NPL Board Minutes

Library Board Meeting Minutes

February 16, 2005

Call to order
The Neenah Public Library Board of Trustees met on February 16, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. at the library. Members present: Jeff Hanes (President), Jan Sarnecki, Dan McIntosh, Judy Malueg, Tom Widener, Beth Irish, and Lisa Hemes. Members excused: Nick Piergrossi, Merry Whipple, and Jim Wiswall. Also present: Library Director Stephen Proces, Assistant Director Gretchen Raab, Circulation Services Manager Nancy Britten, and Library Secretary Marcia Anderson.

Minutes
On motion of Sarnecki, seconded by Malueg, the Board approved the minutes of the regular Board meeting of January 19, 2005.

Bills for consideration
On motion of Sarnecki, seconded by Malueg, the Board unanimously accepted the January bill payment report.

Library trust fund report
Proces presented a year-end report to the Board. He noted that the 2004 budget came in better than expected and that money was spent conservatively.

Director’s report
Proces presented articles from the local newspaper detailing the use of a collection agency for the library and that the articles were favorable. He noted that a start-up date has not yet been established, but handouts and bookmarks are being used throughout the library to make the public aware of the upcoming change well before it actually happens.

2004 budget report
Proces informed the Board that despite the overrun on building maintenance, the library was able to overspend library materials by $7,457 but underspent the bottom line by $4,524—a nice balance of using as much money as possible for library materials without overspending our total budget.

Legislative Day report
Sarnecki, Whipple, Malueg, and Proces attended legislative day in Madison and were able to meet with Senator Mike Ellis regarding the state budget and also with Representative Dean Kaufert’s aide.

State loses federal funds for libraries
Proces explained Maintenance of Effort (MOE) to the Board and noted that it is not well understood. It applies at many levels, including the City and County, as well as the State. He noted that he does monitor the City’s MOE every year and that our library will be okay for 2005. Proces and the Board president must certify that the City meets MOE each year on a state annual report form.

Neenah Reads! Program: To Kill a Mockingbird
Mayor Scherck kicked off our community wide Neenah Reads! program. Approximately 100 people showed up for this event that included a reading from To Kill a Mockingbird, a documentary, music by Bob Bovee & Gail Heil, and southern refreshments. The Board is grateful to the Mayor for his participation.

Next regularly scheduled meeting
The next meeting will be held on March 16, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. in the Carpenter Conference Room.

Adjournment
At 4:25 p.m. on motion of McIntosh, seconded by Malueg, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.