Teresa Kline

Key discussions included the status of the non-functioning elevator and repairs needed for the downstairs women's toilet. New shelving was installed in the Starring room. The Director reported on grant meetings and meetings concerning the 'My Future Funds' program for Kindergarten students in Allegan, Plainwell, and Fennville, which awards funds based partly on library event attendance. The board also addressed the impact of potential penal fine loss to libraries due to legislative changes and received an audit presentation, which was reported as clean, with a suggestion to review retirement funding. Other topics included granting a $1000 ACCF TAG grant for a summer event, presenting the Annual Report, fulfilling a FOIA request, planning for a Michigan Notable Book Tour speaker for a June event, addressing recent patron incidents involving staff-only areas, renewing the Universal Services payment for internet reimbursement, and approving the investment of $100,000 into a Goldman Sachs CD. The board also approved a change order correction for parking lot construction, resulting in a significant reduction in the library's total cost.

The meeting included a presentation and subsequent approval of a contract with Egltech for managed cybersecurity, including a one-time setup fee and a monthly charge. The board reviewed the financial and budget performance report for October 2023. The director reported on meetings attended, a donation from Marlynn Starring's estate for digitizing, library repairs, interlibrary loans, participation in a focus group on food justice, and a new city commissioner who supports the library. There was also discussion regarding book bans and monitoring books in the news. The board accepted the job description of Assistant Library Director and authorized the director to offer up to $40,000 plus benefits for the position. Additionally, the board approved investing $100,000 in a 12-month JP Morgan CD and discussed hosting a smoking cessation class.

Discussions focused on the transition to new accounting software, noting initial issues but positive budget performance due to increased millage revenue and fines. Staffing updates included interviewing a part-time maintenance replacement with a projected October start date. The sprinkler system's operation was confirmed. Issues with two patrons were noted, one resolved by referencing the signed hot spot policy. Progress on grants was reviewed, including the receipt of shelving units from the ALA grant and a $3000 Pride grant for collection development. Regarding the Parking Lot Concept Phase 1, an estimate of $669,341 was presented, resulting in a significant shortfall despite applying dedicated donations, insurance settlement funds, and CD money. The Board voted to continue with Phase 1, exploring future funding options like long-term loans or bonds. New business included planning for an Open House to present the parking lot and City park concepts, confirming the Community Garden is fully funded by the Allegan Food Alliance, and formally adopting the Children in the Library Policy.

The meeting included discussions on the financial and budget performance report, which indicated the budget is close to target and that 100% of millage money has been received. The Director's Report covered meetings attended, assistance provided to other library directors, updates on page openings, the summer lunch program, and the summer reading program. The board discussed the review of board bylaws, a problem patron issue, and board member interviews for the newsletter. New business included a budget draft, approval for email migration costs, a parking lot-community center grant collaboration, library director evaluation, and setting a date for a personnel committee meeting.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 18, 2024 session. Key discussions centered on the Financial and Budget Performance Report, noting that millage money is being received and state aid is pending, with a letter planned for Manlius in March. Financial statements for January 2024 were reviewed and filed. The Director's Report covered attending board meetings, switching the public officials liability carrier to Lighthouse, the need to replace a smoke alarm, the successful implementation of the Hot Spot Policy (with 13 devices in use), the Allegan County Library Association switching to Consumers Credit Union, issues with the Intuit Payroll System following an email change, participation in a Food Justice research grant with a resulting paper expected in November, the forthcoming Annual Report, Abi's application for an 8-month Leadership Program, and staff cyber training being conducted by EGL Tech.