February 08, 2011 Minutes

February 8, 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 board meeting was called to order by Vice-President Eric Cash at 6:31 P.M.  Board Trustees Anne Colloton, Dee Hinrichsen, and Stacy Shane were present with Laura Haas joining later via audio-chat. Library Director Kari Garman was also present.  Margaret Wolf and Judy Lampert were absent. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, so moved by Shane.

Library Director's Report

Phase II Opportunity Online Gates Grant funds totaling $1300 were received on January 19.   August 15, 2011 is our deadline to spend these funds (along with our matching funds of $1300) on computers and computer equipment.  The library received a visit from the Illinois Department of Labor Inspector Division on January 14.  The Disaster Plan on file was created in 2007 and needs to be updated every two years.  The inspector notified the library that we have 45 days to update the Plan and should expect to see an inspector every three years.  Garman updated the plan and sent it via e-mail to the inspector.  The Fire Inspection was accomplished this month by Alert Signal & Control.

In addition, the staff noticed a natural gas smell in the mechanical room.  Nicor attested that there were structural concerns for the venting of the gas and a control valve leak in the water heater.  We will purchase an electric six gallon water heater to replace the gas water heater.  Garman has hired Tom Laskowski to install the heater which she will purchase from Menard's.  Steve Lampert will take out the old water heater.

Sarah McCoy's last day is Friday, February 11.  A long time member of the HAPLD book club, Betty McMahan died and Garman will attend the funeral as representative of the library.

The Board also discussed the Youth Director's report and youth services activities.  The new Teen Advisory League is meeting the second Monday of the month with enthusiastic participation.

Secretary's Report

Shane reviewed the interest rates for IMRF noting that the rate of return on the investment is greater than 12.5% so our contributions are stable at this time.  She also noted that any employee who works greater than 1000 hours is eligible for retirement funds.   Shane accomplished all paper work for the three candidates for the library board April ballot.

Treasurer's Report

Haas reported that all pertinent information was contained in the financial reports.  Garman noted the budget reconciliation meeting with Lampert, Haas and Shane earlier this month.

Old Business

Hinrichsen noted that the plaque for the front foyer is purchased.  Garman will pick it up.  Hinrichsen will ask M. Kotte, Hudson mayor, and M. Grady, Hudson Township Supervisor, to attend the flag raising and dedication for Ruth Hamm at the library during the July 9th Hudson anniversary celebration.

New Business

The Board reviewed the HAPLD Mission Statement.  Cash read it aloud and after extensive discussion the Board decided it remained well done.  The Board and Garman then went on and closely reviewed the HAPLD Goals and Objectives.  After thoroughly discussing and revising the five goals with objectives, Garman will write up a preliminary draft of the proposed changes and the Board will review at the March meeting.  We also will look closely at Goal 5 pertaining to the Hudson History Room.  

The Board reviewed the Building Plan last revised in October of 2009.  Needed requirements for 2009-2010 fiscal year is to "Contact drainage company to re-grade area around drainage spouts."   Needed requirements for 2010-2011 fiscal year is to "Change light bulbs throughout library to more energy efficient type."   Repaving and resealing the library parking lot blacktop and repairing the roof are goals for the next two years.   The Board will assess our financial budget and future anticipated expenses to create long term financial plans for these possible building requirements.

In March the Board and Garman will review the 2010 Library Survey responses.  The meeting was adjourned by Vice-President Cash at 7:58 PM.