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Home My WebLink AboutLB Minutes: 06-20-2024ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Thursday, June 20, 2024 CALL TO ORDER: Trustee Carter called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m. in the Library's Conference Room. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Trustee Carter ROLL CALL: Trustees Miriam Carter, Pardha Akalamkam, Connie Liao; City Council Liaison Michael Cao; Director Darlene Bradley; Library Services Managers Samantha Alba and Petra Morris ABSENT: Chair Elizabeth Renfrew (on vacation) PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CLOSED SESSION: Will be rescheduled. REPORTS FROM LIBRARY TRUSTEES / LIAISONS: Trustee Akalamkam shared that he attends meetings relating to project management and invited other Trustees to attend. Trustee Liao announced that the Arcadia Chinese Association approved a donation to the Library of $1,500 for shelving, $500 for the English Conversation Class program, and $300 for children's books. The Board members and Library staff thanked the Arcadia Chinese Association for the donation. Trustee Liao also announced that the Arcadia Chinese Association donated $5,000 to the Arcadia Unified School District for an electric score board. The Arcadia Chinese Association will also be working with the City of Arcadia and Chamber of Commerce to provide a Moon Festival event on September 14, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Trustee Carter attended the Serving with a Purpose event and was impressed by the presenters and the information provided. City Council Liaison Cao apologized for missing the May Library Board meeting due to being notified that the meeting had been cancelled. Council Liaison Cao announced that there will be a Health Seminar about prostatic hyperplasia with Dr. Mark Feng on June 26, 2024. On August 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to noon there will be a Community Health Fair with screenings and consultations as well as information booths. U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, Lieutenant General Mary K. Izaguirre, will be the event's Keynote Speaker. City Council Liaison Cao will not be able to attend the July 18 Board Meeting as there will be a special City Council meeting on that day. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR Announcements / Statements / Future Agenda Items Director's Update: Director Bradley shared that on Friday, June 14, 2024 there was an issue with sewer water and waste flooding the Library's basement, the Friends' storage space, and the staff lounge. On Saturday, June 15, 2024 there was a plumbing issue with the Library's restrooms so the building closed at 5:30 p.m. On Monday, June 18, 2024, Public Works assessed the matter and building plans. They also snaked the plumbing line with a camera. It was determined that the cleanout had not been cleared for more than 30 years and the line had been clogged with grease and flushable wipes. The line would be cleared and flushed with a stream of high-powered water. Monthly Statistical Report: May 2024: There was an increase in the number of materials catalogued as ordering with the Library's primary vendor, Baker and Taylor, ended in May. Trustee Akalamkam questioned the decrease in overdue fees. Director Bradley explained that several notifications are sent to patrons in the hopes that materials will be returned on time. This then contributes to lower overdue fines. Monthly Report Narrative: May 2024: Trustee Carter inquired about the primary materials vendor selection. Director Bradley explained that the staff considered Ingram as well as Baker and Taylor. There was concern about Ingram's invoicing process but will still use Ingram for smaller orders as the service can provide materials with a quicker delivery time. Trustee Akalamkam added that Ingram is a big company and is more responsive. Director Bradley shared that the Library's HVAC system has been replaced. Trustee Akalamkam asked if there had been a walkthrough to see the 3D printer and Trustee Carter confirmed there had been a walkthrough at a prior meeting. Financial Report: May 2024: Director Bradley explained that there is an increase in eBook usage and requested additional eBook and eResource funding from City Council which was approved. $10,000 will be used for adult eBooks and $9,000 will be used for children's eBooks. Pricing for eBooks and eAudio has increased. Director Bradley had to submit the funding increase for these materials as a new program and thanked Council for the approval. Staff Update: A conditional employment offer was extended for the part-time Adult and Teen Services Principal Librarian position. Part-time Librarian, Helen Seto, began in May and Gilb Museum Education Coordinator, Lauren Porras, was also hired in the same month. Focus will now be given to filling the vacant Library Aide positions. Trustee Akalamkam inquired about Security and Director Bradley acknowledged that the new Security team has been in place for a year. The Guard is stationed at the Library entrance and sets the tone. The Security company is supportive and responsive and makes Library staff feel safe. Glib Museum of Arcadia Heritage: Winners of the 14t' Annual Photography Contest are on display at the Museum. Staff applied for and received two Getty interns for the summer. Gilb Museum staff is readying for the Summer Enrichment program series. And Dino Day will take place in August. Curator Acevedo is expecting and will go on maternity leave in July. Curator Acevedo is working with Director Bradley on a Military Banner project which will soon launch as a new program. The team is seeking a vendor for the project and surveying what other cities do. The plan is to accept up to 125 applications. The new Museum Educator Coordinator, Lauren Porras, has provided 32 class visits highlighting Arcadia history. Calendar of Activities for Adult and Teen Services: July 2024: The Walking Book Club meets every other Saturday. The International Film program continues to come together monthly. The July Bookish program will be a One Book, One County book group and will discuss L.A. Weather written by Maria Amparo Escandon. Flyers/Articles/Posters/Attachments: Director Bradley mentioned that The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese will be the Bookish selection discussed in September 2024 and is a fascinating read. Announcements: Director Bradley highlighted the Library's summer reading program and encouraged Board members to participate. Library Services Manager Morris shared about outreach efforts at the Recreation Department's Summer Concerts and Movies in the Park as well as the recruitment and assistance of summer teen volunteers. Library Services Manager Alba discussed her recent work with City contracts and upcoming team building training for staff. There was discussion about City Council Liaison Cao being misinformed that last month's Board Meeting would not take place as there was not a quorum. Trustee Carter acknowledged that City Council Liaison Cao may not continue attending meetings as he will become the Mayor. Council Liaison Cao expressed that he has not yet determined if he will continue attending the Board meetings. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 16, 2024 Recommended action: Approve The motion to accept the Minutes of May 16, 2024, as written, was moved by Trustee Akalamkam, seconded by Trustee Liao, and carried on a unanimous voice vote. AYES: Trustees Carter, Akalamkam, and Liao NOES: None ABSENT: Chair Renfrew ADJOURNMENT Trustee Carter adjourned the meeting at 5:46 p.m. to July 18, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Library, 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. Approved: Elizabeth Renfrew, Chair Darlene Bradley, Secretary Minutes prepared by: Petra Morris