THORNTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 8, 2003

In the absence of President Eric Ragsdale, Vice President John Merson called the executive session to order at 6:00 pm. Members in attendance were: Deanna Brueggert, Teresa Carter, Ron Guinn, Patty Ramsey, and Linda Yoder. Also present was Library Director Karen Niemeyer.

The potential hiring of Fern Minor as Head Librarian was discussed. The Board expressed enthusiasm for her experience and expertise, while acknowledging that this is a special opportunity for the library. No precedents are considered to be set with the arrangements and salary being proposed.

Patty moved to adjourn the executive session, Teresa seconded, and the session was adjourned at 6:10 pm.

John then called the regular session to order. Treasurer Barb Darnell and Clerk of the Works Craig White were present.

The Board approved the minutes of the August meeting after a motion by Ron and a second by Linda.

Treasurer Barb Darnell reported July receipts of $105,179.96, which includes the transfer of funds from construction to the LIRF and operating funds discussed last month. Disbursements from the operating fund for August totaled $25,189.95. The ending cash balance is $334,796.74. Barb noted that the receipts include $50 per month being paid as restitution for the vandalism of the library. Stacie Lewis-Crick and Chris Hawkins have been paid their insurance reimbursement, previously calculated at 1/3 of the premium, so there is an increase in their wages for this month.

Since we have a LIRF certificate of deposit coming due the 15th of September, Barb presented the available CD rates for renewal. After considering the offerings at Home National Bank, Farmer’s Bank, and the State Bank of Lizton, Deanna moved we transfer the funds to Farmer’s Bank for 13 months at a 1.75 percent interest rate. Linda seconded, and the motion carried.

Barb led a discussion of the Claims Register, noting the following additions for August: $17.67 to Vectren, $42.45 to Cingular Wireless, and $61.56 to the Tippecanoe County Clerk. After a discussion of the current month’s Claims Register, Patty moved to accept the Register. Ron seconded, and the motion was approved.

Karen recommended the following fund transfers: 1) Transfer $350 from books (100-4-052) to Periodicals (100-4-053) and 2) Transfer $2,400 from books to Equipment (100-4-051). She noted that some equipment will be reimbursed through insurance but that may not happen before year end. Deanna moved to approve the transfers, Patty seconded, and the motion was approved.

Craig White gave his first report on the construction progress, which at the moment is not progressing. The contractor will not be allowed to begin work until he has provided shop drawings, a construction schedule, a schedule of values, and a video tape of existing conditions. Architect Sean Bright has been informed of the missing information and is working with Flaugher Construction to get the necessary items. Karen expressed appreciation for Craig’s work thus far, and the Board agreed with her assessment.

Under old business, Karen reported that the Internet filtering plan discussed last month has not changed. The September 23 deadline will be met using low level filtering, which can be removed if it is in the way of an adult’s legitimate research. Since no objections were received at the public hearing for the 2004 budget, Ron moved to accept the budget as presented. Linda seconded, and the budget was approved.

Under new business, the board returned to the question of hiring Fern Minor. Patty moved that Fern be hired as Head Librarian at an annual salary of $28,000, with 15 vacation days earned at the end of one year’s service; she will also be allowed 3 personal days in October and 5 personal days in November as a one-time benefit, and no accumulated sick days will be transferred. Teresa seconded the motion, and the board approved the hiring of Fern.

Karen recommended approval of the following professional development requests: an October 8 workshop “What’s New in Dewey”; an October 30 workshop “Telling Our Story: Promoting Reference Service”; and SIRSI Acquisitions Training October 6-7. Total cost for the three events would be $160.80. Deanna moved that the board approve the requests, Ron seconded, and the motion passed.

In the director’s report, Karen reported that the Builder’s Risk Insurance increased to $5,320 because of the increase in the project cost. It will be a 14-month policy, which will be rebated if the project is completed early. The chair lift, currently being used in the library, will be marketed to churches or individuals who might want it. There has been no further discussion with Clinton Township about a merger. Karen is meeting with the Boone County Assessor tomorrow to discuss the tax appraisal we received for the two properties, which were torn down earlier this year; we want to verify that there will be no tax bill.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 pm on a motion from Patty and a second by Ron.
Next Regular Meeting: Monday, October 13, 2003 at 6 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Yoder, Secretary
Thorntown Public Library Board of Trustees