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August 9, 2006
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Skokie Public Library held
in the Skokie Public Library Board Room, Wednesday, August 9, 2006.
CALL TO ORDER
John Graham, President, called the meeting to order at 7:30p.m.
Members present: John Graham, President; Dayle Zelenka, Secretary; Susan Greer; Zelda
Rich; Eva Weiner; John M. Wozniak; and Carolyn A. Anthony, Director.
Member absent: Diana Hunter, Vice President/President Emerita.
Staff present: Barbara A. Kozlowski, Associate Director for Public Services.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 12, 2006
Mrs. Rich made a motion, seconded by Mr. Zelenka, to approve the minutes of the
regular meeting of July 12, 2006, subject to additions and/or corrections. There being no
additions or corrections, the minutes were approved and placed on file.
CONSENT AGENDA (Financial Statement; Circulation Report; Library Use Statistics;
Report(s) from Department Head(s); Program Statistics 1st Quarter F.Y. 2006-2007;
Correspondence; Personnel; Gifts)
Dr. Wozniak made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Rich:
MOTION:
THAT THE SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVE THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT, SUBJECT TO AUDIT,
AND THAT THE FOLLOWING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BE
PLACED ON FILE:
1. CIRCULATIONREPORT
2. LIBRARY USE STATISTICS
3. REPORT(S) FROM DEPARTMENT HEAD(S)
4. PROGRAM STATISTICS 1sT QUARTER F.Y. 2006-2007
5. CORRESPONDENCE: LETTER FROM JENNIFER GRISAMORE,
ASSOCIATE, DISCOVER FINANCIAL SERVICES, TO BRUCE
BRIGELL, DATED JULY 23, 2006 RE THANK YOU; LETTER
FROM LEXY SOBEL, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER,
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INTERNATIONAL VISITORS CENTER OF CHICAGO, TO
CAROLYN ANTHONY, DATED JULY, 2006 RE THANK YOU
6. PERSONNEL: TERMINATION: DON HENDERSON, FULL-TIME
NETWORK SPECIALIST, TECHNICAL SERVICES
DEPARTMENT, EFFECTIVE JULY 19,2006
7. GIFTS: $25. FROM DIANA AND HARRY HUNTER IN MEMORY
OF JULIAN LEVEY; $25. FROM THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB IN
APPRECIATION FOR TALK GIVEN BY FRANCES ROEHM;
$200. FROM STUART OSERMAN FOR THE STEVE OSERMAN
MEMORIAL FUND.
The motion passed unanimously.
YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGETARY STATUS
The Year-to-Date Budgetary Status report was accepted as presented.
BILLS
A motion was made by Mr. Zelenka, seconded by Dr. Wozniak:
MOTION:
THAT THE SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVE THE BILLS, SUBJECT TO AUDIT.
The roll call vote for approval was unanimous.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
USAGE----Circulation in July was up 5% over circulation for July last year, primarily
due to the significant increase in borrowing of books from Youth Services. This may be
attributed to the highly successful summer reading program Voyage to the Last Page
which had a record participation of2,367 children, with a 61% completion rate. Eighty
three percent of the participants were from Skokie. Use of self-check was up more than
10% over the same period last year, accounting for more than 12% of circulation.
Another healthy sign was an increase of 10.5% in the use oflicensed databases, with a
36% increase in the remote use of these databases by patrons from their homes or offices.
The sharp increase is very encouraging because this kind of research exploits the 24 hour
capability of the Library's offerings. It appears that users have discovered
POWERSearch .... the Library Search engine which facilitates searching multiple
databases simultaneously.
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SKOKIE PEOPLE SPEAK----Deborah Grodinsky, Bruce Brigell and Holly Jin were
featured on the hour-long cable show Skokie People Speak, hosted by Al Nathan last
month. The program aired Tuesday evenings at 9 pm throughout the month. Deborah
spoke about a variety of Adult Services including the Library's new LINKin and Library
Express services; Bruce talked about reference services and POWERSearch and Holly Jin
focused on Youth Services and Come On In! It was an excellent, informative program
and all three speakers were lively and engaging.
