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Library Minutes | April 16, 2024


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

MINUTES OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
April 16, 2024
ATTENDING:

Members Staff
Ben Baum Dr. Marilyn Gonyo (virtual) Leah Wagner
Lisa Chen Dr. Kelly Roselle (virtual) Karen Klapperstuck
Anne Corey Prena Shah
Bernadette Yannacci Bob Isaacs Friends of the Library
Chris Ryan Janaat Zaanoun Francine Kitts
The meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by Ben Baum, President of the Library Board of Trustees.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
It was noted that this meeting was in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 19, 2024 MEETING
The minutes from the March 19, 2024 meeting of the Library Board of Trustees were presented. Anne Corey asked that the year 2022 be added to page 4 before the word “audit”.
Bob Isaacs moved that the minutes of the March 19, 2024 meeting be approved as corrected. Bernadette Yannacci seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Leah Wagner discussed her recent attendance at the Public Library Association (PLA) conference. The event provided an opportunity to think about what is happening in our library and philosophy of library service. Highlights for Leah included sessions on programming for adults with disabilities and a session called “Hot Ones” that talked about current issues in libraries. Leah reflected that it is interesting to hear what others are doing and how our library compares.
Leah informed the Trustees that we have still not received the 2022 audit. However, the auditor did send an engagement letter for the 2023 audit. This will be discussed later in the meeting.
Leah and Library staff are looking forward to this year’s Farmers Market. There are over 20 vendors, a mix of returning and new.
Leah reminded the Trustees about the upcoming 35th Anniversary events, including John Bianculli on 4/19, Gem of a Night on 5/17 and the Golf Outing on 6/10.
Leah added that she will be out of the Library for 6 t o12 weeks due to an upcoming surgery.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Karen Klapperstuck updated the Board about the upcoming migration to the new ILS. Seven (7) staff will be attending training for the new integrated library system. The focus of the staff in-service on May 15 will be to share that training with the rest of the staff. The next LMxAC membership meeting is scheduled for May 17 where more information and updates will be provided.
Karen provided new Policy Manual binders for all Trustees. She thanked Tania Schiavone for printing, collating and finishing the manuals.
Karen shared her experience at the Public Library Association conference. The common theme for Karen this year was staff development and human resources.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Leah Wagner discussed the current financial reports. She stated that things are the same as last month. Still watching a couple of budget lines but the accounts are where they should be.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no committee reports.
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORT
Karen Klapperstuck reported on items from Mayor Dalina:
• The Mayor attended a RoundTable Discussion with NJ State Attorney General Matt Platkin on public safety along with county and police leaders, and fellow Mayors. He highlighted the importance of increasing criminal penalties for individuals, particularly juveniles, who commit auto theft.
• Army Veteran Seymour Nussenbaum of Monroe received the Congressional Medal of Honor March 21, 2024, in Congress.
• At the last Town Council Meeting -- Approval of 6 new electric vehicle charging stations at Senior Center, Recreation Center, and Library.
Upcoming Events:
• Mayors Bike Ride Friday April 26th at 6pm, at Avenue K Park, with a 1 and 4-mile bike option.
• Sunday, April 28th at 2pmThe Henry Ricklis Holocaust Memorial Committee and MT Human Relations Committee will host of program including speeches from Holocaust survivors and candle lighting to remember the Holocaust. This will be at the Monroe Township Senior Center.
• On April 30th, the Mayor is inviting all township veterans and their spouses to a viewing of “The Last Full Measure” at the Stonebridge Ballroom at 6pm.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Francine Kitts reported that the Friends honored our library staff during the annual National Library Week with goodies, balloons, and flowers.
The Friends will be sponsoring a golf tee at the 35th Anniversary Golf Outing to be held on June 10th at Greenbriar.
As the Friends do each year, they will be funding the Youth Services summer reading program.
One of our speakers, Kathleen Grisson, donated her $100 honorarium back to the Friends. In turn, the Friends will purchase Native American children's books for the library and also add a book plate in her name.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The Friends will have two programs. The first will be held on Monday, May 13th at 2:30 and will feature a panel discussion. Our three guests will each have an opportunity to discuss their backgrounds: Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim. After their presentations, there will be a Q&A. On Wednesday, May 22nd at 2:30, the program will focus on cultural aspects, such as dress, foods, etc.
The Friends’ semi-annual Books, Bags & Bling sale will be held on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th, with a presale on Thursday, May 2nd from 6-8 with a $5 admission.
MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
Dr. Kelly Roselle reminded the Trustees that the School Board elections are happening the same day as the meeting (April 16th).
The next Board of Education meeting will be on April 17th and will include recognition of staff retirements and student accomplishments.
The reorganizational meeting will be on Wednesday, May 1st at 6:30pm due to new Board members.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Jannat Zaanoun reported that Freshman and Junior NJSLA testing is scheduled for April 29th and 30th. AP testing will be the week of May 5th.
The High School will put on Romeo & Juliet from April 13th through April 30th.
A Health and Wellness Fair to be held at the Senior Center is scheduled for May 11th.
FOUNDATION
The next Foundation meeting is scheduled for May 2.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Leah Wagner asked the Board to pass the following revised resolution.
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 $11,187.00 from the Improvement Fund to the Operating account to cover this expense.
Anne Corey moved to approve the resolution. Prena Shah seconded the motion. All were in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
The Board of Trustees discussed the 2023 audit engagement letter from Gerry Stankiewicz in the amount of $7,050.00 The discussion included concerns about the responsiveness of the auditor and the accounting firm as the 2022 audit has still not been received. Leah Wagner will get recommendations from other libraries for other auditors.
Bob Isaacs made a motion that Leah send a letter to the auditor stating that the Board is uncomfortable signing the 2023 engagement letter when the 2022 audit has not yet been delivered. Anne Corey seconded the motion. All were in favor.
A revised Programming Policy was presented. Leah Wagner highlighted the changes which clarify and tighten up the existing policy.
Marilyn Gonyo made a motion to approve the policy as presented. Bernadette Yannacci seconded the motion. All were in favor.
ACTION ON BILLS
Bob Isaacs moved the payment of the bills with checks #18804 - #188836 in the amount of $253,376.65. Anne Corey seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Marilyn Gonyo shared that the Golf Outing committee of the Library Foundation is working hard to obtain sponsorships, especially for the breakfast and lunceon. She is working with the Mayor’s office to have the Mayor attend the event on June 10th. Marilyn also asked the Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library and Foundation members to all attend the event which includes golf and a luncheon! Encourage friends and family to attend the luncheon even if they are not golfers.
Karen Klapperstuck reminded Trustees who serve on the Exhibits committee that the committee will meet right before or right after the next Board meeting.
The next meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, Bob Isaacs moved to adjourn the meeting. Prena Shah seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Klapperstuck