HEARTLAND LIBRARY COOPERATIVE MEETING
May 30, 2007
HLC Governing Board members present: DeSoto–Felton Garner, Paul Erickson; Ann Ryals; Highlands–Guy Maxcy; Perry Newport; Hardee–none; Okeechobee–Robbie Chartier, Marion Davis. Librarians: Mary Myers, Michael Pate, Margo Taylor, Fred Lohrer, E.M. Kenny. Other attendees: Mike Carter of NCT Group, CPAs, LLP.
Chairman Erickson called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m., with the invocation and pledge led by Commissioner Felton Garner. Notice of meeting was read. A motion to approve the agenda as presented was made by Robbie Chartier, seconded by Ann Ryals, and carried unanimously. The minutes were moved for approval by Robbie Chartier, seconded by Perry Newport, and carried unanimously.
COORDINATOR’S REPORT
Mrs. Myers pointed out the attachment on the report from our Network Manager Paul Ramponi. She asked that the technology review and analysis by Brad Bates, Polk County IT Manager, be moved to the Member Comments part of the agenda. Board members agreed to do so.
Absent from our meeting was Diane Hunt, Hardee County Librarian, who is now retired to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and it was noted that Margo Taylor, Okeechobee County Librarian, will be retiring this summer, also. Robbie moved to accept the report, Ann Ryals seconded, and it carried unanimously.
The Interim Financial Statement from the office of Carlos Ramon was presented in its new report format. A question was raised about CLIC–Community Libraries in Caring Grant–awarded last year to DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands, now winding down. This grant was cut by 50% for next year, so Mrs. Myers felt we would not be getting this grant money again.
Perry made a motion to approve the financial statement as presented, seconded by Felton Garner, and carried unanimously. Mrs. Myers informed the board that a copy of our entire packet is now being sent to each county commission office.
NEW BUSINESS
Mike Carter from NCT Group presented the annual external audit report. A copy was given to each board member. Mike commented that this was “a smooth audit.”
Mrs. Myers introduced Bert J. Harris, III, as our board attorney. Guy Maxcy asked Bert to contact Luke Brooker concerning the InterLocal Agreement which will be on the BOCC agenda June 5.
ARCHBOLD AGREEMENT RENEWAL
Every five years, Archbold Expeditions asks the board to review and renew their contract for services from the cooperative to use the Polaris system, our catalog to include their holdings, and our courier service when needed. They are not a voting member, but want to continue their partnership with us. Felton Garner moved to accept the agreement, seconded by Ann Ryals, and carried unanimously.
COMMENTS
Board members reviewed the independent assessment done by Polk Co. Cooperative IT Manager Brad Bates. His basic determination says we are doing well at this time, but he did make some recommendations for strengthening our security. Mrs. Myers spoke to one of Mr. Bates’ recommendations–that the cooperative think of having another county be the host. She mentioned that South FL Community College might be amenable, or Polk County Cooperative, and that Tampa Bay Library Consortium is interested, also. She felt that keeping the headquarters in the center of the state, but being independent, is best. Board members were comfortable with continuing with our current headquarters, for the time being.
NEXT MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, AT LAKE PLACID MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 10 A.M.
Meeting adjourned by Chairman Erickson at 11 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Hesselink
Administrative Secretary
