Board of Directors Meeting – September 24, 2018

In attendance were Nina North-Murphy, Vice-President, presiding; Alison Ferring, Jacque Land, Janet Rainford, Keith Savage, