Palos Heights Public Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
November 9, 2006

Call to Order:
President Beth Barista called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Library, 12501 S. 71st Avenue, Palos Heights, Illinois. Present were Trustees: Frank Petrosino, Julie Lawler, Beverly Meyer, William Poore, Pat Eden, and Beth Barista. Trustee Tim Murney arrived at 7:05 p.m. Absent were Pat Muller and Diana Roscich. Also present was Administrative Librarian Elaine Savage and Administrative Assistant Kathy Mazies. 

Minutes:
Trustee Poore moved to approve the minutes of October 12, 2006 upon rewording of the City Council Liaison report to; “City is beginning work on redistricting.”  Also added was the following to the New Business Report to read “Trustee Poore reported 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.’  Seconded by Trustee Lawler.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Trustee Petrosino moved; Trustee Murney seconded to approve the October bills in the amount of $39,939.63.  On a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.  Trustee Petrosino moved; Trustee Murney seconded to approve the November bills of $317,054.30.  On a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.

President’s Report:
No report.

Librarian’s Report:
Administrative Librarian Savage presented her written report for the past month.  Ms. Savage started by informing the board that the library had received a gift in the amount of $1,000.00 from a donor that wishes to remain anonymous.  The first edition of the staff ‘Open Book’ newsletter was distributed to board members.  This newsletter is the result of the staff’s in-service.  Ms. Savage joined a group of local history librarians in an effort to share information on their local history collections.  Their next meeting will be held in January in Elmwood Park.  Ms. Savage reported that she had received a call from Jack Schuch of St. Al’s regarding the Com Ed incident.  When able to speak to Mr. Schuch, he apologized for the problems and stated that he was trying to reach Com Ed to determine the problems.  He restated that the library will be able to use the St. Al’s parking lot for the Christmastime in Palos event on December 2.  The survey mailed out by Trinity College is being tabulated.  We received over 1,200 responses which is a 20% return rate.  Results will be given on December 6th, 2006.  A levy hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at City Hall.  Amber Mechanical has been called out for two visits in the past two weeks.  The boiler was not programmed properly and the default was set at 184 degrees.  We are in the process of receiving an estimate on repairs.  Key chains and calendars have been ordered and received for distribution to patrons.  Forest Ridge residents are now receiving the library newsletter.

Budget & Finance:
Trustee Petrosino reported that the Budget and Finance Committee had met on November 1st, 2006.  A budget of $1,388,443.00 for 2007 was presented to the board for approval.  Trustee Petrosino also advised that he was renewing CD’s at Palos Bank.
    
Policy:
Trustee Meyer reported that the Policy Committee had met on October 30th, 2006.  Three policies were reviewed including Librarian in Charge, Vacation and Grievance.  It was requested that the Librarian in Charge policy be updated to reflect new position titles.  Trustee Meyer moved and Trustee Murney seconded to update the Librarian in Charge Policy to reflect the new job titles.  On a voice vote the motion carried unanimously.  Trustee Meyer moved to update the Vacation Policy to clarify part time vacation amounts accrued.  Trustee Meyer moved, Trustee Murney seconded and on a voice vote the motion carried.    Trustee Meyer discussed the Grievance Policy procedures.  Grievance procedures were outlined and changes to the policy were presented.  Trustee Meyer moved, Trustee Petrosino seconded and on a voice vote the motion carried unanimously.  The Personnel Policies will be updated to reflect the changes and staff will receive revised copies.

Publicity:    
None.

Building & Grounds:    
None.

Personnel:    
None.

Friends of the Library Liaison:
Trustee Poore reported that the paperback book rack at the Metra station is being utilized and that 58 books had been taken from the rack in the first 5 weeks.  The Christmastime in Palos is progressing and 17 new volunteers have signed up to help with this event.  Country House will again sponsor Partners in Growth with coupon days in January and February.  The Friends of the Library receive 40% of sales when coupon is presented at the restaurant.

City Council Liaison:  
Trustee Poore advised reported that the new pool referendum on November 7 had failed by approximately 58%   -  42%.

Local History:
None.

Long Range Planning:  
Waiting on survey results to be presented on December 6, 2006.  

Old Business:
Appreciation awards will be presented to staff at the December Holiday Party on December 10th.  Trustee Lawler motioned to approve and Trustee Poore seconded and on a roll call vote the motion carried.

New Business:    
The 2007 Budget was presented to the board.  Trustee Petrosino moved, Trustee Poore seconded, to approve the 2007 budget and on a roll call vote the motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment:
Trustee Poore moved; and Trustee Murney seconded to adjourn the meeting.  On a voice vote the motion carried unanimously.  President Barista adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.


Bill Poore
Acting Secretary