The Robert W. Rowe Public Library District is governed by an elected seven member Board of Trustees.
January 14, 2010,
February 11, 2010,
March 11, 2010,
April 8, 2010,
May 13, 2010,
June 10, 2010,
July 8, 2010
August 12, 2010
September 9, 2010
October 14, 2010
November 11, 2010
December 9, 2010
Meetings are held at the Robert W. Rowe Public
Library and start at 7:00pm.
Members of the Board of Trustees:
The Board of Trustees meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00pm.
Minutes of the Library Board of Trustees are posted after they are approved.
The meeting minutes are attached below as Microsoft Word documents. If you do not have Word installed on your computer, you may download and install the free Word Viewer program from Microsoft.
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
April 9, 2009
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown, called the meeting to order at 7:10pm. Trustees present: Jamie Walker, Kathy Mufich, Mike Walker, John Maurer, Donna Klein-Acosta Karen Koubek. Guests present: Debby Smith.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: March 12, 2009 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by Karen and seconded by Mike, motion carried. February Minutes were corrected and submitted.
Financial Report: March 31, 2009 financial report was tabled till next meeting. A review of corrections to February financial report will also be completed next meeting.
Committee Reports: Anniversary Committee has been working hard to get publicity circulated. Invitations and announcements are being sent. Friends of the Library has offered to provide a food table. The web site committee has prepared the new format and the old site is directing inquiries to the new site.
Special Orders: Jamie motioned to opt-in regarding non-resident fees and John seconded, motion carried. Donna motioned to continue the tax bill method of fee payment and Mike seconded, motion carried. Donna will provide notification to PALS.
Board Development: The Board viewed a trustee training internet presentation. Brenda again encouraged the board to sign up for library trustee email services.
Unfinished Business: Brenda continues to work on the permit for the outdoor sign. Debby issued the updated Policy Handbook to all trustees.
New Business: Brenda and Karen were appointed as the Evaluation Committee for the director. Brenda will ensure resolutions between the Library and villages of Millington, Newark and Sheridan are reviewed as indicated in each resolution. Florida account financial activity was reviewed. Debby presented the organization materials on local history completed by Sandy Vahl. She will create an information area to display items. They will be featured during the anniversary open house.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: The 15th Anniversary project is being finalized..
Library Director’s Report: Debby was contacted and agreed to accept a donation of a painted portrait of General Phillip Sheridan done by Jim Ward. The town is named after the General and the painting will hang in the Community Room. April 13-18 is National Library Week and an assortment of programs are planned. The Friends of the Library met. New officers were elected: Dorothea Wood, President; Patti Smith, Secretary; Karen Borschsenius, Treasurer. A garden walk is again scheduled for June 27th and the Fourth of July book sale will be July 3rd and 4th.
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
April 8, 2010
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown called the meeting to order at 7:20pm. Trustees present: Donna Klein-Acosta, Jamie Walker. Trustees absent: Karen Koubek, Kathy Mufich, Jody Brown, John Maurer. Guests present: Debby Smith.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: March 11, 2010 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were tabled to next month.
Financial Report: March 31, 2010 financial report was tabled to next month.
Committee Reports: Brenda, for the building committee, reported that excavating for outside reading area will begin soon with an estimated completion date of 6/1.
Special Orders: Opt in or out of non-resident law was tabled to next month. Jamie will work with Brenda on the evaluation of the Director.
Board Development: Video #10 was tabled to next month.
Unfinished Business: Discussion of Wachovia Trust statement quarterly report was tabled to next meeting.
Mission statement for the long range plan will be discussed following in put from the
Jody Brown has accepted appointment to fill the vacancy of Lisa Olson as trustee. Donna will complete the new trustee orientation packet.
Money continues to be received towards the History Preservation Grant. A quilt has been donated for raffle. We should hear of the grant award in May.
New Business: The new staff Procedure Manual was distributed.
The investment policy was tabled to next month.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: None.
