Present: Trustees: Matthew Fruth, Lane Hart (President), David Sokol, Janet Kelensen, Matt Baron, Win Fox, Bruce Samuels. Staff Executive Director David Seleb, Assistant Director for Administrative Services James Madigan, Assistant Director for Public Services Cindy Landrum.
Approval of Minutes: Approved
Trustee Comments and Board Calendar:
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Confirmation was made that the return book box outside the library is working.
Regarding a concern about crossing Lake Street to get to the library, Mr. Madigan talked to the Village of Oak Park. It will not add additional traffic lights or crossings on Lake Street. Patrons can safely cross at the lights at Lake and Oak Park Avenue or Lake and Kenilworth.
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Visitor Comments: None
Financial Reports:
Director Seleb and Mr. Madigan explained that some non-reoccurring expenses are seen due to payments made for special events celebrating the Library’s anniversary. $5,000 was requested from the Friends of the Oak Park Library and was given to help with these expenses.
A long discussion took place regarding the role of the Friends of the Library. Director Seleb stated it funds special programs such as The Ballinger Lectures and Wright Events. The $5,000 expenditure was in addition to what it generally funds. Mr. Madigan stated in the last two years the Library has moved away from asking the Friends to fund general programming. Trustee Hart questioned this, wanted the role of The Friends clarified, and felt this was something that needed further discussion.
Disbursements for October were approved.
Proposed Budget for FY 2014
Director Seleb stated that following a Committee of the Whole Meeting on November 12, it was decided that a 2.3% levy would be requested. Trustee Sokol stated it is important to be sensitive to increasing property taxes, and it may be necessary to look at staying within budget without adding a levy. Mr. Madigan stated that there are different definitions for a “flat “ budget. Does this mean staying even with the 2% cost of living increase? Or having a 0% increase in property tax? This is something to be discussed and decided.
In regard to the 2014 Budget, Director Seleb felt that everything needs to be left as is, and the 2.3% levy needs to take place. If the Board wants to take a different direction in 2015, planning needs to be done early, so staff is aware and can plan for possible increases in their contribution to health care costs. All agreed.
2014 Budget Approved.
New Business
A look was taken at how fundraising can be beneficial to the library. Director Seleb is exploring different avenues, such as working with the Community Foundation and meeting with volunteer and professional fundraiser, Paula Pergament, to help form a plan. Hire consultants for special fundraising events? Hire a development person? All agreed that fundraising is a big challenge.
The Board passed an action supporting the Libraries of Illinois Risk Association Membership. If enough libraries join this group $18,000 can be saved on this insurance.
Calendar of Closed Days for 2014—Passed
Policy Revisions. The definition of a full time employee will be 40 hours or above. A part time employee will be under 30 hours. The library will not hire in the 30-39 hour range. This is to make the library compliant with the Affordable Care Act.
The Termination of Employment Policy was rewritten, but, after a discussion, it was judged to still be unclear. Director Seleb will look at it and address concerns of the Board and bring it back to the next meeting.
Actions passed on policy revisions regarding Termination of Employment, Position Grades, and Salary Schedules. Also an action passed on Continuing Education changes that will help increase the number of employees who have access to this.
Reports
In addition to general reports, most of which had been discussed throughout the evening, Public Service Director, Cindy Landrum, reported on World Book Night to take place on April 23, 2014. She encouraged trustees to participate, by choosing a book from a preselected list and helping to hand out free books to the public (ex. at Green Line station).
Board went into Closed Executive Session at 9:20pm.
