NORTHVILLE DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 23, 2009 – 7:30 p.m.
Northville District Library Carlo Meeting Room

1.    Chairperson Robert Sochacki called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. 

1.1    Roll Call - Present:  Trustees Robert Sochacki, Alan Somershoe, Judy Sherman, Mike DeFrancesco, and Joe Corriveau.  Also present:  Julie Herrin, Director; Anne Mannisto, Assistant Director; Judith Williams, Administrative Assistant; and Paul Snyder, President of the NDL Friends.  The audience included Trustee- elect Jim Morché, Library Counsel Stephen Schultz, and Library staff members Denise LaMotte and Al Smitley.
Absent:  Trustee Jean Hansen.
1.2    Approval of the Agenda:  MOTION:  Alan Somershoe made a motion to accept the agenda as amended, adding an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations, as item 8.1.  Judy Sherman seconded the motion.  Motion passed.
1.3    Approval of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes for March 26, 2009:  MOTION:  Trustee-elect Jim Morché noted corrections to the minutes.  Judy Sherman moved to accept the minutes as corrected.  Mike DeFrancesco seconded the motion.  Motion passed. 
1.4    Citizen Comments:  None.

2.    Correspondence:  None.

3.    Jim Morché took the oath of office as a Trustee.  He then made a brief statement and distributed a copy of his résumé to assist the board in utilizing his skills and abilities.  He also urged the need for more public awareness of library usage.

4.    Director’s Report:
Statistics:  Julie reported that circulation for the month of March 2009 was 17% higher than last March and reflects the highest ever circulation for a given month.  Internet use is the 2nd highest ever and database searches are also up.  There have also been increases in Local History users and Reference questions.
Youth Programming:  1057 children have attended 36 storytimes and programs this past month.  The National Library Week Magic Show had 165 attendees.  The Drop-in Storytime this month hosted a total of 72 children and caregivers at one session and 44 at the second session.  There was a Library tour for Our Lady of Victory students and teachers.
Adult Programming:  There were 16 attendees at the Adult Book Discussion this month.  The Foreign Film Program had 19 attendees in April.  The Gardening Program featuring Janet Macunovich was very well received by 76 attendees.  The class on downloading had a total of 22 attendees and the class on Social Networking hosted 28.  The “Creating a Green Home Program,” held on Earth Day, April 22, had 32 in attendance. As a way of promoting environmental habits, the Library will be selling reusable bags with the Library logo and slogan prominently displayed.  The Fantasy Baseball Program has 144 registered participants.
Teen Programming:  The Battle of the Books is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at the High School cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.  The Family Game Night had 23 attendees.
Staff:  Julie noted that Jeannine Davidson is scheduled to return from sick leave on May 1.  Several Library staff members have attended recent workshops, including three of the Youth Librarians who went to the MLA Spring Institute.  Al Smitley is a member of the TLN Technical Services Committee and has attended four meetings to date.
Collections:  Julie explained the change in policy to allow holds on TV DVDs in response to patron requests.  The Library has also begun the process of weeding VHS media. 
PR:  Library events have been featured in the Northville Record twice over the past month.  Julie gave a presentation on Library Services at a recent Rotary Club Meeting.  Julie, Judy McIntosh and Karen Fehl distributed information about Library Programs and services at the State of the Community Luncheon this past week.  Julie and Anne also attended the TLN Quarterly Membership meeting to learn about anticipated cuts in State Aid and to hear about the new TLN Director.  The Library will be participating in a State Park Program
which will provide free passes to Michigan State Parks from May 22 through September 26, 2009.  This Program is sponsored by Macy’s Department Stores and is similar to the current Museum Pass Program.
Technology:  Michael has installed a new server for the Intranet.  Anne Mannisto reported on a Morningstar Webinar being held in the Library and also available remotely, scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 at 4:00 p.m.

5.    Friends Report:  Friends President Paul Snyder announced that the Art House sale of special art books, donated by Dr. Eugenie Beall, grossed $1,011.  This was the first shared effort between the Friends and the Art House.  There are plans to hold additional sales in the future.  The Friends are exploring other opportunities to link with other local businesses in town.  May 1 – 3 the Gift Store is holding a special sale for Friends members and Library staff.    Paul reminded the Board about the upcoming Spring Author Luncheon on May 13 and a Program featuring the Saline Fiddlers which is sponsored by the Novi Friends.

6.    Budget and Finance Review:

6.1    MOTION:  In the absence of Treasurer Jean Hansen, Finance Committee member Alan Somershoe made a motion to approve payment of the Northville District Library bills over $1,000 for April 2009 as presented to the Board.  Jim Morché seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

6.2    Alan reported that the Financial Reports were appropriate for the current Fiscal Year, with 33% of the year completed.
  The Library has received 94.61% of its property tax revenue.  The remaining revenue is anticipated in August, including penal fines and delinquent taxes. 

6.3    MOTION:  Alan Somershoe made a motion to revise the budget to reflect the reduction of State Aid.  The new revenue figure for State Aid will be $9,000.  Mike DeFrancesco seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

6.4    MOTION:  Alan Somershoe made a motion to revise the budget for Interest from Investments to $1,500, given current interest rates.  Mike DeFrancesco seconded the motion.  Motion passed. 

Alan also noted that there will need to be a close watch on expenses as revenue is being reduced.  Jim Morché commented on the need for some building maintenance in the way of paint touch-up around the Library.  Julie Herrin responded that this kind of maintenance would be deferred until after the Summer Reading Program and that there will be painting as part of the Youth Area renovation project. 

7.    Committee Reports:
  None.

8.    Announcements and Comments:  Julie reported to the Board that this meeting was being held using the new tables that were subsidized by a donation from the Friends.  Judith demonstrated the ease of moving the new tables.  The old tables and a paperback spinner are being donated to the Friends. 

The next Finance Committee will be held on Tuesday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m. in the Carlo Meeting Room.

The next regular Board Meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2009, in the Carlo Meeting Room. 

9.    MOTION: 
Jim Morché made a motion that the Regular Board Meeting for April be adjourned to an Executive Session at 8:14 p.m.  Alan Somershoe seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.

Following the adjournment of the Executive Session at 8:40 p.m., the Regular Meeting reconvened.

10.    MOTION:  Jim Morché made a motion to approve the Union Contract as ratified by the NDLEA membership.  Alan Somershoe seconded the motion.  Motion passed.  The new contract which is retroactive to December 1, 2008 will run through November 30, 2011. 

Board Chairman Bob Sochacki expressed his thanks to the Bargaining Teams for the Administration and NDLEA. on behalf of the entire Board. 

11.    MOTION:
  Jim Morché made a motion to adjourn the Regular Board Meeting for April.  Alan Somershoe seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,


Judy Sherman
JW 5/18/09