Library Board Approved Minutes - December 1, 2022

DeForest Area Public Library Regular Library Board Minutes
Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

  1. Call to Order and Roll Call
    • The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.by President Kathy Van Iten
    • Present: Gorres, Englesby, Landgraf, Lawrence, and Van Iten,
    • Absent: Toetz, Zeimet
    • Also present: Jan Berg, Library Director and Paula Horn
  2. Approval of Agenda
    • Motion to approve as presented: Landgraf
    • Second: Gorres
    • Discussion: None.
    • Action: All approved.
  3. Approval of Minutes of the November 3rd, 2022 meeting
    • Motion to approve the minutes: Gorres
    • Second: Landgraf
    • Discussion: None
    • Action: All approved.
  4. Public Presentations / Communications
    • None.
  5. Approval of Bills – Berg had emailed out the bill run prior to the meeting
    • Motion to approve the bill run: Lawrence
    • Second: Gorres
    • Discussion: This was a large bill run with some pre-Black Friday sale items and many post-Halloween sale items. There is a large bill from Books 4 School. We were able to get 468 books for $1,167 which is about $2.49 each. Some are for the collection; some to give as prizes. I am forwarding on the utility bills to the village for payment so late fees aren’t assessed. Some missed – or never received invoices are being paid in this till run. Computers and automation fees are also being paid. Entryway rugs were becoming a tripping hazard so they were replaced.
    • Action: All Approved
  6. Reports
    1. Director's - This is the slowest time of the year for the library. Staff is taking advantage of it and taking some time off. However, next week we are planning a retreat to coordinate the next 3 to 6 months of programming. Berg reported that the final new hire started training yesterday. Once he is trained, the circulation desk should have better coverage that other staff will no longer have to cover the desk. This should free up more time for big, staff-intensive tasks, like weeding the collection. Berg noted there was a lot of excitement when the elevator got stuck with a patron in it. Police and Fire Department staff responded to our 911 call and freed the very patient woman who had books with her, so spent her time reading.
    2. President's - None.
    3. Village Update - Landgraf noted that the Brad Taylor was the newly appointed village trustee. Taylor had been on the Planning and Zoning Committee so had some background in village government. The village board approved 6 weeks of paid paternal leave. These employee benefits make the village more competitive a an employer and helps retain staff as well. The tree lighting was well attended even though it was very cold. Gorres commented that it was an entertaining show even though it was cold. The survey seeing whether or not there was public interest in funding a swimming pool showed the public was not interested.
  7. Old Business
    1. Staff Showcase – Paula Horn
      • Paula introduced herself as retired but likes working with people and likes the library so this has been a wonderful fit for her. She has worked here four years and really enjoys the people she works with. She has family in South Africa. Two grandchildren ages 4 and 8. She is their “Go-go” which is South African for granny. When Paula was growing up she was two blocks from her public library and spent a lot of time there. She loves mysteries and historical fiction. This is a fun place to work.
    2. 2023 Budget Discussion
      • There will be a budget hearing and vote on the final village budget at the next village board meeting Landgraf stated that the library budget included the 4% increase and was what had been approved by the library board and given to the village. Landgraf didn’t think library board members needed to attend that meeting. The village is in good shape financially and the budget as it is should pass.
  8. New Business
    1. Discussion and Possible Approval of changes to Library employee vacation policy to mirror policy recently adopted by the Village Board.
      • Berg had referred to this in her Director’s Report. Our Employee handbook has always mirrored the villages where appropriate. The library board can’t offer fewer benefits that the municipality. It can, however, offer more thanks to Chapter 43.
      • Motion to approve the vacation language: Landgraf
      • Second: Englesby
      • Discussion: None
      • Action: All approved.
  9. Future Agenda Items
    1. Approval of final 2023 Budget
  10. Adjournment
    • Motion to Adjourn: Landgraf
    • Second: Gorres
    • Action: All approved.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m. Next meeting January 5th, 2022.

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