ELISHA D. SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
University of Oshkosh-Fox Cities
1478 Midway Road, Menasha
M1319
November 26, 2024
Called to order at 4:00pm by Chair Halverson
Present: Chair Halverson, Secretary Stojanovic, Trustee Golz, Trustee Lane, Trustee Englebert and teen representative Lance
Absent: Vice Chair Witt, Trustee Franzoi, Trustee Turner, Superintendent of Schools Zimmerman,
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 Lane, seconded by Englebert to approve the Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes from October 22, 2024. Motion carried unanimously.
Authorization of Bills
A motion was made by Golz, seconded by Lane to authorize payment of the November 2024 bills from the 2024 budget and endowment account. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates
Renovation Process Update
The project is on track, with six weeks left of construction. Major pieces remaining include elevator, glass and lighting installations. Discussion ensued.
The last day the library will be open to the public in the temporary location will be Saturday, December 14th. The last day that SMITHworks will be open to the public will be November 27th.
The anticipated opening date of the renovated library remains February of 2024.
Friends Update
The December meeting has been postponed until January and will hopefully be held in the new building.
New Business
Director’s Report
Owner-procured items have been purchased and are being held at the temporary location as they are not ready to accept deliveries at the library.
The final 2025 city budget was passed on Monday, November 18th with the library’s allocation unaltered.
Director Kopetsky will be holding a staff inservice in early January to communicate expectations and plans for reopening and beyond. The main theme will be how we can take advantage of and make the most out of the resources we have just been given. Discussion ensued.
October Statistics
Director Kopetksy was hoping for at least 50% of last year’s circulation numbers, but it is trending more towards 75%. The December Checkout Challenge will hopefully boost this number even more.
2024 Budget Status
The library will likely come in slightly under budget this year, given that the library will have two moves and a relocation all in 2024 and deviated from normal spending as a result. Discussion ensued.
Approve 2025 Operating Budget
A motion was made by Lane, seconded by Stojanovic to approve the library’s 2025 operating budget as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve 2025 COLA Increase
A motion was made by Englebert, seconded by Golz to approve a cost-of-living wage adjustment of 2% as recommended by Director Kopetsky. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve 2025 Library Closure Dates
A motion was made by Stojanovic, seconded by Golz to approve the 2025 library closure dates. Motion carried unanimously.
Staff Reports
Raschke provided details on the December Checkout Challenge and shared that he has been working on plans for packing and moving from the temporary location back to the library and the logistical factors involved.
Moore-Nokes shared that there are still several programs scheduled before our closure as well as details regarding a Winter Reading Program to engage patrons during the closure.
Lance highlighted some of the tween and teen-oriented programs including 18 participants at the last teen council, November’s Comic Book Club and a tour for Maplewood students who were able to get library cards.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 4:00pm.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:42pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Eva Kozerski
