SHAKER HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
Monday, September 12, 2005
Attendance
Members Present: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Members Absent: Mr. Schorgl
Staff Present: Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Piskac, Mr. Pulver, Ms. Miller, Mrs. Schiller
Others: Evelyn Krent, League of Women Voters Representative
Mr. Bergholz called the regular meeting of the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library Boardroom.
Mr. Bergholz asked board members to review tonight’s agenda and welcomed any comments for additions or deletions. Hearing none, board members unanimously approved the agenda.
2005-49 Mr. McGovern moved and Mr. Parsons seconded the motion to approve the June 13, 2005 regular board meeting minutes.
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Nays: None. Motion carried.
A. Financial Statements
Mr. Piskac reviewed the August 2005 year-to-date revenue and expenditure financial reports and reported the library received $4,459,388.42 ($4,388,910.85 – 2004). Mr. Piskac said the month-to-date State Income Tax (LLGSF) revenue for 2005 and 2004 is the same because HB 66 (state budget) has frozen the 2005 State Income Tax at 2004 funding levels. Mr. Piskac also said the library could face a State Income Tax revenue “correction” in July 2006 if State Income Tax collections fall short of 2004 State Income Tax funding levels, which could happen due to HB 66’s 4.2% annual reduction of personal income taxes for the next five years starting in 2005. Mr. Piskac indicated the library received no State Income Tax revenue in July 2003 due to a “correction” in State Income Tax distributions. Mr. Piskac said under HB 66, Tangible Personal Property Tax revenue would be phased out over the next four years, but the bill provides provisions to hold the library harmless for at least five years. Mr. Piskac closed the revenue discussion by indicating that if the inter-fund transfer revenue is removed, the library received $28,885.75 more revenue than last year, which is 7/10 of 1%. Next, Mr. Piskac reviewed the summary expenditures statement and reported the library expended $3,761,427.11 ($3,717,512.52 – 2004). Mr. Piskac said the library’s expenditures are in line with budgetary expectations. Mr. Piskac said library expenditures are $2,322.77 more than 2004 year-to-date expenditures after inter-fund transfer expense is removed. Then, Mr. Piskac reviewed the year-to-date bank report and reported the library’s cash position is $2,011,544.72. Lastly, Mr. Piskac reviewed the monthly investment summary and reported the cash position of library investments with STAR Ohio were $806,026.76. Mr. Piskac commented that the interest rate increased by 1% since February 2005 on library investments. Mr. Piskac said the Federal Reserve might raise interest rates by a quarter point in September and December 2005, which would increase the interest rate on investments and the library’s interest bearing checking account.
Mr. Piskac recommended the Board of Trustees approve the June, July and August 2005 financial statements as submitted.
2005-50 Mr. Parsons moved and Mrs. Karon seconded the motion to accept the June, July and August 2005 financial statements.
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Nays: None. Motion carried.
B. Office Max Relocation
Mr. Piskac reported that he contacted the Budget Commission to determine the amount of revenue loss due to the relocation/consolidation of Office Max headquarters. Mr. Piskac said the library would lose approximately $11,500 in personal property tax revenue in calendar year 2006 but should still receive approximately $7,990 in real estate tax revenue. Mr. Piskac said Office Max received favorable tax abatements and any new business that moves into their old location may increase the real estate tax revenue.
C. Hurricane Relief Donation
Mr. Piskac reported that the Louisiana Library Association has set up the LLA Disaster Relief Fund to accept monetary donations to assist school, public, and academic libraries’ restoration efforts in southeastern Louisiana. Mr. Piskac recommended that Shaker Heights Public Library donate library fines collected September 18 – 24 to this relief fund.
2005-51 Dr. Benning moved and Dr. Whyte seconded the motion to donate library fines collected September 18 - 24 to the LLA Disaster Relief Fund.
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Nays: None. Motion carried.
President’s
Report
· Mr. Bergholz said Mr. Dickinson would discuss areas of cooperation from their meeting with David Akers and other library directors regarding library services.
