Mo Burford

The meeting commenced with a roll call, followed by the unanimous approval of the agenda. The consent agenda, which included the approval of the November 18, 2025, Library Board meeting minutes, was also approved unanimously. Reports were presented for the October and November 2025 financial statements, and updates were provided by the Friends group, the Foundation, and the Director. New business focused on the Children's Services Assistant position, where the Director detailed the need for additional support due to high activity levels, expansion of children's services, and management of the Makerspace and marketing efforts. The proposed position increase included competitive salary offers and bilingual differential pay. The Board also reviewed and approved the 2026 Special Districts Insurance Services (SDIS) Property/Casualty Insurance renewal and recommended changes to the Code of Conduct regarding handling lost items. Announcements included registration for the Special Districts Association of Oregon conference. Agenda items for the next meeting were established, including policy review, the audit report for FY 2024-2025, and a staff presentation on Teen and Tween Services.

The Board received a presentation on Summer Reading Program highlights and discussed ongoing teen and tween services. Updates were provided on financial statements, foundation activities, and director reports, including emergency procedures training. The Board approved the appointment of the Budget Officer and Budget Committee, renewed the attorney contract and gardens maintenance contract, and discussed website vendor proposals, ultimately requesting further information before making a decision. Additionally, the Board approved an updated Exhibits Policy and Bilingualism Proficiency Pay Policy. Updates from the Special Districts Association Oregon conference were shared, and the Board discussed future agenda items including a director evaluation planning session with an outside consultant.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting. Key discussions included the presentation of the independent auditors' report for FY 2024-25, which resulted in an unmodified opinion with no findings related to compliance. The scheduled presentation for the Teen and Tween Services Librarian was postponed. Reports covered financial statements, updates from the Friends group and the Foundation, and the Director's report. The Director's report included suggestions for utilizing a teen intern or the Teen Council for social media engagement and a discussion on patron counting methods and collection management (weeding/removal of old items). New business involved the approval of an updated Bilingualism Proficiency Pay Policy to include American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency, aligning with Senate Bill 731. Board members also discussed procedures regarding potential ICE activity and staff safety training. The Director noted recent delays in receiving printed materials due to the closure of a major book distributor. Items scheduled for the next meeting include budget calendar approval and contract renewals for the attorney and garden maintenance.

The agenda for the Library Board of Directors meeting covered several key items. Discussions included the audit report and presentation for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and a presentation regarding Teen and Tween Services Librarian activities. New business focused on the update of the Bilingual Pay Policy to comply with Senate Bill 731, which mandates equivalent compensation for American Sign Language (ASL) skills if pay differentials are offered for other bilingual skills. Reports covered the November 2025 Financial Statements, updates from the Friends and Foundation groups, and the Director's report, which noted the reopening of the Children's Services Assistant position. The board also planned agenda items for the next meeting, including budget calendar approval and contract renewals.

The board discussed website proposals, specifically comparing Library Market with other vendors for a new website and calendar system. Discussions also covered updates to the Programming Policy, the job description for the Youth Services Assistant position, and planning for the Library Director's evaluation process using an external consultant. Additionally, the board reviewed financial reports, updates from library foundations and friends groups, and outreach efforts including Bookmobile schedules and community programs.