Aurora Martinez

The meeting included discussions and actions on financial reports, reallocation of line items for closing the 2024 books, and temporary appropriations for 2025. There was an update on staff medical insurance coverage for 2025, including the approval of a new Anthem plan. The Library salary plan for 2025 was reviewed and accepted, which included a 4% increase for staff, with some exceptions. A proposed contract from GPD was distributed, and revisions were sent for approval. The Board accepted a gift for the Schick Family Fund and approved a revised Emergency Closure Policy. An executive session was held to discuss administrative performance and compensation.

The Board discussed financial reports, including the reallocation of funds for books and pamphlets. A temporary appropriation was adopted for the General Fund, covering salaries, supplies, purchased services, library materials, capital outlay, and contingency. The changeover to the new health insurance plan was reported to be progressing smoothly. Updates were provided on the contract with the architectural firm GPD and the hiring of Chapman Electric for lighting upgrades. A donation to the Schick Family Fund was accepted with gratitude. The renewal of the Section 125 Premium Only Plan was approved, along with a resolution authorizing the disposal of surplus library materials. The current officers were re-elected, and appointments were made for the Fiscal Officer and Deputy Fiscal Officer. A revised copy of the Library's Bulletin Board and Bulk Distribution Policy was approved.

The Board reviewed financial reports and adopted a temporary appropriation resolution for the General Fund and Trust Fund. The director reported on the Ohio Library Council's workshop regarding the State biannual budget and a potential gift from the Morley family in honor of the Library's 125th anniversary. A meeting with GPD was scheduled to discuss ideas for a building refresh, with plans for a proposal at the April meeting. A new policy addressing the Library's volunteer guidelines and procedures was also approved.

The 2024-2026 Strategic Plan for Morley Library focuses on strengthening internal and external communication, optimizing library spaces, and developing intentional partnerships and dynamic programming. Communication goals include streamlining internal communication, boosting library visibility, and developing a comprehensive marketing framework. Space optimization aims to create a safe, comfortable, and flexible environment for patrons and staff, including repurposing underutilized areas and creating dedicated spaces for technology users and refreshments. Partnership and programming goals involve establishing continuous improvement measures, maximizing community partnerships, and engaging staff creativity, potentially including a makerspace. The plan emphasizes community engagement, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and high-quality service.

The Morley Library Board of Trustees meeting covered the approval of the May Treasurer's Report and the adoption of the 2023 Tax Budget. The board also approved salary increases for four employees and discussed extending library operating hours. A proposal to use the library's address for unhoused voters was discussed at length, but ultimately tabled until its legality could be confirmed.