Director’s Report
A. Written Report
· Mr. Dickinson said that libraries were spared this biennium budget by the omission of the TEL Amendment. Mr. Dickinson said the TEL Amendment would have devastated local support funding for Ohio libraries. Mr. Dickinson said the TEL Amendment might reappear in election year 2006.
· Mr. Dickinson reported that 5 out of 9 independent libraries attended the August 3 meeting with David Akers to discuss a cooperative sharing of services by area libraries. The attending library directors agreed that libraries could benefit from sharing services such as maintenance contracts for elevator service and window cleaning. Steve Wood wanted to hold a meeting here to follow up the discussion, but he got almost no response. Mr. Dickinson said he thought Mr. Wood might bring the matter up at the September 28 Budget Commission hearing. Mr. Bergholz mentioned that the foundations that provided funding for the county library consolidation idea should be provided closure in the form of a response after the meeting.
· Mr. Dickinson thanked board members that participated in the Constitution reading on Sunday, September 11.
· Mr. Dickinson invited board members to staff day on Friday, September 16. Mr. Parsons and Mrs. Karon said they would attend staff day.
· Mr. Dickinson passed out meeting room usage and availability bar charts for the first six months of 2005. Mr. Dickinson stated the library has excess capacity to accommodate more community groups. Mr. Dickinson said the Space Planning Committee would review these results in planning future library and community needs.
· Mr. Dickinson suggested a board retreat be planned in the coming months.
· Mr. Dickinson reported the outstanding website issues with Blueeye Systems were addressed with library staff and Blueeye Systems. Mr. Dickinson said the library and Blueeye Systems agreed to a 30-day warranty period for items addressed during recent discussions.
· Mr. Dickinson said he met with the Mayor and Chief Administrator Officer and stated he was invited along with our Board President and interested board members to the President’s Roundtable meeting after tonight’s board meeting. Mr. Bergholz and Mr. McGovern said they would accompany Mr. Dickinson to the President’s Roundtable meeting.
· Mr. Dickinson reported he submitted the FY06 Friends of Shaker Library (FOSL) budget request for $25K in the spirit of FOSL’s 25th anniversary this year.
· Mr. Dickinson said the library, school district, and city planned to meet on Friday, September 23 to discuss funding. Mr. Dickinson said the school and city are looking at going to the ballot for additional funding.
· Mr. Dickinson said he would be attending the OLC conference in Columbus on Thursday and Friday, October 6 and 7.
B. Approval of Roofing Contractor
Mr. Dickinson reported that the library received three bids at the August 25 roof restoration bid opening meeting. Mr. Dickinson said T & F Systems was the lowest and most responsible bidder at $382,000 for real slate. Mr. Dickinson said the roofing contractor would replace the slate one side of the building at a time. Mr. Dickinson did not anticipate any disruptions to library operations based on the pre-construction meeting. Mr. Dickinson recommended the Board of Trustees approve the bid from T & F Systems for $382,000 and replacement of any deteriorated wood decking at $10 per square foot. (The Clerk-Treasurer notes the Shaker Heights City School District advertised the bidding and is handling cash disbursements of funds from the November 2004 bond issue proceeds).
2005-52 Mr. McGovern moved and Mr. Parsons seconded the motion to accept the lowest and most responsible bid from T & F Systems for $382,000 and the replacement of any deteriorated wood decking at $10 per square foot.
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Nays: None. Motion carried.
C. Approval of Flexible Spending Account
Mr. Dickinson recommended the Board of Trustees approve the establishment of a Flexible Spending Account Plan under its existing IRS Section 125 cafeteria plan with an effective date of October 1, 2005. Mr. Dickinson explained the plan would allow employees the option of pre-tax payroll deduction for some insurance premiums, un-reimbursed medical expenses and child/dependent care expenses.
2005-53 Dr. Whyte moved and Mrs. Karon seconded the motion to establish a Flexible Spending Account Plan under its existing IRS Section 125 cafeteria plan with an effective date of October 1, 2005 for some insurance premiums, un-reimbursed medical expenses and child/dependent care expenses.
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Nays: None. Motion carried.
