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NORTHVILLE DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 25, 2007 – 7:30 p.m.
Northville District Library Carlo Meeting Room

1.    Chairperson Alan Somershoe called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
1.1    Roll Call - Present: Trustees Alan Somershoe, Robert Sochacki, Deborah Stanifer, Judy Sherman, Peggy Koppy, and Joe Corriveau. Also present: Julie Herrin, Director; Anne Mannisto, Assistant Director; Judith Williams, Administrative Assistant; and Jim Morché, President of the Friends; and Denise LaMotte, library staff.
Absent: Trustee Jean Hansen.
1.2    Approval of the Agenda: MOTION: Peggy Koppy made a motion to accept the agenda as amended. Robert Sochacki seconded the motion. Motion passed.
1.3    Approval of the Regular Board Meeting minutes September 27, 2007: MOTION: Robert Sochacki made a motion to accept the minutes of the September 27th meeting as corrected. Deborah Stanifer seconded the motion. Motion passed.
1.4    Correspondence: None.

2.    Citizens’ Comments: None.

3.    Director’s Report:
Statistics: The statistics for September 2007 show a slight increase in circulation, but other numbers are down. There was, however, the highest increase in the use of the Local History computers ever in a single month. There were 330 Wireless/Wired Hotspot users this month. Remote Catalog usage was 2,712 and 3,306 items were renewed online.
Youth Programming: There were 39 youth programs since the last Board Meeting with a total of 1,132 attendees. The Basically Bats program had 155 attendees and the Halloween Crafts had 138 participants. The Youth Department is conducting a contest of guessing the number of treats in a jar; the prizes are uniquely decorated pumpkins. There have been two complaints regarding Storytime registration requirements.
Adult Programming: The Movie this month had 27 viewers and the Book Discussion hosted 12. The Internet Classes had 10 at the Basics and 6 at the Advanced.
The Museum Adventure Pass, which began today. is a program, sponsored by Macy’s which allows Library Cardholders to check out a one-week free pass to different museums in the area. Passes to DIA will be available after the 28th of November when the Institute reopens.
Community: Al Smitley participated in the Northville Cemetery Walk and his photo was featured in the Northville Record. The Art House has approached the Library about holding photo classes in the Library and a schedule is being discussed. This program may benefit the Library and the Art House both. Old Village School has approached the Library about co-sponsoring a Book Fair to benefit Old Village School. Since Old Village students volunteer at the Library, Julie feels that the partnership to co-sponsor this activity would be appropriate. The Board approved.
Quality Measures: Julie reported that she had applied for Enhanced Quality Measures for the Library and expects to hear very soon that NDL has received this award. She believes that reaching the “Excellent” level of accomplishment will be a difficult goal to attain and recommends that we place this on hold for the time being.
Staff: Anne Mannisto and Patricia Garavoglia attended a workshop on promoting the library. The staff attended a full Staff Meeting and there were separate meetings for the Department Heads and Librarians this month. The Librarians are busy spending down their book budgets.
Public Relations: Former Trustee Barbara Glover is again working with Julie and Anne on the annual direct mail campaign for the Library’s Endowment Fund. Julie and Anne will assist with this end-of-the-year mailing. Julie, Anne and Judith attended the Annual Meeting for the Northville Chamber of Commerce; and Julie and Anne attended the TLN Membership Meeting this month.

4.    Friends Report: Jim Morché inquired about placing a cabinet in the Friends Alcove and will present options to the facilities committee for approval when he finds one. He also stated that $434 has been earned so far by selling boxes of donated books directly to a used book dealer. He noted that there are plans to open the Book Cellar 3 days per week. Jim reported that he had surpassed his goal of doubling the number of Friends Business Memberships from 8 to 16. There are now 26 Friends Business Memberships. Jim reported that he will again act as host for the Foreign Film Series in November and December.

5.    Budget and Finance Review: Deborah Stanifer
5.1    MOTION: Deborah Stanifer made a motion to approve payment of the Northville District Library bills over $1,000 for October 2007 as presented to the Board. Judy Sherman seconded the motion. Motion passed.
5.2    The Board was given copies of the Financial Report for the Operating Fund for September. Deborah reviewed this, noting that 83% of the fiscal year is reflected in it. The expenditures to date are on track.
5.3    MOTION: Deborah Stanifer made a motion to transfer $50,000 during October from the Operating Fund to the Reserve Fund to reflect the budgeted funds for Facilities Preservation. Robert Sochacki seconded the motion. Motion passed.
5.4    MOTION: Deborah Stanifer also made a motion to transfer $100,000 during October from the Operating Fund to the MERS Trust for Retiree Health Care to reflect the budgeted funds for this account during this fiscal year. Peggy Koppy seconded the motion. Motion passed.
5.5    MOTION: Deborah Stanifer made a motion to transfer $40,000 during October from the Operating Fund to the Reserve Fund to reflect the budgeted funds for the future purchase of RFID. Peggy Koppy seconded the motion. Motion passed.
5.6    RESOLUTION: Deborah presented information from MERS regarding Resolution E which would allow a 2% increase to pension payments being made to current retirees. Robert Sochacki seconded the passage of this Resolution and a roll call vote of the Trustees present passed unanimously.

6.    Committee Report: Policy Committee.
The Policy Committee met at 6:30 p.m. this evening, to discuss required changes to two policies. The Policy on the Safety and Well-being of Children needs to be changed to reflect the closing of the City’s police station each evening and the impact this has on caring for a child who is left at the library after closing. The Code of Conduct must also be amended to reflect the addition of a Coffee Cart and allowance of covered beverages in the Library. The Policy Committee made the appropriate changes to these policies and will present them at the November Board Meeting for a first reading.

7.    Announcements and Comments:
Julie Herrin reported that feedback from the staff regarding the Board sponsored Holiday Luncheon and confirmed it is a much appreciated event. It will be held on Wednesday, December 12. Peggy Koppy and Deborah Stanifer will represent the Board with Julie, Anne and Judith assisting with the arrangements.

The next regular meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2007, in the Carlo Meeting Room. This is the third Thursday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

8.    MOTION: Alan Somershoe asked for a motion to adjourn. Deborah Stanifer made a motion to adjourn. Peggy Koppy seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Judy Sherman
jw: 11/2/07