SHAKER HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting

Monday, December 10, 2007

 

Attendance

 

Members Present:            Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

Members Absent:            Ms. Allen

 

Staff Present:            Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Piskac, Mr. Pulver, Mrs. Schiller

 

Others:                         Evelyn Krent, League of Women Voters Representative

                                    Jane Wood, This Week in Shaker

                                    Betty Box, City of Shaker Heights Safety Patrol Officer

 

Mr. McGovern 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.

 

Approval of Minutes

 

2007-91            Dr. Hutt moved and Mr. McGovern seconded the motion to approve the November 12, 2007 regular board minutes.

 

Roll Call:            Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

President’s Report

 

A.  Safety Patrol Report

 

Mr. McGovern introduced Betty Box who is serving as the library safety patrol officer at Main.  Betty Box said she graduated from Shaw High School with honors and is currently attending Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Metro, majoring in Law Enforcement and Biology.  Betty Box explained how she handles afterschool activities and commented that girls tend to give her more lip, whereas, boys are a little slower to comply with her directives.  Overall, Betty Box said the level of teenagers hanging around the outside library steps remains constant, but anticipates the level of teenagers to drop as the weather gets colder.  Betty Box recommended consistent enforcement and application of the rules to provide an expectation of behavior while at the library.  Mrs. Schiller and Mr. Pulver commented that Betty Box’s presence has reduced the number of fights and complaints about teens loitering outside the library.  Ms. Shatten asked Mr. Dickinson about assessing the level of success from the safety patrol and to determine any future need.  Mr. Dickinson said Betty Box would continue until December 20, which is the end of the trial period.  Mr. Dickinson also commended Betty Box for her regular attendance and handling the job in a professional manner.  Mr. Dickinson also said the City is considering reauthorization of its summer patrol.

 

B.  Resolution for Library Levy

 

Mr. McGovern asked for a motion to approve the second resolution for a 4-mill replacement levy, which will appear, if approved tonight, on the March 4, 2008 ballot.

A RESOLUTION DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH A REQUEST TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE SHAKER HEIGHTS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS OF THAT SCHOOL DISTRICT THE QUESTION OF REPLACING AN EXISTING TAX LEVY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE CURRENT EXPENSES OF THE SHAKER HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 5705.192 AND 5705.23 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE.

 

WHEREAS, by Resolution adopted on November 12, 2007, this Board determined that it is necessary to replace all of the existing 4-mill tax levy for a continuing period of time and, pursuant to Section 5705.03 of the Revised Code, requested the Cuyahoga County Auditor to certify to this Board and the Board of Education of the Shaker Heights City School District and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by that 4-mill replacement levy; and

 

WHEREAS, the County Auditor has certified that the total current tax valuation of the School District is $[amount] and the amount of revenue that would be generated by the 4-mill replacement levy would be $[amount] annually during the life of the levy, assuming that the total current tax valuation of the School District remains the same throughout the life of the levy;

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Library Trustees of the Shaker Heights Public Library, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, two thirds of all members of the Board concurring that:

 

Section 1.  This Board finds, determines, declares and recites that the Shaker Heights Public Library was established prior to September 4, 1947, as a free public library to serve the Shaker Heights City School District by resolution adopted by the Board of Education of the Shaker Heights City School District; and accordingly, this Board is entitled to proceed under Sections 5705.03, 5705.192 and 5705.23 of the Revised Code to initiate proceedings for the submission of the question of the replacing all of the existing 4-mill tax levy for the purpose of current expenses of the Shaker Heights Public Library.

 

Section 2.  This Board finds, determines and declares that the amount of taxes which may be raised within the ten‑mill limitation by levies on the current tax duplicate will be insufficient to provide an adequate amount for the necessary requirements of the Shaker Heights Public Library and that it is necessary to levy a tax in excess of such limitation for the purpose of the current expenses of the Shaker Heights Public Library, and, specifically, that it is necessary to replace all of the existing 4-mill levy for that purpose for a continuing period of time.

