Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Call to Order: The December 2007 meeting of the Board of Trustees was held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at the John Paulding Historical Museum. Sue Derck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Roll Call: Board members present: Leah Smith, Terry Wehrkamp, Michelle Stahl, Susie Thrasher, Corey Walker and Sue Derck. Director Susan Pieper, Assistant Director Diana Coy and Wilma Mullins, Clerk-Treasurer were also present.

Minutes: There was a presentation and review of the November 2007 minutes. Mrs. Smith moved to approve the corrected minutes. Mrs. Thrasher seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Financial / Clerk-Treasurer Reports: Motion to pay bills for October (Pay-X 11267-11323) and (Finance 13482-13560) was made by Michelle Stahl and seconded by Terry Wehrkamp. Motion carried.

Additional Clerk Treasurer Business:

· Adjacent Property: Mrs. Mullins updated the board on maintenance needs at the next door property. The carpet needs to be replaced and a dead bolt installed. No action taken. The board wants to tour the property hopefully before the January meeting.

· Reduction in 2007 Appropriations: Mrs. Mullins informed the board that she would be filing a reduction of appropriations with the court house due to anticipated funds not being received.

· Wage Scale Change: Corey Walker moved and Michelle Stahl seconded the motion to approve the new wage scale as presented by Mrs. Mullins. The wage scale reflects the change in the minimum wage and includes all wages and salary amounts for employees. Motion passed.

· Transfers: A motion was made by Terry Wehrkamp and seconded by Corey Walker and passed by the board to approve the following transfers of appropriations totaling $1,100.22:

Amount: From: To:

$1030.22 CDs & Cassettes Videos & DVDs

100.01.54370 100.01.54320

$ 70.00 Building Repairs Microfilming

100.01.53310 100.01.54280

OLD BUSINESS

Stykemain Leasing Parking Lot: Pieper informed the board that Jim Stykemain would not be leasing the parking lot for his automobile inventory and all cars/trucks would be removed by January 1, 2008.

Update on a Branch in Junction: Pieper has been contacted by Joe Burkard, an attorney representing citizens trying to save the St. Mary’s Church. The Diocese of Toledo wants to deed the church to the library and keep the stained glass windows intact on permanent loan as “art”. Mr. Burkard requested a list of questions or concerns the board might have before settling this case. The library funding is still not sufficient to operate a new branch. The board is concerned about the following: 1. A non-profit Friends group needs to be formed to pay for the remodeling, utilities and upkeep of the building. This group must take over all the heating and utility costs and be willing to do ongoing fundraisers for the operation of the branch. 2. What role will the Township Trustees play? 2. How much is the insurance for the building, who will maintain the coverage, and who will pay for insuring the windows, the Toledo Diocese? Pieper will relay these concerns to Burkard.

Library Levy: Pieper recommended that the board proceed with a campaign to place a levy on the ballot in the November General Election. After attending a Ballot Workshop sponsored by the Ohio Library Council, it was evident that this is the route to take. She informed the board that they would receive a levy notebook and at the January meeting and the campaign should begin in March.

Microfilm Reader: The new networked microfilm reader is now in place. Publicity of this new piece of equipment will begin soon.

Winter Wonderland Children’s Party: Pieper informed the board that 255 persons attended the youth services Winter Wonderland Party. Kirk Baker was “Santa” and visited with the children. The participants enjoyed punch and cookies, crafts, a Christmas movie and door prizes. This type of event will be held again in the spring.

Strategic Planning: Jan Haines of the State Library of Ohio will be helping the board prioritize and present the findings of their strategic planning session at a later date. This information will be vital for the levy campaign.

Director Travel: Susan Pieper will not be in attendance at the January 2008 meeting due to prior commitments at the American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference in Philadelphia.

Adjournment: Michelle Stahl moved to adjourn the meeting. Corey Walker seconded the motion. Motion passed. The board then joined the library staff for the Christmas dinner. They enjoyed a delicious meal, sang Christmas carols, exchanged Secret Santa gifts, received special gifts and overall had an enjoyable evening. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on January 15, 2008 at the Paulding County Carnegie Library in Paulding.

Michelle Stahl, Board Secretary Sue Derck, President

MS: snh