Library Director’s Report: The Winter Reading Program is over and are now gearing up for summer. The theme is “Scare Up and Good Book”. Donations are being received for the program. Melissa Meyers volunteered to teach a Twitter Class on March 25th. The Community Room will be used for census taker training on April 27th from 8:30am-5:00om. Patti, Brenda and Debbie will be attending PALS Day in
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 8:10pm was made by Jamie, seconded by Donna, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
August 14, 2009
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown called the meeting to order at 7:10pm. Trustees present: Lisa Olson, John Maurer, Jamie Walker, Donna Klein-Acosta. Trustees absent: Kathy Mufich, Karen Koubek. Guests present: Debby Smith.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: July 9, 2009 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by Jamie and seconded by Lisa, motion carried.
Financial Report: June 30, 2009 financial report was motioned for acceptance by John and seconded by Jamie, motion carried. July 31, 2009 financial report was motioned for acceptance by Jamie and seconded by John, motion carried.
Committee Reports: Brenda, for the building committee, updated the trustees on progress and plans for the outside reading area. They are working with Friends of the Library on this project.
Special Orders: Lisa and Jamie will complete the audit of the Secretary’s Minutes.
Board Development: Video #5, Board of Trustees and Finances was viewed.
Unfinished Business: The new outside sign is in place and being utilized. Debby reported that it is being noticed as calls are received as a result of announcements placed on the sign.
New Business: Ordinance 09/10-01 Building Maintenance was motioned for acceptance by Jamie and seconded by John. Roll Call Vote: John – aye; Jamie – aye; Lisa – aye; Brenda –aye; Donna – aye. Motion carried. Truth in Taxation ordinance was discussed and Donna will ensure public notice is published in the newspaper. The proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance was distributed for review and approval at next meeting. Annual report was distributed and signed. Debby asked Trustees to complete questions #16 and #19 by next meeting for Per Capita Grant requirements. A budget update was received from PALS noting a 16% decrease. A grant cut is planned to meet this shortfall.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: Debby has been notified of interest to create local history museum since there are four town historians. Discussion was held encouraging involvement of the Village with the Library.
Library Director’s Report: Sixty-five people enjoyed the trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo on July 25th. The end of the summer reading program on August 1 was well attended with 43 participants. The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for August 20 at 6:30pm. Beginning computer classes are going well with other classes being offered at a later date.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 8:15pm was made by Lisa, seconded by Jamie, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary
Regular Board Meeting Held at Robert Rowe Library
February 12, 2009
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown called the meeting to order to 7:30pm. Members Present: Brenda Brown, Kathy Mufich, Jamie Walker, and Karen Koubek. Members absent: Donna Klein-Acosta, John Maurer, and Mike Walker. Guest present: Debby Smith.
Open Forum: None
Minutes from previous meeting: January 8, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by Kathy and seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Financial report: January 8, 2009 Financial Report was motioned for acceptance by Jamie, seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Committee Reports: Decorating Committee reports that new chairs for the Community Room have been ordered and the old chairs will be sold. The Brochure Committee is waiting for pictures to complete the brochure. The website committee is working on the website and progressing every day.
Special Orders: None to review.
Board Development: None at this time.
Unfinished Business: The computer area has four new computers and staff training is scheduled. The 15th Anniversary Open House is May 2, 2009. The Open House will be featuring the mural in Children's Room, the new computer area, and foyer area. The new sign will be installed when there is no danger of frost. A resolution to raise the development fees $.18 was passed. Friends of the Library meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2009 at 6:30pm.
New Business: PALS Day is April 24, 2009. the library will be closed that day so that all staff and board president may attend.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: None
Library Director's Report: New chairs ordered. Teen Tech Week is March 8-14. Cemetery and business directory is updated.
Adjournment: Motion made by Kathy, seconded by Karen.
Respectfully submitted: Jamie Walker, Secretary pro tem
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
January 8, 2009
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown, called the meeting to order at 7:15pm. Trustees present: Jamie Walker, Kathy Mufich, Mike Walker, John Maurer, Donna Klein-Acosta. Trustees absent: Karen Koubek. Guests present: Debby Smith.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: December 11, 2008 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by John and seconded by Kathy, motion carried.
