FRIENDS OF THE WIMBERLEY VILLAGE LIBRARY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Regular Meeting, 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 8, 2007

Minutes

 

            The meeting was called to order by President Marty Jeffers at 10:07 a.m.  Recording Secretary Dennis Lee called roll and announced the presence of a quorum with the following members in attendance: Lynda Blakistone, Christian Lamberson, Kathy Parker, Patrice Wilton, Linda Germaine, Nicole Royal, Nancy Marlett, Ella Hetherly, Marty Jeffers, Ruth Freeman, Kaysa Pierce, Nancy Wesson, Mike Schliessmann, and Gary Knight.  Carolyn Manning was also in attendance and representing the Library staff.

 

            The minutes from the June 9 meeting were read and upon motion, second, and unanimous vote approved.

 

            Marty Jeffers noted that following the death of board member Steve Schubert and the resignations of Carol Harlow and Judy Martino, three potential replacements had been located and indicated their willingness to serve.  Tonda Frady, Evelyn Guidry, and Sue Byrne were proposed to the Board as new members, fulfilling the terms of Schubert, Harlow, and Martino.  After motion, second, and vote the new slate was unanimously approved.   Tonda Frady and Evelyn Guidry were in attendance and voted on matters occurring later in this meeting.

 

            Ruth Freeman presented the treasurer’s report showing a current balance of $4839.63.  No significant activity was noted in the preceding months.  After motion, second, and vote, the report was approved.

 

            Corresponding Secretary Marty Jeffers noted that we had received a donation from the Literacy Volunteers of America, and that she had sent a Thank You note.  She also sent a Thank You note to the Lions Club for their recent donation.

 

            Nancy Marlett made the Membership Committee report and noted that the renewal cards had failed to generate a lot of activity from prior membership, although we have obtained about 20 new members recently.  The committee will have a meeting on 9/18 and discuss working with outside groups to increase membership.  A suggestion was that they pursue book clubs as possible new members.  Another suggestion was to solicit corporate memberships from all the local businesses.

 

            Lynda Blakistone made the Book Sale Committee report.  Everything is full speed ahead for the 11/3 book sale.  There will be an event the night before for Friends members at the Chapel in the Hills; this can possibly be used as part of a membership drive.  Friends will be given first shot at some of the inventory.  Book sorting will happen on 9/27 starting at 8am.  Setup will be at 9am on 11/2.  Judy Sanford will run the Sale as Lynda will be recovering from surgery.  Next Sale planned for May 3, assuming that we don’t have one earlier due to excess inventory.

 

            Kaysa Pierce made the Volunteer Committee report.  She noted that the pizza party for the youth volunteers went well and that Pizza Hut was very generous.  She noted that it might be possible to use some of the youth volunteers to help with signage for the Book Sale.

 

            Dennis Lee gave the Publicity Committee report.  Two issues.  First, he asked if we should try to have a Fall Newsletter.  Prevailing opinion was yes, so an article submission date was set for 10/1.  This Newsletter will focus on the Book Sale and on increasing membership/involvement.  Second, the Book Sale: Dennis proposed a media blitz mixed with signage.  Signage will be needed to draw shoppers in from Market Days and off the street, as well as to inform potential shoppers in advance.  Media will be increased both in intensity and geographical scope as the event nears.  He noted that he needed volunteers to help with the signage.  It was suggested that we find a big attention getter, such as a blow-up gorilla, for the site on the day of the event.

 

            The Youth Activities report was presented by Nicole Royal.  She noted that some of the prior activities had been unsuccessful, and that the successful ones had been taken over by the Library itself.  So, she recommended that for the upcoming year the committee focus on supplementing the Library’s efforts.  Nicole will work with the childrens’ librarians to get a wish list, and then work to fulfill that list.

 

            Ruth Freeman noted in the Budget Committee report that there will be a meeting on 9/20.  If any committee members wish to submit budget requests they should do so in writing or email to Ruth before then.

