Minutes: May 2025

MINUTES
CLERMONT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MAY 19, 2025
MIAMI TOWNSHIP BRANCH

Present: Jennifer Doss, Ernie Ramos, Mary Jo Waite, Judith Kocica, Ed Humphrey, Katie Bock, Laurie Schlueter.
Staff: Chris Wick, Melanie Smithey, Debbie Williams, Andrea Brofft, Lynn Baird, Theresa Herron, Lisa Breithaupt.
Guests: Sara Stacy and Sonya Turner from the University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center.

Ms. Doss called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:
Ms. Doss, here; Mr. Ramos, here; Ms. Waite, here; Ms. Kocica, here; Mr. Humphrey, here; Ms. Bock, here; Ms. Schlueter, here.
All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

APRIL 21, 2025, MINUTES:
Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve the April 21, 2025, board meeting minutes with one addition. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
None.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI EVALUATION SERVICES CENTER PRESENTATION
Ms. Stacy presented the findings from the community survey and pop-up events conducted in 2024. The presentation was followed by questions from the Board.

BOT BRIEF
Mr. Ramos said the law allows the Library to work with other libraries to purchase equipment and services.

GETTING TO KNOW THE LIBRARY
Ms. Breithaupt shared information about the Goshen Branch Library.

FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT:
Ms. Smithey reported the 2023 Financial Audit fieldwork has been completed and the auditor had three best practice suggestions which are not part of the final audit report. The 2023 audit is currently with the state for final approval; once approved, the 2024 Financial Audit can move forward.

The Board commended Ms. Smithey on a successful 2023 Financial Audit.

Per the auditor’s recommendation, the Board acknowledged the cellular phone stipend as $60.15 per pay period, applicable to eight (8) CCPL employees who, as part of their role, are expected to be accessible at all times via cellular phone. After some discussion on this dollar amount, the Board asked for additional information on alternative options, such as the possibility of using phones purchased and owned by the Library in an effort to reduce the overall cost. Ms. Wick will bring information to the June meeting for the Board’s consideration.

Ms. Smithey presented the March financial report.

Motion by Ms. Bock, seconded by Ms. Schlueter, to approve the April financial report. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to approve the April bills paid. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to approve the April bill (Anthem) paid. All present were in favor, none opposed. Ms. Doss abstained. Motion was adopted.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
The Director’s Report was presented by Assistant Director, Andrea Brofft.

Ms. Brofft reported the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant money for the Summer Reading program was received.

She said the Ohio Library Council recently updated Ohio libraries on the progress of the state budget. The Ohio Senate is now holding hearings on the budget. Library administrators and trustees are urged to ask legislators to keep library funding at 1.75 percent of the state general revenue fund.

Ms. Brofft shared the first round of Library2Go Pop-Up Library events were held at the SEM communities and they were well received.

Ms. Wick updated the Board that THP Limited was selected as the roofing consultant to look at the Bethel Branch. The cost for this service will be $5,800 and that money will come from the capital funds allocated for the Bethel roof project.

Ms. Wick reported the Library received quotes from two companies for the equipment needed to conduct hybrid meetings in a manner that meet all requirements outlined in the new Ohio law on virtual meetings. The quotes will be presented for review at the next By-Law and Policy Review Committee meeting. Ms. Doss reminded the Board that a policy must be in place before any virtual meetings can occur. The By-Law and Policy Review Committee members are expected to review the quotes and make a recommendation to the Board at their regular June meeting.

Ms. Wick stated the fund-raising event held in April for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Clermont County, Ohio, was successful. About $9,000 was raised.

Ms. Wick said the dedication of the bench and stone to honor Paul and Mary Fisher at the Felicity Branch was conducted May 18. The family was very appreciative of the design.

Ms. Brofft shared that on May 16th, the Miami Township Branch co-hosted the first Summer Tailgate Party of 2025 with the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. The event was very successful, with more than 60 participants in attendance. It was a good opportunity for the Library to present information about the resources available to the business community.

NEW BUSINESS:
Motion by Ms. Bock, seconded by Ms. Schlueter, to approve Resolution 2025-14, 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. Humphrey, to approve Resolution 2025-15: Disposal of Unneeded or Obsolete Library Inventory. Roll call vote: Ms. Doss, yes; Mr. Ramos, yes; Ms. Waite, yes; Ms. Kocica, yes; Mr. Humphrey, yes; Ms. Bock, yes; Ms. Schlueter, yes. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Bock, seconded by Ms. Schlueter, to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.

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Board President Board Secretary
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