The monthly meeting of the Board of the St. Louis County Library District was held at the Cliff Cave Branch, 5430 Telegraph Road on Monday, June 18, 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
Chingling Tai, Member
Jean Weinstock was not able to attend.Others Attending
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; Jason Kuhl, Manager, Cliff Cave Branch; Kerrie Osborn, Supervisor, Cliff Cave Branch; Kathy Quinn, Asst. Vice Pres. Group Benefits, Daniel and Henry; Laura Kostial, patron; and Sandra Williams, Executive Assistant and Friends Coordinator.
The Minutes, dated Monday, May 21, 2007, were approved by general consent.
Gary Holdefer reported that the Library has received over $18,000 from the West County T.I.F..; and $50,000 from the Athletes & Entertainers Tax. The Library has sent Richmond Heights and University City Public Libraries Reciprocal Agreement payments of $4,954 and $4,422 respectively. The new Boeing Bookmobile has arrived and should be ready in the fall.
The Minutes, dated Monday, May 21, 2007, were approved by general consent.
Time Management Software - Mr. Pace reported that patrons are concerned about the daily time limit imposed by the time management system. Other options are being investigated to ensure fair usage.
Policy Issues - Mr. Pace reported that a revised meeting room policy was drafted after much discussion.
Community Visits - Mr. Pace recently met with former director of the Des Moines Public Library Kay Runge. He also met with Bob Kunz, City Manager of Ballwin, on June 1, to discuss future possible collaborative projects between the library and the City of Ballwin. Mike Shoedel, Clayton City Manager and Dr. Senti, Superintendent of Clayton Schools met with Mr. Pace on June 4th. Dr. Senti wanted to discuss future plans for the Clayton Center area and possible inclusion of a library facility in this space as a replacement for our Mid-County Branch. Mr. Pace informed them that he would be happy to explore the idea further and discuss it as part of the Library’s facilities/strategic planning process.
Facilities - Mr. Pace reported that an improperly installed sewer pipe leading from the Grand Glaize Branch was leaking sewage on to the ground. As a result, it was necessary to dig up that section of pipe and replace it.
Staff - Emily Althoff has been appointed as the new branch manager at the Eureka Hills Branch. Previously, she served as the supervisor of the Lewis and Clark Branch.
Author Events - The Suspense Night author event held on Wednesday, June 6, attracted over a hundred participants. One July 14, we will have Jackie Collins at the library.
ALA Conference - Mr. Pace announced that he will be attending the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC from June 21-28. Gary Holdefer will be in charge during his absence.
None.
Guest Patron - Mr. Bagy invited patron Laura Kostial to address her concern about the decision to eliminate the Booking Collection. Ms. Kostial said she had sent a letter and emails requesting the Library reinstate the Booking Collection because of its use by homeschoolers. Discussion ensued. Mr. Bagy suggested that Ms. Kostial submit popular titles to George Durnell. Although the VHS format can not be reinstated, Mr. Durnell will investigate the DVD format.
Building Repair (Carpet Projects) - The Board approved the low bidders for new carpeting. Flooring Systems will carpet Oak Bend ($66,964) and Prairie Commons ($71,978) and Tony Prince Co. will carpet Special Collections ($17,076) (Stricker/Tai).
Auditorium and Meeting Place Policy - The Board approved revisions to the Auditorium and Meeting Place Policy. The revisions make it clearer that he Library’s need for the rooms takes precedence over use by outside groups. The revised policy also makes it easier for staff to interpret and apply fairly. Per the Board, the approval includes a 60 day notification if a group is bumped from room use (Stricker/Gershman). Dr. Tai will meet with Barbara Brain concerning a letter from a book discussion group that has been meeting at Daniel Boone. The group was unhappy about a decision the Library made regarding their meeting place.
Employee Benefits - The Board instructed the staff to inform Blue Cross that the Library will accept the proposed health insurance contract for 90 days. Staff will go to market again to seek a better rate.
Delta Dental - The Board approved the Delta Dental renewal coverage at a 0% cost increase (Gershman/Stricker).
Waiting Periods - The Board approved changing the waiting period for new employees to be eligible for benefits from 90 days to 30 days (Stricker/Gershman).
Part Time Benefits - The Board approved SRC/AETNA optional health and dental insurance for part time employees (Stricker/Gershman). This is a voluntary benefit for part time employees offered at no cost to the Library.
Foundation - The Library Board approved the recommendation of the Foundation Board. Cathy Kinsman and Diane J. Davis were approved for membership to the Foundation Board (Gershman/Stricker).
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 metting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Acting Secretary Date