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Library Minutes | March 19, 2024


4 Municipal Plaza • Monroe Township, NJ 08831 • (732) 521-5000 • www.monroetwplibrary.org

MINUTES OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
March 19, 2024
ATTENDING:

Members Staff
Ben Baum Dr. Marilyn Gonyo (virtual) Leah Wagner
Lisa Chen Bob Isaacs (virtual) Karen Klapperstuck
Anne Corey
Bernadette Yannacci Friends of the Library
Chris Ryan Francine Kitts
The meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Ben Baum, President of the Library Board of Trustees. President Baum welcomed Chris Ryan to the Board of Trustees.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
It was noted that this meeting was in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 20, 2024 MEETING
The minutes from the February 20, 2024 meeting of the Library Board of Trustees were presented.
Dr. Marilyn Gonyo moved that the minutes of the February 20, 2024 meeting be approved as presented. Anne Corey seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Leah Wagner discussed upcoming projects, including updated and new lighting. Leah noted that many of the older fixtures need to be upgraded to LED and the need for increased lighting in the Library’s “living room” area. Library staff and staff from the Township Department of Public Works met with 2 vendors and we are now waiting for quotes and more information. The Library may be eligible for Direct Install, which could provide significant cost savings on the project.
Leah reminded the Board that LMxAC will be migrating to a new integrated library system (ILS) in June. During the New Business portion of the meeting, she will ask the Board to approve staff in-service for training which will require the Library to open at 1:00 p.m. on May 15.
Leah explained that the Library fell behind in updating technology due to COVID and the resulting supply chain issues. During the New Business portion of the meeting, she will ask the Board to pass resolutions to move funds from the Reserve account into the Operating budget to cover the costs of the new hardware.
Leah provided information on the current construction project happening to the Monroe Township Police Department and its potential impacts on the Library.
Leah added that she and Karen Klapperstuck will be attending the Public Library Association conference in Columbus, Ohio during the first week of April.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Karen Klapperstuck shared more information with the Board about the upcoming migration to the new ILS. Staff training has been scheduled for the new integrated library system. Patcy Drake (Technology Training and Support Specialist), Jackie Gryszka (Circulation Manager), and Kristine Campanale (Cataloger) have all signed up for in-person training provided by LMxAC. They will then train the rest of the library staff in the new system.
Karen asked that each Board member bring their Library Policy Manual to the April 16 Board Meeting. We will be providing new manuals that are all up to date and include the Personnel and Policy Manual. Each year we will ask Board Members to bring their policy manuals to the March meeting. Between the March meeting and the April meeting, all policy manuals will be updated to be sure that all Board Members have current and accurate documents.
Karen informed the Board about the unexpected early closure of the Library on Monday, March 11. Much of the Township experienced a prolonged power outage due to transmission line issues. The power at the Library went out a short time before 4pm. The Library staff evacuated the building after waiting to see if it would come back on quickly. Staff remained for a full hour, as per the Library’s Emergency Policy. When power was still not restored and the anticipated repair time was unclear, we closed the Library for the remainder of the day.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Leah Wagner discussed the current financial reports. She noted that most budget lines are on target. She mentioned that Furniture/Equipment and Telecommunications are the two lines with large early expenditures, but both were anticipated.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no committee reports.
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORT
Dr. Marilyn Gonyo reported on items from Mayor Dalina:
• First, the Mayor is pleased to announce that the Township was able to secure a grant of $2.3 Million from the State and a $2.0 Million grant from Middlesex County to preserve in perpetuity the 34-Acre Barnes Farm on Schoolhouse Road. This property is adjacent to Thompson Park. Preserving privately owned land --- before it is developed is one of the most critical issues he hears from residents and a key focus of the master plan.
• Also, he was pleased to see our application for a County Housing and Community Development grant application for funds for Park Improvements at the Community Garden. The Township also applied for NJDEP Green Acres/Jake’s Law Playground grant application. This location was identified for additional recreation in our Master Plan.
• This past month, the Monroe Township Police continued their outreach regarding public safety presentations in the community. Focusing on crime trends, scams, and tips to keep yourself safe. The officers visited the Rec Center and Senior Center.
• This week, we will be going from 10 “flock” license plate reading cameras to 20 cameras. These have been very helpful in identifying stolen vehicles as they enter Monroe and have led to arrests. We will continue to invest in our police and crime prevention.
• March 23rd will be our Egg Hunt at Soccer Complex on Prospect Plains Rd. Weather permitting at 10am.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Francine Kitts reported that the Friends hosted two in-person programs for Black History Month in February and one in March for Women’s History Month. All were very well attended, and everyone seemed to enjoy them. Tomorrow, March 20, we have a virtual author talk scheduled with Kathleen Grissom.
The Scholarship Committee selected our three $1,000 recipients, and the check has been mailed to the high school. Marilyn Gonyo, as chair, herded the committee through the process. Thanks to Marilyn!
The semi-annual book sale will be held on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4. This year the Friends will be trying something new. On Thursday, May 2 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., they will host a Special Preview Night with a $5 admission. It is open to everyone and will hopefully encourage book dealers to come that night instead of during normal hours when they often interfere with their patrons.
In celebration of the Library’s 35th Anniversary, the Friends will purchase 500 mini-word magnets, which will be distributed throughout the year.
The Friends are happy to have an updated Friends membership flyer, thanks to the membership committee and Tania Schiavone.
MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
There was no report from Dr. Kelly Roselle.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Jannat Zaanoun was unable to attend the meeting but sent Leah Wagner a report. She said that the high school held the One Book, One Read event for Read Across America week. The book selected was The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. The afterschool event was packed and filled with many activities. In addition, juniors had NJGPA testing last week for math and English. The testing is a requirement for graduation.
FOUNDATION
The Foundation wants the Board members to know about the Golf Outing, scheduled for Monday, June 10 and an evening event featuring The John Bianculli Trio on Friday, April 19. The next Foundation meeting is scheduled for May 2.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Anne Corey asked for an update about the 2022 audit. Leah Wagner stated that Jennifer Slavicek, Library Bookkeeper, called the auditor and he said he was waiting on data from the municipal finance office before he could complete the report.
NEW BUSINESS
Leah Wagner asked the Board to pass the following resolutions.
Whereas the Library would like to contract with Dell to purchase staff and public computers for technology upgrades, and
Whereas the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees wishes to expend funds currently held in the Improvement Fund,
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees agree to transfer $32,015.92 from the Improvement Fund to the Operating account to cover this expense.
Marilyn Gonyo moved to approve the resolution. Bob Isaacs seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Whereas the Library would like to contract with spot.ai to purchase safety camera for technology upgrades, and
Whereas the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees wishes to expend funds currently held in the Improvement Fund,
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees agree to transfer $11,287.99 from the Improvement Fund to the Operating account to cover this expense.
Anne Corey moved to approve the resolution. Marilyn Gonyo seconded the motion. All were in favor.

ACTION ON BILLS
Bob Isaacs moved the payment of the bills with checks #18773- #18803 in the amount of $469,047.72. Anne Corey seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Leah Wagner reminded the Board that the Financial Disclosure Agreements will be distributed soon.
Karen Klapperstuck reminded Board members to bring their Policy Manuals to the April meeting.
The next meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, Bob Isaacs moved to adjourn the meeting. Bernadette Yannacci seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Klapperstuck