Minutes: October 2024
MINUTES
CLERMONT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OCTOBER 21, 2024
MIAMI TOWNSHIP BRANCH
Present: Jennifer Doss, Ernie Ramos, Mary Jo Waite, Judith Kocica, Trisha Lyons, Ed Humphrey, Katie Bock
Staff: Chris Wick, Leslie Jacobs, Melanie Smithey, Lynn Baird, Theresa Herron, Beth Barker
Ms. Doss called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Jennifer Doss, here; Ernie Ramos, here, Mary Jo Waite, here; Judith Kocica, here; Ed Humphrey, here; Katie Bock, here.
Trisha Lyons arrived at 6:03 p.m.
All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Doss asked the Board to confirm quorum for the monthly Board meeting by noon on the Friday prior to the meeting.
AUGUST 19, 2024 MINUTES:
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Waite, to approve the August 19, 2024, Board meeting minutes, as mailed. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
None.
BOARD OF TRUSTEE BRIEFS:
Mr. Ramos informed the Board he is one of the Board of Directors of Connect Clermont, a non-profit organization that funds Clermont County projects and/or services. Mr. Ramos explained the Library applied for a grant for Library2Go. He shared that Connect Clermont awarded the Library $5,000.00, of which Mr. Ramos abstained from participating in the vote. Mr. Ramos discussed indemnification clauses in contracts and how the clause relates to public entities.
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(4) in preparation for conducting or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment; and Ohio Revised Code 121.22 (G)(1), to consider the compensation of a public employee(s). Roll call vote: Ms. Doss, yes; Mr. Ramos, yes; Ms. Waite, yes; Ms. Kocica, yes; Ms. Lyons, yes; Mr. Humphrey, yes; Ms. Bock, yes. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
The Board entered into executive session at 6:27 p.m.
The Board returned from executive session at 7:16 p.m.
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Bock, to affirm the revised 2024 paygrade schedule, effective Monday, October 7, 2024. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT:
Ms. Smithey submitted and discussed the August and September 2024 Financial and Fiscal Officer reports.
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve the August and September 2024 Financial Reports, as mailed. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to approve August and September 2024 Bills paid. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Ms. Waite, to approve the August and September 2024 bills paid – Anthem. All present were in favor, none opposed. Ms. Doss abstained. The motion was adopted.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Ms. Wick presented the Director’s Report.
Ms. Wick provided an update on the status of the Library2Go program and the anticipation of the Connect Clermont grant which will go to providing supplies in support of the program.
Ms. Wick informed the Board about the status of the application of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant.
Ms. Wick updated the Board about the progress of the University of Cincinnati’s Evaluation Services Center (UCESC) surveys.
Ms. Wick announced the annual holiday giving program will be the United Way’s Backpack for Success program, which will provide school supplies to local school districts, IPM, and other Clermont County agencies.
Ms. Wick referred to the 2025 holiday and Board meeting schedules.
Ms. Wick recognized the excellent work of staff members who have been recognized by the public.
Ms. Wick’s report gave an update on the Leadership Continuum. The partnership to provide management and leadership training with UC Clermont is still in process.
Ms. Wick discussed the Science of Reading and the work of the Collection Services Department who are building up the decodable and phonics collections.
Ms. Wick reviewed the annual Mini Picture Book Read-In for the youth services staff. Besides the opportunity to review new children’s books, speakers presented on the Science of Reading, phonics and decodables, and nonfiction books for storytime.
Ms. Wick stated she has not received any updates on the Pierce Township project.
Ms. Wick announced the NEO-RLS salary survey was evaluated and a revised paygrade schedule was implemented the week of pay period 22.
Ms. Wick reported Staff Development Day was well received with trainings, presentations, and teambuilding exercises during the half day session.
Ms. Wick stated the HR Policy Manual was review by the Policy and By-Law Review Committee and legal counsel. The Manual will be discussed by the Board at the November Board Meeting.
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Mr. Ramos, for the approval of a reimbursement of $13.00 to Ms. Leslie Jacobs who provided healthy snacks for the Health Fair. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Kocica, to approve the 2025 Board meeting dates. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve the 2025 holiday schedule, referencing the October holiday as Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Ms. Wick presented the notification letter about the State Route 125 (Plane Street) sidewalk project in Bethel.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve Resolution 2024-22: Acceptance of Gifts to the Library, donations as listed. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to approve Resolution 2024-23: Disposal of Unneeded or Obsolete Inventory. Roll call vote: Ms. Doss, yes; Mr. Ramos, yes; Ms. Waite, yes; Ms. Kocica, yes; Ms. Lyons; yes; Mr. Humphrey, yes; Ms. Bock, yes. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve Resolution 2024-24: Acceptance of Gifts to the Library, donations as listed. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to approve Resolution 2024-25: Disposal of Unneeded or Obsolete Inventory. Roll call vote: Ms. Doss, yes; Mr. Ramos, yes; Ms. Waite, yes; Ms. Kocica, yes; Ms. Lyons; yes; Mr. Humphrey, yes; Ms. Bock, yes. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Ms. Wick shared that information about capital projects can be found in the Facilities Department entry of the Branch/Department Updates. Mr. Humphrey requested an update on the Miami Township handicap parking spaces and Ms. Doss requested an update on the Miami Township generator gas leak at the November Board meeting.
Ms. Herron presented information on the Community Engagement Department’s current and upcoming events, including the community survey, September’s National Library Card Sign-Up Month, annual Hallow-Read event, LibrariCon, Gingerbread House event, and Cozy Winter Read.
Motion by Ms. Lyons, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.
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Board President Board Secretary
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