Present: Rebecca Dickerson, Bob Bates, Chuck Petras, Rich Chittenden, Steve Balzarini, Kristie Kirkpatrick and Peggy Bryan.

Board chair Bob Bates called the meeting to order at 4:00.

Bob announced that he recently attended a Board Leadership Meeting in Pullman. He stated that WCL is well run and fortunate to have good policies in place. He appreciates each board member contributing different strengths to our board. Bob felt a key issue facing WCL’s board will be assisting in succession planning as key staffers are nearing retirement.

The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. Steve Balzarini motioned to approve the February minutes, Becky Dickerson seconded and the motion passed.

Peggy presented the financial reports for February-March 2014. She presented payment voucher resolution #3-14 totaling $121,495.43. Steve Balzarini made a motion to approve the resolution; Becky Dickerson seconded and the motion passed. Peggy presented Resolution #4-14, increasing the payroll fund balance to $49,000, which is an increase of $5000. Becky Dickerson made a motion to approve the resolution; Steve Balzarini seconded and the motion passed.

Kristie reviewed library usage report for February and March 2014. She noted that circulation was down 20% in February and 8% in March. Digital checkouts continue to increase, as do volunteer hours.

CONTINUING BUSINESS: Kristie announced that she applied for .09 funds for The Center, requesting $30,000 to insulate the building. She will present to the Blue Ribbon Committee tonight in the Whitman County Commissioners Chambers. She also assisted the Town of Uniontown with their $48,000 application to move that branch library into the old fire department bay in the city hall and add an accessible restroom.

For the Colfax project, Kristie is working with the Colfax Downtown Association, the City of Colfax, Colfax Chamber and other groups. WCL has also applied for an Avista grant to remodel the front of the building while the next phase of The Center renovation calls for connecting the Center and the Library with an interior doorway.

Kristie announced that Erica Willson is teaching digital literacy classes throughout the library district for an LSTA grant. WCL has applied for an additional grant to continue these classes that are currently set to end this summer.

Kristie discussed the broadband fiber deployment. NoaNet and Port of Whitman have laid fiber through much of Whitman County. Through a cooperative project with First Step Internet, WCL will connect several libraries to the high speed fiber. The internet speed will increase by four times once connected. James and Don are busy working on this project and related issues.

NEW BUSINESS: Kristie announced that Farmington State Bank was the March supporter of the month. The April supporter will be Columbia Bank. She expressed appreciation for their generous support of WCL!

Kristie discussed policy of the month, reviewing the eviction policy. Evictions occur when a patron does not follow rules for use and the library staff deems it severe enough to warrant eviction. The patron and staff are notified along with the Sheriff’s office and any applicable city law enforcement.

Kristie announced that the 2014 Annual Staff Development Day will be May 9. Bob Krikac of WSU will facilitate a planning for the future session during the morning session. Board members are invited to this session and lunch. Kristie will notify the board of specific times.

Kristie announced the USDA requirement that WCL put the following on all posters: “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.” Peggy will be handling the civil rights compliance review with USDA in May.

Kristie announced that she recently reported to county commissioners about the library. She will share that report at the next board meeting.

Kristie discussed the Early Learning Public Library Partnership (ELPLP), which is a statewide organization of libraries committed to quality services to young learners. One ELPLP initiative is Project Views, which is studying the effectiveness of library children’s programs. Sheri Miller, WCL youth librarian will be participating in making training videos for children’s library staff across the state.

Kristie announced that Avista generously donated $1500 for additional hours at Malden allowing them to be open on Fridays from 2-6 p.m.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 with a number of Trustees touring The Center. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 20 at the St. John Library, with the library van leaving Colfax at 4:00.

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Peggy Bryan, Recording Secretary

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Bob Bates, Board Chair

For more information, contact:

Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366