Library Minutes | May 21, 2024
4 Municipal Plaza • Monroe Township, NJ 08831 • (732) 521-5000 • www.monroetwplibrary.org
MINUTES OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
May 21, 2024
ATTENDING:
Members Staff
Ben Baum Karen Klapperstuck
Lisa Chen Jennifer Slavicek
Anne Corey
Dr. Marilyn Gonyo Friends of the Library
Bob Isaacs Francine Kitts
Bernadette Yannacci
Chris Ryan Student Representative
Prena Shah (Virtual) Jannat Zaanoun
The meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:31 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 APRIL 16, 2024 MEETING
The minutes from the April 16, 2024 meeting of the Library Board of Trustees were presented. Karen Klapperstuck reported a necessary correction to the dollar amount of the Spot.ai resolution. The transfer amount should read $11,187.00. Bob Isaacs and Jannat Zaanoun reported that they were present at the meeting. Anne Corey asked that Dr. be added to Kelly Roselle’s name under Attending. Marilyn requested the spelling of her name under New Business be corrected.
Marilyn Gonyo moved that the minutes of the April 16, 2024 meeting be approved as corrected. Bernadette Yannacci seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Karen Klapperstuck reported on behalf of Leah Wagner.
Direct Install
At the April meeting Leah discussed the possibility of participating in JCP&L’s Direct Install program for lighting and air conditioning upgrades. It was felt that the Library would not qualify due to the electric usage being too high. We were all surprised to learn that the Library did qualify not just for the lighting upgrades but also for new rooftop air-conditioning units at a considerable cost savings.
The initial quote was received and included in your packet. It outlines the number of lights to be upgraded and air-conditioning units. The projected cost of the project is $583,995.00 with the estimated Direct Install Incentive being $364,425.28. The Library will be responsible for approximately $219, 569.72. This would be paid monthly over sixty months, with no interest, estimated at $3,659.50 per month. These payments will need to be included in the operating budget in 2024 and going forward or from the Library’s reserve funds.
A site visit was performed and the Library has received a revised quote from JCP&L. The project cost has increased to $595,495.00 with the estimated Direct Install Incentive being $372,475.28. The library would be responsible for $223,019.72, making the monthly estimated cost $3,717.00. In anticipation of this quote changing again a resolution has been created using the language “not to exceed” which will be presented under New Business. If the Library Board approves this resolution, we can move forward with scheduling the project and ordering parts.
35th Anniversary Events
On Friday, April 19th John Bianculli and his band performed for 75 people, playing many familiar pieces. Those that attended were very appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed the performance which was held in the Living Room area of the Library.
Friday, May 17th was “Gem of a Night” a birthday party for the Library at 7:pm. The Monroe Township Middle School Jazz Ensemble performed and light refreshments were served. There were over 100 attendees. Marilyn Gonyo thanked the Board for their attendance at the event.
Lastly is the Monroe Township Library Foundation’s Golf Outing at the Greenbrier at Whittingham Golf Course on Monday, June 10. There is still availability for golfers and if you don’t golf you can always join us for lunch!
New Staff
The Library has two new staff members to be approved.
- Angela Doherty- Part-Time Junior Library Assistant-Children’s
- Simran Guron- Part-Time Senior Library Assistant- Outreach
Other
Leah Wagner began leave on May 14th and will be on leave until July 8th. Leah will be checking email and Karen will be available to handle any questions or concerns you may have.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S REPORT
UPDATES ON ILS MIGRATION
All Library staff have access to the test environment for the new integrated library system. The staff who attended training with LMxAC staff are now sharing information and training our staff to be prepared for the upcoming switch to the new system.
The timeline for the migration:
May 2024:
- Due dates for items due back between June 1st and June 13th will be automatically extended to June 22nd. Any library cards that expire in June will be extended into July.
- Cataloging pause begins on May 10 (this is the last day it will be possible to add or make changes to bib or item records until after June 13).
June 2024:
- Starting June 3rd, placing holds will be unavailable, but any existing holds will remain on patron accounts. Patrons won’t be able to pay fines or sign up for a new library card. Patrons will be able to check out materials from any LMxAC member library and can still use Hoopla and Libby for borrowing eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more.
- No holds will be fulfilled until the system upgrade is complete on June 13th, but patrons are welcome to browse and check out material during this time.
- June 4: All circulation will move to offline mode.
- June 13: The new system launches complete with a redesigned library catalog and updated library app.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS
For a list of upcoming, scheduled author talks please visit www.monroetwplibrary.org/authortalks.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Karen Klapperstuck discussed the current financial reports. She stated that things are on track. Ben Baum commented the Farmers Market is 68% used. Karen Klapperstuck stated that most of the spending for the Farmers Market is for supplies to prepare for the market. Anne Corey mentioned the change in the Improvement Fund balance was due to transfers for payment of the Dell and Spot.ai purchases and interest.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Exhibits Committee met just before the Board Meeting to review applications for the Display Case and Fine Arts Gallery. Selected applicants will be notified this week.
