OHIO COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Members Present:
Mr. Ted Hess, Dr. Charles Julian Mr. Mike Baker, Sr. Mary Jude Jochum, Miss Sally Carroll
Members Absent:
None
Also Present:
Dottie Thomas, Louis Horacek.
Call to order:
Mr. Hess called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
Minutes
Dr. Julian moved that the minutes of the November meeting be approved as distributed. Mr. Baker seconded.
Vote:
| Mr. Hess | yes |
| Sr. Mary Jude | yes |
| Dr. Julian | yes |
| Miss Carroll | yes |
| Mr. Baker | yes |
Financial Report:
The financial report was presented.
Dr. Julian noted that periodical subscriptions are 7% over budget. Ms. Thomas said that it was due to unforeseen price increases, and that she and her staff were reevaluating all subscriptions in terms of usage and the availability of the full text of periodicals online.
INVOICES AND WARRANTS
Sr. Mary Jude moved to approve both financial reports and approve payment of invoices and warrants; Dr. Julian seconded the motion.
Vote:
| Mr. Hess | yes |
| Sr. Mary Jude | yes |
| Dr. Julian | yes |
| Miss Carroll | yes |
| Mr. Baker | yes |
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Ms. Thomas' written Directors Report had been distributed with the Board packet. (Attachment #1)
Ms. Thomas noted that LSTA has not been re-authorized. She said that the Kanawha County School Board is suing the State of West Virginia over funds paid to the Kanawha County Public Library under their special funding law. An unfavorable outcome to this lawsuit would endanger Ohio County Public Library's special funding law.
Dr. Julian said that WVLC Executive Secretary J. D. Waggoner would be in a stronger position to help challenge the lawsuit if libraries made a formal request for help. Mr. Hess said that he would write a letter as Board President.
Dr. Julian said that the legislative Interim Committee concerned with library funding had finished work without recommending legislation.
Mr. Hess said that Wesbanco had reported that they had been selling off assets held by the Endowment Trust in order to make up the monthly payment. He said he would recommend reducing the monthly draw on the account or change the mix of investments. He said that he was opposed to selling the principal.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Julian said that state budget cuts had been from general revenue, and since libraries are funded from lottery revenues they were not affected.
Mr. Hess congratulated the staff on the reception for Mr. Stephan.
OLD BUSINESS
Warwood Branch Library
Ms. Thomas noted that no one from the Warwood community was present at the meeting. She said that she had spoken to Tom Dailer who had reported that Larry Williams of the WLSC Center might have a room available if the library was interested.
Ms. Thomas said that she had spoken with Mrs. Beecroft of the Women's Club who had said that the Library had done all it could in publicizing the Warwood library branch and its problems.
Dr. Julian said that the room at the WLSC Center was the former Warwood High School principal's office and not large enough or suitable for a branch library. Mr. Baker said that the rent was not the issue. The problem was the very low usage of the library.
Mr. Hess asked if there was library in the WLSC Center (operated by the college). Dr. Julian said that there was not. Mr. Hess asked if a branch library in the WLSC Center would be used more. Mr. Baker said he thought the parking situation at WLSC Center was worse than at the current location, and the library would be no more visible from the street it is currently.
Dr. Julian asked how long it would take to close the Warwood branch. Ms. Thomas said it would just take a few weeks. Sr. Mary Jude asked what the implications were for staff members. Ms. Thomas said that Nancy Viewig was on extended sick leave because of her husband's illness, but could be reassigned to duties at the main library is she returns to work. The other two staff members would be returned to a regular schedule at the main library.
Ms. Thomas said that the computers would be moved to the main library.
Mr. Baker moved that as of January 31, 2003 the Warwood Branch Library be closed. Sr. Mary Jude seconded the motion.
Vote:
| Mr. Hess | yes |
| Sr. Mary Jude | yes |
| Dr. Julian | yes |
| Miss Carroll | yes |
| Mr. Baker | yes |
Ms. Thomas said that she would be proposing in the next budget that the Main Library remain open on Sundays during the summer.
Legislative Digest Funds for New Endcaps for Library Shelving
Miss Carroll said that she and Ms. Thomas had examined endcaps in library supply catalogs and recommended "square" panels supplied by Gaylord. The cost would be approximately $10,000. Dr. Julian moved that the library purchase the recommended panels, and get wood samples to get the best match with existing woodwork. Mr. Baker suggested getting an additional end cap in case shelving was expanded. Dr. Julian accepted the amendment. Mr. Baker seconded the motion.
Vote:
| Mr. Hess | yes |
| Sr. Mary Jude | yes |
| Dr. Julian | yes |
| Miss Carroll | yes |
| Mr. Baker | yes |
NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business.
Dr. Julian moved to adjourn at 7:55 pm.