Minutes of the Board of Directors
Wyomissing Public Library

The Board of Directors of the Wyomissing Public Library met on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 in the Community Room of the library. President Geoffrey Stoudt called the meeting to order at 4:03 P.M.

Members present: Allison Althouse, Lisa Gallen, Denise Greenwood, Judy Phelps, John Schmoyer, Steven Silverman, Bill Stobbart, Geoff Stoudt, Mary Ellen Wells, Philip Wolfe, Diane Yoh.
Library Director: Christopher Ritter

Approval of November's minutes: Bill Stobbart, seconded by Mary Ellen Wells, made motion for approval of the minutes.

President's report: President Stoudt and the Board acknowledged Judy Phelps' service, including Past President, and many contributions over the past seven years to the WPL. The Board looks forward to Judy's continued participation in the affairs of the WPL going forward.

Treasurer's Report: Bill Stobbart reported that November's receipt of association dues ($3.3K) was similar to October's. YTD dues are $34K+. Bill briefly discussed four accounts: 1) #3600: Estimated to be $20K for 2005 but more likely to be $15K. Expected funding for PC's, which was not received. 2) #4450: Likely to be $7K less in expenditures than anticipated. 3) #4000: Likely to be $7-8K less than anticipated. Bill to review details with Chris. 4) #4500: -44% spent YTD. Bill encouraged the paying of bills during December to the extent possible, including replacement of those items stolen from the WPL in late November. (See Library Director's Report). Bill summarized 2005 as potentially ending in a break-even position rather than a $30K deficit as first forecasted.

Corresponding Secretary: There was no correspondence received for the month of November.

Library Director's Report: Circulation, totaling 6134, was down in comparison to 2004. Chris reported the break-in of the WPL's outdoor shed in late November. A police report was filed for the stolen items (snow blower and leaf blower). Programming included a December 7th centerpiece creation program (10 adults), and a December 151 Christmas tree lighting, hosted by Colleen, attended by 30 children and 24 adults. Colleen also gave library tours to area daycare students as well as residents. A local high school student, Kevin Leiby, will begin working on sealing the leaking basement walls in January as part of his Eagle Scout project.

The following monies were received in 2005 in memorial of:

Ted Bausher: $1945.00
Candis Boyer: $1220.00
J. Peter Muhlenberg: $625.00
Jessie Miller: $25
Shirley Reymier: $10
 

Committee Reports
          Community Affairs: No report for November.
          Newsletter: A Shelf Life newsletter was sent to Borough residents. (Lisa was commended on it's appearance and content). As the cost of one mailing exceeds $550 in mailing costs and $350 in printing costs, a discussion followed as to whether or not to continue said mailings during 2006. In light of the expense, as well as other considerations, the newsletter may potentially be replaced by a combination of 1) an annual report, 2) regaining access to space in the quarterly Wyomissing Citizen, 3) a membership mailing, and 4) a monthly "report" that is accessible to all visiting the WPL.
          Membership: As a follow-up from December's discussion, Mary Ellen Wells broached having six (6) potential membership categories for 2006. They include 1) Ben Franklin's Circle ($500-1000+),2) Trustee ($250-499),3) Benefactor ($100-249),4) Patron ($60),5) Supporter ($35), and 6) Other (amount to be left blank). The Board agreed to table further discussion until January's meeting. It was agreed that "gifts" would not be given in exchange for monies collected regardless of the category, with the possible exception of a nameplate placed onto chairs refurbished as a result of and in recognition of Ben Franklin Circle donors.
          Building & Grounds: As a result of the shed break-in, the committee is investigating alternatives for improved shed security. Philip reported that the borough will be trimming the beech tree as promised, and that he will be meeting with Greg to discuss the repainting of the hall ceiling (currently flaking). Chris' library directors report also made mention of having to have Blanski repair a circulator for the heating system.
          Information Technology: See New Business, paragraph 1.
          Nominating: President Stoudt presented the officer nominations for 2006. Judy Phelps made motion, seconded by Philip Wolfe, to close the nominations. Steve Silverman made motion, seconded by Mary Ellen Wells, to approve the nominations. The Board unanimously approved all nominations.

Unfinished Business: None reported.

New Business: Discussion of purchasing four PC's, for administrative purposes, in the amount of [less than or equal to] $4K. This purchase will come about as a result of a portion of 2005 undesignated contributions not being spent. Bill Stobbart made motion, seconded by Mary Ellen Wells, to purchase the four PC's. The motion was unanimously approved.

Upon benchmarking expected Borough raises and cost-of-living statistics, Bill Stobbart made motion, seconded by Judy Phelps, to approve a 3.5% increase in wages/salary for the WPL staff. The motion was unanimously approved. It was noted that the staff consists of three (3) salaried personnel and six (6) hourly personnel.

Judy informed the Board of the Wyomissing Centennial Committee's desire to have a kick-off celebration "openhouse" at the WPL. The Board gave full support of the Committee's request, said to be planned for mid-May, as another opportunity to have the WPL present itself as an asset to the entire community.

Chris presented the WPL's Interlibrary Loan Policy (ILL) to the greater Board for discussion. ILL costs are approximately $4 per transaction, with 35 having been requested last month. The ILL is for adult patrons residing in Wyomissing and Wyomissing Hills. Although West Reading residents are not within the scope of the ILL (their "home" library being Reading), discussion followed regarding whether or not to deny non-resident Association members this service. It was determined that non-resident Association members will be permitted to request ILL service. Mary Ellen Wells made motion, seconded by Steve Silverman, to approve the modified ILL policy. The Board unanimously approved.

A general discussion of potentially rearranging committees or reassigning current committee members to other committees occurred prior to the end of the meeting. Any Board member desiring such a reassignment is to contact Geoff or Lisa.

The meeting adjourned at 5:13 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
John P. Schmoyer

Next Executive Meeting: TBD
Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 @ 4:00 PM