Financial Report: November 30, 2008 financial report was motioned for acceptance by Mike and seconded by John, motion carried. December 31, 2008 financial report was motioned for acceptance by Kathy and seconded by Donna, motion carried.
Committee Reports: Foyer was very lovely for Christmas decorated by Kathy. The new tree and burgundy throws added to the beauty. Brenda found stackable chairs for the community room. Five will be ordered with arms and five without arms. The Library Brochure Committee met and is making good progress. The web site committee did not meet this month but worked on doing updates to prepare for the new format.
Special Orders: The Sheridan development fee is due for review. Donna will submit addresses of the board members to the county clerk by February 1, 2009.
Board Development: Next month there will be an internet presentation for the Board.
Unfinished Business: Work is nearing completion on the new computer area. It is very open and useful. Staff and patrons are pleased. The 15th (Crystal) Anniversary Open House is planned for May 2, 2009. The new computer area will be featured. Filing period is January 19-26, 2009 for April 7, 2009 election circulating petitions. This affects Brenda, Donna and Mike. The outdoor sign placement was discussed and the permit has been applied for.
New Business: Debby reported an update on the new electronic catalog system, Aqua Browser. Brenda shared thank yous received from library staff.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: None.
Library Director's Report: The Friends is interested in funding and landscaping an outside reading area. A plan will be developed. Letters have been sent to area businesses with questionnaires to update the Business Directory.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 8:05 pm was made by Jamie, seconded by Mike, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
July 9, 2009
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown, called the meeting to order at 7:10pm. Trustees present: Kathy Mufich, Lisa Olson, Donna Klein-Acosta. Trustees absent: John Maurer, Jamie Walker, Karen Koubek. Guests present: Debby Smith.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: June 11, 2009 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by Lisa and seconded by Kathy, motion carried.
Financial Report: June 2009 financial report was tabled to next meeting.
Committee Reports: The trustees did a walk through of proposed outside reading area to be funded by Friends of the Library. They also inspected the site for the new outside sign. John submitted the results of his building inspection for review.
Special Orders: The review of closed meeting minutes is due. There have been no closed meetings during this period of review.
Board Development: Video #4, Board of Trustees relationship with the Library Director was viewed. Brenda sent emails from PALS and ILA which were discussed.
Unfinished Business: Board member address sheet was updated and distributed.
New Business: Budget ordinance will be looked at during the August meeting. Debby will ensure follow up on the building and grounds inspection report.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: The board discussed the development of the outside areas including long term need for additional parking. They recommended continued planning for library expansion given record months of library usage and new patron cards issued.
Library Director’s Report: The Friends of the Library annual book sale was successful and volunteers were phenomenal. Many thanks to all that participated. Friends of the Library Garden Walk and Festival was a huge success with over 100 visitors to the different gardens. Over $2,000 was earned. Read on the Wild Side is in its fifth week. Over 100 participants have signed up. “Snakes Alive” program was a success and a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo is planned for July 25th. Beginning computer classes will be offered in August. Other computer classes that will be offered at a later date are Beginning Internet, Beginning Word, How to Set-Up an E-Mail Account and Excel.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 8:45pm was made by Kathy, seconded by Lisa, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
June 11, 2009
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown, called the meeting to order at 7:15pm. Trustees present: Jamie Walker, Kathy Mufich, John Maurer, Karen Koubek, Donna Klein-Acosta. Guests present: Debby Smith, John Morrow, Lisa Olson.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: May 14, 2009 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by John and seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Financial Report: May 31, 2009 financial report was motioned for acceptance by Donna and seconded by Jamie, motion carried.
Committee Reports: The Evaluation Committee, Brenda and Karen, presented the Director’s evaluation for final signature. The Building Committee presented a rough draft of proposed outside reading area to be funded by Friends of the Library.
Special Orders: The resignation of Mike Walker as Trustee was accepted by the board. Ordinance 08/09-04 for appointment of Lisa Olson to fulfill open 2 year term was motioned for acceptance by Jamie and seconded by John. Roll Call Vote: Brenda – aye; Karen – aye; John – aye; Jamie – aye; Donna – aye, motion carried. Lisa took the oath of office. Donna will notify LaSalle County of this change. She will also prepare the new trustee packet to give to Lisa at the next meeting.