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORT
Marilyn Gonyo reported on items from Mayor Dalina. He is currently busy with budget preparations. Marilyn would like to remind the Board of the ongoing Mayor’s Wellness Campaign. She relayed a message from the Mayor to please remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Francine Kitts reported the semi-annual Books, Bags & Bling sale was a big success and the Friends were able to raise over $4,000. The pre-sale on Thursday evening with a $5 admission was very well received, and they will continue doing it in the future.
In honor of Asian American Pacific American Heritage Month, the Friends have sponsored two programs. Last week they had 44 people in attendance, which is a good turnout for a Monday afternoon. The May 22nd program will focus on dress, costumes, and food, and we will learn how to wrap a sari and a turban. If you haven't seen the display case in the lobby, Francine encourages you to stop by.
The Friends are gearing up for the Farmer's Market where they will once again have a table with books. They don't charge for the books, but always appreciate donations, which have been very generous in the past. It's a great team effort.
The Friends of the Library slate of officers for the 2024-26 term will be posted on their bulletin board next week, and the vote will take place at the June meeting.
MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
Dr. Kelly Roselle could not attend the meeting. She was attending the Senior Awards night at the high school. No report was submitted.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Jannat Zaanoun reported that May 23 is the Spring Band Concert and Armed Forces Day.
The Junior Prom will be May 24th.
The Spanish and Italian Honors Society will be hosting a Carnival on May 31st. The proceeds will be donated to Operation Smile.
Finals will begin on June 14th.
FOUNDATION
Marilyn Gonyo reported on the progress of planning for the Golf Outing. So far 42 golfers are registered with a maximum of 48 spaces available. People are encouraged to sign up for lunch at the Greenbriar Ball Room even if they will not be golfing. So far there are approximately 70 people attending lunch. The Friends of the Library have a table along with many other community groups. They anticipate to set the room up for 135-150 attendees. Karen Klapperstuck, Richard Kitts, Marilyn Gonyo and Patti Pinho plan to meet with the golf pro to finalize. Some of the large sponsors acknowledged at the meeting were Ray Catena, $1,500 for lunch, and Parker at Monroe, $500 for breakfast. Marilyn expressed there is no rain date for golf, only the lunch, so hope for good weather!
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The 2022 audit is complete. Copies will be distributed at the June meeting.
There is no commitment for the 2023 audit. Leah Wagner obtained names of auditing firms from other libraries. She reached out to them with a request for proposals. The deadline for proposals is June 1st. She has not heard back from any yet.
Anne Corey suggested any agreement made should include a due date.
NEW BUSINESS
The Board of Trustees discussed the resolution for the Direct Install project.
Whereas the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees wishes to utilize the Direct Install Program through JCP&L to upgrade lighting and air conditioning units and,
Whereas a five-year payment plan would be established consisting of 60 monthly payments at 0% interest not to exceed $4,000 per month
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees does authorize to contract with JCP&L for upgrades not to exceed $240,000.
Marilyn Gonyo moved to accept the resolution. Bob Isaacs seconded the motion.
All were in favor. The motion passed.
The Board of Trustees discussed the hire of two new employees. Anne Corey asked what the process for selecting new employees was. Karen Klapperstuck explained that new positions are advertised on the Township website and through the list serve. Resumes are collected and screened by the hiring supervisors and then interviews for qualified candidates are scheduled. An offer is then made by the hiring supervisor.
Anne Corey also asked where the new employees would be working and when they would start. Karen Klapperstuck informed the Board that Angela Doherty would be in the Youth Services Department starting May 22nd and would be replacing Kelly Duncan who resigned April 28th. Simran Guron would be working in the Bookmobile office as part of the Outreach Department starting May 21st.
Bob Isaacs moved to approve the hiring of Angela Doherty and Simran Guron. Lisa Chen seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.
Marilyn Gonyo would like to form a committee and set up a presentation with a member of the community who reached out to her regarding a looping system for the hearing impaired for the Library’s Meeting Room. The Library currently has four individual systems that are available for patrons to use. After some discussion about the acoustics of the meeting room and the possible need for such a system the Library Board of Trustees would like to partner with the Library Foundation and obtain more information about the system. Marilyn Gonyo will facilitate.
ACTION ON BILLS
Anne Corey moved the payment of the bills with checks #18837 - 18881 in the amount of $582,668.58. Lisa Chen seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
The next meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, Bob Isaacs moved to adjourn the meeting. Marilyn Gonyo seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Slavicek