Library Board makes decision on compensation

Friday, December 22, 2006

The Putnam County Public Library board has voiced its concerns on the 2007 compensation resolution and several new signs for the building and the parking lot.

Library Director Alice Greenburg presented the board with the 2007 compensation resolution during Wednesday's meeting, which consisted of items that were presented during last month's meeting.

These items, such as the tuition reimbursement and mileage, were discussed by the salary committee.

Board member Bonnie Nealon asked if there was any requirements for employees to stay and work at the library for some time after receiving their MLS certification through the library.

"We have not had that in policy," Greenburg said.

Greenburg also said that other libraries have this policy in place, and if one of their employees leaves after finishing a course, the employee must pay back the library.

Board President Dorothy Lukenbill asked if the board needed to pass this policy immediately. Greenburg said the board could either pass it during the meeting or hold off until the next.

Board member Vicki Timm suggested sending it to the policy committee to work on.

The board approved the 2007 compensation resolution with a new policy requirement going policy committee.

The board also discussed new outdoor signs that would point the way to the library along with signs for the parking lot and an identifier sign for the building.

Greenburg informed the board that she talked with the state highway department about putting up directional signs, pointing the way to the library. According to Greenburg, the state highway department could put two directional signs up on U.S. 231, but they felt that the library was not well identified as a library.

"They want us to put a sign out front on Poplar Street to identify that this is the Putnam County Library."

According to Greenburg, the sign would be double-sided and would be placed in the garden at the corner of College Avenue and Poplar Street. The cost of this sign is $1,000.

Board member Ken Heeke asked which street the directional signs would point down, which Greenburg answered down College Avenue.

Board member Wes Wilson suggested that the sign be high enough to see over the vehicles parked in the lot.

Heeke suggested going to the city planning and zoning committee because there are new directives on all signage.

While discussing the signs, Greenburg mentioned making the parking lot one-way starting from College Avenue.

By making the parking lot one-way, Greenburg asked for suggestions as to where the newly fixed book drop-off box should go. The board thought about leaving it where it was and making the parking spot next to it for small cars only or putting the box in another location.

Greenburg said she would take some measurements and would make sure the box would be not be delivered and installed until after a decision is made where it would go.

The board approved ordering one-way street signs, entrance and exit only signs, small car only sign and an identifier sign for $2,492. The board also approved making the parking lot one-way.

In other business, the board:

-- Learned that the cash flow was a little lower than what it was last year. Accountant Mark Hammer informed the board that this was possibly due to many capital expenditures. One such expenditure was the building improvements project, which the library did not have last year.

-- Learned that the library would be closed on Friday, Jan. 26 for staff inservice program.

-- Approved the hiring of Kay Sligh for the position of part-time technical services assistant.

-- Approved the resolution of transferring funds.

-- Set a date for the board retreat. The board retreat is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3 at 8 a.m.

-- Approved transferring $20,000 to the rainy day fund.

-- Learned that State Rep. Amos Thomas will be visiting the library on Saturday, Jan. 6. Greenburg said she and Lukenbill will take Thomas on a tour of the building and show him what tax dollars do for the library.

-- Learned that Greenburg is having trouble obtaining a copier for the lobby. She informed the board that the product that was promised to the library did not exist. Greenburg said she was having a meeting with the company to discuss the issue.

-- Learned that activities in 2007 will focus on literacy.

-- Received copies of the new policies, replacement Indiana Library Laws and new newsletter.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room of the library.

This meeting is open to the public.

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