ZB Library

11/25/14 Executive Session

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION
OF THE ZION-BENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
November 25, 2014

The purpose of the Executive Session was to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

President Andersson called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present: Wendy Driver, Mary Martin, Beverly Mull, Stephanie Smith, Matthew St. Cyr, and George Andersson. Absent: Yadira Guzman. Staff Present: Carol Dolin.

Ms. Dolin explained that shortly after arriving, Tara Caldara advised her to examine the employment files for staff. When Ms. Dolin investigated, she noticed that four employees, Angela Westphal, Tim Veit, Allen Gordon, and Susan Poyer were being paid above the scale for their positions and had been for several years. Westphal’s salary was higher than three of the four department heads.

Ms. Dolin worked the desks to observe the staff’s approach to customer service, collection development, computer support, and general attitudes toward library services. She met with Ms. Martinez and Ms. Washkoviak to discuss job descriptions and staff responsibilities. She also met in groups with the materials selectors to assess collection development and fund allocation. Ms. Dolin then met with each YS and AS staff member and his or her department head.

Mrs. Martinez expressed frustration with her staff and had documented a need for improvement for Westphal, Veit, Don Buss, and Craig Peterson more than a year ago. No progress toward improvement has been made by any of these employees. After determining that there was no current reason for the higher salary, Ms. Dolin reduced Westphal’s annual salary by approximately $20,000 and Veit’s by approximately $10,000 to bring them into the mid-range for their positions. Each of them has specific goals that must be met by January 2015, when their performance will be re-evaluated. Buss and Peterson were also given specific goals they must meet by January 2015. Buss is near the top of the range for his position as well, but was not given a pay cut at this time. Peterson is in the mid-range for his position.

Gordon is a top performer and Ms. Dolin recommended freezing his hourly pay rate and paying any annual increase in a lump sum until the range catches up with his pay rate. Ms. Dolin has not worked closely with Poyer, but plans to do so in the near future. She believes it may be appropriate to manage Poyer’s pay in a way similar to her recommendation for Gordon.

Washkoviak wrote a proposal for full time positions for two of her staff, Rosa Herrera and Elise Martinez. Both are highly creative, have written successful grants, and created innovative programs that are drawing large numbers of new users to the library. The budget will accommodate the salary and benefits for these staff members, so Ms. Dolin plans to approve the proposal.

All trustees expressed support for the process and proposed actions.
The board reconvened in open session at 7:17 p.m.

Approved:    January 27, 2015
Signed: /s/ George Andersson, President
Attest: /s/ Mary E. Martin, Secretary

Recording Secretary: Carol Dolin

Reviewed 2/24/15, 8/24/15 and retained. TC
Reviewed 2/23/16 and released. CD

Translate »