At its June 23 meeting, the Mead Public Library Board approved a draft contract for staffing of the Youth Services Homework Help project.  Using funds from a grant for that purpose, Mead Library will have adults available at selected times to help young people use a computer-based tutoring program for homework assistance beginning this fall.

The Mead Public Library Board also agreed to use unexpended funds to contract for security personnel in the fall of 2011, if necessary. A total of $6,250 would be available for security expenses.  The previous contract for security services, 13 weeks, ended on June 6.

In  two unrelated personnel matters, the board, by taking no action, has allowed the Employment Agreement between the Board and the Library Director to automatically renew for two additional years. The Board also approved an employee grievance and appeal procedure, changing the name of the Personnel Committee to the Human Resources Committee, and revised its responsibilities to include discipline, discharge, and workplace safety appeals.

In other matters, the board

Approved $7,000 in reserve funds for a mold abatement program affecting a stairwell in the building.

Approved using accumulated income from Everhard-Forrer funds to supplement the use of current-year funds for group programming expenses.

Heard Director Sharon Winkle report that Mead Library has received a total of $6,500 in Gates Foundation Grants over the two-year grant program cycle. Grant funds received this year will be used to purchase more laptop computers for the Maas Teen Learning Center.

Heard Winkle report that the first announcement of authors for the 2011 Children’s Book Festival on Oct. 14-15 has been made.

Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan accepted an invitation to address the Mead Public Library Board at its May 26 meeting. Ryan discussed the shortfall in the 2012 City Budget and the UW-Whitewater survey on city priorities.

In other business, since it was the first meeting of the 2011-2012 Mead Library Board, members elected Maeve Quinn as president and Marilyn Montemayor as vice president, both by unanimous ballots. Following the election, Quinn appointed Henry Nelson to continue serving as Finance Officer and also as the board representative to the Eastern Shores Library System Board.

Quinn also appointed members to committees (listed with the chair first):

Finance: Nelson, Dolcye Johnson, Ed Morgan, Quinn, Ald. Kevin Sampson, Dirk Zylman.

Personnel: Montemayor, Nelson, Quinn, Marge Segalle, Martha Wortche, Zylman.

Information Technology: Chad Stauber Soik, Montemayor, Morgan, Sampson.

Ad hoc Building Committee charged with reviewing food and beverage policies in designated areas of the library: Wortche, Stauber Soik, Montemayor, Quinn.

In other matters, the board:

* Determined to use two year-end donations, intended for the immediate needs of the library, for customer service training for library staff members.

* Heard a report that the Mead Public Library Foundation has received a generous donation which is to be used for a one-year Homework Help program for middle and high school students. It is expected to begin in fall.

* Discussed how to mark the 10th anniversary of the Fela and Anschel Warschau Room. Montemayor and Winkle will work with area residents to develop a plan.

* Heard Deputy Director Mark Zehfus report that the HVAC and building resealing projects have been completed.

One new member was seated and two outgoing members were thanked for their service at the April 28 meeting of the Mead Public Library Board. Ed Morgan, who replaced Ed Wackowski (who resigned because he moved out of the city), is completing a vacant, partial term that expires on April 30, 2012. Morgan was present as a board member at the April 28 meeting.

Two board members who did not request reappointment, Sharon Quicker and Sam Zelpe, were honored with resolutions for their service to the library, and both made brief remarks.

Two men who will begin their terms on the board on May 1 also attended the meeting as observers. They are Dirk Zylman, the new representative of the County Board of Supervisors, and Ald. Kevin Sampson, the new liaison between the Common Council and the Library Board. Marilyn Montemayor, the previous liaison, remains on the board to complete her term, but is no longer an alderman and consequently, no longer the aldermanic representative. Maeve Quinn and Henry Nelson were reappointed to the Library Board.

Except for the county representative, Library Board members are appointed by the mayor of Sheboygan and must be approved by the Common Council.

In other business, Nelson reported from the April 26 Finance Committee meeting. He said Phase 1 of the HVAC program is nearing completion. That project will make the library building more energy-efficient and also more comfortable in the summer months. Nelson also said the building resealing project contracted to Jos. Schmitt will begin May 10. Nelson also reported that the Finance Committee recommended that additional replacement carpeting be installed on the second floor public areas where it is very worn. The Library Board approved the recarpeting project.