 

Section 3.  Pursuant to said Sections 5705.192 and 5705.23 of the Revised Code and having heretofore received the certification of the Cuyahoga County Auditor, referred to in the preambles pursuant to Section 5705.03 of the Revised Code, this Board requests the Board of Education of the Shaker Heights City School District to submit to the electors of that School District, at an election to be held therein on March 4, 2008.  The form of the ballot to be cast at the election on the question of this tax levy shall be substantially as follows:

 

SHAKER HEIGHTS PUBLIC LIBRARY

PROPOSED TAX LEVY (REPLACEMENT)

(A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage)

 

A replacement of an existing levy for the benefit of the Shaker Heights Public Library for the purpose of current expenses of the library at a rate not exceeding 4 mills for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to 40 cents for each one hundred dollar of valuation, for a continuous period of time, commencing in 2008 first due in 2009.

 

 

FOR THE LEVY

 

AGAINST THE LEVY

 

Section 4. This Board of Library Trustees finds, determines and declares that the levy of such tax, if approved by the electors, is necessary to the proper furnishing and rendering of free public library services in the Shaker Heights City School District and for the residents of that District.

 

Section 5.  The Secretary of this Board is authorized and directed to deliver a certified copy of this resolution, a certified copy of the Resolution adopted on November 12, 2007 and the certificate of the Cuyahoga County Auditor referred to in the preambles, to the Board of Education of the Shaker Heights City School District on or before December 20, 2007.

 

Section 6.  This Board finds and determines that all formal actions of this Board and of any of its committees concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were taken, and that all deliberations of this Board and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions, were held, in meetings open to the public, in compliance with the law.

 

2007-92 Mr. Schorgl moved and Dr. Whyte seconded the motion to approve the second resolution for a 4-mill replacement levy.

 

Roll Call:            Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

C.  Nominating Committee

 

Mr. McGovern appointed Mr. Miller to chair the Nominating Committee and prepare a slate of officers for 2008.  Mr. McGovern said the Board’s bylaws limit service in the same office to three consecutive years.  He said that he was finishing his second year as President.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

A.  Financial Statements

 

Mr. Piskac reviewed the November 2007 revenue and expenditure financial statements and reported the following:

 

Revenue Summary

 

Mr. Piskac said the library received $5,087,126.81 ($4,908,426.26 – 2006) in year-to-date revenue, which is $178,690.55 more than year-to-date 2006 less interfund transfers.  He said the State Income Tax line item is the same as last year and the library received $163,984.43 for HERB from the State a month earlier than last year which increased overall 2007 revenue over 2006.  Mr. Piskac commented that after December the library revenue line item Real Estate Property Tax revenue would still fall short in comparison to 2006.

 

 

 

Expenditure Summary

 

Mr. Piskac reported the year-to-date expenditures were $5,119,426.58 ($5,142,210.04 – 2006) less interfund transfers, which is a $22,783.46 decrease in year-to-date expenditures from 2006.  Mr. Piskac commented that if the $130,177.50 2006 carpeting expenditure was subtracted from the 2006 total expenditures, then 2007 year-to-date expenditures would have exceeded 2006 expenditures by $107,394.04.  Mr. Piskac said the expenditure line item, Property Maintenance and Security month-to-date expenses of $21,487.69 include annual premiums for HVAC contracts.  Also, he said the Professional Services expenditure line item includes tax fees, Strategic Planning expenses, and audit expenses.  Overall, Mr. Piskac said all expenditure line items are within budgetary amounts.

 

Bank Reports

 

Mr. Piskac reported the month-to-date deposits of $419,048.90 were less than month-to-date withdrawals of $485,189.36 resulting in a $66,140.46 decrease in cash for the month.  He said the bond investment was called and noted the $250,000 transfer.  He also reported the year-to-date deposits of $5,087,126.81 were $32,299.77 less than year-to-date withdrawals of $5,119,426.58.  Lastly, he said the ending bank balance was $1,105,717.30 and estimated the December ending cash balance to be approximately $785,717.30.

 

Combined Month-to-Date/Year-to-Date Fund Report

 

Mr. Piskac reported the General Fund had an unexpended balance of $939,352.73, $450,323.20 in encumbrances, and an unencumbered balance of $489,323.20.  Mr. Piskac also reported the unexpended balance for all funds was $1,105,717.30, $464,926.90 in encumbrances, and $640,790.40 in unencumbered funds.

