available time commitment before being assigned to a volunteer task or project. Volunteers are welcome at the Library and Ms. Bussey, in conjunction with her staff, will determine what needs to be done and whether a volunteer can perform the task. 

Ms. Ryan noted former trustee Dean Sher’s years of service with a token of appreciation from the Library. Mr. Sher, who resigned from the Library Board in May 2005, was unable to attend the meeting. Ms. Ryan thanked him for his years of dedication to the Library and the building.

Consent Agenda
Mr. Soffer explained the IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) rate hike. The Board reviewed minutes of the June 14, 2005 regular meeting and the Committee meetings. Board members reviewed the Warrant List of Bills Payable from June 15, 2005 to July 12, 2005 covering checks # 5296 to #5382, and the payroll and benefits list. The grand total of all expenditures was $61,401.62. Mrs. Cusack moved to adopt the Consent Agenda.  Ms. Horstman seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Voting aye were Trustees Ryan, Cusack, Soffer, Horstman, and Daly. There were no nays. The motion carried unanimously.

Communications
Several “Taste of the Library” donations were gathered during June including contributions from Corus Bank and Dominican University. Additional donations were anticipated and Mrs. Cusack made a motion to approve donations earmarked for the “Taste”. Mr. Soffer seconded. A voice vote was taken and passed unanimously. 
	
Six Patron Suggestions were recorded during June (#s 102-107).

Director’s Report
A. Statistical Report –Highlights: circulation statistics were up significantly in June, probably due to strong response to the Library’s Summer Reading program. Website usage was down, which is to be expected during non-academic months. 
B. Written Report- Mrs. Bussey highlighted the hiring of Ms. Nancy Kerr who will become Head of the Children’s Department and is expected to start on July 21st. 
C. Departmental Reports- Trustees commented on the excellent monthly reports coming from each department. 
Old Business
A. War Memorial Update The War Memorials are installed. Mrs. Bussey anticipates a formal unveiling on a date and time to be coordinated with other Village institutions.
B. Time Capsule The search continued during June for the exact location of the time capsule that was first buried 25 years ago (1980) and then moved during the Library’s subsequent building project. 

(Ms. Ryan asked the record to reflect the fact that Ms. Fischer arrived at 7:55pm.)

New Business
   Illinois Public Library Annual Report documentation was reviewed and signed.
Part time bookkeeper proposal—Mrs. Bussey recommended that the Trustees approve new position not currently provided for in the budget. Ms. Ryan asked Mr. Soffer to comment on the effect of adding the part-time bookkeeper to the Library budget. In Mr. Soffer’s opinion, appropriate financial management of the Library depends on a well-trained staff member to prepare reports and process expenses. Mr. Soffer is of the opinion that the Library can afford to add the position. Mr. Soffer moved that the board add the position. Mrs. Cusack seconded. All ayes. Motion passed unanimously.
Prevailing Wage Ordinance After a discussion of objections in principle to a “Prevailing Wage Ordinance”, Mrs. Daly made a motion to adopt the ordinance as stated and Ms. Horstman seconded. A vote was taken: ayes were Ms. Ryan, Ms. Horstman, Mrs. Daly, Mrs. Fischer. Nays were: Mrs. Cusack and Mr. Soffer.
Book Loan Rate Period. Mrs. Bussey recommended that the rate period for books be increased from two weeks to three. Mrs. Fischer moved to accept the recommendation. Ms. Horstman seconded. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. 
 Trustee Facts File Review Discussion highlighted the need for policy and/or documentation as follows:
	Material selection policy
      Disaster Plan Policy (Ms. Ryan to forward existing copy to Ms. Bussey)
	Staff Grievances Policy
      Technology Plan  
	
Executive Session
At time 8:35 p.m. Mrs. Cusack moved that the Board go to executive session. Mr. Soffer seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment
At 9:35 p.m. Mrs. Cusack moved that the regular meeting be adjourned.  Ms. Fischer seconded. A vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, 
Elizabeth Gearen Fischer