TOWNSHIPS OF THE QUINCY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
FEBRUARY 11, 2010
MINUTES
The Townships of the Quincy Area Public Library District Board of Trustees met at the Quincy Public Library on Thursday, February 11, 2010, with Ron Upper presiding. Trustees Present: Bill Weinberg, Fred Witte, Susan East, Charlie Jones, and Malinda Vogel. Trustees Absent: Alan Obert. Others Present: Nancy Dolan, Ethan Beckler, Kim Drake, and Bill McCleery – TQ Attorney. The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Fred Witte moved to approve the agenda as presented. Charlie Jones seconded and the motion carried.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Charlie Jones moved that the January 14, 2010, minutes be approved as presented. Bill Weinberg seconded and the motion carried.
III. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
IV. RECOGNITION OF CORRESPONDENCE AND GUESTS
A letter from Secretary of State Jesse White was received awarding TQAPLD a Per Capita Grant in the amount of $13,025.15. Nancy Dolan reported that QPL also received notification of the Per Capita Grant in the amount of $41,217.72. TQ’s Per Capita Grant will be turned over to QPL for collection development.
V. DISTRICT REPORTS
A. Financial Report: Ethan Beckler reported that as of January 31, 2010, the Illinois Funds General account had a balance of $100,804.59. The Illinois Funds Reserve account had a balance of $91,595.77. The interest received on the Illinois Funds – General account was $10.59. The interest on the Illinois Funds – Reserved was $7.53. The Illinois Fund Money Market interest rate for the month decreased to .097%.
B. Circulation & Event Statistics Report: Nancy Dolan reported that TQ fiscal year circulation figures are up, and noted that attendance at adult programs has increased. She reported that a new format for reporting statistics is being developed. This format will include all figures such as circulation statistics, program attendance, database usage, etc.
C. Library Report: Nancy Dolan reported that Leo the Library Lion has been busy visiting area schools to renew expiring Kids Only Library Cards and to introduce new readers to Leo and the Library. During the month of January, Leo and company visited over 1,000 kindergarten through 8th grade students. She noted that a new program to encourage library use for high school students is being developed.
VI. TQ COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Finance: Bill Weinberg presented one check for payment:
#1734 Quincy Public Library $20,600.00
There being no discussion, Bill Weinberg moved that the payment in the amount of $20,600 be approved as presented. Fred Witte seconded and the motion carried. Mr. Weinberg reported that expenses are running normal for the year. Bill McCleery presented a resolution terminating the Special Reserve Fund, transferring all funds into the general funds, and designating all funds as general unrestricted funds. There being no further discussion, Bill Weinberg moved to approve the Resolution as presented. Charlie Jones seconded and the motion carried. Nancy Dolan reported that the QPL Board voted to accept TQ’s offer to forgive the $2,000 loan for the publication of the Landrum books if QPL would forgive the $1,000 for annual website fees not paid in FY2008/2009.
B. Policy and Services: Malinda Vogel reported that Policy and Services did not meet.
C. Public Relations: Susan East reported that Public Relations did not meet.
D. Friends of the Library: Kim Drake reported that the Friends of the Library will hold a regular business meeting on February 17 at 2:00 p.m.
VII. QPL COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Finance: Bill Weinberg reported that the QPL Finance Committee did not meet.
B. Policy: Malinda Vogel reported that the QPL Policy Committee did not meet.
C. Personnel: Susan East reported that the QPL Personnel Committee did not meet.
D. Building & Grounds: Charlie Jones reported that the QPL Building and Grounds Committee did not meet.
E. Ad Hoc: Ron Upper reported that the Ad Hoc Main Building Committee was scheduled to meet on February 8, but the meeting was canceled due to lack of discussion. Bill Weinberg reported that he spoke with Dave Boster of the Quincy Mall about the possibility of renting space in the mall for a branch. Mr. Boster offered a prime location across from the fountain court of approximately 3,000 square feet. He offered the space for 12 to 18 months with no rent except for the months of November and December at $2,000 per month, utilities not included each month. Mr. Weinberg noted that the Library would probably have to be open the same hours as the mall, but that is not definite. Nancy Dolan stated that QPL voted at their February Board meeting to continue investigating the possibility of a branch at the mall, but expressed some concern with staffing and the current budget deficit the Library is facing. She stated that TQ would have to fund the majority of the project including staffing costs. Ethan Beckler estimated the cost at $75,000 per year with two people staffing the branch using mall hours. Ms. Dolan stated that if TQ is willing to fund all costs, then the discussion can move forward. Otherwise, there is no point in discussing the project any further. Charlie Jones suggested trying the branch out for only six months starting after November and December. Ms. Dolan stated that the renovations are estimated to begin in August or September. Susan East asked if any locations other than the Quincy Mall have been explored. Mr. Weinberg stated that TQ has looked into several other possible locations and will continue to do so. It was agreed that the Ad Hoc – Branch Committee needs to meet to discuss what services will be offered and what exactly is needed in the space before looking for other locations. Mr. Weinberg stated that he will continue discussions with Mr. Boster about the mall.
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No Unfinished Business was brought before the Board.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Kim Drake reported that she received a few blank Statements of Economic Interest for Board Members to complete, but not enough for everyone. She will get more forms from the County Clerk and distribute them at the March meeting. The forms are due by May 1, 2010.
B. Bill Weinberg stated that he asked the QPL Board if they would be willing to share their minutes with the TQ Board if TQ would share theirs. They agreed, and both Boards’ informational packets will now contain the previous month’s approved minutes.
C. Nancy Dolan reported that she has been asked to attend the Small Public Library Management Institute June 6 – 11, 2010, at the University of IL – Springfield campus. There are no registration fees or hotel costs for the conference, but meals and transportation are not included. Bill Weinberg moved that TQ pay for Ms. Dolan’s out-of-pocket expenses for the conference. Susan East seconded and the motion carried.
There being no further discussion, Fred Witte moved to adjourn the meeting. Charlie Jones seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Drake
