ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

MEETING OF THE BOARD

HEADQUARTERS BRANCH

MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008

3:30 PM

 

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., on Monday, January 28, 2008 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:

 

                        Jean Weinstock, President

Lynn Beckwith, Vice President

Kenneth Stricker, Treasurer

Chingling Tai, Secretary

Edith Cunnane, Member

 

            Others Attending:

 

Charles Pace, Director; Gary Holdefer, Associate Director and Comptroller; Darold Crotzer, Crotzer, Ford & Ormsby Counsel; Barbara Brain, Assistant Director for Neighborhood Services; Kristen Sorth, Manager, Human Resources; Jim Bogart, Development Manager, Jake Fejedelem, ITS Manager; Denise Keller, Finance Manager; Pete Kruchowski, ITS; Bob Rohlf and Melissa Brechon, Rohlf and Associates; and Sandra Williams, Executive Assistant and Friends Coordinator.

 

The MINUTES, dated Monday, December 17, 2007, were approved by the Board (Stricker/Cunnane). 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  NONE

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:

 

The Treasurer’s Report dated December 31 was approved subject to audit (Stricker/Beckwith).  Mr. Holdefer reported that $15.8 million in 2007 tax revenue was received before Dec. 31, 2007.  The Library received $229,382 from the Chesterfield Valley TIF. The project was paid off ten years early.  The auditors have completed their field work.  A complete report will be presented at the March meeting. 

 

DIRECTOR’S REPORT: 

 

CUSTOMER SERVICE ISSUES– Mr. Pace reported that the Library received about 10 complaints regarding the holds limits from 50 to 25.  The majority of our customers are unaffected by this change since they never reach the 25 holds limit.  Mr. Pace stated that he would continue to work with the public to explain the reasons for this change.

 

B & W SECURITY - The Library has discontinued its relationship with B&W security and has signed a contract with the County Police to provide security at those branches where it is needed.

 

MAJOR EVENTS– The Library sponsored several author events in the last month including Rafe Esquith on January 9.  Due to the overwhelming response of patrons, the event was moved to another site.  It was held at the Mary Institute County Day (MICDS) School.   More than 500 people attended this event which was well received.  On January 17th, the Library hosted award winning author Geraldine Brooks.  The auditorium was filled to capacity.  On Friday, January 18, Eoin Colfer, author of the popular Artemis Fowl series, was our guest.  I’d like to congratulate Jim Bogart and Carrie Robb for a job well done.

 

FACILITIES – The carpet project on Tier Five is nearly completed.  The installer is awaiting the delivery of another box of carpet squares to complete the project.

 

ALA MID WINTER CONFERENCE – Mr. Pace reported that he attended the ALA Midwinter Conference in Philadelphia from January 11-16.  He served on the ALA Council and thanked the Board and taxpayers for making it possible for him to attend.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Mr. Pace reported that the Library Foundation would host several upcoming events in the future including Cokie Roberts and Mary Higgins Clark.


UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

BOARD POLICY: (CODE OF CONDUCT) Barbara Brain reported that changes have been made to the Library Code of Conduct.  A revised copy was requested by the Board.

 

STRATEGIC PLAN  - Bob Rohlf, of Robert Rohlf Associates introduced Melissa Brechon who has been working closely with Marie Conlin on the Strategic Plan.  Ms. Brechon reported that she had met with focus and community groups since last April.  The objectives were identified and approval is being requested for the plan. Dr. Beckwith requested the Director’s name be added to the plan.  The Board approved the Strategic Plan (Beckwith/Cunnane).

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

FOOD FOR FINES –   Mr. Pace reported that the Food for Fines program has been successful for nine years.  The program is scheduled to take place during National Library Week, April 15-21.  The food is given to Operation Food Search for distribution to food panties throughout the St. Louis region.  The Board approved the program for 2008 with a $10 limit (Stricker/Beckwith).

 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – Kristen Sorth reported that 9 proposals were received in response to a request for qualifications for a medical, dental, life and disability insurance brokerage services.  The responses were individually reviewed and ranked by 5 staff members.  The Daniel and Henry Co. was recommended by staff.  The Board approved the recommendation (Beckwith/Cunnane).

 

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) – Jake Fejedelem reported that a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was sent out in December.   Costs have been reduced since that time.  Biblioteca was unanimously selected.  An opportunity to apply for a state grant may bring a 20-25% savings.  The Board approved Biblioteca (Cunnane/Tai).

Due to the reduced cost for the RFID, staff requested an additional branch be added to the initial four branches selected.  The Board approved the addition of the Weber Road Branch (Beckwith/Cunnane).

 

INVESTMENT BIDS – Requests for quotes have been sent to 21 banks in the area. Six responded.  Staff recommended the three high bidders:  St. Louis Bank, Commerce Bank and Reliance Bank.  The Board approved the three banks recommended (Beckwith/Cunnane).  Kenneth Stricker abstained.

 

VEHICLE BIDS – Staff sent specifications to 24 dealers for a bookmobile towing vehicle, two building systems maintenance vehicles and one passenger mini van.  Dave Sinclair Ford was recommended for the three trucks ($103,934).  Southtown Dodge was recommended for the mini van ($22,450).  The Board approved the recommendations (Stricker/Cunnane).

 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)   Mr. Dana Tennill, Tennill & Associates, recommended the low bidders.  Wiegmann & Associates was recommended for Bridgeton Trails at $293,036; Meramec Mechanical for Cliff Cave at $275,900, Grand Glaize at $371,500 and Oak Bend at $259,000.  The Board approved the recommendations (Stricker/Cunnane).

 

CLOSED SESSION

Kenneth 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.   All approved by individual voice vote.

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

____________________________________________                    __________________

Chingling Tai                                                                                         Date

Secretary