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Library Minutes | November 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

November 19, 2024

ATTENDING:

Members                                                                                                           Staff                                    

Ben Baum (via phone)                                                                               Leah Wagner  

Lisa Chen                                                                                                          Karen Klapperstuck

Bernadette Yannacci                                                                                  Lynnette Fucci               

Anne Corey                                                                                                      Kelly Palombit

Bob Isaacs                                                                                                       

Dr. Marilyn Gonyo (virtual)                                                                       Student Representative            

Dr. Kelly Roselle (virtual)                                                                          Jannat Zaanoun            

Guest: Allan Marain                                    

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.

Ben thanked Lisa Chen for presiding over the September and October meetings.

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

It was noted that this meeting was in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

REPORT ON ABOS CONFERENCE

Kelly Palombit and Lynnette Fucci talked about their experience attending the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) conference in October. While in attendance, Kelly and Lynnette presented a program on our Library’s Bundles of Joy program, which delivers library materials to families who have recently welcomed a new child to their home. Fifteen families have used the service since its launch in April 2023.

Kelly and Lynnette both enjoyed how passionate all the other conference attendees are about outreach. Both have new ideas for future initiatives and enhancements to what our Library already offers. Kelly is working with Outreach department and other library staff to develop a long-term plan for mobile technology and offering programs through the Bookmobile.

MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 15, 2024 MEETING

The minutes from the October 15, 2024, meeting were presented.

Marilyn Gonyo moved that the minutes of the October 15, 2024 meeting be approved as presented. Bob Isaacs seconded. All in attendance were in favor. The motion passed.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Leah Wagner noted that it was wonderful to be able to send two staff members to conferences, like the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services.

Leah noted that the Direct Install program is back on. The lighting portion should be scheduled to start early in the new year. The fixtures and lights will be updated/upgraded to LED. The HVAC units are expected towards the end of February or beginning of March. The cost will be paid back over the course of five years.

Leah mentioned that the Library is part of the Monroe Township’s cyber security insurance. To be compliant, there are a number of tasks and security measures that need to be put in place.

Leah informed the Board that she will have copies of the 2023 Audit at the next meeting. She has received a digital copy, but the print reports have not yet arrived.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S REPORT

There was no Assistant Director’s report.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Leah Wagner discussed the November financial reports. She noted year-end transfers will be presented at the December meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

There were no committee reports.

TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORT

Marilyn Gonyo wished the Board members a Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of Mayor Dalina.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Marilyn Gonyo gave the Friends of the Library report:

The Friends of the Library continue to work for the good of the Library. They held the Annual Membership Tea on October 16th. The attendance was good, the program was well received, and planning for the 2025 annual event has begun.

Membership continues to grow, and the FOL continues with usual planned activities and events and offering the museum passes. The Friends showcased their contributions and work in the two exhibit cases during the month of October, and both cases looked great.

The Friends will have a presence at the Harvest Market later this month and are busy preparing for our Winter Book Sale – Books and Bling -- which is scheduled for December 13 and 14 with a preview sale on the evening of the 12th. Please stop by to support the Friends or just to say hi.

MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Kelly Roselle shared that the new district website will be live on Wednesday, November 20. She shared kudos for Eliot Feldman and the entire IT department for all their work on the new website.

Kelly noted that it is near the end of the first marking period and winter concerts will be occurring soon.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Jannat Zaanoun reported on upcoming events. She mentioned that the Girls Soccer team won the championship for the first time since 1992. Other upcoming events include a theater performance and fundraising events for some of the honor societies.

FOUNDATION

The Jewelry Show was on November 10. There were 20 vendors and approximately 400 people attended.

The next Foundation meeting will be on January 7, 2025.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

The Board of Trustees revisited the Local Author Collection/ Materials Selection policy. Leah worked with Marilyn to incorporate the feedback from the discussion at the October meeting. Lisa Chen noted a few typographical and formatting corrections.

Marilyn Gonyo made a motion to accept the Local Author Collection Policy as discussed. Lisa Chen seconded the motion. All were in favor

NEW BUSINESS

Leah Wagner informed the Board that a member of Library staff is out on extended sick leave. She will probably return near the end of December.

Bob Isaacs made a motion to approve the extended sick leave. Lisa Chen seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Leah presented the 2025 Budget and Plan of Service. She reminded the Board that the Plan of Service is like a road map. Sometimes things remain on the plan for multiple years as staff work towards a goal. Leah highlighted the pick-up lockers, updates to the A/V in the meeting room, program room, conference room and activity room, and additional staffing wishes.

The budget has a new column to reflect the difference between the current year’s approved budget and amended budget. This will allow for the Board to see how the budget evolves, including the increase to Township reimbursement and any year-end transfers between budget lines. Leah also noted that there is an additional line to reflect the Direct Install program, which will be paid from Library reserves. Leah will revise the budget based on the discussion and the Board will vote at a later meeting.

Leah asked the Board to approve a Staff Development Day in January for staff to complete the training required for compliance with the Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) cyber security insurance. Possible dates are January 29 or January 31. The Library would be closed to the public in the morning and open at 1:00 p.m.

Anne Corey made a motion to approve a staff development day in January, with the specific date to be determined, for the Library to open to the public at 1:00 p.m. Bob Isaacs seconded the motion. All were in favor.

ACTION ON BILLS

Anne Corey moved the payment of the November bills with checks #19066 - 19104 in the amount of $242,107.58. Bernadette Yannacci seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.

OTHER

Leah Wagner reminded the Board about the Holiday Breakfast on December 13.

The next meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business, Bob Isaacs moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Klapperstuck