River Forest Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
May 15, 2007

Call to Order
President Mark Coe called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mr. Coe, Joan Cusack, Margaret Horstman and Liz Fischer. Also present were Acting Directors Deirdre Brennan and Sarah Hampson and trustees-elect Harley Beck, Genie Halloran and Joan O’Connor.

Swearing In and Roll Call
President Coe swore in each new trustee--Joan O’Connor, Harley Beck and Genevieve Halloran. Acting Secretary Fischer then called the roll. All trustees were present.

Election of Officers
The slate of officers submitted for nomination for 2007-08 were: Mark Coe, President; Margaret Horstman, Vice President; Joan Cusack, Treasurer; Elizabeth G. Fischer, Secretary. Mrs. Cusack made a motion to nominate the slate of candidates. Ms. Horstman seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried unanimously.

Audience to Visitors, Trustee and Staff Comments
Continuing trustees welcomed the newly-elected trustees to the board.

Consent Agenda
Mr. Coe explained the parts of the Consent Agenda. The May Consent Agenda included the minutes of the April 17th regular meeting, the April Treasurer’s Report, and the Warrant and Benefit List for the period of April 18 to May 15th, 2007 including checks numbered from7040-7046 and 7048-7109 excluding checks 7044 and 7052. Total expenditures for the period were $92,278.42  Ms. Fischer moved that the Board accept the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Cusack seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Voting aye were Mr. Coe, Mrs. Fischer, Mrs. Cusack and Ms. Horstman. Abstaining were Ms. O’Connor, Ms. Beck and Ms. Halloran. There were no nays: the motion carried.

Communications
A. Announcements--none
B. Patron Suggestions—reviewed and clarified.
C. Eagle Scout Project: Ms Brennan and Ms. Hampson met with Mr. Heffernan and his mother and developed a plan for a project that the acting directors felt would be beneficial to the Library. The Eagle Scout provided a copy of his fundraising letter.
D. Donations-(none)

Director’s Report
Mr. Coe provided an overview of the monthly statistical reports and background about the director and departmental written reports.

Old Business
Update on Director Search Proces
Ms. Brennan reported that the search team has identified two applicants as prospective candidates for the position of Library Director. The acting directors suggested that the search become formally organized upon completion of the consulting session with Mr. Cain. Meanwhile, the search team will continue to seek out, identify and communicate with prospective candidates. 

Other: Board Calendar
After comparing calendars, trustees decided to move the June meeting to June 12th. Also, Ms. Horstman will chair the July meeting because Mr. Coe will be out of town. 

New Business
A. Discussion on Roles of Committees
The formation of committees of the board was discussed. Ms. Brennan suggested that each committee have “a charge” to help focus the group. The acting directors agreed to draft some possible committees and charges for the board to consider at its June meeting. 

B. Board Training with Dan Cain
The trustees agreed to schedule a consulting session with Dan Cain, a well-regarded library management consultant, who will facilitate a session to help focus the group on the work ahead. Ms. Brennan arranged for a session on May 30th  at 6pm. Mr. Cain will be supplied with information about the Library in advance of his visit.

C. Management Association of Illinois
The acting directors met with representatives of the Management Association of Illinois. The Association followed with a proposal to review the Library’s organizational chart,  job descriptions, and salary structure. The consultant will come in person to the June board meeting to field questions from trustees before they decide whether to enlist the services of the Association at this time. 

D. Participation in Memorial Day Parade 2007
After noting the Library’s tradition of entering a float in the Memorial Day Parade, it was noted that since the Library is short-staffed, it might be best to pass on this year’s parade. After considering the merits of participating, it was determined that a simple float could be entered that consists only of available trustees and staff. 

Executive Session
At 8:52, Mrs. Cusack made a motion to go into executive session. Ms. Halloran seconded.
   
Adjournment
At 9:18 p.m., Mrs. Cusack moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Ms. Horstman seconded.

Respectfully submitted, 
Elizabeth Gearen Fischer