Ronald Babbel

The Board of Trustees reviewed a proclamation for National Library Workers Day, discussed the Comprehensive Capital Plan regarding branch profiles for Lakewood, Tillicum, and DuPont, and considered a technology surplus resolution. Additionally, the Executive Director provided an update on organizational activities, including federal advocacy, leadership structure developments, and community engagement pilot programs. The Board also reviewed financial reports detailing payments, budgetary trends, and ongoing fiscal sustainability initiatives.

The Board meeting agenda includes an executive session to discuss potential litigation, a presentation on the Comprehensive Capital Plan, and various consent agenda items such as approval of payroll, vouchers, and the declaration of surplus equipment. Unfinished business involves committee representation for a trustee vacancy and the cancellation of a summer meeting. New business items focus on year-end financial reviews for the 2025 budget, including resolutions to rescind or adjust fund transfers, close the fiscal year, and discuss real property acquisition and disposition policies.

The meeting included a recess to Closed Session to discuss collective bargaining matters. A presentation was given by the Collection Management Director highlighting department work from 2024 and early 2025. The Consent Agenda approved items including payroll, vouchers, declaring surplus furnishings, and the minutes from the previous meeting. Reports covered countywide flooding, Stories and Voices service highlights, and coordination with the State Auditor's Office for the 2024 audit. Unfinished Business involved the review and subsequent approval of the entire 2026 Balanced Final Budget, encompassing various fund resolutions and necessary transfers. A Second Public Hearing was held and closed regarding 2025 property tax levies for 2026 collection. New Business included the 2026 Election of Officers, resulting in new Chair and Vice-Chair appointments, and the approval of the Insurance Renewal Purchase Order.

The agenda for the regular meeting included public comment, presentations from the Customer Experience Department, South Hill Library staff, and the Executive Director regarding the Comprehensive Capital Plan Report. Key action items scheduled for consent included the approval of January payroll, benefits, and vouchers, and a resolution to declare furnishings and equipment surplus to public service needs. Unfinished business involved policy review of Board Bylaws and discussion of a Trustee Vacancy. New business covered approval of a Purchase Order for Markham Investigation & Protection, LLC, cancellation of a summer meeting, and updates on staff guidance related to law enforcement presence in libraries. Management reports addressed library trends, strategic implementation plan summary, Buckley Library site contamination update, and Q1 marketing and communications focus.

This 2024 Strategic Plan for the Pierce County Library System outlines its services and initiatives for the year, focusing on learning, enjoyment, and community engagement with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Key priorities include enhancing children's learning resources, promoting teen expression, celebrating cultural heritage, and developing facilities such as a new library in Sumner and an interim library in Lakewood. The document also describes the process for engaging the public to develop a subsequent strategic plan that will guide the Library System from 2025 to 2029.