Library Board meeting

At last evening’s regular Library Board meeting, which was held at the Hampton Park Library and rescheduled from September 21, the Board discussed several items:

·         The Board reelected the current officers for another year:

o   Chairperson                Mary Helen McGruder

o   Vice-Chairperson        Christy Winters

o   Secretary/Treasurer   Kristin Morrissey

 

·         The Board discussed the naming of FCPL’s fifth library branch, which is anticipated to open in 2023.  The names discussed at the meeting were Fowler Road Library (or Fowler Library) and Denmark Library.  The Board tabled the decision until a future meeting.

 

·         The Board approved extending the following contracts for one year:

o   Janitorial services to Building Maintenance Services, Inc. for $61,200

o   HVAC preventive maintenance services to Willis Mechanical, Inc. for $6,212

 

·         The Board discussed the library’s new Implementation Plan, which had been developed by FCPL supervisors and Leadership Team.  The library is currently in the fourth year of its five-year strategic plan, and the implementation plan serves as the guide to move the library forward each year of the plan.  More information about various projects included in the plan will be shared throughout the year.

 

·         The Board authorized the Director to elect optional plan provisions for 403(b) and 457(b) plans as permitted by the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act) and the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act).  Both acts provide participants in these optional retirement plans greater access to their funds held in these accounts. Once the paperwork is completed with VALIC for these changes, HR will provide additional information to staff.

 

·         The Board ratified temporary changes to FCPL policies due to COVID-19 and authorized and encouraged the Director to reinstate the policies when appropriate to do so, balancing safety and access for the public.  Because of the pandemic, the following practices differ from those mentioned in FCPL policy:

o   Operations Policies

§  Donations of library materials

§  Eating and drinking in the libraries

§  Debt collection

§  Quiet rooms

§  Meeting rooms, conference rooms, & study rooms

§  Tours of libraries/school groups

§  Personal visitors

o   Personnel Policies

§  Working from home/teleworking

§  Location of breaks and meal periods

§  Use of personal mobile phones

 

·         The Board discussed the library’s compensation philosophy, which refers to the market position we want to be in relation to our peers.  This philosophy helps to inform the data being provided by Evergreen Solutions, the company that is conducting the library’s salary study.

 

·         The Board discussed the evaluation form for the Director position.

 

·         The Board approved several FY21 budget adjustments:

 

o   $500 donation from the Lanier Forsyth Rotary Club for books in honor of Rotary Speakers

o   $3,000 grant from the Forsyth County Arts Alliance to fund arts related virtual programs

o   $13,508.45 LibTech grant to be used for a new patron MFD at the Cumming Library

o   Adjustments for Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) grants for the Cumming Library:

§  $100,000 grant (with a local match of $100,000 from fund balance) to purchase and install a generator

§  Two repurposing grants totaling $360,000 (with a local match of $40,000 from fund balance) to continue the Cumming Library Upfit project:

·         Replace lighting with LED lights and add lighting to enhance focal areas

·         Fill in shelving gaps and replace end panels in children’s area

·         Replace tiles at main entrance

·         Replace current Ask Us desk with a custom millwork solution

·         Create a focal destination space in the children’s area

·         Replace interior signs

·         Possibly purchase remaining planned furniture