IPRF GRANT----The Library received notice that it will be receiving a grant for $2,300.
from the Illinois Public Risk Fund for purchase of items in connection with disaster
preparedness. Barbara Kozlowski prepared the grant request and selected the emergency
provisions including such items as bottled water, food bars, and first aid kits. The Library
will have enough on hand to supply 100 people for three days.
TOWN HALL MEETING----Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky will be at the Library
Wednesday, August 16 at 7:15pm for a Town Hall Meeting. As Board members may
recall, a representative of Ms. Schakowsky's office is in the Library two evenings per
month to assist people with federal issues pertaining to immigration, Medicare, Veteran's
benefits and other such concerns.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY----Metropolitan Family Services is applying for a
$100,000. grant through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to expand their
Transitional Counseling Program. The grant is called Caring Across Communities and is
designed to address mental health needs of diverse youth. They would like the Library to
be involved as they work to help immigrant and transfer student families access all the
services available in the community.
The Board would like more information on this grant; particularly, what are the
expectations of the Library? What is Library staffs commitment? What is the MFS game
plan? Do staff have to go there? Will Library staff be used at all? Mrs. Anthony will
check into this.
OPEN MEETINGS ACT AMENDMENT----The Library has been advised that Public
Act 94-1058 which takes effect January 1, 2007, will amend the Open Meetings Act to
expand the defmition of a meeting to include various means of "contemporaneous
interactive communication." It also allows a majority of the public body to allow a
member of that body to attend the meeting "by other means" if the member is prevented
from physically attending, but it still requires a quorum of the members of the public
body to be physically present.
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Discussion followed. The Board asked if a quorum is present and two members are
participating by teleconference, are they allowed to vote? Mrs. Anthony will check with
Library legal counsel and Mr. Zelenka will ask this at his Public Policy Committee
meeting.
EVOLUTION OF LCN----The Executive Committee ofLCN has met to discuss the
recommendations of the consultants from the Executive Service Corps. A logical
extension of the direction the cooperative has been going is to in fact have two divisions,
one for cable programming and the other for various production services that might
include such things as virtual tours, Web clips, programming not intended for cable, etc.
This will allow the Network to serve an expanded group of libraries, provide a new
source of revenue, and respond to changing technology.
OTHER ACTIVITIES----July was a busy month for Library activities with the Opening
of the Korean art exhibit July 18, the StaffPicnic July 20, the Volunteer Reception July
23, orientation for the new Manager of Public Information and Programs, and meeting
with the representatives from the Gandhi Memorial Trust regarding the September
programs. Mrs. Anthony met with a reporter from Crain's Chicago Business who is
preparing an article on the five year anniversary of 9/11 and its repercussions including
The Patriot Act. Mrs. Anthony attended the meeting of the Village Board July 17 at
which they approved the limited outdoor wireless project for the Village, with the
Library's involvement. Mrs. Anthony also attended a meeting of the Skokie Chamber
Executive Committee and the Skokie Community Health Advisory Committee.
BOOKMOBILE----Mrs. Anthony will be bringing a quote to the Board in September for
approval of repainting and rewrapping the Bookmobile.
PAYROLL----Mrs. Anthony reported that on August 9 Irene Tam, Administrative
Assistant for Accounting, received approval for direct access with the Village to work on
the payroll from her desk. Previously Mrs. Tam would need to walk to the Village to
prepare the payroll.
REPORT FROM DAYLE ZELENKA ON CONTINUING EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
AS REQUIRED FOR PER CAPITA GRANT
In the past year, Mr. Zelenka attended three continuing education sessions. First, he
attended "Rules ofthe Road for Trustees" on July 20. This session focused on such topics
as how to conduct effective meetings using parliamentary procedure; navigating difficult
situations successfully; and a question and answer period with experienced trustees. The
second session Mr. Zelenka attended was "The Nitty Gritty 1: Boot Camp for Public
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Library Trustees". The focus of this session was advice and information provided by two
director/Board President pairs (from Aurora and Winfield Public Libraries). There was
also a presentation by a member ofiLA's Public Policy Committee. Finally, Mr. Zelenka
went to "The Nitty Gritty 2: Active Duty for Public Library Trustees". This session,
probably the most useful of the three, centered around legal issues and necessities that
every trustee should know. The primary presentation was by attorney Phil Lenzari of
Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White and Frederick, PC. Mr. Lenzari was informative, and
helped clarify many of Illinois' Laws governing public libraries, as well as discussing
such issues as filtering and the USA Patriot Act. Because many of the issues covered in
these three sessions were primarily of use to beginning trustees, there wasn't a lot of
information to share with the Skokie Library Board.
