MINUTES OF THE

BAY COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

June 28, 2006

 

Ella Jane Martini, Chairperson, called the regular board meeting of the Bay County Library System Board of Trustees to order at 5:15 p.m. on June 28, 2006 in the Community Room, Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library. 

 

Roll call present:  Derald Adcock, Don Carlyon, James Davison, and Ella Jane Martini

 

Excused:           Mark Kaplenski

 

Other:               Georgianne Adcock, Kevin Ayala, Matt Bolt, Linda Heemstra, Bev Humerickhouse, Steve List, Mark Maul, Paula Pashak, Nicole Paquette, Beth Rye, Ryan Sequin, Linda Smith, Marge Spiker, and Sarah Wohlschlag

 

MINUTES

 

Motion by J. Davison, seconded by D. Adcock, to approve the minutes of May 16, 2006 and May 31, 2006 Special Board meetings and the May 24, 2006 Regular Board meeting.  Motion carried. 

 

BILLS PAYABLE

 

Motion by D. Adcock, seconded by J. Davison, to approve the bills as presented in the amount of $304,202.82.  Motion carried.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

May 2006 Financial Report

May 2006 Penal Fine Report – report was not available by meeting time.

 

Kevin Ayala reported the April penal fines came in $4,000 over what was actually budgeted.  A copy of the May penal fine report will be sent to the board when it is received.  The first four months of 2006 Penal fines are up $40,000 compared to actual budgeted figures.

 

Motion by J. Davison, seconded by D. Adcock, to receive the May Financial Reports.  Motion carried.

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 

Nicole Paquette and Ryan Sequin, Library pages from Sage, representing the teen millage renewal committee, addressed the Board.  They expressed the importance of Libraries to teens and are hoping to get the message out that Libraries are a gift of knowledge and how important the passing of the millage is to young people.  The teen millage committee is sponsoring a car wash to be held this Friday, at the K-mart parking lot from 10-3:00 pm. Proceeds will go toward the expense of building the teen float, which will be entered in the Auburn Corn Fest Parade on Sunday, July 16th to encourage support of the Library millage renewal vote on August 8th.

 

Ella Jane Martini thanked them for their enthusiasm and support.

 

Matt Bolt, owner and operator of Harvest Coffee Café located in the Alice and Jack Wirt Library, reported sales are slower than expected.  He pointed out that his business relies on Library patrons, and by not allowing beverages into the library, believes it is hindering sales at the Café.  M. Bolt is requesting that the Board consider lifting the ban on beverages in the Library.

 

Linda Heemstra reported from an inquiry she made that over 20 Libraries responded stating they do allow covered beverages in their Libraries with stipulations they are not allowed by computers or Local History/Genealogy rooms. 

 

Motion by J. Davison, seconded D. Adcock, that staff will bring back a policy in regards to allowing beverages in the Library.  Motion carried.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

Bay County Board of Commissioners – five year appointment of Don Carlyon

Please Tell Us What You Think – Beth Gunther

Carolyn Wierda, Superintendent – Bay City Schools

B.A.I.S.D.

 

J. Davison asked if a written response had been sent to Beth Gunter.  L. Heemstra replied that she has talked with Beth Gunter, and will also be drafting a written response to her.

 

Motion by J. Davison, seconded by D. Adcock, to receive the correspondence.  Motion carried.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance Committee – Don Carlyon, Chairperson

2007 Budget – K. Ayala stated that the proposed 2007 budget is what is submitted in July to the County.  He explained this is a preliminary estimate that will be refined closer to the end of the year.  A finance committee meeting will be held in December to finalize the 2007 budget which will then be brought back to the board for final adoption at that time.  K. Ayala reported the revenue portion of the operating budget is $5,627,500.  He will continue to monitor the state aid and penal fines closely.  Penal fines are budgeted for $300,000 for next year also noting that fines are coming in higher than budgeted and all other revenue is being held consistent.  Property tax will see a normal 3%- 4% revenue increase.  The expense side is a greater unknown with employee benefits/ health insurance.  In October, the Library will be notified of health rate increases, which are projected at 15%, also dental at a 5%increase.  The Library is now starting to have to contribute an employer’s contribution to the pension.  This is projected at 10% contribution level; final revised numbers from studies from retirement board will be received within the next month or two.  There is not any pay increases projected as this is a negotiation year with 3 union contracts expiring.  An 8% increase for utilities has been factored in for 2007; however the cost will be watched closely as the Library is still learning what the trend will be at Wirt Library.  K. Ayala will continue to monitor normal expenses.  He will have a better look at the 2007 budget once union negotiations are over.  A report will be presented to the full board in December.

