Mariel Chandler-Nash

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda with a postponement of the Election of Officers/Board Committee Appointments until February. The Consent Agenda was approved, and the Board approved the Vouchers for December 2025. In committee reports, funding for Hoopla digital media services was increased for 2026, and discussions were held regarding moving DVD collections to MelCAT due to shrinking local circulation. A report noted the resignation of the new District Manager overseeing Egelston, Muskegon Township, and Ravenna branches, leading to the reposting of the position. Old Business concluded with the approval of the revised Naming and Recognition Policy, where Section 3.0 was updated to allow Board discretion in determining funding levels for naming rights. New Business involved receiving information only on the need to update the Personnel Management Handbook to reflect the recently executed Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Board approved proceeding with steps to receive E-Rate Category 2 funding for a network cabling project at the Norton Shores branch. Finally, the Board approved closing three inactive MERS Health Care Savings Plan Divisions in preparation for a Municipal Employees' Retirement System system update. Public comments were received regarding dedicated library services and operational considerations at the Montague, Holton, and Dalton branch libraries, as well as MADL's weather-related closure procedures.

The Board meeting addressed several items, including the approval of the Agenda and the Consent Agenda. The Board approved the Vouchers for November 2025 and received the Finance Committee Report. Key reports included updates on usage data comparison with Hackley Public Library, the introduction of the new District Manager, and the announcement of a $20,000 grant award for early literacy and nutrition education. In Old Business, a final draft of the Naming Policy was presented, with approval deferred until January to incorporate feedback. New Business involved the approval of the 2025 Budget Amendments/Final Budget, Branch Library Reimbursement Costs for 2026, and the 2026 position control plan designed to improve supervision and communication. Furthermore, the Board approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2026 to 2031, following a successful union vote, and adopted the Earned Sick Time Act Policy effective January 1, 2026. Public comment was received regarding pending service hour changes at the Dalton Branch Library.

The agenda for this meeting included the Election of Officers/Board Committee Appointments and Board Development. Key items for discussion and potential action involved the Naming Policy under Old Business. New Business items included review of the Personnel Management Handbook 2026, E-Rate Category 2 documentation, and MERS Health Care Savings Plan Divisions. Committee reports from Finance and Personnel were also scheduled.

This strategic plan outlines the Muskegon Area District Library's direction from 2022 to 2024, focusing on expanding access and awareness of resources, updating programs and spaces, and supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion. The plan aims to connect a diverse community to resources, foster literacy and learning, serve as a community gathering place, contribute to economic development, and ensure public access to digital materials and innovative technologies. Key values include access and inclusion, community focus, creativity and innovation, customer service, intellectual freedom, and stewardship.

The Muskegon Area District Library Board held a meeting to discuss various topics. The number of visits to Storyville has doubled since last year. The board discussed Board Rotation schedule and preliminary findings of some usage data showing a small subsection of MADL constituents utilizing Hackley Public Library. The Union continues to work on finalizing the agreement that has been negotiated. The meeting also addressed the 2026 selected Blue Care Network (BCN) Medical Plan and an exemption from Public Act 152 Hard Cap Method for Employee Medical. The 2026 Board Meeting Schedule and the 2026 Holiday Schedule were approved.