Minutes Meeting of the
Columbus Public Library Board and
The Bookmobile Advisory Board
December 10, 2009

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Columbus Public Library Board was called to order at 4:30 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2009 by Jim Schaefer who read aloud and signed the “Certification of Compliance,” regarding the “Open Meeting” law. Other Library Board members in attendance included Carol Keller and Joie Taylor. Sharon Raimondo and Craig Neid were excused. Bookmobile Advisory Board members present were Carol Rosendahl, Liz Young, and Sandy Wegener. Karen Hake, Bookmobile Librarian, Joe Mangiamelli, City Administrator, Jill Owens, Library Director, and Brad Hruska, Youth Services Librarian were also present. Notice of this meeting was published in advance. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while the meeting was open to the public.

The minutes were reviewed. Joie moved to approve the minutes and Carol seconded. The motion carried unanimously with no discussion.

Joie moved that the Bookmobile Advisory Board related business be moved forward in the agenda. Carol seconded. The motion carried unanimously with no discussion.

Karen Hake reported that the new bookmobile schedule was going pretty smoothly. A few people complained about having their day moved, but were grateful to have the bookmobile on any day. She also reported that she had received a lot of notes, cards, and calls from people who were happy she was back on the road. December 8th & 9th the bookmobile was off the road due to the winter weather.

The relationship of the Bookmobile Advisory Board to the Library Board of Trustees was discussed. The Library Board members would like to be on the record that they would like the group to continue. An earlier suggestion that the group be considered a subcommittee or committee of the Library Board was decided upon. Henceforth the heading of the meeting announcement and minutes will reflect this.

The financial reports were presented and a few questions were discussed. Carol moved to accept the financial reports. Joie seconded. The roll call vote passed as follows: Keller, aye; Taylor, aye; Schaefer, aye.

The director’s report was presented. Jill talked about Rachelle McPhillips, the Young Adult Librarian volunteering to work on the problem of unruly youth. Usually this is a problem after school. She will present her ideas/plan at the January staff meeting. Also discussed: the percentage of check-out (30%) by out of city limits residents, the search for a different disc maintenance machine, Ellen Stewart’s retirement, and the Runza “Great Books for Great Kids” promotion.

During the committee reports section of the agenda, Jill explained why the computer lab needed upgraded and expanded. Also during the committee reports it was asked whether anyone knew when the next Quality of Life/HDR meeting would be. No one had heard yet.
The correspondence for this meeting was the receipt of the Runza Restaurant check for $356.14 from the “Great Books for Great Kids” promotion which was discussed during the director’s report.

Under old business, a hand-out from Jill showed that the board has enough continuing education hours for the time period that ends on 4/30/2011. Everyone agreed it is still a good idea to watch for opportunities to stay current.

In the category of new business, the policy “Emergency Closing of the Library” was discussed and modified. In place of the second sentence, the policy will now read, “The Library Director, in consultation with the City Administrator, shall determine the need for closing the building. The decision should be relayed to the President of the Library Board as soon as possible.” The roll call vote passed: Taylor, aye; Keller, aye; Schaefer, aye.

Because two board members are absent, Carol moved to table the election of officers until the January meeting. Joie seconded, and the motion passed unanimously with no further discussion.

After announcements, President Schaefer declared the meeting adjourned.