D. Resolution of Commendation
Mr. Dickinson recommended the Board of Trustees approve the following resolution of commendation:
Whereas the Shaker Heights Public Library is recognized by the community as an excellent public service; and
Whereas the greatest resource of the Library is the
knowledge, skill, and dedication of the staff to the ideals of our library
service to the community; and
Whereas John Harchar has served the Library and its
clientele faithfully and well for twenty years, contributing to the Library’s
record of service and accomplishments; and
Whereas the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees
wishes to commend John Harchar for his loyalty and service to the Library and
the community;
Therefore, be it resolved that
Receive the commendation, gratitude, and appreciation of the staff and Board of Trustees of the Shaker Heights Public Library for his twenty years of service to the library and the people of the community on this sixteenth day of September in the year two thousand five.
2005-54 Mr. Parsons moved and Mrs. Karon seconded the motion to approve the resolution of commendation.
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Nays: None. Motion carried.
New Business
A. Gifts to be accepted and appropriated to the designated funds
Restricted Contribution – Individual (101-6110)
Margaret and Bill Simon $75.00
To purchase three $50.00 U. S. Savings Bonds for the
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Writing Contest Awards
Unrestricted Contribution – Individual (101-6510)
Patricia Yarber-Lamb and Phyllis Yarber Hogan on behalf of Tempy’s Children
In memory of Robert Campbell $50.00
Bertram Woods Branch – Unrestricted (710-6510)
In honor of Mildred Hirshstein’s 100th Birthday
Adele and Harrison Fuerst $50.00
Leeta and Leonard Benson $15.00
Beverly Simon, Ellen Perelman,
Julie Krakower and Shari Friedman $100.00
Marilyn Kammer Memorial Fund (711-6510)
Randy Kammer
In memory of Doris Schwartzman $25.00
In memory of Richard Curran $25.00
In memory of Wayne Stellar $25.00
Karl Kammer
In memory of Edith Simon $25.00
E. J. Bloom and Karl Kammer
In honor of
Arnold King’s 80th birthday $50.00
Playmatters
Train set and table, and other miscellaneous toys for the Youth Services Department
2005-55 Mrs. Karon moved and Mr. McGovern seconded the motion to accept and appropriate the above gifts.
Roll Call: Ayes: Dr. Benning, Mr. Bergholz, Mrs. Karon, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Parsons, Dr. Whyte
Nays: None. Motion carried.
B. Personnel Actions (information only)
Kristina Hurd, Circulation Services Assistant, half-time, Level 106, hired, effective June 28, 2005
Sheila Whitmore, Acquisitions
Assistant, full-time, Level 107, resigned, effective July 22, 2005
Kathleen Driscoll, Technical Services Associate, full-time, Level 109, resigned, effective August 6, 2005
Margaret Chin, change from Senior
Acquisitions Assistant to Senior Technical Services Assistant, effective August
21, 2005
Nila Haky, change from Materials
Processor to Technical Services Assistant, Level 106, effective August 21, 2005
Loraine Lamont, change from
Technical Services Supervisor to Technical Services Manager, effective August
21, 2005
Elizabeth Sillars, change from Page
II to Technical Services Assistant, Level 106, effective August 21, 2005
Marcia Strojny, change from Materials Processor to Technical Services Assistant, Level 106, effective August 21, 2005
Carolyn Baker, Technical Services
Librarian, full-time, Level 111, hired, effective August 22, 2005
Mary Olounye, Youth Services
Associate, change from substitute to full-time, effective August 22, 2005
Priscilla Turner, Youth Services Librarian, change from quarter-time to half-time, effective August 22, 2005
Miles Doane, Adult Services
Associate, change from half-time to full-time, effective September 4, 2005
Mary Ann Friedlander, Adult Services Associate, change from half-time to full-time, effective September 4, 2005
Betty Ann Toth, promoted from Inventory Assistant to Senior Technical Services Assistant, Level 108, effective September 4, 2005
Community Comments
None
Announcements
None
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Bergholz moved and board members unanimously agreed to adjourn the regular board meeting at 7:18 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Shaker Heights Public Library Board of Trustees will be Monday, October 10, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library Boardroom.
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David Bergholz, President
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David D. Piskac, Clerk-Treasurer
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Mimi Friedman Karon, Secretary