April 12, 2011 Minutes

April 12, 2011

Hudson Area Public Library District

Board of Trustees Meeting

104 W. Pearl Street

Hudson, IL  61748

Call to Order and Review of Previous Minutes

The Hudson Area Public Library trustees meeting was called to order by President Judy Lampert at 6:32 P.M. Board Trustees present were Eric Cash, Stacy Shane, Dee Hinrichsen, Margaret Wolf and Anne Colloton.  Laura Haas was absent.  Library Director Kari Garman was also present. 

The previous minutes were reviewed and a motion to accept by Stacy Shane was approved by the Board.

Library Director and Youth Director Reports

Director Garman highlighted her written report; she received acknowledgement that the 2010 Per Capita report was received.  Garman discussed repair of water heater.  She highlighted the Youth Services report especially noting that the Teen Advisory League found some great books at Barnes and Noble for the teen section in the library.  She also noted that Carol Hartzell is a new volunteer helping to catalogue in the Hudson History Room.

The HAPLD received an invitation to become a member of a fiber optic network being established through the Central Illinois Rural Broadband Network.  Because the group, which seems to be receiving federal funding was also requesting funds from the library for start up costs and were unable to provide a written contract, the invitation was turned down at this time.

Secretary’s Report            

Shane reported no change in IMRF.   She reported that the library has three new trustees following the recent election.  The new trustees will be sworn in at the May meeting.  The trustees filled out responses to the Statement of Economic Interest.  Shane will file these with the County Clerk's office. 

In anticipation of her departure from the Board, Shane created a folder with all documents required by the county and state from the Library.  She was thanked for all of her hard work for the library with appreciation.

Treasurer’s Report

In Haas' absence the Board discussed the long term recommendations Haas made after reviewing the current budget/ appropriated budget, and anticipated future expenses.  These documents were discussed at length.  She recommended that $25000.00 be kept in special reserve at all times.  It is anticipated that the mortgage will be paid off during the next fiscal year and the money usually spent on mortgage payments should also go into special reserve.  As it is not clear that the district will continue to grow as it has in the past, our tax dollars may not continue to rise.  Several fundraising options were discussed with the possibility of forming a Friends of the Library group.

Cash and Lampert recommended to the Board that they continue to be proactive with future budget concerns-maintain and monitor the library's financial situation closely in this tenuous economy. 

President’s Report

Lampert brought in copies of her newly published book, Hudson-Images of America.    There will be several upcoming book signing opportunities with funds donated to the Hudson History Room with sales of the book.  Lampert will participate in the July 9 cemetery walk in which several historic figures from Hudson's past will "come alive."

Dee Hinrichsen reported on the Hudson anniversary celebration and flag raising ceremony at the Library.

Garman noted that she is analyzing staffing patterns to note what days and times of the day staff are most needed and in what positions.  The budget leaves little "wiggle room" for monies for more staff.

The Board next discussed the Long Range Goals and looked over the Alternative Revision that Garman wrote.  Dee Hinrichsen so moved and the Board accepted the Long Range Goals after discussion ensued and was concluded.

The Board discussed the purchase of computers with the funds from the Gates Grant.  It was decided to buy three laptops and one lap pad.  Margaret Wolf so moved and the motion passed.  Garman will purchase the computers.

Next, the Board discussed  upcoming work that will need to be accomplished in the future at the library.  The roof and the sealing of the parking lot was discussed as was several locations around the library where the drainage of rainwater would need to be repaired.  The Book Sale will take place on the day of the Hudson garage sales.  Margaret Wolf is in charge of this with Garman's assistance.

In May, Dee Hinrichsen was appointed as moderator by Judy Lampert.  There will be a swearing in of the new trustees and an election of officers.  This is the last meeting for Eric Cash, Stacy Shane and Judy Lampert.  The three were applauded and thanked for their wonderful service.  An open house is planned for Thursday, April 28, 2011.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 and moved into special session to discuss Garman's salary for the next fiscal year.

Respectfully Submitted,

Anne Colloton