August 2008 Board Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Wayne County Public Library
Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 7:30 pm
Fellowship Hall, Doylestown Zion Lutheran Church
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Shisler called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Carroll Meyer, Ruth Crowley, Bill Bailey, Richard Shisler, Kevin Power, Brian Questel. Not Present: Doug Drushal
Also Present: Greg Lubelski, Director; Katherine Long, Fiscal Officer; Sara Hawk, Deputy Fiscal Officer; Judi Kizzen, Human Resources Coordinator; Jennifer Shatzer, Technical Services Manager; Linda Davis, Adult Services Manager; Jon Craig, Facilities Coordinator; Sherry Hatter-Miller, Circulation Manager; Pat Pond, Doylestown Branch Manager; Deborah Keener, Genealogy Manger; 19 guests.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Judy Lindemann, President of the Doylestown Friends of the Library, read a letter expressing regret at the delay in the construction process. It thanked Mr. Meehan for his patience and proffered a slogan of “Books Not Just Looks”.
Mr. Earl Kerr had submitted a letter also, and summarized it for the Board. He expressed frustration over the design and suggested simple adjustments to solve the issues of the door and roofline.
Mr. Drushal arrived at 7:34 p.m.
Mr. Kerr said that he appreciated the perseverance of the Board and recognized that they want to build the best building possible. He is thankful they listened to the community in their choice of a building site. He feels there are simple, rational solutions to solving the issues. He understands the budgetary limitations of the Board but wants to point out that the Library should have saved nearly $14 million dollars since 1941 because the Village has provided the Library buildings since then.
Joanna Haag, of Doylestown, asked what happens next. Do the dissatisfied residents wait until the Board makes a decision, or is there the possibility of collaboration? Mr. Shisler is uncertain of the next step at this point in time. Ms. Haag feels that when the community was asked for input and gave it, they have not been listened to. Mr. Shisler stated that the Library is working with BCMC in regard to what the next step will be. There are no guarantees as to the timeline.
Mr. Power feels that the Library needs to proceed with the project. He realizes that some people won’t be happy at this, but he feels that the Board has tried to be responsible in regard to keeping expenses down on the project and delaying it will only increase cost.
Sue Harris, of Doylestown, asked how the Board could possibly proceed without the approval of the Village Planning Commission. Mr. Power said that he is not certain exactly what the Commission disapproved, as he just received the minutes and findings this evening from the Commission’s meeting. Mr. Drushal said that the Village Council makes the ultimate decision, so the Board will wait until the next Council meeting to see what happens. Mr. Lubelski said that both parties’ legal counsel are working on the process. If the Commission rejected the plan on code violations, that will be remedied. If they rejected it strictly on aesthetics, that’s another matter.
Bob Haag, of Doylestown, feels the Board is being pessimistic about delays increasing the cost. He feels that, with the economy the way it is, the costs may indeed decrease. Mr. Power stated that the Library’s construction manager and architect both disagreed with that speculation.
Gerald Cline, of Doylestown, asked who selected the architect, Mr. Meehan. Mr. Shisler explained that the Library Board chose Mr. Meehan after a defined selection process.
Lori Russell, of Doylestown, asked if a timeline could be given of some decisions being made. She feels that there are simple changes that could be made to accommodate their wishes. They don’t want any delays or increases in costs, but if a little time could be set aside to work together, the changes could be made. Mr. Lubelski stated that all the people she referred to had attended meetings in the past months, and the issues have been discussed and addressed. The ultimate decision to have another meeting is up to the Board, but construction needs to start before October or it will have to wait until next year.
Mr. Power said the he has heard from many residents of Doylestown who have told him that they like design. He wondered if perhaps the issues are with certain individuals, rather than being real issues at all.
Ms. Russell feels that everyone should be able to be proud of the “icon building of our community”.
Pat Pond, Manager of the Doylestown Branch, stated that she has attended all of the meetings, and she feels that the building is perfect the way it is. She wants the project to proceed.
Sue Harris, who is also a member of the Doylestown Garden Club, informed the Board that the Club is raising money to put a gazebo on the Village lot adjacent to the Library. The pergola Mr. Meehan proposes to have at the front sidewalk would clash with the gazebo.
