Lane Libraries Staff Site

 d. Approval and Acknowledgement of Gifts received August and September,2009

A gift of $35.00 was received at the Lane Administration Center from Trouveres c/o Phyllis R. Snyder in memory

of Mrs. Ralph (Donna) Carruthers.

A gift of $50.00 was received at the Fairfield Lane Library from Mr. Pete Lanphier as an unrestricted donation.

A gift of $300.00 was received at the Lane Administration from Theodore and Rebecca Richards as an

unrestricted donation.

A gift of $50.00 was received at the Oxford Lane Library from Doris Ponder in memory of Audrey Johnson.

A gift of $25.00 was received at the Oxford Lane Library from Norma and Robin Smith in memory of Audrey

Johnson.

A gift of $10.00 was received at Hamilton Lane Library from Barbara Noble as an unrestricted gift.

A gift of $250.00 was received at the Oxford Lane Library from the Rotary Club of Oxford Ohio as a restricted gift

to purchase books.

e) Staff Changes: August 17 through October 8, 2009

3) Citizen’s Input: None

4) Old Business

a) Reorganizations.

Since the reorganized Lane Public Library became effective August 31,

2009, Ms. Essman has seen a gradual and continuing improvement in library operations. The initial couple of days were rough and gave pause to whether the reorganization would work. But staff has taken on the challenge and are making progress managing core activities and providing good customer service.

The staffing at all locations is at minimal levels. With the reduced hours of branch operations, activity is fast paced from opening to closing. Efforts have been made in staff scheduling to ensure they have the opportunity to leave early (6pm) a couple of times per week. The hours of operation are being reviewed on a continuous basis to insure patron and staff needs are being met.

The Reduction in Force resulted in about eighteen employees being eligible for unemployment. A couple of riffed employees have already found new positions. For September, 2009 unemployment was projected to cost over $13k. The actual notification for September, 2009

had cost just over $11k.

The question of using volunteers was asked. The library is pursuing the

use of volunteers. The bookmobile currently has three volunteers. The Friends of the Library- Hamilton/Fairfield will be working with the library to get additional volunteers for the Hamilton and Fairfield Branches.

2. 2009 Funding

The actual revenue amount through September, 2009 is $810k less than

same period in 2008. Our actual expenses for September, 2009 when

compared to the same period 2008 have decreased $555k. Reports show a net cash

flow decrease of $255k through September, 2009.

Our October, 2009 revenue amount is projected to be $404k and estimated

expenses will be about $338k. This should result in a positive cash flow

of about $66k for the month. The forecasted revenues for the remaining

two months of 2009 and for all of 2010 are difficult to project. The state

does not have a good estimate on the amount of revenues to expect.

Because of the current economic environment, we feel average monthly

revenues of $350k will be needed to maintain our projected expenses.

Costs are under continuous review. Efforts are being made to reduce

database and service contract costs when annual renewals come up for

review.

3. Oxford Real Estate.

There has been a very limited number of real estate opportunities

close to the current Oxford location. Since the current location is land

locked, an existing home and /or business would need to be purchased.

The local gas station did respond to inquiries but the possible

environmental concerns did raise questions on whether to pursue

this option.

Now might be a good time to purchase property because of depressed

property values. However, because of the recent reorganization this

might give the wrong impression to the community even though the funds

for such a purchase would come from special revenue accounts

earmarked specifically for this type of purchase.

Ms. Essman was directed to contact John Griesmer and to ask him to continue to

pursue purchasing of property for the Oxford Branch.

4. Gates Grant

The Lane Public Library has the opportunity to obtain additional computers through a grant from the Gates Foundation. Ms. Essman attended a mandatory seminar in Columbus, Ohio present by the Gates Foundation. A resolution is proposed that Lane Public Library provide

the matching funds to participate in the grant program. Ms. Berg made a motion, which was

seconded by Ms. Young, to accept Resolution #5-09.

RESOLUTION

#5-09

WHEREAS, it has been determined that Lane Public Library is eligible to participate in the Bill and Melinda

Gates Foundation Opportunity Online grants program,

WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Lane Public Library Board of Trustees that the matching funds of

$13,650 are available to participate in Year One of the grant;

WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Lane Public Library Board of Trustees that the Library will fulfill all

the required responsibilities and requirements associated with the initiative;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Mary Pat Essman, Director/Clerk-Treasurer of Lane Public Library,

be authorized to execute and certify contracts with The State Library of Ohio for the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation Opportunity Online grants.

Roll Call Vote:

Mr. Kinch - Aye

Ms. Vaughn - Aye

Ms. Young - Aye

Ms. Collins - Aye

Ms. Berg - Aye

5. New Business

a) The question had been previously asked about charging patrons for

checking out DVDs. Based on review by Ms. Essman, fees for using

DVDs would require the library to collect sales tax. This would require

additional system, procedural, and reporting changes that probably

wouldn’t result in an increase in revenue.

Fines for late DVDs are $.15 per day. While other libraries charge a

higher fine amount ($.50 to $2.00 per day), it was determined to maintain

our fines at the current rate. This can be revisited at a later date.

2. Tuition Reimbursement

Shana Rosenberg has requested $2600 tuition reimbursement for courses

being taken at Kent State University to obtain her MLIS degree. After discussing the matter, the Board decided to approve Ms. Rosenberg’s tuition reimbursement request. A motion

was made by Ms. Vaughn and seconded by Ms. Collins. All those present voted aye.

6) The meeting then adjourned at 5:00 p.m. by a motion from Ms. Vaughn and seconded by Ms.

Young. All those present voted aye.

7) The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held on November 9, 2009 at 4:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Carringer

Acting Secretary

Mr. Gregory Kinch, President