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Board Minutes
HEARTLAND LIBRARY COOPERATIVE BOARD MEETING
January 19, 2000
HLC Governing Board voting members present: DeSoto – Ann Ryals, Paul Erickson, Bob Avant; Hardee – Gloria Davis; Highlands – Perry Newport, Bob Bullard, Jeanne Renton; Okeechobee – Robbie Clarke
Board members excused: Clois Harvey, Marilyn Buxton, Elinor Batey, Walter Olliff Jr.
Others present: Coordinator Mary Myers, Library Director E.M. Kenney, Librarian Merry Cresswell, Auditor Mike Carter, Admin. Secretary Carolyn Hesselink.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bob Bullard at 10:02 a.m., in the meeting room of the Lake Placid Library. Notice of a public meeting read. It was moved by Perry Newport to amend the business agenda to include a discussion on Internet filtering, seconded by Gloria Davis, and passed by voice vote. The minutes of the previous meeting were moved for approval by Paul Erickson, seconded by Robbie Clarke, and passed by voice vote.
COORDINATOR’S REPORT
Mrs. Myers notified the board members that a previous item of interest, our cooperative fixed assets and insurance, has been taken care of as noted in a letter copied for the board.
Two grant agreements have short deadlines and Mrs. Myers asked the board to approve the grant applications for the 3rd year of the Born to Read grant, and a Literacy grant.
The Literacy grant is a one-time $25,000 grant available to each county to develop a literacy deposit collection and program, with a maximum of $100,000 in each district of 10 counties. The board agreed that the library directors would work out who would apply. We could partner with a community college and literacy programs like the ESL language program. His would be a supplement to already established programs.
Perry Newport moved the board recommend that the directors decide on how to apply for the Literacy Grant, whether singly or in combination, seconded by Ann Ryals, and passed by voice vote. It is understood that all monies would come through the Heartland Cooperative.
Mrs. Myers also talked about a Library Service to Older Adults grant application. This would be our technology grant for the cooperative. We are looking to install a computer and train on it at senior centers, perhaps paying for an Internet connection. Ann Ryals moved to approve the Coordinator’s Report, including board approved of the application for all three grants: Born to Read, Literacy, and the Technology grant, seconded by Bob Avant, passed by voice vote.
Mike Carter of the NCT group gave the auditor’s report. This was classified as a “clean” audit. Perry Newport commented that he would like a previous year’s comparison in next year’s audit. Mr. Carter said that would be done.
The state has raised the amount needed to inventory fixed assets from $750 to $1,000 for 99-2000. Mary wondered if our fixed assets for the cooperative could also be raised to this level. It would help us simplify our inventory. She told the board that a bar code is now being used to help track equipment, especially helpful with small items that wouldn’t be in the inventory list.
Perry moved to increase to the $1,000 level our reporting of assets for the cooperative, seconded by Robbie Clarke, passed by voice vote.
Internet filtering, the use of Web Sense in our system, complaints by a very few patrons, all were discussed by the board. It was noted that we now have an Internet Policy on each computer which the patron has to acknowledge that he/she will abide by it. The board agreed that local directors should handle problems as they arise by taking the appropriate action as they see fit. This may be using privacy screens, designating certain computers as “adult only,” or whatever the particular situations calls for. We have the technology and resources to monitor the needs of each county library and to develop policies as needed.
The next meeting date is set for MARCH 15 AT OKEECHOBEE COUNTY LIBRARY, 10 A.M.
Gloria announced the Hardee County Library Open House for Jan. 28, 5:30-7 with local authors, local mural painting, a film, and, of course, good food.
We adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Hesselink
Administrative Secretary