In other matters, the board:

* Approved further distribution of the 2010 Annual Report to the Library Board. It is now posted on the library's website.

* Heard Library Director Sharon Winkle report that several library staff members are participating in interviews for the UW-Whitewater study of city services.

* Heard Winkle report that The Sheboygan Press has again requested salary and benefit information.

* Heard Nelson report on a meeting about a proposal that the state end the Maintenance of Effort requirement for membership in state-funded library systems. The Eastern Shores Library System arranged a meeting with Sen. Joe Leibham and several Mead Library Board members attended.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its March 24 meeting heard a report from Library Director Sharon Winkle about security issues at the library and the need for contracting for private security personnel during late afternoon and evening hours and Sundays. Det. Holly Parker, of the Special Operations Detective Agency, which is providing contract security to the library, made a presentation to the board.

In another matter related to building security, the board approved several changes to the library's Code of Conduct designating the lobby and entrance area as a "pass through" location where loitering is not permitted, and also banning alcoholic beverages during library hours (which has long been a library practice but was not specified in the Code of Conduct).

In other matters, the Board:

Approved two new and two revised personnel position descriptions.

Received information that was given to Sheboygan's Wisconsin legislators at Library Legislative Day on March 22.

Heard that The Sheboygan Press has made an Open Records request for salary and benefit information for staff members.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Feb 24 meeting approved the designation of five furlough days in 2011. On furlough days, the Mead Library is closed, the staff does not report for work and is not paid. February 2, the date the library did not open because of blizzard conditions, was approved as one furlough day. The others are on Fridays, April 22, May 20, Oct. 21, and Nov. 25.

The board also asked the staff to begin the process of seeking funding of $240,000 through the City of Sheboygan capital improvements request process for Phase 2 of an HVAC project replacing the chiller, which is original to the 1974 building. In addition to retaining the ability to cool the building, the work is designed to make the library building more energy-efficient. The first phase -- improvement of the re-heat process for chilled air tempering during the cooling season -- is under way now, with funding from a reserve set aside for that purpose.

In other action, the Board:

Discussed, but again took no action, on four personnel position descriptions.

Approved placing the 2010 fund balance of $32,371.69 into the Personnel Services and Pension Liability Reserve.

Agreed to change the time of monthly board meetings from 3:30 to 3:45 p.m.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Jan. 27 meeting, accepted a bid of $123,000 for the HVAC Phase One project that will make the library building more energy-efficient and also more comfortable during cooling months. The funding is from a reserve designated for HVAC work. Director Sharon Winkle said the second phase, replacing the chiller unit, could be proposed as a capital improvements project.

In another matter, Board President Maeve Quinn appointed Chad Stauber Soik to Information Technology Committee chair. Quinn also reported on efforts to attempt to comply with the state Maintenance of Effort requirement.

In other action, the Board:

Heard a comment from a member of the public about the move of lounge furniture out of the Quiet Study Room. Winkle said the room was increasingly being used for listening to music, and the first floor is a more suitable area for that activity, so the furniture was moved there. She said the Mead Reading Room is available for reading.

Discussed the library’s materials/fee recovery procedure after a complaint was made to the mayor and referred by the Common Council to the Library Board. A library manager earlier apologized for the error and reported that changes in procedures made recently should prevent or reduce the likelihood of such errors in the future. The board did not make any changes to the policy, which had been reviewed by its Finance Committee following the referral from Common Council.

Approved closing the library to the public on March 16 due to a major computer upgrade. Staff members will attend training that day.

Agreed to continue a discussion at next month’s meeting regarding the time of day of the monthly board meetings.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Dec 16 meeting, adopted a revised library operations budget for 2011 as recommended by the board’s Finance Committee. About half of the original $300,000 expected to be cut from the library’s budget under the mayor’s executive budget, was restored by the Sheboygan Common Council in November. The new budget amount means the level of funding from the Common Council does not meet the 2011 Maintenance of Effort funding requirement. According to the board’s adopted budget, the amount of funding will allow the library to maintain the same schedule of hours as in 2010 and will keep funding for acquiring new materials the same.