Discussion followed. The Board thanked Mr. Zelenka for his report.
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO ELEVATORS
The Village Fire Department has informed the Library that improvements must be made
to two elevators used only by staff in order to be in compliance with local ordinances.
The elevator at the north end of the building needs a light and a phone for use in case of
emergency. The elevator between the first floor and the basement in the original building
has a light, but also needs a phone. The public elevators were upgraded to meet these
requirements in the recent building renovation.
Richard Simon, Head of Maintenance, solicited proposals for completion of this work
from Schindler Elevator Corporation which maintains the three elevators in the newer
building and from ThyssenKrupp which maintains the elevator in the original building.
Westinghouse Elevator
Dover Elevator
(Phone and light)
(Phone only)
Schindler
$3,345.00
$2,000.00
ThyssenKrupp
$4,481.00
$2,019.00
Schindler has the more favorable pricing so Mrs. Anthony recommends acceptance of
their proposals. ThyssenKrupp was of the opinion that the Library would need to replace
the traveler for the Westinghouse elevator due to the age of the controller. Mrs. Anthony
will check with Schindler to see if they concur with this recommendation. For both
elevators, the Library will have the additional expense of having SBC run a telephone
line to the nearest controller box in the Library. These hands free emergency phones must
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be hard wired. Mrs. Anthony distributed a brief description of the emergency phone use
and features.
A motion was made by Dr. Wozniak, seconded by Mrs. Weiner:
MOTION:
THAT THE SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVE THE TWO QUOTES FROM SCHINDLER FOR $3,345.00
AND $2,000.00 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NORTH ELEVATOR
AND THE BASEMENT ELEVATOR AS PRESENTED.
The roll call vote for approval was unanimous.
CLOSING FOR STAFF DAY 2006
Mrs. Anthony requested permission of the Board to close the Library Friday, December
15 for Staff Day. The tentative plan is to bring in an outside speaker with a focus on
serving people of diverse backgrounds. As has become customary, the Library will have
a festive lunch and recognition oflongevity service.
Mrs. Rich made a motion, seconded by Dr. Wozniak:
MOTION:
THAT THE SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVE CLOSING THE SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY ON
DECEMBER 15, 2006, FOR STAFF DAY.
The motion passed unanimously.
ADOPTION OF TAX LEVY
Mrs. Anthony explained that next month, the Board will need to adopt a tax levy for
transmission to the Village of Skokie. The 2006 levy will be introduced as part of the
Village's Levy Ordinance in early December and acted on by the Village Board before the
end ofDecember. This levy will fund the Library's 2007-2008 Fiscal Year.
The 2005levy was $9,897,805., an increase of9% over the 2004levy of$9,080,555. The
Library's debt payment for construction bonds in FY 2008 will be $1,441,032.52.
Collections in the past three years have been short as follows:
FY 2004
$187,614.
(2.3% of collection)
FY 2005
$199,087.
(2.3% of collection)
FY 2006
$234,774.
(2.6% of collection)
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On the other hand, the Library has been improving its cash position, spending less than
revenues in each of the past two years. The General Operating Fund balance as of May 1 has
increased as follows:
FY 2004
$2,042,983.
FY 2005
$2,205,870.
FY 2006
$3,619,778. (unaudited)
While Library monthly expense is now about $700,000., the amount on hand would be
sufficient for five months of operations, allowing the Library to meet obligations if tax bills
were to be sent out by Cook County September 1, a month after the target date for mailing.
This year, tax bills were mailed on time August 1 so the Library can begin to collect some
revenue already in August and should be able to comfortably meet expenses this fall.
However, last year, the tax bills were sent out in late September and the Library did not begin
to receive tax receipts until nearly the end of October. Some years ago, the Library could
expect to receive the bulk of property tax receipts within the first month after the due date.
