THORNTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES
April 10, 2006

Vice-president John Merson called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Present were Deanna Brueggert, Stephanie Jones, Patty Ramsey, Ron Guinn and John Merson. Also present were library director Karen K. Niemeyer and treasurer Barbara A. Darnell. Absent were Eric Ragsdale and Teresa Carter.

Treasurer Barb made some additions to last
month’s claims so an amendment to the minutes of the March meeting were included in the following. Stephanie moved and Deanna seconded the motion that the minutes of the public hearing and the regular sessions be approved; motion carried. The additions to the claims are included with the minutes and on file for public viewing.

Barb’s financial report shows a balance of $250,977.06 cash, plus $147,090.95 investments, for a total of cash and investments of $398,068.01. She has transferred a CD and deposited interest of $2113.35. The board received $35,126.00 from John Douglass as the purchase price for the N. Pearl St. property.

Barb’s appropriation report shows the library to be on target with 2006 expenses at $25.65% already expended. Some accounts were hither and some lower, but the average was on target. The board will make transfers at future meetings as appropriate.

Karen requested approval for $529.60 for professional development opportunities for some of the staff. Deanna moved and Ron seconded that travel requests be approved; motion carried. John reminded the board and Karen of the need to not overspend the budgeted amount for this purpose. Karen agreed, but pointed out the need to subtract book delivery mileage from the professional development expenses. These will be separated in the 2007 budget.

Barb presented the register of claims for approval. After discussion and explanations, Patty moved and Stephanie seconded that claims be approved; motion carried.

Karen reported that as of 1:00 p.m., April 18, Lee Flaugher expects to have the building project totally finished and all final lien waivers in hand.

Patricia Legacy, the former renter of the 118 E. Bow property which burned on March 1, addressed the Board to request the return of her $500 damage deposit. The board had previously discussed the fire and its causes at its March meeting. After hearing her plea and reviewing the fire chief’s report, the board remains in agreement with the formal report submitted to the state. The report attributes an unattended candle as causing the fire. The board denied her request to have her damage deposit refunded. Ms. Legacy then implied that she might choose to sue the Board.

Karen reported on the demolition progress. The little house at 120 E. Bow St. has been demolished and the area cleared. She is awaiting a final decision from Auto-Owners Insurance before having the burned house demolished also. The figures are expected any day from the appraiser.

Karen has received a check from Galvin Insurance as a refund of the premium already paid o the Pearl St. property. Dick reported that $768.00 was saved after changes were made to the policy.

The board is seeking plans for water detention. There will have to be three bids if the Board moves on this issue before July 1, 2006. There are some other storm water problems that need to be addressed and could possibly be include in this project. It is expected that the architect’s fee (Eileen Davis of Veazey, Parrott, Durkin & Shoulders) could be as much as $5000, or 10% of the project cost. The current cost of the project is estimated to be $74,027.00. The architect will be present at the May meeting to explain the proposal and answer questions. The Board would like opinions from other experts and engineers to be sure all are in agreement before the board moves forward on this project.

The West Lafayette Public Library has six more end panels that may be purchased to complete the library’s shelving ranges. Other proposed improvements will be addressed at a future meeting.

Karen asked for permission to investigate contracting with a custodial business rather than continue having individuals clean the library. Individuals often have no backup for their absences and vacations, and Karen must seek substitutes on short notice. The board agreed that she should look into this.

Karen is using weekend help from the Boone County Jail to do odd jobs but is only using two persons at a time. This is working out well. They are doing minor repairs inside and outside the library and seem to be more reliable than community service volunteers.

The board received updated copies of “In the Public Trust” and “Public Library Law” publications.

Director’s Report: Circulation in the young adult collection is growing rapidly, partly because of Young Adult Librarian Rita Trafford’s books group “Teens Read.” Karen paid for a library ad in the school musical’s program book; this was at her own expense. The library sponsored a decorated table at Tablescapes; this was seen as an opportunity to promote the library. The fire alarm off-site monitoring service began on March 24. Karen has had her first report from the service and is satisfied. Dorothy Beavin has submitted her resignation, effective April 14. She is employed as a page and will need to be replaced. She is more than 78 years old and will be missed.

The Teen Council has decided to put out a newsletter. They may include it in the Friends newsletter or request funds from the Friends to mail it out separately.

There being no further business, Ron moved and Stephanie seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patth Ramsey, Secretary