Palos Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
October 12, 2006

Call to Order:
President Beth Barista called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Library, 12501 S. 71st Avenue, Palos Heights, Illinois. Present were Trustees:  Diana Roscich, Julie Lawler, Beverly Meyer, Pat Muller, William Poore, and Beth Barista. Trustee Pat Eden arrived at 7:10 p.m., Frank Petrosino at 7:14 p.m. and Timothy Murney at 7:28 p.m. Also present was Administrative Librarian Elaine Savage and Administrative Assistant Kathy Mazies. 

Minutes:
Trustee Meyer moved to approve the minutes of September 13, 2006 upon rewording of the Personnel report to:  “Salary adjustments to be uniform,” and changes to the City Council Liaison report; “A salary increase of $3000 has been proposed by the Finance Committee for aldermen.”  Seconded by Trustee Poore.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Trustee Lawler moved; Trustee Poore seconded to approve the September bills in the amount of $36,661.94.  On a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.  Trustee Meyer moved; Trustee Roscich seconded to approve the October bills of $36,433.62.  On a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 (TOTAL BILLS $69,868.12)

President’s Report:
Trustee Barista reported that she had completed committee assignments for the upcoming year.  Committee sheets were distributed to each board member.

Librarian’s Report:
Administrative Librarian Savage presented her written report for the past month.  Ms. Savage explained that there was a good turnout for the Palos Reads event and that the 2007 event was already being planned.  She informed us that the library did not receive the Digitization grant, primarily due to uncertainty of the type of person we would get from the library employment agency.  The paperback rack at the train station is installed and filled.  St. Alexander’s blew a transformer two weeks ago and parking was limited due to Commonwealth Edison trucks repairing the transformers.  She was instructed to write a letter to St. Al’s reminding them of our agreement.  The library continues to expand its program offerings with events such as Devil in the White City, movies, and the continued collaboration with the Orland Park and Palos Park libraries with a Lyric Opera Series.  With all of these offerings the board may need to consider additional staff, especially in the Local History department   The Board agreed to preliminarily budget 12 more hours/week in adult and youth services and 12 hours work custodial.  Administrative Librarian Savage also reported that she had attended the ILA exhibits, as well as the Founders meeting on IHA’s.  She also attended the Zone 7 meeting as well as the Chamber board and breakfast meetings.  The library survey is in the mail and received recognition on the front page of the Regional newspaper.  There have been concerns with our neighbor to the east.

Budget & Finance:    
Trustee Petrosino noted for the record that he disagrees with the new salary adjustment policy.  Trustee Petrosino moved; Trustee Murney seconded to adopt the updated salary schedule as presented.  He reported that the salary schedule had not been updated since 1999 and it is based on minimum wage. On a roll call vote the motion carried unanimously.  Trustee Petrosino moved; Trustee Poore seconded a suggested 4% salary increase for all employees, effective first payroll, January 2007.  On a roll call vote the motion carried unanimously.  Trustee Petrosino moved; Trustee Meyer seconded to present an ‘appreciation gift’ to all employees in good standing on the date of issuance, December 10, 2006.  On a roll call vote the motion carried.

Policy:
None.

Publicity:
None.

Building & Grounds:    
None.

Long Range Planning:  
Trustee Meyer reported that the survey had been mailed and that they were hoping for a good return.  

Personnel:
None.

Friends of the Library Liaison:
Trustee Poore reported that the Friends have completed the installation and filling of the paperback book rack at the Metra station and that it will be restocked with help of the Friends.  The Friends are currently sponsoring both the Entertainment Club book sale in association with the Lions Club, as well as Carson’s Community Days.  Friends will be selling the Carson’s coupons on October 31 at the Carson’s Orland Park store.  The winter used book sale is to be held February 2-3, from 9 am - 4:30 p.m., the last 2 hours will offer a bag sale.  The second Christmastime in Palos will be held on December 2nd.  It will be similar to last year.

City Council Liaison:
Trustee Poore reported the City is beginning work on redistricting.  Early voting begins on October 16 at City Hall.  The tax levy was passed by the Finance Committee.  
New Recreation Director, Michael Leonard begins on October 18th.

Local History:    
None.

Old Business:
None.

New Business:
Executive Minutes - Trustee Muller reported that the Executive Minutes were reviewed and moved to keep them as executive minutes, seconded by Trustee Petrosino.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Trustee Petrosino motioned and Trustee Poore seconded to adopt the 2007 Levy & Appropriation Resolution. On a roll call vote the motion carried.  

Trustee Eden motioned and Trustee Roscich seconded to authorize Selden Fox LTD. to conduct the audit for the 2006 year.  On a roll call vote the motion carried unanimously.

Trustee Poore reported that he had attended the October 6, 2006 ILA Convention.  Topics included ‘Libraries as a Destination’ and What’s In Your Closet.’  He also attended a local history meeting which covered the topic of ‘Organizing and Digitizing Your Collection.’  

Adjournment:
Trustee Lawler moved; and Trustee Murney seconded to adjourn the meeting.  On a voice vote the motion carried unanimously.  President Barista adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m.


Patricia Muller
Secretary