Bob Haag said that Mr. Meehan stated very strongly at the Planning Commission meeting that there would be no front door. Mr. Haag would like to hear Mr. Jarvis’ letter to the Board. Mrs. Haag provided a copy of the letter to Mr. Meyer, who skimmed it and summarized the issues addressed in it, which are the same as those in Mr. Kerr’s letter and the letter from the Village engineer (both of which are included with these minutes. Mr. Jarvis’ letter was sent as an email to Board members).
Lora Goman, former Doylestown Branch manager, expressed her frustration that the whole building is being held up because of the location of a door.
Mr. Haag says that he understands the frustration, but feels that the Board is approaching the project from a tactical standpoint not a strategic standpoint. He feels they are trying to solve a short-term problem.
Gerald Cline feels that someone who worked in the library for 27 years would have a little more idea what would make the library work. He feels there are people who are putting “pretty” above functionality.
Bob Haag disagreed vehemently.
Ms. Crowley stated that she has visited several libraries the same size as the proposed building, and all of them had only one entrance. There has to be a compromise.
Bob Haag said he is hearing that the Board is going forward with the project despite public protests.
Mr. Bailey was very upset that Mr. Haag had attributed that statement to the entire Board, since Mr. Bailey had stated no such thing. He felt that Mr. Haag was stereotyping the opinion of the Board. Mr. Bailey has no idea what the extent of the Planning Commission’s authority is. He is concerned about planning for expansion if the door is moved to the front of the building.
Paul Mong, of Doylestown, stated that at the Village Planning Commission meeting Rick Porter, an architect and Council member, stated that he would approve the proposed plan just as it is. Mr. Mong feels the front door is an emotional issue; function is permanent.
Mr. Power said that he recalled Mr. Meehan saying that he had taken out several doors on buildings but never put a second door in. He also recalled someone else saying that the bank in Doylestown had closed their front door.
Sue Harris said that the libraries who’d had doors closed off had done it because of new regulations regarding handicapped accessibility. Also the bank that had closed its front door was not on the main strip in town. She asked if Mr. Power honestly felt that there would be a future addition to the building. If not, why would it matter whether the door was on the front? She doesn’t like driving the alley behind the Library site; she is fearful of getting sideswiped on it.
Mr. Shisler disagreed with the thoroughfare being called an alley. He drove the “alley” on the way to the meeting this evening. There are many businesses along it, and the Village is responsible for the condition of it.
Mr. Bailey answered Ms. Harris that he can’t “guarantee” an addition. He can’t even guarantee that the Wooster Library will be open 6 days a week next year at this point. He feels that the door issue is one that the architect would need to address, not the Board.
Mr. Power commended the community on their initiative in the past in building their own Library buildings.
Mr. Questel stated that he was on the Library Board when the original plan for the Wooster library was on the drawing board. Even with the disagreement over that, he has not heard anyone putting down the building that was ultimately built. No matter how the Doylestown building is set on the lot, people will come to the Library. He doesn’t think that it will be an ugly building. He is appalled that the plan was turned down because of landscaping. He stated that Doylestown needs to have confidence in Mr. Meehan.
At this time, Mr. Kerr returned from visiting the Village Council meeting and stated that the Council is not taking any action on the Planning Commission’s decision; therefore, the Planning Commission’s action is final.
APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES: Mr. Meyer moved, and Mr. Questel seconded to approve the July 15th regular Board meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF COMMITTEE MINUTES: Mr. Bailey moved, and Mr. Questel seconded to approve the July 16th Human Resources Committee minutes and the July 22nd Facilities Committee minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Narrative and statistical reports as distributed.
There will be training on Thursday for WCPL staff involved in the cooperating collection from the Foundation Center. WCPL is one of only eight libraries in Ohio who have been approved to host the training.
September 14th begins Sunday hours for the Wooster Library.
Materials purchases have resumed.
A five year strategic plan is attached to the packet. Mr. Shisler summarized the plan for those in the audience. Ms. Crowley asked if there could be a goal added to the strategic plan of seeking additional funding through grants. Mr. Bailey moved to approve the strategic plan; Mr. Questel seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Annual statistics are approaching 2 million system-wide.
