ELISHA D. SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Elisha D. Smith Public Library
Children’s Story Room
March 29, 2022
Called to order at 4:32pm by Chairman Golz
Present: Chairman Golz, Vice Chairman Halverson, Trustee Lane, Trustee Stojanovic, Trustee Turner, Superintendent of Schools VanderHeyden and Trustee Witt
Absent: Trustee Franzoi and Teen Rep Chintamani
Also Present: Lorin Ganzel, Olless Affi (FVTC International Student), Director Kopetsky, Library Services Manager Raschke, Programming Services Manager Moore-Nokes and Business Manager Dreyer
Public Comment/Communication
None
Consent Business
A motion was made by Turner, seconded by VanderHeydenn to approve the Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from March 8, 2022. Motion carried unanimously.
Authorization of Bills
A motion was made by Halverson, seconded by Witt, to authorize payment of the March 2022 list of bills from the 2022 budget, endowment fund and WALS Technology Fund. Motion carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Planning Process Update
We will combine the planning process update with new business.
501(c)3 Update
Kopetsky spoke with Marquette Law School and they feel the 501(c)3 could be completed inhouse. They mailed step by step instructions and they would help with questions. Considering the amount of time this will take to complete, it was recommended that we pay an attorney. Golz with check with Franzoi as to who can help us set this up.
New Business
Director’s Report
- We are preparing for an influx of patrons with the Neenah Public Library closing April 18 – 22 to replace carpet and the Appleton Public Library closing April 13 – May 22 to move into their temporary location.
- We received a quote for new tables in the Company E Room and Gegan Room. Unfortunately, the quote was too high to allow us to include the Gegan Room at this time. The new tables will better allow staff to assist in the setup of our programming needs. We will bring this back to the board next month when we have more information.
- Librarian Pa Ja Yang has begun a series of monthly programs at the Boys & Girls Club and is working on a program to host their members in SMITHworks.
- We continue to discuss the sharing of resources with the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade.
- We have posted an opening for an 8-10 hour per week casual library assistant.
- While we continue to monitor the COVID rates in our community, we have suspended all masking requirements at this time.
February Statistics
Our circulation statistics continue to climb toward pre-covid levels. Video circulation continues to lag, and we suspect, given the penetration of streaming services into the marketplace. It likely won’t recover to previous levels. Door traffic continues to trend upward, and we are seeing attendance levels for programming increase. Current monthly door count is about 15% below pre-covid levels.
2022 Budget Status
Trustees reviewed the 2022 budget status.
Selection of Community Engagement Timeline
EUA is looking at holding a staff engagement session and 5 community engagement sessions. Kopetsky is recommending that we go with the option 2 timeline that will provide for a summer pause but there will still be work being done behind the scenes.
Staff Listening Session/Inservice Day
Moton made by Witt, seconded by VanderHeyden to open at 10:30am on Monday, April 25 so that EUA can hold a staff engagement session. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment Time Limitation
Motion made by Halverson, seconded by Stojanovic to limit public comment to 5 minutes per person. Motion carried unanimously.
Staff Reports
- Robert Plath appreciated being selected as the Volunteer of the Year and the gift card.
- Door counts and circulation numbers are increasing.
- We are getting busier on the weekends.
- There are waiting lists for programs such as the resin bookmark and laser cut jewelry workshops. We have added additional dates.
Our next board of trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 4:30pm.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made at 5:25pm by Halverson, seconded by Witt. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Dreyer, Recording Secretary
