MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
WEBSTER GROVES PUBLIC LIBRARY
April 18, 2007

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Webster Groves Public Library was held at 7 pm on April 18th. Vice-president Tom Reedy presided, and Library Director Tom Cooper kept the minutes. Present: Library Board Trustees Peter Ruger, Bob Herdler, Christine Krueger, Stacy Deleste, Angela Birke, and City Council Liaison Jeanne Kirkton. Absent: Jon Furst.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m.

Public Agenda

There was no public agenda.

Minutes of the March 21, 2007 Meeting

Mr. Herdler moved to accept the minutes, Ms. Deleste seconded, and the minutes were approved.

Correspondence

Lorry Myers, President of the Centralia Municipal Library Board of Trustees, sent a letter to the Board asking them to consider whether the Boundary Law of 1965 adversely impacts the library. They want us to support them in their goal to have the law reexamined. The sense of the Board was that it is an important issue, but perhaps would be better addressed by the Municipal Library Consortium Directors as a group. Mr. Cooper said he would address it at the next MLC directors meeting.

President’s Report

There was no report from the president.

The slate of candidates who were nominated as officers at last month’s meeting was presented for consideration. Mr. Ruger moved that the slate be approved by acclamation; Ms. Krueger seconded, and the following officers were approved for Fiscal Year 2007-2008:

Librarian’s Report

The meeting with Dennis Walker and Bruce Dell of Hoener associates was informative and productive. Mr. Walker has been back twice since, once to meet with staff, once to measure and ‘look around.’

Mr. Cooper has called the Board of Election Commissioners to see what issues might be on the August 7th ballot – an important consideration when deciding to put our own issue on that ballot. They have not called back yet.

Advance Planning

There was no report from this committee.

Automation/Systems

Mr. Cooper noted that things are still up in the air with our automation provider, and it is hard to tell what system we may be using in another two or three years.

Building and Grounds

We have three bids for paving the parking lots. They vary widely in cost and in how the job could be done, so they have been sent to the Public Works Department for a recommendation on which one looks best.

Mr. Cooper solicited suggestions for someone to repair the library’s front doors.

Finance

Mr. Reedy reviewed the financial report and disbursements for March 2007. Ms. Krueger made a motion that the financial report be approved as presented. Ms. Deleste seconded, and the report was approved.

The finance committee needs to meet soon to approve a draft budget for FY 2007-2008, and to discuss renewing our line of credit. Mr. Cooper will send suggested dates to Mr. Reedy and Mr. Herdler.

Human Resource

The committee needs to meet soon to discuss the director’s evaluation.

Policy

There was no report from this committee.

Old Business

Mr. Ruger made a suggestion for someone who may be a good board member. Other candidates were discussed.

New Business

The Directors and Public Officials Insurance Policy expires on June 7. Mr. Ruger asked to see a copy of the policy, so he could consider whether it is relevant and effective coverage. Mr. Cooper will send that copy soon.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.

The next meeting of the Library’s Board of Trustees will be held on Wednesday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.