ELISHA D. SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Elisha D. Smith Public Library
Company E Room
December 18, 2023
Called to order at 4:02pm by Chair Halverson
Present: Trustee Englebert, Trustee Golz, Chair Halverson, Secretary Lane, Trustee Stojanovic, Trustee Turner (arrived at 4:22pm) and Superintendent of Schools Zimmerman
Absent: Trustee Franzoi, Trustee Witt and Teen Rep Lane
Also Present: Director Kopetsky, Library Services Manager Raschke and Business Manager Dreyer
Public Comment/Communication
Amanda Hipp, Wichmann Funeral Homes, presented Director Kopetsky with a $500.00 donation.
Consent Business
A motion was made by Lane, seconded by Englebert to approve the Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from November 28, 2023. Motion carried unanimously.
Authorization of Bills
A motion was made by Golz, seconded by Lane to authorize payment of the December 2023 bills from the 2023 budget and endowment account. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates
Planning Process Update
⦁ The city attorney is working on an RFP for a construction manager.
⦁ We continue to work on the pitch deck.
⦁ We are continuing discussions with potential funders.
⦁ We received a grant application for a Flexible Facility Program Building Renovations for Libraries.
Friends of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library Update
⦁ Friends of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library will hold its annual meeting sometime in spring.
New Business
Director’s Report
⦁ Some longer-term programming is on hold while the timeline for the building renovation comes into focus. We will likely have to plan for offsite programming.
⦁ In January, we will make some modifications to our newsletter / program guide. The newsletter will include project updates, news, introductions to new program series and reading suggestions while the program guide will serve as a directory of library events.
November Statistics
Physical material circulation was up almost 10% overall. Digital circulation also increased almost 17% last month. We have already surpassed last year’s attendance by over 2,000 attendees.
2023 Budget Status
Trustees reviewed the 2023 budget status. We anticipate having remaining funds at year end.
Staff Reports
During the winter months, we will be working on cross training staff to work at all service points.
Our next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 4:00pm.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made at 4:42pm by Zimmerman, seconded by Englebert. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Dreyer, Recording Secretary