Mr. Shisler commended the staff of the Library for their service through good and bad times.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance and Audit:
July 2008 Bank Reconciliation:
July 2008 Balance Sheet and Income Statement:
Total encumbrances at July 31, 2008:
General Fund
Liberty Street Fund
Doylestown Fund
Larwill Fund
Technology Fund
Donation Fund
|
$733,147.89
$4,281.30
$73,869.22
$29,936.89
$7,310.55
$103.37
|
TOTAL: $848,649.22
Actual Revenue and Expenditures at July 31, 2004-2008:
July 2008 Accounts Payable and Payroll:
Mr. Meyer moved all the above reports, and reiterated that the Library is still operating on the same income as we were eight years ago. Mr. Questel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Resolution #31-2008 – July 2008 Donations: Mr. Meyer moved to approve Resolution 31-2008, and Mr. Power seconded. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Resolution #32-2008 – July 2008 John Gamble Memorial Donations: Mr. Meyer moved to accept Resolution 32-2008; Mr. Bailey seconded, and roll call vote passed the motion with all in favor.
Resolution #33-2008 – Sale of Property: Mr. Meyer moved to approve Resolution 33-2008. Mr. Questel seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Resolution #34-2008 – Non-Monetary Donations to Rittman and Bookmobile: Mr. Meyer moved to approve Resolution 34-2008, and Mr. Bailey seconded. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Resolution #35-2008 – July 2008 Norma Rhode Memorial Donations: Mr. Meyer moved to accept Resolution 35-2008, and Mr. Questel seconded. Ms. Long said that Ms. Rhode’s family has decided to split the donations between adult and children’s materials. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Resolution #36-2008 – Accepting the Amounts and Rates Determined by the Budget Commission: Mr. Meyer moved to accept Resolution 36-2008; Ms. Crowley seconded. Ms. Long informed the Board that the Library’s 2009 budget had been presented to the Budget Commission. This resolution accepts the rates for the bond issue as well as accepting the split between WCPL and Orrville. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Mr. Meyer said the Commissioners and Auditor’s department have expressed support for the Library’s levy campaign.
Facilities:
Mr. Power had no report, but replied to some of the comments from the public. He wanted them to understand that just because some of their suggested changes have not been implemented doesn’t mean that the Board has not heard them.
Human Resources:
Narrative and Personnel report as distributed.
Mr. Bailey reported that the Committee had met July 16th, and that he and Ms. Kizzen have met since then in an effort to compose an evaluation form for the Director and Fiscal Officer. A proposed form was included in the packet. It is based on the same form used for the rest of the Library’s employees. Mr. Bailey’s concern regarding the job descriptions for the Director and Fiscal Officer was that they were out of date. All other job descriptions had been changed in the recent past. Proposed changes to the job descriptions were also included in the packet. He is not asking for any action to be taken on these this evening.
Ms. Kizzen spoke regarding this month’s personnel policy change/update. It is a subheading under the work schedule policy – it is a religious exemption policy pertaining mostly to Sunday service, but it includes options for other types of religious exemptions. It is section 8.5.1. Mr. Bailey moved to approve the proposed change, and Mr. Drushal seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The second personnel policy change is due to and in accordance with the first – two minor changes to 8.9.
Mr. Questel wanted to give the Board food for thought, mentioning the possibility of the Library remaining open on Sundays later into the spring, since kids are not finished with school by mid-May. Mr. Lubelski replied that the dates had been determined many years ago by a study showing usage statistics.
Mr. Bailey asked Ms. Kizzen to remove from policy 8.9 any specific dates or date ranges stating what Sundays the library would be open and to simply state “when the main library is open on Sundays…” Mr. Bailey moved to approve the change as amended. Mr. Drushal seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
It has been determined that the Library’s public records policy should be included in the personnel policy manual. Mr. Bailey moved to add said policy to the personnel manual, and Mr. Drushal seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Meyer expressed appreciation for the way the Human Resources Committee is bringing things up for discussion each month.
Ms. Kizzen stated that our current labor law attorney firm has increased their costs drastically, and she has recommended that the Library change to the firm of Buckingham & Doolittle (leaving Roetzel & Andress). The Board is not required to take action, but she wanted them to be aware of the change.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was none.
NEW BUSINESS: A new liquor permit request by El Rancho Grande was sent to the Library Board. As the Board’s custom is, Mr. Drushal moved to state on the form that the Library does not object. Mr. Questel seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Mr. Power congratulated the Orrville Public Library for their recent national ranking among libraries.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Joanna Haag asked if the parking lot was positioned as it was because of the house remaining behind the Library’s property. Would the site have been developed differently if that property had been purchased? Are the parking and door in the back because of the shape of the property? No, the design would have still been the same. She feels the front of the building is still blank and the roofline boring. Can the money be saved in another aspect of the building to provide for an additional entrance, moving the entrance or putting a gable on the roof? Mr. Power said that he has learned from previous projects to go with function; form takes care of itself. He trusts that the building will look great the way it is. Mrs. Haag doesn’t feel that the issues have been resolved satisfactorily.
Gerald Cline asked if this type of disputing was normal. Has the Board had this problem on the other projects? He feels Doylestown should have a trophy for having the biggest cry babies, and he said that there is a difference between having a difference of opinion and arguing.
Lori Russell feels there needs to be compromise. Mr. Questel pointed out that the Library has compromised on this project for a long, long time. He doesn’t want anyone to think that the Board has not compromised in the past. If it had been up to him, the Library would have already been built – on another lot. Ms. Russel feels there should be more meetings with the public since the Planning Commission’s decision last week. Mr. Lubelski stated that the Library’s legal counsel is looking into what the next steps should be.
Paul Mong had spoken with Mr. Meehan at the Planning Commission meeting, and the architect had told him that, on other library projects this size, he has had a maximum of 4 meetings. So far on the Doylestown project he has had 8!
Mr. Shisler assured those present that the Board is going to complete this project. He feels it will make a large impact in the Village. The issues brought up this evening will be considered.
Mr. Bailey asked for clarification on why some design documents were not ready to present to the Planning Commission. Was it because the architect was trying to get things done so they could break ground before winter? He asked if there would be a delay because of the denial.
Mr. Lubelski said that the bid has already begun advertising. The bids are required to be advertised for 2 weeks, but addendums can be done which would extend the bid period for up to 2 weeks.
Mr. Meyer sees the issue as strictly a Doylestown issue, not a Board/Doylestown problem. The residents of the Village need to see where they are; make up their minds what they want. The Library is already over budget on this project. He feels the Board has been trying to make this project work for a long time. The Board will do what they can to move it forward, but the community needs to meet to determine what one voice will represent their opinion – he’s heard several differing “voices” this evening. He feels that Mr. Meehan is an extraordinary listener, and he feels Mr. Meehan has listened. The Board will do their part, but he asks the community to do their part – figure it out and speak with one voice.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Drushal moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.; Ms. Crowley seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
August 2008 Board Minutes
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Wayne County Public Library
Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 7:30 pm
Fellowship Hall, Doylestown Zion Lutheran Church
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Shisler called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Carroll Meyer, Ruth Crowley, Bill Bailey, Richard Shisler, Kevin Power, Brian Questel. Not Present: Doug Drushal
Also Present: Greg Lubelski, Director; Katherine Long, Fiscal Officer; Sara Hawk, Deputy Fiscal Officer; Judi Kizzen, Human Resources Coordinator; Jennifer Shatzer, Technical Services Manager; Linda Davis, Adult Services Manager; Jon Craig, Facilities Coordinator; Sherry Hatter-Miller, Circulation Manager; Pat Pond, Doylestown Branch Manager; Deborah Keener, Genealogy Manger; 19 guests.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Judy Lindemann, President of the Doylestown Friends of the Library, read a letter expressing regret at the delay in the construction process. It thanked Mr. Meehan for his patience and proffered a slogan of “Books Not Just Looks”.
Mr. Earl Kerr had submitted a letter also, and summarized it for the Board. He expressed frustration over the design and suggested simple adjustments to solve the issues of the door and roofline.
Mr. Drushal arrived at 7:34 p.m.
Mr. Kerr said that he appreciated the perseverance of the Board and recognized that they want to build the best building possible. He is thankful they listened to the community in their choice of a building site. He feels there are simple, rational solutions to solving the issues. He understands the budgetary limitations of the Board but wants to point out that the Library should have saved nearly $14 million dollars since 1941 because the Village has provided the Library buildings since then.
Joanna Haag, of Doylestown, asked what happens next. Do the dissatisfied residents wait until the Board makes a decision, or is there the possibility of collaboration? Mr. Shisler is uncertain of the next step at this point in time. Ms. Haag feels that when the community was asked for input and gave it, they have not been listened to. Mr. Shisler stated that the Library is working with BCMC in regard to what the next step will be. There are no guarantees as to the timeline.
Mr. Power feels that the Library needs to proceed with the project. He realizes that some people won’t be happy at this, but he feels that the Board has tried to be responsible in regard to keeping expenses down on the project and delaying it will only increase cost.
