Roodhouse Public Library Board Meeting

Roll Call:The meeting was called to order by Vice President, Dolores Harp. The following were present at the meeting; board members , Beth Burrus, Mike Harper, Sharon Patterson, Betsy Burrus -Meece and Librarian Beth Huffines. Trustee, Beth Burrus arrived after the meeting began. The meeting was held on the 15th rather than the 13th because of the passing of Bruce Vortman's father. 

Minutes: The minutes were approved as read on a motion by Ms. Burrus- Meece, seconded by Mr. Harper.

Staff Report: Ms. Huffines reported the following:

A.  THe skate Christmas decorations that were donated by Bruce and Penny Vortman were sold for $100.00 The quilt raffle realized a profit of $220 and was won by Sue Bradford.

B.  MS. Huffines purchased a Kodak Easyshare camera for the library's use for $89.00.

C.  The "Food for Fines" program has been quite successful in getting some of our books back and helping out the food pantry as well.

D.  The library will be closed on Monday, December 26 for the official Christmas holiday.

E.  Illinois Heartland LIbrary System will be changing venders that provide our cataloging software with and it should be cheaper for us.

F. Three contractors have looked at the building and submitted estimates for their work. These bids inicate that there is probably structural damage to the building. Some of the problems sited were a crack from the top to the bottem of the building that appears to be structural, top part of building is bulging and daylight showing through the bricks in the upstairs of the building. Therefore, Ms. Huffines suggested that we might consider getting an evaluation from a construction engineer before applying for the building grant. This grant is available every year and we could apply next year and have a better understanding of what the building really needs.

G.  Starting in January every Trustee will have to take an online class on the Open Meetings Act.

H.  We received a letter from the State Library stating that we had successfully completed the four steps needed for the Gates Grant and thatnking us for our participation.

I.  We have been approved for the E-rate in the amount of $1,337.86.

J.  Movies and More will do the lettering for the library drop box.

Ms. Huffines also reported that the library will not be receiving the former "Y" building for an addition. It is to be placed at the Roodhouse Rez. The Board also sent an arrangement to the Vortman family. The Board will have to ass a new policy next year. It is termed the VESSA policy and has to do withleave given to workers due to mental health or violence issues in the family.

Financial Report:

Mr. Harper said as instructed by the board the CD had not been renewed. The funds were placed in the savings account. The financial report was accepted as written on a motion by Ms. Patterson seconded by Ms. Burrus-Meece.

Reports of Committees:  Ms. Huffines reported that the cookbook was coming along nicely mainly due to the new software that the library purchased that simplified the process.

Unfinished Business: There was no unfinished business.

New Business: It was decided by the board to forgo applying for the construction grant this year and instead locate someone to do a thorough evaluation of the building's  structural integrity. Motion by Ms. Burrus-Meece seconded by Ms. Patterson.

Other Business: After having Ms. Huffines and Mrs. Harp leave the room the trustees voted to give Ms. Huffines a $175 Christmas bonus and Ms. Wells a $100 bonus

Adjournment: The meeting was ajourned on a motion by Ms. Patterson seconded by Ms. Burrus- Meece after Ms. Huffines and Mrs. Harp returned to the room.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Patterson, Secretary