Allegan Public Library

Minutes-Board of Trustees

April 20, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Susan Jerkatis. Present were: Antkoviak, Bortz, , Hellmann, Jerkatis, Smuda and Director Perrigo and Administrative Assistant Lyzenga.

Director Perrigo introduced new administrative assistant – Evelyn Lyzenga.

The minutes of the March 16, 2009 meeting were approved. The monthly statistics and financial reports were reviewed. Director Perrigo pointed out that visits and circulations were up dramatically. Director Perrigo indicated that we are 75% through the budget year. A motion was made by Antkoviak and seconded by Smuda that we pay the March bills totaling $8,918.18.

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:

E-Bay class will be held at the library this coming Saturday, April 25 th, from 10:00 to 3:00. The charge is only $15, which includes lunch. At this time there are 15 people signed up.

SMLC (Southwest Michigan Library Coop) is now functioning on a volunteer basis and seems to be working very well. SMLC had their last meeting on April 16 in Otsego. They do have an interim director who will become a paid part-time director in October.

Allegan County Library Association meeting will be in Otsego on April 21 st.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Friends Committee: Trustee Bortz reported that the staff luncheon was successful. Friends gave the Volunteer of the Year award to Ruth Berkin who was totally surprised. Book sale last weekend earned $330. Director Perrigo, Trustee Bortz and Mrs. Phillip McElwee will be attending the Star Award breakfast in Kalamazoo on April 21 st.

Finance Committee: A motion was made by Bortz and seconded by Smuda to approve the proposal by Angle & Steffes, P.C. for accounting and bookkeeping services. The proposal was signed by President Jerkatis. Director Perrigo will deliver the signed document to get these services underway.

Insurance: The proposed building and liability coverage quote from Phil Siegler was given to Antkoviak to oversee. Director Perrigo mentioned this included the equipment breakdown. Board was undecided whether this was the appropriate and sufficient coverage for us. Discussions was spearheaded by administrative assistant Lyzenga (who had worked in the insurance industry for 8 ½ years) and offered many features and items we needed to consider. It was decided to ask Phil Siegler to come to the next Board meeting to give further information. Director Perrigo will email insurance documents to the Board for their review. Director Perrigo had two quotes for Workers Comp insurance – one for $500. and one for $1,000 a year. A motion was made by Antkoviak and seconded by Bortz that we adjust the budget for workers comp. to $750. a year and give Director Perrigo authority to negotiate with the companies involved. We decided to go with Priority Health PPO for health insurance. Angela of MEBS is putting together a package of necessary documents. Director Perrigo will ask Phil Siegler if they have health insurance available.

Personnel policy: is finished!! Trustees were given draft copies of the personnel policy. Trustees should study before the next meeting for final approval.

OLD BUSINESS:

May 5 th is election day!!

Township responses: We have received responses from the townships of Cheshire, Valley and Allegan and those contracts have been sent to the Allegan County Treasurer.

Other: The new board is to be seated on July 20 th. It was decided to invite the new board members to the May and June board meetings. We plan to make the July 20 th meeting an occasion!

NEW BUSINESS:

Downloadable audios: It is a new service the library could offer for a cost of $2500 a year for adults. Herrick Library has this service. The board requested that Director Perrigo check with Herrick to see the usage and to report at next board meeting.

Building issues: The library had some soffit repaired that had come loose. It was found that the hangers attaching soffit to the building are worn out and need replacement. An estimate from Rossman Construction for replacement for $650.00 was offered. Board requested another estimate on the soffit repair.

Other: Director Perrigo recommended that employee Teresa Bearman be given a pay increase. A motion by Hellman and seconded by Bortz was so moved and passed.

Park & Read: new program offered through the DNR. Passes to any state park will be given to libraries. The pass can be checked out from the library and is good for 7 days. It is for free admission for a car for one day at any state park. When it is used, the person can even borrow a hammock at the park. Trustees enthusiastically approved!

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The next meeting will be May 18, 2009.

Respectfully submitted,

Evelyn Lyzenga, Secretary