HEARTLAND LIBRARY COOPERATIVE
May 17, 2006
HLC Governing Board members present: DeSoto–Ann Ryals, Paul Erickson, Felton Garner; Hardee–Gordon Norris, Elinor Batey, Gloria Davis; Highlands–Perry Newport, Jeanne Renton, Guy Maxcy; Okeechobee–Robbie Chartier, Marion Davis, Elvie Posey. Librarians: Margo Taylor, Elizabeth Kenney, Diane Hunt, Fred Lohrer, and Mary Myers. Highlands County Administrator Carl Cool.
Chairman Erickson called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. with the pledge of allegiance. Felton Garner led in the invocation. Notice of public meeting was read. As there were no additions to the agenda, it was moved for approval by Ann Ryals, seconded by Felton Garner, and passed by voice vote.
COORDINATOR’S REPORT
The Expenditure Status report was passed out to all in attendance. It was noted that Polaris would be upgrading about once a year. The newest upgrade increases efficiency at the circulation desk, and the library information pages will now be the same in-library and at-home computers. Robbie Chartier moved approval of the coordinator’s report, Perry Newport seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
INTERNAL AUDIT
Highlands County Administrator Carl Cool briefed the board, as a matter of information, on some of the on-going internal audit issues. Mary has contacted the State Library and TBLC head Charlie Parker, who helped form the cooperative. The board felt that if any definitions to the Interlocal Agreement need tweaking, the board could do that. Some changes have already been made regarding cooperative vehicles, purchasing, and travel. Mary recommends that if any of the county commissioners are concerned about their decision to create a cooperative, Kurt Spitzer would be willing to talk to them about the role of a library cooperative. Mary will be making an official comment to Mr. Cool on each allegation. The board thanked Mr. Cool for his advice and comments.
Specific comments on questions brought up by the audit:
7. Budget amendments and purchase orders changes will mean the amendments will be sent to Paul Erickson, our chairman, for his signature, then to our Budget Office, then to Finance. Purchase orders will be printed out by the Purchasing Department and they will mail them out.
8. Regarding vehicle use and authorization, the board requests the extension of the arrangement/agreement from 2002 between Heartland and Highlands to have joint-use vehicles. This extension of the arrangement was moved by Gordon Norris, 2nd by Jeanne Renton and approved by voice vote.
9. The Cooperative in-service training day will be cancelled for this year.
COMMENTS
Fred Lohrer commented that the job description of the county librarian/coordinator needs to reflect cooperative activities.
Board member Ann Ryals asked for updates on the audit issues. Gordon Norris of Hardee asked that Mary’s responses to the audit issues be sent to the librarians. The board members agreed that our board should function as a support for our coordinator. Gordon Norris moved that the board show a vote of confidence for Mary Myers, 2nd by Robbie Chartier, and passed unanimously.
NEXT BOARD MEETING SET FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 10 AM, AT LAKE PLACID MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
Adjourned at 11:35 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Hesselink, Admin. Secretary
