Appleton Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes
February 14, 2000

Present: Bergen, Bergman, Ducklow, Heuring, Schuessler
Excused: Bloedow, Dunlap, Loebach, Parker
Others Present: Dawson (left at 5:30), Kelly, Lemke, Muench

The meeting was called to order at 5:06 PM.

Bergen moved and Ducklow seconded immediately moving into Executive Session pursuant to Wisconsin statute 19.85(1) to discuss personnel matters. The motion passed. The meeting reconvened in public session at 5:30 PM and Ducklow moved that recommendations made in the Executive Session be approved. Bergen seconded. The motion passed.

Minutes/Bills
The minutes of the January 10, 2000 meeting were reviewed; Heuring moved approval, Bergen seconded and the motion passed. Bergman moved approval of the January, 2000 bill register and Bergen seconded. The motion passed.

The final 1999 Financial Report was reviewed and questions asked by Bergman as to why the budget had a balance of $88,000 at the end of the year. Muench explained that $10,000 is being carried over into 2000. The $21,000 under budget in personnel expenditures is partly due to the fact that pay periods do not necessarily coincide with the calendar year, fringe benefits are paid on a different schedule, there was a significant turnover in staff, and the final adjustments have not been made for 1999. Bergen moved approval of the 1999 Financial Report, Heuring seconded. The motion passed.

Director's Report
Food for Fines - information
Kelly reported that during the "Food for Fines" drive, 95 boxes or bags of food (approximately 3100-3200 items) were collected and given to the Salvation Army. Although the overall impact of fine money will not be known until the end of the year, during the drive $231 less was collected in fines over the same time period as last year.

WLA Legislative Agenda - information
Kelly reported that Legislative Day in Madison on Tuesday, February 8th , was low keyed because this was the second year of the biennium and there were no items with significant fiscal impact pending this year. There is a bill pending in the legislature that would restructure the TEACH program and the way libraries receive funding. The bill would allow many more libraries, particularly branch libraries of consolidated county systems, to be eligible for funding. A hearing is scheduled for February 22, 2000 in Madison.

Other Business
Bergman asked about an increased involvement of the Board with the library. Schuessler and Dawson are discussing how to include more educational components in meetings. More information will be forthcoming.

The meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.