Library Director Sharon Winkle reported, in a related matter, that City Attorney Steven McLean has written to the State Attorney General for an opinion on how the Maintenance of Effort amount is calculated. The Library Board also acknowledged receiving a letter from the Eastern Shores Library system about the failure of Mead Library to comply with Maintenance of Effort funding.

Five furlough days were planned as part of the 2011 budget, but the board decided to wait until February before making a final decision on 2011 furlough days (during which the library is closed and staff does not report for work and is not paid).

The Library Board also heard Winkle report that new language in the City Municipal Code reduces joint meetings with the Common Council Finance Committee from three to one. It has been difficult to schedule the required three meetings due to conflicting schedules.

The Board also decided to again advertise for bids for an HVAC project that would improve energy efficiency and make the library building more comfortable in the summer months. No bids were received after the first advertisement.

The Mead Public library Board, at its Nov. 18 meeting, again discussed the library’s 2011 budget, particularly a public input session and upcoming Sheboygan Common Council meetings. (An amended city budget, which changed the amount of funding designated for the library in the executive budget, was approved at a Nov. 24 Common Council meeting.)

The Library Board voted to approve new language in the City Municipal Code that reduces joint meetings with the Common Council Finance Committee from three to one. It has been difficult to schedule the required three meetings due to conflicting schedules. The Comon Council will consider the revisions in the Municipal Code and must approve any changes.

In other action, the Board:

Approved moving ahead on advertising for bids for an HVAC project that would improve energy efficiency and make the library building more comfortable in the summer months.

Approved the draft 2011 Initiatives and reviewed the 2010 Initiatives status report.

The Mead Public library Board, at its Oct. 28 meeting, approved a $300,000 budget reduction plan for 2011, an amount that is in line with Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan’s executive budget. The plan includes:

•       A 38-hour work week for full-time staff, pro-rated for part-time staff.
•       A 3 percent contribution of salary toward retirement benefits by staff members.
•       A reorganization of the Adult Services department that would mean the elimination of several staff positions and only limited reference services for adults.
•       A half-time Information Technology assistant.
•       Creating the position of deputy library director and eliminating the position of business manager.

The plan also would see a change in library hours beginning in January 2011: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; also Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m., October through April only. In summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day), the library would close at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The $300,000 budget reduction also does not meet the state of Wisconsin “Maintenance of Effort” requirement for membership in the Eastern Shores Library System, putting shared state-funded services in jeopardy.

The Mead Public library Board, at its Sept. 23 meeting, approved a 2011 agreement between Mead Public Library, as the Resource Library, and the Eastern Shores Library System, contingent on review and approval by the City Attorney.

Library Director Sharon Winkle also reported that, in addition to a budget plan including a $200,000 reduction in city funding, the library staff was asked by the City Finance Director to study the negative impacts of a $300,000 reduction. She said that at a budget review meeting with city officials, she introduced a plan for a library operations improvement project which may help in reaching the Maintenance of Effort(MoE) funding level for 2011. MoE is the amount required by the state for membership in Eastern Shores Library System.  The required MoE for 2011 represents a slight increase (~$3,000) over last year’s funding from the city. The project is an automated materials handling system to read bar codes and sort items that are returned.  Installation would reduce staff handling and speed returned items to the library's shelves for greatly improved availability to customers.

In other matters, the board:

•       Supported a plan to call for staff members interested in a voluntary layoff.
•       Heard Winkle discuss library statistics for January–June 2010 showing an increase of 2.2 percent in checkouts over the previous year, in which the library experienced a 10% increase.
•       Approved a revision of a project with Fredericksen Engineering to develop a plan to improve the library’s HVAC and make the building interior more comfortable in the warmer months.
•       Approved issuing a request for bids for a masonry repair project.

As part of a 2011 budget development update, Library Director Sharon Winkle reported that she and Business Manager Mark Zehfus met with Mayor Bob Ryan and Finance Department members for the 2011 Executive Budget Review. A second meeting is expected to be scheduled.  Winkle also reported that a Mead Public Library staff member has decided to participate in the voluntary retirement incentive program offered by the Library Board.