 

            Gary Knight presented an update from the Library Board of Trustees to the Friends.  First, there are some changes occurring in the Board itself with 3 members’ terms expiring this year: John Hyink, Del Hood, and Alice Wightman.  3 people submitted applications for these openings, obviating the need for an election, which would cost funds that the Library District doesn’t really have.  These three are Del Hood, Alice Wightman, and Nancy Marlett.  Nancy was asked by the Board to fill the third slot because of her contributions to the Friends, her youth, and her status as a parent of small children, as well as her education and experience.  The new terms will begin in January.  Second, the new budget process is underway.  A white paper detailing anticipated revenues and Library needs will be debated.  It is expected that the Board will create two budgets, one essentially projecting the 2007 budget into the new year, and another assuming an economic downturn and therefore considerably more conservative.  The Board is anticipating in the neighborhood of $350K in gross sales tax revenues, constituting about 94% of the overall District revenue.  They are also vigorously pursuing grant monies.  Third, the Director selection process continues with 10 current high-quality candidates including Carolyn Manning.  The Board is in no hurry to fill the opening and will proceed cautiously with the interview process over the next couple months.

 

            It was suggested, moved, seconded, and unanimously approved that a fitting memorial to Steve Schubert, in addition to the plans of the Library District to perhaps name a wing of the building after him, would be to name the Extra Mile Award, given to the volunteer among the Friends who best exemplified Steve’s commitment to improving the Library, after him.  A plaque with engraved nameplates for the winners will be hung in his and their honor in the Library; the annual winner will receive a suitable certificate as well as having his/her name engraved on the plaque.  Marty said she would speak with Joan Schubert about this.

 

            Marty Jeffers noted that the Literacy Volunteers of America made a $50 donation to the Friends in memory of Steve, and that these monies had been deposited in the general fund.

 

            A discussion was held regarding how to handle the so-called “pass-through funding” issue wherein an outside entity donates money to the Friends for a specific purpose not otherwise covered in the Friends budget.  Dennis Lee made two motions in this matter.  The first:

 

            “Moved that the Board ratify the prior actions of Marty Jeffers in accepting donations from the Lions Club and Civic Club for the specific purpose of purchasing a computer, a color printer, and the Rosetta Stone software.”

 

            This motion was seconded and approved unanimously.  The second motion:

 

            “Moved that the Board authorize the President or his/her designee, in such instances where acceptance of a donation from an outside entity is predicated on a specific purchase with the proceeds of said donation, and sufficient time is not available for the Board to specifically approve or decline this transaction, to consult with the list prepared by the Ad Hoc Donations Committee in conjunction with Library staff and approved by the Board, and make the decision whether or not to proceed with the transaction.”

 

            The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

 

            Ella Hetherly then presented the results of a meeting with Carolyn Manning and the Ad Hoc committee detailing the wish list of the Library.  Marianne Mitchell had added a line item consisting of an annual daily subscription to the New York Times that committee members had not specifically approved.  After discussion, motion, second, and vote, two actions were approved:  First, the addition of the New York Times to the list was approved, and second, the entire list was approved by the Board, consisting of the following items:

 

            2006 International Residence Code (non fiction book)

            2006 International Building Code (non fiction book)

            Texas Real Estate (non fiction book)

            2006 Hoover’s Masterlist of U.S. Companies (non fiction book)

            30 youth read-alongs / 36 read-alongs (depending on the package selected; for youth services)

            30 young adult books

            10 young adult CD books

            New York Times subscription, Monday through Saturday

 

            Notes: Alice Wightman is donating the Sunday NY Times to the Library, so it isn’t needed.  After discussion, and input from Carolyn, it was decided that the daily NY Times was needed by the Library.  Carolyn was asked about why no adult fiction books were requested, and she replied that she felt that the young adults were being shortchanged and that there was enough money in her budget for adult fiction.

 

            Marty noted that the Lions Club had asked for volunteers to help on Market Days.  This was okayed by the Board, and a signup list was passed around.

 

            We need 2 people to work at the various Infobrunches coming up.  Nicole noted that 4 will be held before the end of the year, and that the same people end up working them.  Marty asked for signups for the 9/15 Infobrunch and Nancy Wesson signed up.  Nancy Marlett agreed to provide a membership list for a mailout/callout for volunteers for the later events.

 

            There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis Lee

Recording Secretary