Sue Harris, of Doylestown, asked how the Board could possibly proceed without the approval of the Village Planning Commission. Mr. Power said that he is not certain exactly what the Commission disapproved, as he just received the minutes and findings this evening from the Commission’s meeting. Mr. Drushal said that the Village Council makes the ultimate decision, so the Board will wait until the next Council meeting to see what happens. Mr. Lubelski said that both parties’ legal counsel are working on the process. If the Commission rejected the plan on code violations, that will be remedied. If they rejected it strictly on aesthetics, that’s another matter.
Bob Haag, of Doylestown, feels the Board is being pessimistic about delays increasing the cost. He feels that, with the economy the way it is, the costs may indeed decrease. Mr. Power stated that the Library’s construction manager and architect both disagreed with that speculation.
Gerald Cline, of Doylestown, asked who selected the architect, Mr. Meehan. Mr. Shisler explained that the Library Board chose Mr. Meehan after a defined selection process.
Lori Russell, of Doylestown, asked if a timeline could be given of some decisions being made. She feels that there are simple changes that could be made to accommodate their wishes. They don’t want any delays or increases in costs, but if a little time could be set aside to work together, the changes could be made. Mr. Lubelski stated that all the people she referred to had attended meetings in the past months, and the issues have been discussed and addressed. The ultimate decision to have another meeting is up to the Board, but construction needs to start before October or it will have to wait until next year.
Mr. Power said the he has heard from many residents of Doylestown who have told him that they like design. He wondered if perhaps the issues are with certain individuals, rather than being real issues at all.
Ms. Russell feels that everyone should be able to be proud of the “icon building of our community”.
Pat Pond, Manager of the Doylestown Branch, stated that she has attended all of the meetings, and she feels that the building is perfect the way it is. She wants the project to proceed.
Sue Harris, who is also a member of the Doylestown Garden Club, informed the Board that the Club is raising money to put a gazebo on the Village lot adjacent to the Library. The pergola Mr. Meehan proposes to have at the front sidewalk would clash with the gazebo.
Bob Haag said that Mr. Meehan stated very strongly at the Planning Commission meeting that there would be no front door. Mr. Haag would like to hear Mr. Jarvis’ letter to the Board. Mrs. Haag provided a copy of the letter to Mr. Meyer, who skimmed it and summarized the issues addressed in it, which are the same as those in Mr. Kerr’s letter and the letter from the Village engineer (both of which are included with these minutes. Mr. Jarvis’ letter was sent as an email to Board members).
Lora Goman, former Doylestown Branch manager, expressed her frustration that the whole building is being held up because of the location of a door.
Mr. Haag says that he understands the frustration, but feels that the Board is approaching the project from a tactical standpoint not a strategic standpoint. He feels they are trying to solve a short-term problem.
Gerald Cline feels that someone who worked in the library for 27 years would have a little more idea what would make the library work. He feels there are people who are putting “pretty” above functionality.
Bob Haag disagreed vehemently.
Ms. Crowley stated that she has visited several libraries the same size as the proposed building, and all of them had only one entrance. There has to be a compromise.
Bob Haag said he is hearing that the Board is going forward with the project despite public protests.
Mr. Bailey was very upset that Mr. Haag had attributed that statement to the entire Board, since Mr. Bailey had stated no such thing. He felt that Mr. Haag was stereotyping the opinion of the Board. Mr. Bailey has no idea what the extent of the Planning Commission’s authority is. He is concerned about planning for expansion if the door is moved to the front of the building.
Paul Mong, of Doylestown, stated that at the Village Planning Commission meeting Rick Porter, an architect and Council member, stated that he would approve the proposed plan just as it is. Mr. Mong feels the front door is an emotional issue; function is permanent.
Mr. Power said that he recalled Mr. Meehan saying that he had taken out several doors on buildings but never put a second door in. He also recalled someone else saying that the bank in Doylestown had closed their front door.
Sue Harris said that the libraries who’d had doors closed off had done it because of new regulations regarding handicapped accessibility. Also the bank that had closed its front door was not on the main strip in town. She asked if Mr. Power honestly felt that there would be a future addition to the building. If not, why would it matter whether the door was on the front? She doesn’t like driving the alley behind the Library site; she is fearful of getting sideswiped on it.
Mr. Shisler disagreed with the thoroughfare being called an alley. He drove the “alley” on the way to the meeting this evening. There are many businesses along it, and the Village is responsible for the condition of it.