Discussion of the library’s 2011 budget will be on the agenda again at a Sept. 23 board meeting to be held jointly with the Common Council Finance Committee.

Winkle reported that the Sheboygan County Board has approved the Joint Library Planning Committee report and that the Library Board's Strategic Directions Review Committee is reviewing possible changes to Mead's Strategic Directions for the coming five-year period, 2011 - 2015.

The board also approved a revision to the “Code of Conduct” language regarding photography in the library building. Permission will not be needed to take photos inside the building, although permission is required from any persons being photographed or videotaped.

The 2011 Mead Public Library budget was the main topic at the Mead Public Library Board regular monthly meeting and a subsequent special meeting in July.

Business Manager Mark Zehfus presented details of three budget packages for submission to the City of Sheboygan Finance Department. One is based on a potential $200,000 reduction in funding from the City of Sheboygan. The second is based on Maintenance of Effort funding (required for membership in the Eastern Shores Library System and state-funded services) which is a slight increase over the 2010 budget. The third is an “enhanced” budget with a moderate funding increase. All three funding levels were developed in discussions between the Mead administrative staff and the City of Sheboygan Finance Director.

The board determined that Zehfus prepare new versions of the first two packages, with both funding unemployment compensation from reserves, delaying general salary increases and incorporating furloughs. At a special meeting on July 29, the board approved a plan for Zehfus to forward all three packages as revised to the Finance Department, but recommended the package that attains Maintenance of Effort funding.

In related matters at the regular meeting, the board also discussed a plan to offer a lump-sum retirement incentive to certain employees. The Finance Committee was directed to discuss the matter further. At the special meeting, the board approved a voluntary retirement incentive payment of $10,000 each for library staff members who have reached the age required for state public employee pension benefits and have at least 30 years of creditable service at Mead Library. A maximum of $50,000 was set aside, on a first-come basis, with a deadline of Aug. 20. Six Mead employees are eligible for the plan.

The 2011 budget was the main topic when the Mead Public Library Board met for its monthly meeting on June 24 and also for a joint meeting with the Sheboygan Common Council Finance Committee.

Finance Officer Henry Nelson reported that the Library Board Finance Committee has recommended that the board submit to the City Finance Department a 2011 budget that complies with state Maintenance of Effort requirements (funding based on the average of the three previous years).

Library Director Sharon Winkle reported on actions taken by the state after the Milwaukee Public Library did not meet its Maintenance of Effort requirement for 2010. She also reported that the Common Council Special Budget Sub-Committee appears to be counting on saving $200,000 from reduced funding for Mead Library in 2011.

At the joint meeting, Winkle reviewed the 2009 library annual report and the Maintenance of Effort funding requirement. The Library Board and the Council Finance Committee discussed current and future library budgets as well as the budget process.

In other matters, the Library Board postponed a decision on changing the time of regular board meetings, received copies of the latest edition of the Staff Handbook, and approved a request from Winkle to close the library on Wednesday, Aug. 11 for staff training. On that day, Winkle said, the library’s Polaris computer software will be upgraded, which would make it difficult to provide services if the library were open.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its May 27 meeting, passed resolutions honoring outgoing board members Bernard Markevitch and Tom Peneski. New board members were seated: Chad Stauber Soik representing the Sheboygan Area School District, Marge Segalle, and Dolcye Johnson. Martha Wortche was reappointed to the board.

The board chose officers for the 2010-2011 term. Maeve Quinn was elected president, Marilyn Montemayor was elected vice president. Quinn subsequently appointed Henry Nelson as the finance officer and continuing as the representative on the Eastern Shores Library System Board. She also said she would continue to serve as the representative to the Mead Public Library Foundation Board.

Quinn made the following committee appointments (chair is listed first): Finance, Nelson, Quinn, Johnson, and Montemayor; Information Technology, Edward Wackowski, Nelson, Sharon Quicker, Segalle, and Stauber Soik; Personnel, Montemayor, Quicker, Wortche, and Samuel Zelpe.