Board Development: Video was deferred to next meeting. Brenda reminded everyone of the PALS and ILA emails now available.
Unfinished Business: The Village of Sheridan has granted the library zoning of B1 Small Business. We have received the outside sign and placement is still being decided. John Morrow reviewed the preliminary budget. Jamie made a motion to accept the preliminary budget and John seconded. Roll Call Vote: Brenda – aye; Karen – aye; Kathy – aye; John – aye; Jamie – aye; Lisa – aye; Donna –aye.
The decorating committee will purchase two computer/book couch tables for the foyer.
New Business: A discussion was held regarding offering insurance to employees. A motion to accept membership to North Suburban Library System Group Medical Plan was made by Kathy and seconded by Karen. Roll Call Vote: Brenda – aye; Karen – aye; Kathy – aye; John –aye; Jamie – aye; Lisa – aye; Donna –aye.
Ordinance 08/09-05 Prevailing Wage was motioned for acceptance by Karen and seconded by Jamie, motion carried. Donna will ensure notice of ordinance is published, copies mailed to Dept of Labor and Secretary of State, and Debby will post at the library.
Brenda contacted the Times newspaper to remind them to publish the article regarding our 15th anniversary.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: None.
Library Director’s Report: The Friends of the Library are having their annual book sale. Set up will be July 1st and 2nd with the sale during library hours on the 3rd and from 9 am to 4 pm on the 4th. New chairs have been purchased for the computer area. The back counter in the computer area has been set aside for laptop users. Friends of the Library Garden Walk and Festival is June 27th. Joel Torbeck from IVCC will be presenting a job search program on June 18th and 25th. Read on the Wild Side is in its first week. Over 80 participants have signed up. “Snakes Alive” program was a success and a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo is planned for July 25th.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 9:20 pm was made by Jamie, seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
June 10, 2010
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown called the meeting to order at 7:10pm. Trustees present: Donna Klein-Acosta, Kathy Mufich, Jody Brown, John Maurer. Trustees absent: Jamie Walker, Karen Koubek. Guests present: Debby Smith, John Morrow.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: May 13, 2010 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by Kathy and seconded by John, motion carried.
Financial Report: May 31, 2010 financial report was motioned for acceptance by John and seconded by Donna, motion carried.
Committee Reports: Brenda, for the building committee, reported that further purchases will be determined after the Garden Walk. Seating will be a priority.
Special Orders: A motion to accept the Director’s evaluation as submitted by the committee was made by Donna, seconded by Kathy, motion carried.
Board Development: Video #10, Self-Assessment, was viewed by the board.
Unfinished Business: Debby continues to follow up with the Sheridan Village Board regarding input on our Mission Statement for Long Range Plan. Debby reported the building consultant will be in the area 7/21-22 and she will schedule a meeting. Ordnance 09/10-06 regarding investments was distributed with changes as voted on last month.
New Business: John Morrow presented the working budget 2010-2911 for review. A motioned that any excess of $15,000 be moved from the checking account to the building reserve account was made by John, seconded by Kathy. Roll Call Vote: Brenda - aye; Kathy – aye; John – aye; Donna - aye; motion carried. Ordinance 09/10-07 schedule of regular meetings for next fiscal year was motioned for acceptance by John, seconded by Donna, motion carried. Ordinance 09/10-08 Prevailing Wage was motioned for acceptance by Donna, seconded by John, motion carried. Debby will ensure ordinance is posted at the Library and Donna will ensure the secretary’s notice is published in the newspaper. Friends of the Library is recipient of the property adjacent to the library through the Will of Esther Larson. Debby is working with our attorney regarding the probate of the Will.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: None.
