MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
NORTHLAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
The regular meeting of the Northlake Public Library District Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by President Orlando Rivera. Present were Board members: Efta, Salo, Gutierrez, Rivera. Absent Board members: Mukite, Wright, Garcia. Also present were Sharon L. Highler, Library Director; Mary Jane Garrett, Head of Technical Services; Marianne Ryczek, Head of Youth Services; Allison Parker, Middle School and Teen Librarian; and Raleigh Ocampo, Adult and Digital Services Librarian.
The Board approved the agenda of the meeting, with the exception of not needing the Executive Session. The Board approved moving an informational presentation about a pending grant application to first item on the agenda. This presentation was part of Highler’s Director’s Report.
6:35 p.m., Mukite arrived.
6:37 p.m., Wright arrived.
Ryczek, Parker and Ocampo made a presentation to the Board about a grant application they are assembling, to receive funding from “Eliminate the Digital Divide” of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in order to establish a Community Technology Center. To be eligible for funding, a public library must be in a community “where not less than 40 percent of students are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Statistics; or where not less than 30 percent of students are eligible for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Statistics.” The grant application will need to be submitted to the DCEO by March 14, 2014. They are planning to increase computer/technology training, especially for Spanish-speaking patrons, and to promote the programs and new technology using a person-to-person method similiar to the Promotoras Ambassador program used by the Waukegan Public Library. A big part of the grant funds will be used to purchase new technology for the Community Technology Center, which will also provide access to mobile hotspots. They would like feedback from the Board on what they think about the proposed program, and any contact people the Board may know who could help. Several Board members had ideas about contact people, and also offered to help with the project themselves. At 7:00 p.m., Ryczek, Parker and Ocampo were thanked for their presentation and they left.
The minutes of the regular Board meeting of January 16, 2014, were read and approved by the Board on a motion by Gutierrez with a second by Efta.
AYES: All.
The Board read and approved the following: the Treasurer’s Report of January 31, 2014; the Bills Payable/Paid Report for February 20, 2014; and the Revenue and Expense Report for January 2014. Acceptance of the above reports was on a motion by Efta with a second by Gutierrez. Roll call vote:
AYES: Efta, Salo, Gutierrez, Mukite, Wright, Rivera.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Garcia.
Total bills payable: $56,546.38.
Total bills paid: $54,892.24.
Statistical Circulation and Aquisitions Reports for January 2014, and the librarians’ reports for January 2014, were read and accepted with the appreciation of the Board. Rivera commented that labeling the switches in the HVAC system was necessary. Highler reported that she plans to do walk-throughs of the building’s systems and to label and put “cheat cards” on appropriate parts for staff to refer to.
President Rivera asked Vice President Mukite about any Friends of the Library activities. Mukite replied that the Friends are taking the winter off, but will start up again when the weather gets better. Mukite and Raleigh Ocampo are planning to have a booth at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) during April 25-27, 2014.
As part of his report, Vice President Mukite presented a proposal for the library to host a farmer’s market in its parking lot during the summer months, with related programs. The Board discussed the number of things that would have to be considered for the farmer’s market. The main consideration would be coordinating this with the summer reading programs of Adult Services and Youth Services, which have already been planned and require a lot of staff time. The Board asked Mukite to investigate the requirements for planning and hosting a farmer’s market.
The Board discussed the Director’s Evaluation. Efta distributed copies of the final compilation of Trustees’ written evaluations. There was a brief discussion with the director about the results. The discussion was tabled so that the Board may discuss the results more thoroughly, plus the process of the evaluation, at an Executive Session on March 20, 2014.
7:25 p.m., Efta needed to leave the meeting.
7:31 p.m., Wright needed to leave the meeting.
The Board members received copies of a letter from the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC), stating they are waiting for a better bid date for electricity prices. Highler reported that the library may be voting on the prices as early as the week of February 23. Either Highler or Rich Stronczek (business manager) may accept the final prices, as they were approved to do so by the Board at the January 16, 2014, regular Board meeting.
The Board read and discussed revisions for the policies of Safety of Children in the Library and Disruptive Behavior. The Board adopted the revisions for both policies on a motion by Salo with a second by Gutierrez.
AYES: All.
The letter of resignation by Nancy Garcia from the position of Trustee was received in January, but not in time to put it on the agenda of the January Board meeting. The Board’s official acceptance of Nancy Garcia’s resignation was approved at the present meeting on a motion by Gutierrez with a second by Salo.
AYES: All.
The library has received confirmation of its FY2014 Per Capita Grant. Copies of the letter were given to Board members. Copies of the FY2015 Per Capita Grant requirements were also given to the Board. Highler called attention to the Edge Initiative participation requirements that are included for FY2015.
The Board read and accepted the Six-Month Treasurer’s Statement of Receipts and Disbursements, July 1, 2013 Through December 31, 2013, on a motion by Salo with a second by Gutierrez. Roll call vote:
AYES: Salo, Gutierrez, Mukite, Rivera.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: Efta, Wright.
Trustees received copies of a listing of current legislation to support for libraries, provided by ILA.
Rivera supplied a change in his email contact information. If any other Trustee needs to change their contact information, please let Highler know.
Board members were reminded to continue to think about people to recommend for appointment to the open Trustee position.
No members of the public were present.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2014.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on a motion by Salo with a second by Mukite.
AYES: All.
Barbara Salo, Secretary