The board also created two ad hoc committees. One will review areas where food and beverage consumption is allowed. Wortche will chair this committee with Stauber Soik and Zelpe as members. The other will review and recommend strategic directions for the period 2011-2015. Quinn will chair this committee with members Montemayor, Nelson, and Wackowski.

In other action, the board heard Director Sharon Winkle report:

•       2011 Budget Development will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the board’s finance committee. She also said she was asked by the city’s Special Budget subcommittee to present a plan to deal with a potential $200,000 funding reduction from the Common Council. She noted that the plan does not reflect board policy or action. A budget cut would mean the City would not meet the state Maintenance of Effort requirement for membership in the Eastern Shores Library System. Replacing the state-funded services in 2011 would result in an additional expense of $250,000 as well as the loss of $50,000 as the system’s resource library The result would be staff layoffs and cuts in some services and hours the library is open. In 2012, the library may have to eliminate shared borrowing with other area libraries as well as interlibrary loan services.
•       Kindles (e-book reading device) need to be made available to all residents of the Eastern Shores Library System on the same basis that they are available to Mead card-holders, that is, they must be picked up and returned at Mead Library. That information is based on guidance from the state Department of Libraries Technology and Community Learning. The board accepted this guidance and ask the staff to implement it.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its April 22 meeting, honored the service of Mary Liz Towne, the board's finance officer, who did not seek reappointment as the Sheboygan Area School District designee. Chad Stauber-Soik was appointed the new SASD representative. Library Director Sharon Winkle announced that Dolcye Johnson and Marge Segalle were appointed to the Library Board, and Martha Wortche was reappointed to the Board by Mayor Bob Ryan.

The board also discussed the upcoming joint meeting with the Common Council Finance Committee scheduled for May. Board President Bernard Markevitch said it was most important to discuss the Maintenance of Effort funding requirement with the Finance Committee.

The board also received, and approved for further distribution, the 2009 Annual Report.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its March 25 meeting, approved amendments to the library’s bylaws and policy statements to ensure competitive recruitment and equal opportunity for applicants for vacant staff positions.

The board also determined to make a required transition to a two-week pay holdout accounting system by deducting a week’s pay for those employees in April and October. The staff affected are full-time employees who are now paid one day after the pay period ends, but in the future will be paid two weeks after the pay period ends.

In other action, the board:

Approved a policy requiring that staff members complete a one-year orientation period before being eligible for sick leave or vacation payout at the end of their employment, and a policy allowing laid-off staff members to continue health/dental insurance for two months by paying the employee contribution.

Approved the repair and extension of the Commedia dell’Arte mural by Mollie Morning Star with funding from a distribution from the Everhard Trust.

Heard Director Sharon Winkle report that two AmeriCorps/VISTA associates will be assigned to Mead Library this summer.

Heard Winkle report the receipt of an Open Records Request from The Sheboygan Press regarding salary/wage and benefits costs for selected library staff members.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Feb. 25 meeting, to parallel City of Sheboygan practices , approved several policy changes that affect staff members. The maximum sick leave accumulation on separation was increased four days, to 84; health insurance will be extended to laid-off staff members for two months if they pay the employee share; and vacation and sick leave severance pay will be granted only to employees past their orientation period of one year.
The board also heard that the Common Council voted unanimously on Feb. 15 to adjust the library’s budget so that the library complies with the state’s Maintenance of Effort funding requirement. This allows Mead Library to continue its membership in the state-funded Eastern Shores Library System.

In other action, the board:

*Approved replacing a part-time library assistant who was promoted to part-time programming specialist (replacing a full-time staff member who retired). The board also approved filling a part-time cleaner position that is vacant.

*Heard Library Director Sharon Winkle report that the Friends of Mead Public Library and the Mead Public Library Foundation will co-host and fund a reception for those attending the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries Conference at Blue Harbor Conference Center in late April.

*Heard Winkle announce that Mead obtained a federal grant of $4,500 to continue digitizing local history resources.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Jan. 28 meeting, approved funding for the installation of audiovisual equipment in the third floor Dr. Jerome M. Maas Teen Learning Center, which is under construction. The amount approved for the installation was a maximum of $20,000.
In other action, the board:

*Approved a statement with revisions concerning the effectiveness of the Eastern Shores Library System. A statement of effectiveness is submitted annually to the state Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning.