That is no longer the case. Last year, significant tax collections were still being received in
December.
Library strategy in recent years has been to increase the levy greater than needed to cover
anticipated expenses, both to allow for the short collections (primarily due to tax appeals) and
to improve its cash position. It is clear that this strategy has been successful.
Percentage increases in the past three years have been as follows:
2003levy
$8,486,500.
5.5% over 2002levy
2004levy
$9,080,555.
7% over 2003 levy
2005levy
$9,897,885.
9% over 2004 levy
Review of the charts showing financial receipts and expenditures for the General Operating
Fund from FY 2000-FY 2006 and the report of revenues and expenses for the first quarter of
FY 2007 will show that there have been increases in Replacement Taxes, Fines & Fees and
Interest, all of which helps the Library's cash position.
Nevertheless, Mrs. Anthony will be recommending to the Board a 7% increase for the 2006
levy, continuing the aggressive position in relation to an allowance for tax appeals and
continuing to improve the Library's cash position. Given Cook County's record in sending
out tax bills, Mrs. Anthony suggests that the Library aim to have six months operating cash
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on hand at the beginning of the Fiscal Year. Therefore the Library should be aiming for a
May 1 balance in the General Operating Fund of$4,200,000.
Given that the Reserve Fund has less than $340,000., the Library can also look to resume the
practice of making an end-of-year transfer to that fund. The Library hopes to soon be able to
purchase the final outstanding property and complete work on the West parking lot which
will surely deplete the current Reserve Fund.
While the Board does not need to take action on this matter until the September meeting,
Mrs. Anthony asked for direction if the Board would like to see changes before the levy
request is submitted for approval at the September meeting.
Discussion followed. The Board questioned if a seven percent increase was enough. Mr.
Graham asked the Board to contact Mrs. Anthony with questions before the September
meeting.
LIBRARY CABLE NETWORK
The August 2006 Cable Guide was noted.
NORTH SUBURBAN LIBRARY SYSTEM
Mr. Zelenka's NSLS Board Report; the Group Insurance Trust Update for the Year
Ended June 30, 2006; Reciprocal Borrowing Program, January 2006-June 2006; and
Reciprocal Borrowing Program, July 2005-June 2006 were noted.
"GLENVIEW LIBRARY EASES 'NET FILTERING", CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
AUGUST 3, 2006
The "Glenview Library Eases 'Net Filtering" article was noted.
COMMENTS FROM TRUSTEES
Mr. Zelenka reported that Jan Schakowsky was one of fifteen congress people to vote
against DOPA (Deleting Online Predators Act).
Mr. Zelenka said that illinois Library Association President Tamiye Meehan would like
ILA to push legislation. Mr. Zelenka asked that Mrs. Anthony and staff email him their
ideas/suggestions before his August 28 and September 11 ILA meetings. Mrs. Anthony
suggested a proposal for Illinois CLICKS! Mrs. Anthony also suggested purchase of
group licensing through the State of Illinois as opposed to individual purchases, for
example, for purchase of back files of the Chicago Tribune.
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Dr. Wozniak praised Will Manley's commentary on the value of human service in the
latest issue of American Libraries.
Mr. Graham said about three years ago, Jan Watkins, Head of Youth Services, presented
a proposal for banners for the Youth Services Department. During that time (in the midst
of construction and budget constraints), the Board denied Ms. Watkins request. He would
like the Board to re-consider the banners. The Board discussed the matter and agreed that
up to $5,000. could be spent to purchase such banners for Youth Services.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:33 p.m. a motion was made by Dr. Wozniak, seconded by Mrs. Rich to adjourn the
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Title
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Minutes, Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Creator
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Skokie Public Library. Board of Trustees
Contributor
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Zelenka, Dayle (Secretary)
Description
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Includes adoption of Tax Levy
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8/9/2006
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PDF
9 p.
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Public Libraries -- Illinois -- Skokie
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LBM20060809.pdf
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Skokie Public Library, Skokie, IL
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eng
2000s (2000-2009)
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Serial publication, paper document
2000s
library board meetings
tax levy