 

Investment Report

 

Mr. Piskac reported the November 2007 investment balance was $383,376.48 and the Star interest rate decreased to 4.67% from 4.92% in October.  He also reported the $250,000 Fifth Third bond investment was called and reduced the overall library investment portfolio.  He said the bond proceeds were automatically transferred to the library’s operating account for future investments.

 

Mr. Piskac recommended the Board of Trustees approve the November 30, 2007 financial statements as submitted.

 

2007-93            Ms. Shatten moved and Dr. Hutt seconded the motion to accept the November 30, 2007 financial statements.

 

Roll Call:            Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

B.  Revised Real Estate Tax Advance Resolution

 

Mr. Piskac explained that the library received a revised Real Estate Tax Advance schedule from the County Auditor’s office.  Mr. Piskac recommended the Board of Trustees approve the following resolution to request advance of 2008 property taxes.

 

“Request the County Auditor to draw and the County Treasurer to pay by draft or through wire transfer to the Clerk-Treasurer of the library all funds due the Shaker Heights Public Library that may be in the County treasury for the year 2008 except such amount that may be required by law to be paid State authorities.”

 

2007-94            Dr. Whyte moved and Mr. Miller seconded the motion to approve the resolution for authorization to the County Auditor to collect and advance all taxes to the library in accordance of the revised tax advance schedule.

 

Roll Call:            Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

C.  2008 Temporary Appropriation

 

Mr. Piskac reviewed the 2008 Temporary Appropriation and reported the total General Fund temporary appropriation is $2,756,450 and for all special funds $103,997.35.  He reported the total 2008 temporary appropriation is $2,860,447.35 and the final appropriation is tentatively to be completed by the February Board meeting pending the receipt of the final Certificate of Estimated Resources from the Auditor’s Office.  Mr. Piskac recommended the Board of Trustees approve the 2008 temporary appropriation as submitted.

 

2007-95 Mr. Schorgl moved and Dr. Hutt seconded the motion to approve the 2008 temporary appropriation as submitted.

 

            Roll Call:      Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

D.  2007 Appropriation Modifications

 

Mr. Piskac recommended the Board of Trustees approve the following 2007 appropriation modifications as submitted through December 4, 2007:

 