*Approved changes in the library’s policy for posting notices on the library’s bulletin boards. The policy sets priorities for posting on a space-available basis. The policy will be posted on the bulletin boards.

*Welcomed Henry Nelson as a new Library Board member replacing Marilyn Toepel who resigned before moving out of the City of Sheboygan.

*Approved a plan to change a programming specialist position from full-time to part-time, to be filled by internal recruitment. The person who held that position has retired. The remaining hours wil be assigned to existing staff members.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Dec. 17 meeting, agreed to transfer to the City of Sheboygan the library’s sick leave and vacation reserve fund balances now under authority of the Library Board. An agreement with the Common Council turns those funds, approximately $460,000, over to the Council which would then assume the responsibility for those liabilities in the future.

The board also decided to proceed with construction of the Dr. Jerome M. Maas Teen Learning Center in vacant space on the library’s third floor. Using bequest funds available now from Myrtle and Hazel Hansen, the space would be finished so it can be used for teen group programs. Later, when additional income is generated from the Maas bequest, the area will be equipped and furnished for regular use by teens. Mike Koenig Construction Co. of Sheboygan will be the contractor for the $64,950 project which is expected to begin in late January.

The board also approved the draft 2010 Initiatives for Mead Public Library.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Nov. 19 meeting, heard a presentation and accepted a report from Dr. David J. Ward of NorthStar Economics analyzing the fiscal flows of Mead Library’s membership in the Eastern Shores Library System (ESLS). The board retained NorthStar to calculate the cost/benefits of ESLS membership and to analyze the ecoomic value of tax dollar support for Mead Library. The report has been posted on the library’s web site (www.meadpubliclibrary.org).

Ward’s report was presented during the planned joint meeting with the Common Council Finance Committee. Since a quorum of the Finance Committee was not present, the meeting was not held and the two members present attended as observers.

The board also approved an agreement about the transfer of sick leave and vacation reserve fund balances now under authority of the Library Board. An agreement with the Common Council would turn those funds, approximately $460,000, over to the Council which would then assume the responsibility for those liabilities in the future.

In another matter, Marilyn Toepel announced her resignation as a board member. Tom Peneski was elected vice president, replacing Toepel. Her replacement as representative to the ESLS board was held for a future meeting.

The Board also approved five single furlough days for 2010. The library will be closed, staff will not report for work, and will not be paid for those days. They are: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, April 2, Oct. 11, and Nov. 26.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Oct. 22 meeting, approved a 2010 budget proposal to be forwarded to the City of Sheboygan’s Finance Department. The Common Council will review the budget and approves funding for the library.

The budget proposal from the board includes funding at “maintenance of effort,” a level that will allow Mead to continue to be a member of the Eastern Shores Library System and receive its state-funded services. The budget assumes there will be five furlough days when staff members must take time off without pay, resulting in a 1.9 percent pay cut annually. The budget also decreases the amount of money spent on purchasing books and other materials for the library’s collections.

The board also authorized a 1.5 percent general salary increase effective the first pay period in December in order to adjust the library salary schedule to coincide with that of the City of Sheboygan Schedule A. Synchronizing library salaries with other city employees has been the board’s policy going back at least 30 years, Library Director Sharon Winkle explained after the meeting.

In another matter, the board delayed action on the transfer of sick leave and vacation reserve fund balances now under authority of the Library Board. An agreement with the Common Council would turn those funds, approximately $460,000, over to the Council which would then assume the responsibility for those liabilities in the future. The matter will be taken up at a future meeting.

The board also agreed to advertise for bids for contruction of the Dr. Jerome M. Maas Teen Learning Center in vacant space on the library’s third floor. Using bequest funds available now, the space would be finished so it can be used for teen group programs. Later, when additional income is generated from the Maas bequest, the area will be equipped and furnished for regular use by teens.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Sept. 24 meeting, agreed with a recommendation by its Building Committee to move ahead with construction of the Dr. Jerome M. Maas Teen Learning Center on the library’s third floor. The room would be available for programs, but would not be furnished or equipped until more money becomes available. The construction will be funded by the Mead Public Library Foundation (using investment proceeds from a donation by Dr. Maas) and from the Myrtle and Hazel Hansen bequest. The project, budgeted at not more than $110,000, will be put out for bids.

