The monthly meeting of the Board of the St. Louis County Library District was held at the Mahlon P. Wallace Headquarters Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO, on Monday, July 16, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. The agenda had been posted in all branches of the Library District at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Library Board Members
Richard J. Bagy, Jr., President
Bettie Gershman, Vice-President
Kenneth Stricker, Treasurer
Jean Weinstock, Member
Chingling Tai was not able to attend.
Charles Pace, Director; Gary Holdefer, Associate Director and Comptroller; George Durnell, Assistant Director for HQ Services; Barbara Brain, Assistant Director for Neighborhood Services; Darold Crotzer, Crotzer, Ford & Ormsby Counsel; Kristen Sorth, Manager, Human Resources; Jim Bogart, Manager, Development; Tom Curran, St. Louis County Government; and Sandra Williams, Executive Assistant and Friends Coordinator.
The Minutes, dated Monday, June 18, 2007, were approved by general consent.
Gary Holdefer reported that the Library has received a $25,000 grant from United Way. The 2007 tax hearing is set for August 20th.
The Treasurer's Report dated June 30 was approved subject to audit (Stricker/Gershman).
Customer Service Issues - Mr. Pace reported that patrons are concerned about the daily time limit imposed by the time management system. At a recent meeting, the administrative team committee decided to increase the time limit from two to three hours in an effort to make efficient use of resources. He also reported some technical problems related to print jobs that extend more than three hours in the print cue.
Community Visits - Mr. Pace reported that he had the opportunity to ride in the bookmobile in the Veiled Prophet Parade. He congratulated the drill team members for their performance along the long parade route.
Facilities - There were a number of power surges at HQ during the month, that were a result of electrical lines being damaged in a windstorm. This caused some minor problems for the ITS department.
Grants - Indian Trails Branch was awarded $7,100 of LSTA funds to provide a program for its patrons in need of GED and workplace educational tools. The Natural Bridge Branch received a Senior Discovery Grant from the State LSTA funds. The grant will assist senior adults and others to continue to develop interests, creativity and cognitive processes through educational and informational presentations and participation in activities.
Holiday Closing - The holiday closing schedule for the remainder of 2007 and for 2008 was presented. The Library will be closed in 2007 on Monday, Sept. 3 for Labor Day; Thursday, Nov. 22 for Thanksgiving Day; Friday, Nov. 23 for the Day after Thanksgiving; Monday, Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve; and Tuesday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day. In 2008 the Library will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day; Monday, Jan. 21, for Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday; Monday, Feb. 18, Presidents’ Day; Sunday, March 23, Easter Day; Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day; Friday, July 4 for Independence Day; Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day; Thursday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving Day; Friday, Nov. 28 for the Day after Thanksgiving; Wednesday, Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve; and Thursday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day.
Staff - Mr. Pace announced that Sharon Elliot has been appointed as the new supervisor at Thornhill Branch effective July 1. Cheri Remington is now the supervisor at Bridgeton Trails.
Author Events - Mr. Pace announced upcoming visits of author Jackie Collins on July 12 and local author Ridley Pearson on July 16. He also requested that Headquarters close early on September 20 to accommodate the anticipated crowd for former Whitehouse Watergate figure John Dean. The Board approved the closing (Weinstock/Gershman).
ALA Conference - Mr. Pace reported that the ALA Conference in Washington, DC was very successful with record breaking attendance of more than 27,000. While there, Mr. Pace volunteered to work the Ambassador’s desk to answer questions from first time attendees.
The Board requested administration to find out if the Library was allowing an organization to sponsor a reverse mortgage seminar.
None
Ethics Policy - The Board reviewed and approved its Code of Ethics Policy and passed a resolution that will extend to 2009 (Gershman/Weinstock). A copy of the resolution will be forwarded to the Missouri Ethics Commission as required by State Statute.
Professional Services - The Board approved Huber Ring Helm as the auditor for both the Library and Pension Plan audits(Stricker/Weinstock).
Automotive - The Board approved the low bid of Feld Chevrolet to purchase two new 2008 extension service vans for a trade difference of $64,286 (Gershman /Stricker).
Healthcare - The Library Board is requesting bids for a brokerage service at the August meeting.
Closed Session - Mr. Stricker moved that the open meeting adjourn and the Board reconvene in closed session pursuant to Section 610.021 subsection (1), (2), (3), (9), (11), (12), (13) and (14) 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. Mrs. Gershman seconded. All approved by individual voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________________________ __________________
Jean Weinstock Date
Secretary