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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Minutes: 01/20/2022-AIL NOTE: As part of the City of Arcadia's COVID-19 protocol, this meeting was conducted in person as well as through virtual teleconference on Zoom. CALL TO ORDER — Chair ProTem Elizabeth Renfrew called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m., in the Conference Room of the Library. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Trustee Carlton Seaver ROLL CALL: Trustees Barbara Delphey, Elizabeth Renfrew, Carlton Seaver, Alice Wang; Councilmember Paul Cheng (City Council Liaison); Director of Library & Museum Services Darlene Bradley (Secretary); Library Services Managers Roger Hiles, Pat Smith ABSENT — Chair Miriam Carter PUBLIC COMMENTS — None REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS Trustee Delphey reported the Friends of the Library meeting in January was cancelled. Trustee Renfrew noted the Friends need help in the Book Store, two hours per week, and in the basement sorting and pricing books. Council member Cheng thanked Trustee Seaver for the Seaver Foundation's generous gift to the Library and for his service to the Library. He briefly summarized issues discussed at City Council recently, including environmental issues, the on -going situation with District 5 representation, and the need for volunteers for the upcoming City homeless count. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR Announcements / Statements I Future Agenda Items Director's Update: Director Bradley thanked the Board for the generous annual gift of cookies for the staff. She reported the Library has begun the annual mid -year budget review and planning for next fiscal year's budget. She mentioned that security cameras for the building may be discussed for inclusion in the budget. She updated the Board on the progress of the RFID project noting that bids are due next week and that the matter will probably be brought to City Council in February. Monthly Statistical Report: November/December 2021: Trustee Seaver brought up the issue of the number of visitors to the Library, noting that the numbers still have not caught up to before the closure. The Board discussed patrons' concerns about being out in public, as well as how much they do appreciate being able to visit the Library again. Monthly Report Narrative: November/December 2021: The Director responded to Board questions about in -person programming since the recent pandemic surge. She reported that in - person programming has been cancelled or switched over to online for January and February. The issue of unhoused customers was discussed, as was the role of the social worker. The Director noted the successful Teen Stress Fest in December and mentioned there were plans to repeat it in the future. Staff Reports to City Council: Donation of $5,000 from the Seaver Trust. The Director thanked Trustee Seaver and said that the funds would be used to purchase items for the Library's Adult collection. Financial Report: December 2021: The Director responded to questions about the accounting process, including the encumbering of funds and how vendors were paid. She also discussed the importance of fully spending budgeted funds, while not exceeding the allocated amounts. Staff Update: Director Bradley discussed the impact of the current COVID surge on Library staffing over the past weeks: several staff members were exposed and were not able to report to work; Administrative staff helped cover service desks. She reported on the ongoing staff recruitments and the upcoming recruitment for Library Aides, described the affect the increased minimum wage was having on Library staffing, and noted the Library was expanding the role that minimum -wage staff was expected to play in the Library. Policy Manual Update: Staff Informational received copies of the updated Policy Manual. there was nothing to report at this time. Report on Automatic Renewal. The Boari The automatic -renewal project is ongoing an Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: The Museum received a $3,000 grant to fund an intern who will assist with the collection. An episode of This is Us was filmed at the Museum this week. The production company paid the Museum $7,500 to use its facilities, and power -washed the patio and meticulously cleaned up the Museum and parking lot when they were done. Calendar of Activities for Children's Services: January, February 2022: The Director noted in -person programming was suspended for these months. The Board noted how much they appreciated having two months' worth of calendars. Calendar of Activities for Adult and Teen Services: January 2022: The Board reviewed upcoming Adult and Teen programming. Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Director Bradley mentioned the new Coursera online program was provided by the State Library. The Board discussed the Winter Reading Challenge and were informed that the upcoming Humane Society event was going to be moved to the west parking lot. Featured Historical Photo: The Board discussed the photo of the 1972 Arcadia Rose Parade float and Director Bradley briefly discussed the history of the City's participation. Excuse Board Chair Miriam Carter's absence from the January 20, 2022 meeting. A motion to approve Chair Carter's absence from the January 20, 2022 meeting was made by Trustee Seaver, seconded by Trustee Delphey, and approved on a voice vote. AYES: Trustees Delphey, Renfrew, Seaver Wang NOES: None ABSENT: Chair Carter a. Approve the .1.11IRegular Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2021 Recommended action: Approve The motion to accept the Minutes of November 18, 2021, was moved by Trustee Seaver, seconded by Trustee Delphey, and carried on a voice vote. AYES: Trustees Delphey, Renfrew, Seaver, Wang NOES: None ABSENT: Chair Carter Chair Pro Tempore Renfew adjourned the meeting at 5:51 p.m. to February 17, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. me =0 Miriam Carter, Chair Da ene Bradley, Sec-�reary Minutes prepared by: Pat Smith