Mr. Bailey answered Ms. Harris that he can’t “guarantee” an addition. He can’t even guarantee that the Wooster Library will be open 6 days a week next year at this point. He feels that the door issue is one that the architect would need to address, not the Board.
Mr. Power commended the community on their initiative in the past in building their own Library buildings.
Mr. Questel stated that he was on the Library Board when the original plan for the Wooster library was on the drawing board. Even with the disagreement over that, he has not heard anyone putting down the building that was ultimately built. No matter how the Doylestown building is set on the lot, people will come to the Library. He doesn’t think that it will be an ugly building. He is appalled that the plan was turned down because of landscaping. He stated that Doylestown needs to have confidence in Mr. Meehan.
At this time, Mr. Kerr returned from visiting the Village Council meeting and stated that the Council is not taking any action on the Planning Commission’s decision; therefore, the Planning Commission’s action is final.
APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES: Mr. Meyer moved, and Mr. Questel seconded to approve the July 15th regular Board meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF COMMITTEE MINUTES: Mr. Bailey moved, and Mr. Questel seconded to approve the July 16th Human Resources Committee minutes and the July 22nd Facilities Committee minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Narrative and statistical reports as distributed.
There will be training on Thursday for WCPL staff involved in the cooperating collection from the Foundation Center. WCPL is one of only eight libraries in Ohio who have been approved to host the training.
September 14th begins Sunday hours for the Wooster Library.
Materials purchases have resumed.
A five year strategic plan is attached to the packet. Mr. Shisler summarized the plan for those in the audience. Ms. Crowley asked if there could be a goal added to the strategic plan of seeking additional funding through grants. Mr. Bailey moved to approve the strategic plan; Mr. Questel seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Annual statistics are approaching 2 million system-wide.
Mr. Shisler commended the staff of the Library for their service through good and bad times.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance and Audit:
July 2008 Bank Reconciliation:
July 2008 Balance Sheet and Income Statement:
Total encumbrances at July 31, 2008:
General Fund
Liberty Street Fund
Doylestown Fund
Larwill Fund
Technology Fund
Donation Fund
|
$733,147.89
$4,281.30
$73,869.22
$29,936.89
$7,310.55
$103.37
|
TOTAL: $848,649.22
Actual Revenue and Expenditures at July 31, 2004-2008:
July 2008 Accounts Payable and Payroll:
Mr. Meyer moved all the above reports, and reiterated that the Library is still operating on the same income as we were eight years ago. Mr. Questel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Resolution #31-2008 – July 2008 Donations: Mr. Meyer moved to approve Resolution 31-2008, and Mr. Power seconded. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Resolution #32-2008 – July 2008 John Gamble Memorial Donations: Mr. Meyer moved to accept Resolution 32-2008; Mr. Bailey seconded, and roll call vote passed the motion with all in favor.
Resolution #33-2008 – Sale of Property: Mr. Meyer moved to approve Resolution 33-2008. Mr. Questel seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Resolution #34-2008 – Non-Monetary Donations to Rittman and Bookmobile: Mr. Meyer moved to approve Resolution 34-2008, and Mr. Bailey seconded. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Resolution #35-2008 – July 2008 Norma Rhode Memorial Donations: Mr. Meyer moved to accept Resolution 35-2008, and Mr. Questel seconded. Ms. Long said that Ms. Rhode’s family has decided to split the donations between adult and children’s materials. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Resolution #36-2008 – Accepting the Amounts and Rates Determined by the Budget Commission: Mr. Meyer moved to accept Resolution 36-2008; Ms. Crowley seconded. Ms. Long informed the Board that the Library’s 2009 budget had been presented to the Budget Commission. This resolution accepts the rates for the bond issue as well as accepting the split between WCPL and Orrville. Roll call vote passed the motion unanimously.
Mr. Meyer said the Commissioners and Auditor’s department have expressed support for the Library’s levy campaign.
Facilities:
Mr. Power had no report, but replied to some of the comments from the public. He wanted them to understand that just because some of their suggested changes have not been implemented doesn’t mean that the Board has not heard them.
Human Resources:
Narrative and Personnel report as distributed.
Mr. Bailey reported that the Committee had met July 16th, and that he and Ms. Kizzen have met since then in an effort to compose an evaluation form for the Director and Fiscal Officer. A proposed form was included in the packet. It is based on the same form used for the rest of the Library’s employees. Mr. Bailey’s concern regarding the job descriptions for the Director and Fiscal Officer was that they were out of date. All other job descriptions had been changed in the recent past. Proposed changes to the job descriptions were also included in the packet. He is not asking for any action to be taken on these this evening.
