ZB Library

02/24/15 Executive Session

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION
OF THE ZION-BENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
February 24, 2015

The purpose of the Executive Session was to:

  • 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21): Review executive session minutes.
  • 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): Discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.

President Pro Tem St. Cyr called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

ROLL CALL
Present: Wendy Driver; Yadira Guzman; Mary Martin; Beverly Mull; Stephanie Smith; and Matthew St. Cyr. Absent: George Andersson. Staff Present: Carol Dolin.

Mrs. Dolin presented Executive Session Minutes for Board consideration. Mrs. Caldara had prepared a list minutes with meeting dates and purpose, with recommendations for which minutes should be retained because they contain sensitive information about individual employees and a list of minutes which should be okay to release. Mrs. Dolin had reviewed the minutes and concurred with Mrs. Caldara’s recommendations.

Ms. Dolin reported on the status of the Adult Services reorganization:

  • New positions were distributed to all Adult Services staff following the previous Board Meeting and all were encouraged to apply for the position they felt best fit their qualifications and interests. They were told if they did not apply, the library would assume they had resigned.
  • Don Buss and Craig Peterson did not apply for any of the positions and cleared out their desks during the first week of February.
  • Dawn Abron, Tim Veit, and Angela Westphal applied for three full time positions and were interviewed during the second week of February. Ms. Abron and Ms. Westphal were well prepared, enthusiastic, and discussed initiatives they have taken over the past several months that demonstrate their ability and interest in the positions they sought.
  • Mr. Veit had shared his application for the Instruction and Technology Specialist with the full board and Mrs. Dolin. As his application demonstrated, he was focused on the work he did years ago, but he was not prepared to discuss his ideas or initiatives for the new position. When asked about the new online catalog and social networking, he said he thought others were responsible for that and he would take direction from Mrs. Martinez and Mrs. Dolin. The job description and posting clearly call for self-direction, creativity, and initiative in creating content for new classes and being on the leading edge to lead the community in technology instruction. Mr. Veit had expressed no interest in any of the other positions and he was clearly not a good fit for the position he chose.

Trustees asked about staff morale. Some employees have expressed fear and concern about their departments and positions. Mrs. Dolin reported that a couple of employees who have been considering retiring for a while appear to be taking action to do so. She met with Administration and Facilities Staff last week and has appointments with the Security Monitors, Circulation, and Technical Services staff members in the next two weeks. An all staff meeting is scheduled for March 10. Employees appear more comfortable and confident after these meetings where they are encouraged to talk about their role in the library and how it contributes to the good of the community. Mrs. Dolin feels that participating in long range planning conversations will help people to feel more connected and safe in their positions. There are no plans or obvious need for major reorganization in any other department.

The board reconvened in open session at 7:27 p.m.

Approved:    March 24, 2015
Signed: /s/ George Andersson, President
Attest: /s/ Mary E. Martin, Secretary
Recording Secretary: Carol Dolin

Reviewed 8/24/15 and retained. CD
Reviewed2/23/16 and released. CD

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