ELISHA D. SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
University of Oshkosh-Fox Cities
1478 Midway Road, Menasha
M1319
October 22, 2024
Called to order at 4:05pm by Chair Halverson
Present: Chair Halverson, Secretary Stojanovic, Superintendent of Schools Zimmerman (arrived at 4:45pm), Trustee Lane, Trustee Englebert and Trustee Turner
Absent: Vice Chair Witt, Trustee Franzoi, Trustee Golz and Teen Rep Lane
Also Present: Director Kopetsky, Business Manager Kozerski, Programming Services Manager and Public Services Manager Raschke
Public Comment/Communication
None
Consent Business
A motion was made by Englebert, seconded by Turner to approve the Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from September 24, 2024. Motion carried unanimously.
Authorization of Bills
A motion was made by Lane, seconded by Stojanovic to authorize payment of the October 2024 bills from the 2024 budget and endowment account. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates
Renovation Process Update
The project is on track, with ten weeks left of construction. This week, crews are working on the roof, ductwork and atrium footings.
The last day the library will be open to the public in the temporary location will be Saturday, December 14th.
There will be a second checkout challenge, similar to the one in May, to help with circulation prior to our move back.
Kopetsky anticipates opening the library to the public in early February. Staff will need time to put the collection back together and ready the library for the public. Discussion ensued on proposed timeline.
Kopetsky would like to have a public open house in March.
Naming rights and donor recognition are being finalized. Discussion ensued.
Friends Update
Discussion ensued on pivoting fundraising for 2025 and preparing Friends financials for audit.
New Business
Director’s Report
The fundraising event on October 15 was very successful. Over 100 people attended to hear Kopetsky’s presentation and donate to the project.
Discussion ensued on how the library can assist and support job seekers in the community.
Final benefit numbers have been received later than in past years, so a final budget cannot be approved by the board as a whole at this time. The Finance Committee will meet next week and bring a recommendation to the November meeting.
Winnebago County has approved a new 5-Year County Library Agreement that includes a funding floor for libraries. Discussion ensued.
September Statistics
September statistics remain reflective of being in a temporary location with a reduced collection.
Staff is currently programming to capacity, but will be wrapping up as we get closer to the December closure. Around 900 participants attended library programs in September.
2024 Budget Status
The 2024 budget is in good shape and ahead of where it normally is this time of the year.
Staff Reports
Moore-Nokes introduced Samara Lance, a potential teen representative to the board.
Lance introduced herself and talked about her experiences with library staff, volunteer activities and programming.
The open Librarian II position will be posted early next week.
Moore-Nokes and Raschke updated the board on planning and logistics for returning to the finished library.
Englebert left the meeting at 4:50pm.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 4:00pm.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:08pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Eva Kozerski
