Library Board Meeting Minutes

Appleton Public Library
Board of Trustees

August 11, 1997

Present: Bergman, Bloedow, Ducklow, Dunlap, Loebach, Matz, Parker, Schuessler
Absent: Bergen
Others present: Dawson, Ernst, Kelly, Lemke, T. Muench

Minutes

President Bloedow called the meeting to order at 4:35 PM. and welcomed new Board members. The minutes of the June 9, 1997 meeting were presented. Ducklow moved approval and Dunlap seconded. The motion passed.

Bill Register

The bill register and financial reports for June and July, 1997 were presented. Schuessler moved approval and Dunlap seconded. The motion passed.

Policy Committee

Schuessler reported that the Policy Committee had met and approved the proposed "Unattended Children" and "Circulation" policies. The reason for having a policy to address unattended children is to provide Board backing for staff action in dealing with children who are unsupervised or who have been inappropriately left at the library. Several Board members expressed a desire to have the "rules of conduct" for library use posted in a prominent location in the library. Matz made a motion to accept the policy as written and Ducklow seconded. The motion passed.

Circulation Policy was discussed as the first comprehensive review of Board circulation rules in many years. Staff had worked to develop a proposed policy that was fully compliant with state laws and borrowing agreements, yet protected the rights of parents and families. There was considerable discussion of the best ways to do this. Board members felt the policy should be well-publicized. Dawson stated that policy information would be available to those registering for library cards, available from staff at any time, posted on the library website and that a copy of both new policies would be included in the next library newsletter. Matz moved approval of the policy and Ducklow seconded. The motion passed.

Director's Report

Dawson stated there were concerns with the part-time staff budget for 1997 and at the present time scheduled work hours for these employees have been reduced, pending additional study of the budget and staffing needs. He reviewed how this situation had developed. This year there have been very few vacancies, a significant increase in vacation time, and increased sick leave due to illness and repetitive stress injuries. Staffing will probably be tight for the remainder of 1997, with exempt staff working some additional hours and all staff helping with shelving and cleaning.

Dawson discussed the staff proposal for the 1998 budget request. He noted that under the tax rate levy cap ordinance, we should assume budget increases no greater than the rate of inflation. Staff proposes that an additional $27,000 be added to the sub staff budget for 1998. A decrease in the amount of fringe benefits budgeted should nearly offset this expense for a very small net increase in personnel accounts. Other budget changes include increased funds for training, an increase in the materials budget of 3%, and the equipment replacement increased by $15,000; overall, the proposed budget represents approximately a 1.7% increase over 1997.

The mayor has requested each Department to submit any new programs or funds beyond current operations as supplemental requests. Staff proposes requesting a Technology Coordinator position be added to the table of organization. This person would manage the local area network, coordinate hardware and software installations, correct computer problems; manage the website for the library, city and FOCOL, and coordinate computer training for the library staff, as well as Internet training for city staff.

If the library is asked to reduce its budget, staff recommends consideration be given to reducing the hours the library is open. This would be a projected savings of $40,000. Staff does not recommend any reduction in service, but feels that if significant cuts are made, it is preferable to reduce hours rather than levels of service or collections.

The library parking lot will be closed from August 25 through September 8th for resurfacing, repair, and the creation of green space.

Centennial

Ducklow reported that a $4200 grant has been received from the Foundation to finance the centennial celebration.

Other

Nominating Committee Ellie Loebach and Kathy Schuessler will be developing a slate of Officers for 1997-98.

Board meetings for 1997-98 will be the second Monday of the month at 5:00 PM. The next meeting will be Sept. 8, 1997. The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 PM.

minutes to be approved by Library Board 9/8/97.

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last modified 9/16/97
Appleton Public Library
Appleton, Wisconsin