Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

Library Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees - via Zoom
Monday, June 13, 2022

PRESENT:
Frank Brady, Kathleen Capelli, Heather Crocker, Carol Daggs, Terence Diggory, Jean Fei, Janet Lindner, Issac (Ike) Pulver, Eric Blackman, Catherine Brenner, Jennifer Ferriss, Don Flinton, Kelly McCombs, Jennifer Ogrodowski, Ric Taras, Denise Feltes

ABSENT:
None

Meeting Called to Order at 5:06 PM

Approval of May Minutes

Katie made a motion to accept the minutes of the May 9th Regular Meeting minutes along with the May 13th Special Meeting minutes with minor editorial changes. Terry seconded. All in favor. Minutes are accepted

Approval of Expenditures

Terry made a motion to approve the May Pre-Paid Checks #70042-70043 totaling $389.75 and the June Warrants #70044-70138 totaling $148,692.26. Janet seconded. All in favor. Expenditures are approved.

Approval of Financial Reports

Discussion regarding reallocation of funds on the May 2022 Budget Report. Frank made a motion to reallocate $10,000 from the Salaries budget line to Professional Services budget line and a motion to reallocate $4,000 from the Audio & Visual budget line to Electronic Resources budget line. Heather seconded. All in favor. Motion carries.

Discussion regarding delayed billing for the Water & Sewer tax. Frank made a motion to accept the Financial Reports to include the May Pre-Paids and June Warrant Summary, the Budget Report as amended, and the Income Report. Terry seconded. All in favor. Financial Reports are approved.

President’s Report:

Frank restated the changes to the Open Meetings Law that are not required but permit the library to set up video conferencing for public meetings. Further discussion is needed before proceeding with a recommendation.

Frank thanked Janet for the changes she has made to the board and for her years of service to the board.

Public Comment: None

Correspondence & Communication:

Frank received an email from Mary Marcolin regarding sexually explicit graphic novels that are purchased by the library for patron use. Frank responded with the procedure and link (see below) for the public to request the library to reconsider decisions about the contents of the library’s collection. Ike stated that these materials are not available in the Children’s Room.

Reconsideration for Library Materials

Director’s Report:

On June 9th, the downgrade in the Covid Community Level from high to medium removed the indoor mask requirement. A component piece of the Covid Community Level is the Covid Community Transmission Level, which is a 4 level system – low, moderate, substantial, and high. When the Community Transmission Level remains at or below “Moderate” for ten consecutive days, we are aiming to reopen the Treehouse Room along with expanding the number of and capacity for indoor programs.

Discussion surrounding the ongoing redevelopment of the public website. Documents provided by Don and Brendon gave an in-depth perspective of the redevelopment status.

Department Reports:

Jen F. is wrapping up the fiscal year with our library software in order for joint automation at SALS and MVLS to roll over our funds to the next fiscal year.

Catherine reported that the Summer Reading Program for children and teens will begin next week. Renee has plans to turn the entire ground floor into an ocean to follow the Oceans of Possibilities theme. New signage and one additional toy for the Treehouse Room will complete the ability to reopen when Covid restrictions are lifted. Shelf Talkers are special signs that are placed on a shelf with QR codes that link you back to additional information. Posters with passive reading recommendations are also displayed in the Children’s Room.

Jen O. reported that the Adult Summer Reading Program is also beginning next week. Chris has been working on a display case to showcase the prizes along with a coral reef that we are hoping to display made by local crocheters. The Ryan Dowd series on homelessness and mental illness continues to be a favorite among staff as an invaluable resource for staff development. Balancing zoom programs and in-person programs continues to be a learning experience.

Ric expressed gratitude toward the city for its assistance for repairs to the main parking lot. Issues with pricing, supplies, and parts continue. A new snow blower was recently purchased to replace the 12 year old snow blower. Ike acknowledged the “extra mile” that all of the people in the operations department have gone in order to keep the library running smoothly and safely. Ongoing challenges in hiring for positions in the department have placed extra burdens on existing staff.

Kelly reported that response to our job postings has been minimal. Open enrollment for health insurance ends today at 6:00 pm.

Frank motioned to approve the appointment of Julie Freebern as a part-time shelver. Heather seconded. All in favor. The appointment is approved.

Special / Committee Reports: None

Old Business: None

New Business:

1. Request to appoint – Julie Freebern, Shelver (P/T), effective May 26, 2022 – approved during Department Reports (see above)
2. Resolution of Commendation for Janet Lindner – Frank made a motion to formally endorse the commendation for Janet Lindner. Katie seconded. All in favor. Motion carries with thanks from the board and staff.

Executive Session to Discuss a Particular Personnel Matter – Not needed.

Board will have an educational retreat following the regular board meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:56 pm

Respectfully submitted by:
Denise Feltes, Senior Account Clerk