ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
MEETING OF THE BOARD
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2005
3:30 PM

The monthly meeting of the Board of the St. Louis County Library District was held at the Mahlon P. Wallace Headquarters Building, 1640 S. Lindbergh, on Monday, March 28, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.  The agenda had been posted in all branches of the Library District at least 24 hours before the meeting.

ATTENDANCE: 

Library Board Members:

Richard J. Bagy, Jr., President
Bettie Gershman, Vice-President
Kenneth P. Stricker, Treasurer
Jean Weinstock, Member
Chingling Tai, Member

Others Attending:

C. Daniel Wilson, Jr., Director; Darold Crotzer, Crotzer, Ford, Ormsby & Schraeder, Counsel; George Durnell, Assistant Director; Kristen Sorth, Manager, Human Resources; William Rodgers, Manager, Information Systems Technology; Barbara Brain, Senior Manager for Public Services; Jim Bogart, Manager, Development; Lance A. Carlson, , Sr. Vice President, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.; Jeffrey Winter and Mary Kaye Lofgren, RBG & Co.;  and Sandra Williams, Executive Assistant.

Prior to meeting, the Board members attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing  the new Bookmobile purchased by the Library Foundation. 

The MINUTES, Tuesday, January 18, 2005, were approved by general consent.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Mr. Bagy welcomed new Board members Chingling Tai and Jean Weinstock. 

The January and February 2005 Treasurer’s Report was received by the Board, subject to audit.

Mr. Stricker presented the report in Mr. Holdefer’s absence. 

DIRECTOR’S REPORT: 

RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS – Mr. Wilson reported that beginning April 1, residents of municipal library districts will be restricted from placing holds.  Discussion will begin soon with St. Charles City-County and St. Louis Public Library regarding reciprocal lending.   

ANNUAL REPORT DRAFT– Mr. Wilson shared copies of the annual report draft.   

UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

LEGAL COUNSEL – The Board approved the law firm of McMahon, Berger, Hanna, Linihan, Cody and McCarthy to handle personnel issues (Gershman/Weinstock).

PARKER ROAD PROPERTY – The Board voted to retain all the earnest money on the Parker Road sales contract submitted by the Stricklands. (Stricker/Gershman). 

NEW BUSINESS: 

RESOLUTION – Mr. Wilson presented a resolution honoring Mr. Curran for his service to the Library as a Board member.  The signed resolution will be framed and presented to Mr. Curran at a later date (Stricker/Weinstock). 

BOARD ORGANIZATION– The Library Board appointed Jean Weinstock as secretary of the Library Board (Stricker/Gershman). 

FOUNDATION BOARD – The Library Board appointed Chingling Tai to the Foundation Board (Weinstock/Stricker). 

INDEPENDENT AUDIT – The Board received a report from Jeffrey Winter and Mary Kay Lofgren of RBG & Co.  The report gave an unqualified opinion that the Library’s business affairs are being handled properly according to statutes.    The two week audit process identified assets and reported that last year’s recommendations were being implemented.  There were no deficiencies in internal controls.  Mr. Bagy asked what the Library was doing to deter fraud.  The Board discussed forming a financial committee.  Page 11 of the Business Performance Analysis is to be revisited at the April 18, Board meeting. 

INSURANCE RENEWALS –Arthur J. Gallagher & Company recommended that the Board renew the Firemen’s Fund coverage at a cost of $447,225.  Lance Carlson was asked to get a quote for increased crime coverage for next month’s meeting (Stricker/Gershman). 

BOARD POLICY (INTERNET ACCESS) –   After a brief discussion of the recommendation by the Fair Use Committee to charge a nominal fee, the Board tabled the discussion.  The Board asked the Fair Use Committee to consider a higher amount for non cardholders of SLCL. 

PENSION PLAN CONTRIBUTION -    The Board approved the Actuarial recommendation of $584,168.  The contribution is $12,332 less than the budgeted expense for 2005 (Stricker/Gershman). 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS – Discussion was held on the recommendation of staff to install an elevator at Daniel Boone Branch and a lobby, staircase and elevator at Mid-County Branch.  Mr. Bagy suggested trying other avenues before making a decision at the next Board meeting.

VEHICLE BIDS – The Board approved the low bids of Butler Chevrolet for two delivery vans at a cost of $20,776 and Dave Sinclair Ford for two tow units at a cost of $53,225.  The quotes are lower than budgeted (Weinstock/Tai).

 CLOSED SESSION (NEXT MEETING)

Mrs. Weinstock moved that following the next public board meeting, the Board meet in closed session to discuss matters relating to legal actions, causes of action or litigation; property acquisition or sale and any personnel matters involving hiring, firing, discipline and promotion.  Dr. Tai  seconded.  All voted in the affirmative.

The meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Weinstock
Secretary