Library Director’s Report: Seventy-three children have signed up for the summer reading program, “Scare Up a Good Book”. The Friends of the Library Garden Walk is June 26. Set up for the Library Book Sale will be July 1 with take down on July 5.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 8:50pm was made by Kathy, seconded by Donna, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
March 12, 2009
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Trustees present: Brenda Brown, John Maurer, Jamie Walker, and Karen Koubek. Trustees absent, Donna Klein-Acosta, Kathy Mufich and Mike Walker. Guests present: Debby Smith.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: February 12, 2009 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by John and seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Financial Report: January 2009 financial report was motioned for acceptance by Karen and seconded by John, motion carried.
Committee Reports: Anniversary Committee reported on the plans for the 15th Anniversary Open House on May 2, 2009 from 10:00am -2:00pm. The Brochure Committee reported that the brochure is completed. The new website rwrlibrary.org is ready to go live.
Special Orders: Board members were remined to send in the Statement of Economic Interest..
Board Development: An online trustees video was viewed on Trustee Orientation.
Unfinished Business: The work on the outside sign has been put on hold.
New Business: Changes to the Computer Use Policy were reviewed. Jamie motioned to accept changes, John seconded. Motion carried. Changes to the Circulation Policy were reviewed. Karen motioned to accept changes, seconded by Jamie. Motion carried. Changes to the Gifts Policy were reviewed. John motioned to accept changes, seconded by Karen. Motion carried.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: None.
Library Director's Report: New chairs delivered. Teen tech Week is in progress. Library received Per Capita Grant. Friends of the Library meeting on April 1, 2009 at 6:30pm
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Jamie, seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Walker, Secretary pro-tem
Robert W. Rowe Public Library District
Regular Board Meeting Held At: Robert W. Rowe Library
October 8, 2009
Minutes
Call to Order: President Brenda Brown called the meeting to order at 7:15pm. Trustees present: John Maurer, Donna Klein-Acosta, Karen Koubek. Trustees absent: Jamie Walker, Kathy Mufich, Lisa Olson. Guests present: None.
Open Forum: None.
Minutes from previous meeting: September 10, 2009 Regular Board Meeting Minutes were motioned for acceptance by Karen and seconded by John, motion carried. September 10, 2009 Public Meeting Minutes Budget and Appropriation were motioned for acceptance by John and seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Financial Report: September 30, 2009 financial report was motioned for acceptance by Donna and seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Committee Reports: Brenda, for the building committee, reported they were waiting on the rocks for the base and dealing with the weather. It is hopeful this portion of the project can still be completed this fall.
Special Orders: None.
Board Development: Viewing of Video #7 was tabled till next meeting.
Unfinished Business: Ordnance 09/10-03 Tax Levy was motioned for acceptance by John and seconded by Karen. Roll Call Vote: John-aye; Karen-aye; Donna-aye; Brenda-aye. Donna will ensure required documents are filed with the County Clerk.
New Business: Finalized Per Capita Grant was reviewed by the board. Debby registered trustees to attend a mini-conference October 24, 2009 at Yorkville Public Library. Simplex Grinnell annual fire alarm report was received and reviewed by the board.
Visionary Short/Long Term Plan: The board continues to plan community involvement activities.
Library Director’s Report: The annual fire alarm inspection was completed as well as for the extinguishers. Tech Pro Logic has been working to install the new server and updating the PCs and laptops. EcoSteam has been contacted to clean the community room carpet on October 16th. The Daisy Scouts are using this room once a month for their meetings. The Friends of the Library voted to fund the cost of restoring the 1906 Plat book and Sandy Vahl has volunteered to pick up the book in Savoy, Illinois. This process should take about a month. Two Beginning Computer classes have been completed. The next class scheduled will be Beginning Word.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 7:45pm was made by John, seconded by Karen, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary
Robert W. Rowe Public Library
Public Tax Levy Hearing Held at Robert W. Rowe Library
October 8, 2009
Call to Order:
President Brenda Brown called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Trustees present: Donna Klein-Acosta, Karen Koubek, John Maurer. Absent: Lisa Olson, Jamie Walker, Kathy Mufich. Guests present: None.
Open Forum:
No one from the public was present.
Discussion:
The Tax Levy Ordinance was discussed.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn at 7:10 pm was made by John and seconded by Karen. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Klein-Acosta, Secretary