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Geauga County Public Library (GCPL) - April 16, 2024

Meeting: The GCPL Board met on Tuesday, April 16th at 4:00 pm at the West Geauga branch. This meeting was in-person with a virtual option. The meeting was not recorded. Minutes of this meeting will be posted on the GPL website / GPL Board after they are approved at the May 2024 meeting.

Public Comment: Permitted and included in the regular order of business per GCPL bylaws. Further clarified in Policy 215 - Public Participation at Board Meetings.

Board Attendance: President Paul A. Newman, Vice President Karen Delano, Secretary Kristen Brickman, and trustees Joshua Hutchinson, Crist Miller,  Kate Pitrone and Jake Yanchar.

Staff Attendance:

• Kris Carroll - Director

• Katy Farrell - Assistant Director

• Lisa Havlin - Fiscal Officer

• Nicole Burnside - Human Resources

• Debbie Schrock, Development Coordinator 

• Rachel Hartman - Foundation Board of Trustees 

• Kevin Barton - Thompson Branch Manager

• Denise Javins- Marketing Manager

• John Johnson - Facilities Manager

• Judy Lasco - Chardon Branch Manager

• Erika Noark - Geauga West Branch Manager

• Marlene Pelyhes - Tech Services Manager

• Mike Pope - IT Manager

• Joya Hoge - Assistant Manager/Head of Youth Service
  

Public: This Observer attended in person.

President Newman called the board meeting to order at 4:00pm and roll call was taken.

Minutes: March Board Meeting minutes were approved without discussion and are available online. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to access minutes. The minutes are posted as soon as they are approved at the following month’s Board meeting.                

Agenda: Agenda was approved with no changes or additions

Communications: 

• Letter from Gerald Hoeltges (Board of Elections Voting Location Manager) thanking the Bainbridge Branch for being a location for the March 2024 Primary, which saw 800 voters.

• Letter from Dr. Michael P. Hanlon Jr., Chardon School Superintendent, saying that the Geauga County Public Library is the 2024 recipient of  The Superintendent’s Award for 2024. This honor goes to an individual or organization making an important contribution in enhancing the quality of the school district. The Recognition Dinner will be held Monday, May 6th, 2024.

Fiscal Officers Report – Ms. Havlin 

• The February disbursements and gifts were approved

• The Amended 2024 Appropriations Resolution #24-02 was approved. Observer Note: The updates were included in the Board packet. These detail the disbursement of the Mellon Grant Fund, the Building and Repair Fund, and changes to the Library Materials Fund. Additional funds are needed to pay for Linked-In Learning, which had been State funded through the Ohio Public Library Public Information Network (OPLIN).

• Ms. Havlin attended an entrance interview with the State Auditors. All requested information was gathered and submitted. Board members should complete and return by email a fraud assessment document. The auditors expect to have the audit complete by the end of June. 

Director’s Report – Ms. Carroll

• The State Library Report was completed and submitted ahead of schedule.

• The 2024 PLA (Public Library Association) Conference was held in Columbus, Ohio, in April. Seven members of GPL staff attended. The conference is the center of collaboration for public librarians, where library experts share best practices, cutting-edge strategies, and valuable insights. Ms Carroll included highlights in the Board Packet.

• Two new Maker Space Specialists were hired for the Chardon Creativity Center. Applicants are being interviewed for the intern positions, which will allow additional summer programming at the Chardon location.

• GCPL is one of four libraries in Ohio participating in a pilot program with OPLIN to save money on internet services. 

• The Marketing Department completed a webpage about the Chardon branch. Observer Note: Information should be available in “News” in the GPL website menu. Link is  https://geaugalibrary.net/chardon-branch-news/

• Hachette Audio has ceased production of books on cd and this is impacting patrons who selected this format and the Playaway format for AUTOHOLDS. The Tech Services staff is contacting these patrons to discuss digital alternatives available through Overdrive and Hoopla.

• OLC (Ohio Library Council) Library Legislative Day will be held April 24th. Ms Carroll said that our State Legislators, Senator Sandra O’Brien and Rep. Sarah Fowler, did not return calls for a time to meet so GPL decided not to go to this year’s Legislative Day. Reviewer Note:  This event is designed to allow local libraries to meet with their legislators, but since these legislators did not respond, going to Columbus would serve no purpose.  See Ohio Library Council here.

Assistant Director’s Report – Ms. Farrell

Human Resources Report - Ms. Burnside

• Approval was given for actions: 1 new hire, 3 terminations, 2 retirements, and 1 promotion.

• 1st Quarter Outstanding Service Award Recipients. Board Member Mr. Hutchinson had suggested this program. There were 28 submissions. There are ten recipients.

Local Branch Manager's Report -  Ms. Noark

• Several Rascal projects and products are being prepared for the Geauga Fair.

• A West Geauga scavenger hunt was held involving businesses in Chesterland.

Committee Reports - None

Unfinished Business - Ms. Carroll

A letter was received from Northstar Towers expressing interest in leasing land from the Middlefield branch location for a new cell tower. This is a different company than previously approached the GPL but with a similar request. Ms Carroll will meet with them 4/17. Observer Note. This refers to a communication from PBM Wireless Services mentioned in the November 2023 GCPL Observer Report.

New Business - All of the following items were approved:

• Approval of update to Operating Policy 731 Loan Periods, Renewals, Fines and Fees.

Hot Spots available for $5/day with no maximum fine.  

• Approval of the April Discard List.

Board Development - None

Development Coordinator - Ms. Schrock

• April 3 was National Library Giving Day. Several patrons made donations through postings on social media.

• April 9 was Library Staff Appreciation Day. GPL Foundation purchased donuts for staff and the GPL Board sent thank you notes.

• In April, GPL is partnering with Claridon Community Helps. All library branches are accepting  food donations that will go towards the children’s summer lunch program. Observer Note: More information can be found on the GPL webpage in the Director’s Blog under “NEWS” and at https://www.claridoncommunityhelps.org/.

Upcoming Community Events

• April 20: Volunteer Fair at Chardon Branch

• April 25-28: Chardon Branch Book sale

• May 11: Book Donation Drive Thru at Geauga County Fairgrounds. Patrons can bring their book donations and stay in their cars while books are unloaded.

• June 27-29: Bainbridge Branch Book Sale

Public Comment - There was no one from the public who spoke.

Executive Session -  The Board went into Executive Session at 4:22. After a brief meeting, the Board came out, and the meeting was adjourned with no other comment or action.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 21 at the Middlefield Branch at 4:00 pm. 

Minutes:  The latest minutes are posted here.  Prior to March 2023, videos of meetings were available to the public here.  The GCPL is no longer posting videos of their meetings.

Observer: Cris Takacs

Editor: Anne Ondrey

Reviewer: Gail Roussey

Date Submitted: 5/05/2024

The League of Women Voters of Geauga is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.