The board also heard a Finance Committee report indicating a savings of $59,930 from the library’s one-week furlough in August and the suspension of the 1.5 percent mid-year staff pay increase. Those funds will be moved into a Sheboygan Transition and Recovery Resolution (STARR) contingency fund.

In other reports, the board learned that building delays will push back the dedication of the Myrtle and Hazel Hansen Teen Library Center. The board approved a new date of Nov. 22. The board also learned of a problem with termites in the building, the need for replacement of the outdoor book returns, and the resumption of materials recovery services after the recent computer system upgrade.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its Aug. 27 meeting, approved a contract with NorthStar Economics Inc. to produce a Funding and Fiscal Flows Analysis pertaining to the benefits and costs associated with Mead Library’s membership in the Eastern Shores Library System. The report cost is approximately $19,000 and it is to be completed by Oct. 30.

The board also increased the contingency fund for the Hansen Teen Library Center construction and related projects from $7,500 to $15,000. Several change orders were required including replacement rather than repair of the drywall on the perimeter of the second floor.

The board also received the January-June 2009 activity report which noted that checkouts were up approximately 9 percent over the same time period last year.

The scheduled meeting with the Common Council Finance Committee was canceled due to a lack of a quorum for the Finance Committee.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its July 23 meeting, approved the Request for Proposals for Funding and Fiscal Flows Analysis. The report would analyze the benefits and costs associated with Mead Library’s membership in the Eastern Shores Library System. The board approved up to $20,000 for the study.

The board also approved action recommended by the Finance Committee to replace the elevators control switches on the three elevators in the building. This would make them more reliable and easier to maintain. The board approved the replacement at a cost of $9,000.

The board also approved guidelines for loaning laptop computers to be used within the library building. They would be available on a first-come basis and could be used for Internet by using the library’s wireless service. Borrowers must sign an agreement acknowledging financial responsibility for lost or damaged equipment.

The Mead Public Library Board, at its June 18 meeting, awarded the construction contract for the Myrtle and Hazel Hansen Teen Library Center on the second floor of Mead Library in the area just north of the staircase. The area is named in memory of the women whose bequest will fund the project.

The Library Board awarded the contract to Chappa Construction of Sheboygan Demolition work is scheduled for the week of Aug. 10, during which time Mead Library will be closed for a staff furlough week. The demolition is related to the future installation of a stairway in the Hansen space on the second floor. It will lead to the third floor area that is designated as the future Dr. Jerome M. Maas Teen Learning Center, a project to be funded by a bequest from Dr. Maas to the Mead Public Library Foundation designated to improve library services for young people.

The board approved a second project that will take place during the furlough week: replacement of very worn carpeting in the high traffic areas of the first floor. Dulmes Decor will perform the carpet installation.

The board also accepted a proposal for an engineering study related to work needed on the library's 30-year-old HVAC system to make air conditioning the building more efficient. Now, as a measure to save energy and money, the library runs only part of the system in the summer which results in the building interior being too cool.

The board also approved guidelines for loaning five Amazon Kindles purchased by Mead Public Library with funds from the William R. Werk estate, designated for materials that assist the visually impaired.

While the Kindle has features to assist a visually impaired person, any adult with a Mead Library card in good standing (not blocked due to upaid fees or lost materials) can borrow a Kindle through the second floor Adult Services department beginning in early July. Because it's considered a technology trial project, Kindles are not available through EasiCat or for those who have cards from other libraries.

Each Kindle will have the same 120 titles, a variety which includes many different types of books. The checkout period is seven days (with no renewals), one per household.

Because of the cost of the Kindles, borrowers must sign an agreement acknowledging financial responsibility for lost or damaged equipment and the late fee of $5 per hour the library is open.

View agendas and minutes from the Mead Public Library Board and its committees.

Information about the Mead Public Library Board of Trustees.