Library Minutes | June 20, 2023
MINUTES OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
June 20, 2023
ATTENDING:
Members Staff
Ben Baum Jackie D’Angelo Leah Wagner
Lisa Chen Dr. Marilyn Gonyo Karen Klapperstuck
Bernadette Yannacci Kelly Roselle
Anne Corey Riya Karnik Friends of the Library
Prena Shah Jannat Zaanoun Francine Kitts
The meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by Ben Baum, President.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
It was noted that this meeting was in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
MINUTES OF THE MAY 16, 2023 MEETING
The minutes from the May 16, 2023 meeting of the Library Board of Trustees were presented.
Marilyn Gonyo moved that the minutes of the May 16, 2023 meeting be accepted as presented. Anne Corey seconded the motion. All were in favor. The minutes were approved.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Leah Wagner thanked Riya Karnik for her service as the Student Representative to the Library Board and congratulated her on her graduation. The entire Board wished Riya good luck in the future. Leah also welcomed Jannat Zaanoun, the new Student Representative. Jannat will be starting her Junior year in September and will serve on the Board for the next 2 years.
Leah provided a brief overview of the New Jersey Library Association Conference.
Leah reminded the Board that the Farmers Market will be starting soon!
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Karen Klapperstuck explained the revisions to the Personnel and Procedure manual. Copies of the pages with revisions were in the Board packet.
Karen reminded the Board members to subscribe to the Library’s e-newsletters to keep up with happenings at the Library with the Board not meeting in July and August.
Karen informed the Board that Music Jar Productions LLC filmed scenes in the YA area and in a study room on May 8 for their upcoming movie, Love Lives On.The production crew plans to return to film a classroom scene in the Meeting Room on Sunday, June 25.
Karen notified the Board that the Library has subscribed to Gimlet, a web-based software that allows staff to track patron questions and assistance provided at all points of service. The reports from the service will help us identify trends in the information sought by our visitors as well as high volume times of day.
Karen mentioned that the Library has renewed the subscription to the Library Consortium Speakers Bureau, which is the service that provides the virtual author talks. Last year, the Foundation paid for half of the subscription cost. Due to the success of the service, Leah and Karen feel that the full cost should be part of the Library’s budgeted expenditures.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Leah Wagner discussed the current financial reports. Leah informed the Board that the quarterly Township assessment will be adjusted in September this year because the municipal budget has not yet officially been approved. Leah said that, aside from the quarterly Township payment, all is in order and as expected.
Anne Corey asked if the money for the bond is included in the account status report. Leah said that it is not, as it is included in the Township accounts.
Marilyn Gonyo asked from which budget line are the performers at the Farmers Market being paid. Leah said the support is from the Programs budget line. However, staff are working on a Farmers Market budget line for next year in order to more accurately track market-related expenses.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Exhibits Committee met in May. The list of exhibits and displays was provided to the Board.
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORT
Dr. Marilyn Gonyo shared news and updates from Mayor Dalina:
The vote for the Township budget was delayed 1 month (State of NJ was behind in sending review). The Council will vote on the budget on June 26. The public hearing was held on May 31, where only two residents spoke – both in support of approval of the budget.
The Mayor traveled to Trenton to testify before the NJ Assembly’s Aging and Senior Services Committee on Thursday, June 7 in support of Speaker Craig Coughlin’s “StayNJ” plan to give back 50% of local property tax bills up to $10,000 for New Jerseyans over age 65. If passed, the bill would take effect in 2025. During his testimony, Mayor Dalina stated: “As mayor, and previously as a Township Council member, I focus my efforts on affordability, ensuring that all residents of my community can enjoy all that Monroe has to offer, now and for years to come. A substantial reduction in property taxes would help seniors, many of whom are on fixed incomes, stay near their family and friends here in New Jersey.”
This is “game changing” legislation that will certainly benefit those 65 and over but will have a positive effect on the Township as a whole. There will be many benefits to the entire community by having residents receive such tax relief. As of the Board meeting, StayNJ Bill had been transferred to the Assembly Budget Committee.
Mayor Dalina looks forward to seeing everyone at the opening of the Farmer’s Market on Thursday! And don’t forget our 4th of July fireworks extravaganza – Thompson Park (July 4th) !!!
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Francine Kitts reported that the Friends received lovely thank you notes from all 4 of their scholarship recipients.
The Friends have provided funding for summer programs for teens and youth services and for summer camps.
The Museum Passes Committee reviewed passes and coupons which had expiration dates approaching, analyzing the frequency of use and cost for renewal of each. Eastern State Penitentiary, the Guggenheim, and Monmouth Museum will not be renewed. The Friends will renew the pass for the Morven Museum and Garden and will also purchase 50 coupons for Jenkinson's Aquarium and 50 coupons for Silverball Arcade, which are used extensively, especially during the summer months.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the Friends are looking into ways to celebrate. Many thanks to Lisa Chen for her wonderful suggestions.
The Friends will have a weekly table at the Farmer's Market at which we will offer free books, with donations gratefully accepted. This was very popular last year and the Friends hope it will be just as popular this year.
The Friends have partnered with the library to offer a musical program on Sunday, July 13th at 3:00 PM featuring the Raritan Valley Trombone Quartet's presentation of Trombones at the Movies. The program will explore some of the most memorable movie music of all time. This is a wonderful opportunity for families. Registration is required, so please spread the word.
MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR
Kelly Roselle reported that the next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for June 21 at 6:30 p.m. The last day of school and graduation are June 23. The first day of school will be September 6.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Riya Karnik said that Senior year has flown by! She thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve, learn about the Library and be involved.
FOUNDATION
The Foundation will meet next on June 26.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Leah Wagner provided a construction update. The work is completed, however, for the first year, maintenance is required to be completed by the electrical engineering firm that installed the units. There has been one small issue so far but it is being addressed. Balancing the equipment is ongoing. The overall project included that 2 HVAC units were replaced, the boiler was replaced, and the fire panel and controls were updated. Paperwork for reimbursement will be submitted as soon as possible.
Leah updated the Board on the next project, the Circulation Desk area. Additional architectural drawings were needed. Arcari & Iovino completed the drawings. The Department of Public Works will do the demolition and move the wall. Leah is hoping the work will begin towards the end of August as there is a 12 week lead time for the furniture. The final schedule is not yet set. This project is moving forward because the Department of Public Works has agreed to do the construction work involved.
NEW BUSINESS
Whereas the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees will not meet in July and August,
Now, therefore, does the Monroe Township Public Library Board of Trustees approve the payment of bills for July 2023 and August 2023.
Lisa Chen made a motion to approve the payment of bills for July 2023 and August 2023. Prena Shah seconded the motion. All were in favor.
ACTION ON BILLS
Anne Corey moved the payment of the bills with checks #18439 - #18482, in the amount of $307,266.50. Jackie D’Angelo seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Leah Wagner mentioned that the Township paid for ads in Edible Jersey for the Farmers Market.
The next meeting of the Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, Anne Corey moved to adjourn the meeting. Marilyn Gonyo seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Klapperstuck