In attendance were John Dubinsky, President, presiding; Alison Ferring, Jacque Land, Nine North-Murphy, Keith Savage, Thomas F. Schlafly, and Vince Volpe.
Also present were Executive Director Waller McGuire and staff members Barry Berry, Gerald Brooks, Erin Guss, Dave Halfback, Cathy Heimberger, Lori Lakebrink, Kathy Leitle, Scott Morris, Brenda McDonald, John Newcomer, Michelle Toohey, and Lisa Wolfe; John Fox Arnold, Lashly & Baer; and Liz Reeves, Library Foundation.
Mr. Dubinsky called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Minutes:
Mr. Land's motion to approve the minutes of December 7, 2015 Board meeting, seconded by Mr. Savage, was approved.
Communications:
Mr. McGuire presented a request from Beverly Logan to change the name of the Walnut Park Branch to the Carter-Hall Branch in memory of Alderman Gregory J. Carter and Officer Darryl Hall.
Mr. McGuire also presented a letter received from Dr. Basiyr D. Rodney requesting a new Branch in the Mark Twain neighborhood. The Board asked Mr. McGuire to respond to Dr. Rodney, stating the the Library was working on a new strategic plan and will consider the issues of branch locations and naming them in the context of long-range planning.
President's Report:
Mr. Dubinsky gave an overview of the status of the Bridge services for the homeless at Centenary Church and the legal situation with the New Life Evangelistic Center including the police department's commitment to increased coverage in Central Library's neighborhood.
Confluence School has expressed interest in purchasing the North Building per their lease agreement. Mr. McGiuire and Mr. Jackson will bring information about this to the next Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting.
Executive Director's Report:
Mr. Berry presented the HR report.
Mr. McGuire presented the Finance report, stating that both he and Mr. Jackson have been meeting with the auditors for the annual audit. He also stated that work with Brown Smith Wallace was moving forward and that Rita Kirkland is working as the staff liaison with them.
Liz Reeves gave the Foundation report stating that fund raising for the first quarter was on track at $300,000 and that the Foundation staff are working on several grant applications because about one third of these are due by the end of January. She also stated that they are planning Friends reception for Black History Month speaker Sonia Sanchez on February 21, 2016. Ms. Reeves and Ms. Ferring announces that the Capital Campaign has reached the $20 million goal with a final $1 million gift that will be received in the net few weeks. Ms. Reeves is planning a joint Library Board and Foundation Board dinner to celebrate etc completion.
Unfinished Business:
Mr. McGuire presented a resolution concerning the Foundation employees. The Foundation has delegated the Executive Committee of the Foundation to handle the details of the changes proposed.
Mr. Schlafly's motion, seconded by Ms. North-Murphy, to approve "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the City of St. Louis municipal Library District Authorizing the Executive Director to Cause the Employment of Employees of the Library Foundation as Employees of the Library: Amending Its Resolution Authorizing Staff and Financial Support to the Library Foundation; and Authorizing the Actions of Certain Officers," was approved.
Mr. Dubinsky asked that the Library's financial statements be adjusted to reflect the Foundation finances.
Mr. McGuire presented a Strategic Goals document with five goals outlines. Several working changes were discussed. Mr. McGuire will bring tactical bullet points for each goal to the February Board Meeting for further discussion.
New Business:
The Gateway Foundation is in discussions with Mr. McGuire to install a sculpture entitled "Butterflies" by Manolo Valdes on the east lawn of Central. Mr. Dubinsky's motion, seconded by Mr. Schlafly, to endorse the discussions and to appoint Ms. Ferring as the bBoard's liaison for the discussions, was approved.
Mr. Land's motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. North-Murphy, was approved.
The meeting ended at 7 p.m.
At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Public Library on January 11, 2016 the following actions were taken:
| Mr. Land moved: | that the Board approve the minuted of the meeting of December 7, 2015. MOTION APPROVED (In favor of Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Vollpe.) |
| Mr. Schlafly moved: | that the Board approve "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the City of St. Louis Municipal Library District Authorizing the Executive Director to Cause the Employment of Employees of the Library Foundation as Employees of the Library: Amending It's Resolution Authorizing Staff and Financial Support to the Library Foundation; and Authorizing the Actions of Certain Officers." MOTION APPROVED (In favor of Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms North-Murphy, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.) |
| Mr. Dubinsky moved: | that the Board endorse discussions with the Gateway Foundation to install the sculpture "Butterflies" by Manolo Valdes and to appoint Ms. Ferring as the Board's liaison for the discussions. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms North-Murphy, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.) |
| Mr. Land moved: | that the meeting adjourn. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.) |