10/02/07

101.00.52110

101.00.55510

2,276.00

Homework center lap top computers

07/13/07

101.00.52130

101.00.54710

1,500.00

Book binding budget adjustment

11/30/07

101.00.54110

101.00.54320

316.31

Materials budget adjustment

08/17/07

101.00.54215

101.00.54110

341.53

Materials budget adjustment

08/17/07

101.00.54215

101.00.54370

317.06

Materials budget adjustment

03/29/07

101.00.58999

101.00.54110

78.98

Materials budget adjustment

04/12/07

101.00.58999

101.00.57599

500.00

Budget modification for insurance claim

05/02/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53620

2,000.00

Natural gas budget adjustment

05/02/07

101.00.58999

101.00.54320

120.00

Materials budget adjustment

05/02/07

101.00.58999

101.00.54610

600.00

Interlibrary loan budget adjustment

05/29/07

101.00.58999

101.00.51650

2,045.00

Frank Gates BWC – service agreement

07/11/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53620

391.65

Natural gas budget adjustment

07/11/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53750

2,000.00

Legal service – LLGSF agreement

07/11/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53995

4,000.00

CMI – GAAP software/service

07/11/07

101.00.58999

101.00.57599

1,000.00

Patron reimbursements adjustment

07/20/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53995

1,000.00

Artwork sales - commissions

08/17/07

101.00.58999

101.00.52320

600.00

Auto repairs – reclassified

08/27/07

101.00.58999

101.00.57599

5,000.00

Local author - SHPL fund

08/29/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53620

416.03

Natural gas budget adjustment

08/31/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53995

1,500.00

Artwork sales – commission/coin box

10/04/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53995

1,000.00

Artwork sales

10/08/07

101.00.58999

101.00.52250

3,000.00

Additional maintenance supplies

10/15/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53280

150.00

EE vacancy advertising

10/15/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53780

2,000.00

Banking fees, payroll, etc

10/15/07

101.00.58999

101.00.55510

1,200.00

Cover 2 copier coin boxes

10/17/07

101.00.58999

101.00.55510

200.00

Cover 3 hole punch for MP5500 copier

11/12/07

101.00.58999

101.00.51170

354.95

Cover fall staff day expenditures

11/12/07

101.00.58999

101.00.55510

3,525.52

Cover new computer server

11/12/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53630

1,505.70

Water & sewer budget adjustment

11/30/07

101.00.58999

101.00.52110

7,500.00

Library card purchase (4-5 years)

11/30/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53370

656.10

Cover balance on safety patrol

11/30/07

101.00.58999

101.00.54610

150.00

Interlibrary loan budget

11/30/07

101.00.58999

101.00.55510

125.00

Cover 30 software licenses WIN XP

12/04/07

101.00.58999

101.00.53740

207.40

Auditor of State - audit report review

 

 

Subtotal:

47,577.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/29/07

206.00.54110

206.00.52110

222.80

Local history budget adjustment

 

 

Subtotal:

222.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

03/29/07

401.00.58999

401.00.53510

1,007.15

City lease budget adjustment

 

 

Subtotal:

1,007.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Total:

$48,807.18

 

 

2007-96 Mr. Schorgl moved and Dr. Miller seconded the motion to approve the 2007 appropriations as submitted. 

 

            Roll Call:      Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

E.  2007 Local Author & Book Fair

 

Mr. Piskac reported gross sales from the 2007 Local Author & Book Fair were $3,953.44 ($4,431.28 – 2006).  He said the library would receive 15% of gross sales and it would be deposited into the Shaker Heights Public Library Fund with the Cleveland Foundation.

 

 

 

Director’s Report

 

A.  Written Report

Mr. Dickinson provided a summary of meetings he attended and said he was planning to attend the Midwinter ALA Conference in Philadelphia on January 11, and would return in time for the Board meeting on January 14.

 

B.  Compensation and Staffing Studies

 

Mr. Dickinson reported that the staffing study and organizational assessment is under way with Ms. Jeanne Goodrich’s visit on December 4 and 7.  He said Ms. Goodrich plans to return in February and the library is again coordinating expenses with the Cuyahoga County Public Library to share traveling expenses.  He said that Mrs. Cullers, Mr. Piskac and he will meet to review library compensation and would recommend further incremental adjustments that we started this year.  Mr. Dickinson said depending on the outcome of the March levy, the library would be able to further enhance staff salaries and add any necessary positions based upon the outcome of the staffing study.

 

C.  Library Program Policy

 

Mr. Dickinson proposed the following Library Program Policy for Board of Trustee review and approval:

 

Library Program Policy

 

Rationale:

To reflect its philosophy regarding free and open access to information and ideas, the Shaker Heights Public Library provides library-initiated programs that draw attention to, promote, and complement its unique resources.

 

Definition:

A program is an interaction between library staff and the community designed to promote library facilities, collections, or services, as well as to offer the community an informational, entertaining, or cultural experience.  Programs generally serve groups of people rather than individuals.  Examples of programs include story hours, craft programs, classes, book discussion groups, concerts, lectures, and film presentations.

 

Policy:

  1. Selection of topics for programming is made by library staff on the basis of interest and needs of library users and the community. 

 

  1. In addition to library-initiated programs, the Library may choose to cosponsor programs with other agencies, organizations, and institutions. 

 

  1. Library programs shall not exclude topics, materials, speakers, media, or other resources because these might be controversial.  Topics will be viewpoint neutral: that is, whenever it is practicable, more than one point of view will be presented.

 

  1. All library-initiated programs must be non-commercial in nature.  Although a professional or businessperson may be invited to speak, the purpose of the program shall be to educate, inform, or entertain, rather than to sell or promote any particular commercial service(s) or product(s). 

 

  1. In general, library programs are free and open to the public. Public programs planned for library fundraising may include an admission charge, and in exceptional cases may be invitation only.

