Library Board of Trustees Minutes #2 – July 17, 2019

Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.

MINUTES
June 19, 2019 at 4:30pm
East Lansing Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Library 3/4 Meeting Rooms
950 Abbot Road

1) Call to Order
Zaagman called the meting to order at 4:34 p.m.

2) Roll Call

All trustees were present except Cervenak.  Also in attendance were City Council Liaison Erik Altmann, Friends Representative Sheila Taylor, Assistant Director/Head of Customer Experiences Brice Bush and Director Kristin Shelley.

3) Opening
A) Approval of June 19, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Wilkinson moved.
Zaagman moved.
All in favor.
Motion carried.

B) Approval of Current Meeting Agenda

Synk moved.
Zaagman seconded.
All in favor.
Motion carried.

4) Communications
A) Audience: None

B) Written Correspondence

Shelley shared a thank you note addressed to the Board from former Trustee Carole Dodgson. She also shared comments received from two different online ELPL users expressing their appreciation for the Library’s Empathy and Equity box, great play areas and programs. 

5) Reports
A) City Council Liaison Report:
Altmann reported:

  • COEL is offering free, half-hour parking in all gated garages and surface lots throughout the summer. If data collected related to this initiative is positive, they may reinstate next summer.
  • Income tax collection numbers through the end of May 2019 are in line with the projected budget.
  • At its meeting on July 16, the City Council viewed a presentation of the approved MSU Bogue Street protected bike lane project.

B) Friends of the East Lansing Public Library Report
Taylor reported:

  • June revenues were $3,097.00
  • Friends contributions to the Library for FY19 included $15,000 for programming, $1,890 for the Constant Contact subscription (Friends will have access to email blasts), $4,074 for five Meeting Room tables and $500 for the BookPage renewal.
  • Friends hired an accountant.
  • Friends would appreciate receiving applications from anyone interested in serving on their Board and/or as Board Treasurer. Applicants may contact Friends Board President Maureen McCabe-Power for more information.

6) Old Business

A) Fiscal Year 2020 Action Plan

Shelley provided the Board with the Library’s FY 2020 Action Plan for their review. Highlights included:

  • Working with DPW and C2AE to conduct a facilities study of the grounds and full Library building including HVAC.
  • Working with Farber Specialty Vehicles on retrofitting a Ford Transit for the Pop-up Mobile Library.

B) COEL Board and Commission Meeting
Goddeeris reported:

  • She attended the June 24 Joint COEL Board and Commission meeting. The primary focus of the meeting centered on recycling efforts and court issues. She also shared that she received positive feedback about the Library.

7) New Business:  

A) Year end update to the Fiscal Year 2019 Action Plan

Shelley provided the Board with a written year end update. Items that were highlighted/discussed included:

  • The website was updated for accessibility.
  • Glowforge Laser Printer. The Board requested a demonstration of the Glowforge laser printer once it is received and installed.
  • Tool Library. Shelley asked the Board to let her know if there are tools they would like to see added to the collection.
  • Goddeeris recommended that in alignment with the Action Plan, the Library should offer Legislators the opportunity to hold open office hours in the Meeting Room.

B) Director Evaluation and Contract

Shelley reminded the Board that the Director contract expires July 31, 2019 and the Director evaluation is also due at this time.  Both the Director contract and evaluation will be forwarded to Cervenak. President Zaagman requested that there be a closed session to discuss the evaluation and contract at the next Board meeting scheduled for August 21.

8) Library Reports

A) BEA Conference Report

Collections and Technical Services Librarian Amber Laude provided a written report. 

  • Editors’ Picks. Editors from major publishing houses shared their favorite upcoming releases.

B) American Library Association’s Annual Conference Report

Bush provided a written report and highlighted key take-aways:

  • Create job charts for library assistants to clarify responsibilities and direct their efforts.
  • Continue to provide issue-oriented and edgy programming.
  • Monitor opioid information and relevance in our community.
  • Consider incorporating literacy elements, partnering with local gardening organizations and involving MSU horticulture students in the development of the ELPL Children’s Garden.

C) Financial Report

Shelley provided a written Financial Report.  Discussion included:

  • The year-to-date budget numbers presented do not reflect the year-end balance as there are still invoices that will be expensed for FY19 that have not been processed as of yet. Numbers that are reported at the end of August will be more exact. The City audit will take place in September.
  • The fundraising and donation account monies will be used to help fund the Pop-up Mobile Library vehicle, Glowforge laser printer and the Children’s Garden.

D) Director’s Report

Shelley Reported:

  • The Summer Reading Program Dance Party Kickoff held on June 17 was a success. The Library hosted a crowd of over 200 people. WKAR gave out books, Fire and Rice provided food and DJ Rod Carpenter provided dance music.
  • Summer Reading Program participation statistics: teen 247, kid 877, adult 434 and junior 143.
  • The Library celebrated Pride month by participating in the Lansing Pride Festival. Bush and Scanlon staffed a table.
  • Fresh Thyme Storytime had 38 attendees.
  • The Free Little Library has arrived and will be installed at the Family Aquatic Center.

E) President’s Report: none

9) Announcements
Shelley announced:

  • Tim Dempsey, Director of Planning, Building and Development is leaving the City and will be joining Public Sector Consultants.
  • Dale Rogers, Library STEAM Educator accepted another job. His last day will be July 31.
  • Groovy Donuts donated $504.00 to the Library.
  • The National Night Out/Touch-A-Truck event is August 6, 2019.

10) Adjournment

Goddeeris moved.
Synk seconded.
All in favor.
Motion carried.

Zaagman adjourned the meeting at 5:27 PM.

Board of Trustees
Amy Zaagman, President
Lance Wilkinson, Vice President
Diane Goddeeris, Secretary
Paul Cervenak
Polly Synk

City Council Liaison
Erik Altmann

Staff Liaison
Kristin Shelley