 

K. Ayala explained that VEBA is a voluntary program that was set up a couple of years ago.  If the pension fund is greater that 125% funded, the Library can redirect pension contributions into a VEBA fund.  At the last study, the Library was funded at 122% and at this time, not allowed to redirect the 4% to the VEBA fund.  Although, the Library can always put a percentage of wages or a lump sum into the VEBA fund if the board so chooses.  He stated as an example, that along with paying 10% into the pension, the Library could also direct a 1% to VEBA to start funding retiree health care expenditures. 

 

E.J. Martini added that the Finance Committee Board will continue to study the pension fund to prevent any under funding problems.

 

Motion by Don Carlyon, seconded by James Davison, to approve the 2007 Preliminary Budget to the Bay County Board of Commissioners.  Motion carried.

 

Millage Renewal Committee – Mark Kaplenski, Chairperson

Update at the next meeting.

 

Personnel Committee – James Davison, Chairperson

Policy Manual – J. Davison reported the committee met, reviewed the policy manual and numerous changes were made.  The employment application was not discussed but will be included in the packet. 

 

Motion by James Davison, seconded by Derald Adcock, to approve the Policy Manual.  Motion carried. 

 

Managing Librarian III job description. and salary - J. Davison reported this was discussed at the committee meeting and trustees are in favor of creating a Managing Librarian III job description with an equitable salary to enhance the Managing Librarian position at Wirt Library.

 

Motion by James Davison, seconded by D. Adcock, to approve the Managing Librarian III job description and salary.  Motion carried. 

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

West Law Library –K. Ayala and Mark Maul have begun preliminary talks with Kim Meade in regards to the West Law Library moved to the Wirt Library.  Initial concern is running two data lines that would cost approximately $750-$800.  The County will also maintain all updates to the system at no charge to the Library.

 

Motion by J. Davison, seconded by D. Carylon, to allow staff to continue and to approve the $750 for data lines.  Motion carried.

 

Technology Plan January 2006 – June 2008

 

Motion by D. Adcock, seconded by J. Davison to approve the Technology Plan January 2006-June 2008.  Motion carried.

 

Wirt Library Signage - Steve List and L. Heemstra have completed the final walk through at Wirt Library and are now asking for approval to take the Signage out to local vendors for bid.

 

Motion by J. Davison, seconded by D. Adcock, to approve the Wirt Library Signage.  Motion carried.

 

OTHER

South Side Branch Renovation - S. List requested that a work session meeting be scheduled with the board, Skanska and Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr and Huber for 5:00 p.m. on July 12, 2006 to discuss the interiors schemes for the South Side Branch Library. 

 

Dow Corning Capital Campaign Pledge - L. Heemstra announced that the Dow Corning Foundation donated $50,000 with the naming opportunity going to the Computer Lab at the Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library. 

 

The Community Room at Wirt Library will now be underwritten by the Kantzler Foundation after an additional $50,000 donation to the capital fund.

 

Millage Renewal – L. Heemstra reported that there have been over 5,000 mailers mailed out last week to absentee voters.  Fliers will be available in all branches to be passed out at the circulation desk.  The message being this is not additional money, but a renewal of the 1.2 mils to keep the Library doors open and service available.

 

Tours at Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library - L. Heemstra reported there will be tours of Wirt Library on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.  These tours are open for groups and individuals.

 

Buy a Book Campaign - L. Heemstra explained the Buy a Book program is still being developed however the focus is currently on the Capital Campaign.  This effort will shift to the Buy A Book campaign closer to the holidays.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A Special board meeting work session has been scheduled for July 12, 2006 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Motion by Derald Adcock, seconded by James Davison, to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

___________________________                                          _______________________

Mark Kaplenski                                                                       Beverly Humerickhouse

Trustee                                                                         Recording Secretary