 

  1. Some events may require registration and/or may be ticketed, on a first-come, first-served basis. For particularly high-demand programs, residents of the Shaker Heights Public Library service area may receive priority for registration. 

 

  1. Patrons may be prevented from attending programs if attendance exceeds the rated capacity of the programming space. 

 

Guidelines for selling books, recordings and other items at Shaker Heights Public Library programs

 

In general, program presenters who are authors or artists are invited to sell and sign books and recordings following library programs.  In certain circumstances, the Library will receive a commission on sales of books, recordings, or other items within the library.

 

1.       The Library will receive a 10% commission on all sales conducted by a retail sales entity, such as a bookseller.

 

2.       If the Library pays the presenter a fee or honorarium for the program and the presenter conducts sales, the library will receive a 5% commission.

 

3.       If the program presenter has donated his or her services to the library, and the program presenter conducts sales, the library will receive no commission.

 

4.       At the discretion of the library, commission of presenter-conducted sales may be paid in-kind, through donation of books or recordings.

 

2007-97 Ms. Shatten moved and Dr. Hutt seconded the motion to approve the Library Program Policy as submitted.

 

            Roll Call:      Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

D.  NEO-RLS 2008-2009

 

Mr. Dickinson reported that he received a request from NEO-RLS for a letter of intent from the library for the 2008-2009 fiscal year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009).  He said the letter of intent is due January 1, 2008.  Mr. Dickinson said the library customarily submits a letter of intent and a letter of termination at the same time in case the library decides to withdraw.  He explained NEO-RLS cancellation policy requires 18-month notice if a library decides to withdraw.  He said the membership fee of $7,500 is due in June 2008.  Mr. Dickinson recommended the Board of Trustees approve the letter of intent and  $7,500 membership fee in NEO-RLS.

 

2007-98 Mr. Schorgl moved and Dr. Whyte seconded the motion to approve the NEO-RLS letter of intent and $7,500 membership fee.

 

            Roll Call:      Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                        Nays: None.  Motion carried.

E.  2008 Staff Presentations to the Board of Trustees

 

Mr. Dickinson reported the 2008 Staff Presentations to the Board of Trustees is enclosed in their Board packets.  The staff presentation schedule is as follows:

 

Shaker Heights Public Library

2008 Presentations to the Board of Trustees*

 

FEBRUARY 11:  Pam Ferrazza & Laurie Marcellino – Circulation Services

 

APRIL 14:  Margaret Simon – Public Relations 

 

JUNE 9:  Ray Zapp – Technology

 

SEPT. 8:  Janis Williams – Security Guards

 

NOVEMBER 10:  Kim Cullers – Human Resources

 

New Business

 

A.  Gifts to be accepted and appropriated to the designated funds

 

Marilyn Kammer Memorial Fund Unrestricted Donations (209-6510)

Randy Kammer

In honor of Philip Adler’s 60th birthday                                    $25.00

In tribute to Deanne Roberts                                                $25.00

 

2007-99            Dr. Hutt moved and Mr. Schorgl seconded the motion to accept and appropriate the above gifts.

 

Roll Call:            Ayes: Dr. Hutt, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Miller, Mr. Schorgl, Ms. Shatten, Dr. Whyte

 

                                    Nays: None.  Motion carried.

 

Mr. McGovern said because of the Executive Session that he was moving agenda items “Announcements” and “Community Comments” before Executive Session.

 

Announcements

 

None

 

Community Comments

 

            None

 

B.  Personnel Actions

 

At 7:30 p.m., Dr. Whyte moved and Mr. Miller seconded the motion to enter Executive Session to discuss the annual evaluations of Director and Clerk-Treasurer.  Mr. McGovern said that no Board action would be taken afterwards, except adjournment.

 

At 8:07 pm, the Board of Trustees entered regular session and Board members unanimously agreed to adjourn the regular meeting.

 

 

_______________________________________           

Ken McGovern, President

 

 

 

                                                            _______________________________________

                                                                        David D. Piskac, Clerk-Treasurer

 

 

 

                                                                                    _______________________________________

                                                                        Tom Schorgl, Secretary