Ms. Kizzen spoke regarding this month’s personnel policy change/update. It is a subheading under the work schedule policy – it is a religious exemption policy pertaining mostly to Sunday service, but it includes options for other types of religious exemptions. It is section 8.5.1. Mr. Bailey moved to approve the proposed change, and Mr. Drushal seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The second personnel policy change is due to and in accordance with the first – two minor changes to 8.9.
Mr. Questel wanted to give the Board food for thought, mentioning the possibility of the Library remaining open on Sundays later into the spring, since kids are not finished with school by mid-May. Mr. Lubelski replied that the dates had been determined many years ago by a study showing usage statistics.
Mr. Bailey asked Ms. Kizzen to remove from policy 8.9 any specific dates or date ranges stating what Sundays the library would be open and to simply state “when the main library is open on Sundays…” Mr. Bailey moved to approve the change as amended. Mr. Drushal seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
It has been determined that the Library’s public records policy should be included in the personnel policy manual. Mr. Bailey moved to add said policy to the personnel manual, and Mr. Drushal seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Meyer expressed appreciation for the way the Human Resources Committee is bringing things up for discussion each month.
Ms. Kizzen stated that our current labor law attorney firm has increased their costs drastically, and she has recommended that the Library change to the firm of Buckingham & Doolittle (leaving Roetzel & Andress). The Board is not required to take action, but she wanted them to be aware of the change.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was none.
NEW BUSINESS: A new liquor permit request by El Rancho Grande was sent to the Library Board. As the Board’s custom is, Mr. Drushal moved to state on the form that the Library does not object. Mr. Questel seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Mr. Power congratulated the Orrville Public Library for their recent national ranking among libraries.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Joanna Haag asked if the parking lot was positioned as it was because of the house remaining behind the Library’s property. Would the site have been developed differently if that property had been purchased? Are the parking and door in the back because of the shape of the property? No, the design would have still been the same. She feels the front of the building is still blank and the roofline boring. Can the money be saved in another aspect of the building to provide for an additional entrance, moving the entrance or putting a gable on the roof? Mr. Power said that he has learned from previous projects to go with function; form takes care of itself. He trusts that the building will look great the way it is. Mrs. Haag doesn’t feel that the issues have been resolved satisfactorily.
Gerald Cline asked if this type of disputing was normal. Has the Board had this problem on the other projects? He feels Doylestown should have a trophy for having the biggest cry babies, and he said that there is a difference between having a difference of opinion and arguing.
Lori Russell feels there needs to be compromise. Mr. Questel pointed out that the Library has compromised on this project for a long, long time. He doesn’t want anyone to think that the Board has not compromised in the past. If it had been up to him, the Library would have already been built – on another lot. Ms. Russel feels there should be more meetings with the public since the Planning Commission’s decision last week. Mr. Lubelski stated that the Library’s legal counsel is looking into what the next steps should be.
Paul Mong had spoken with Mr. Meehan at the Planning Commission meeting, and the architect had told him that, on other library projects this size, he has had a maximum of 4 meetings. So far on the Doylestown project he has had 8!
Mr. Shisler assured those present that the Board is going to complete this project. He feels it will make a large impact in the Village. The issues brought up this evening will be considered.
Mr. Bailey asked for clarification on why some design documents were not ready to present to the Planning Commission. Was it because the architect was trying to get things done so they could break ground before winter? He asked if there would be a delay because of the denial.
Mr. Lubelski said that the bid has already begun advertising. The bids are required to be advertised for 2 weeks, but addendums can be done which would extend the bid period for up to 2 weeks.
Mr. Meyer sees the issue as strictly a Doylestown issue, not a Board/Doylestown problem. The residents of the Village need to see where they are; make up their minds what they want. The Library is already over budget on this project. He feels the Board has been trying to make this project work for a long time. The Board will do what they can to move it forward, but the community needs to meet to determine what one voice will represent their opinion – he’s heard several differing “voices” this evening. He feels that Mr. Meehan is an extraordinary listener, and he feels Mr. Meehan has listened. The Board will do their part, but he asks the community to do their part – figure it out and speak with one voice.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Drushal moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.; Ms. Crowley seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.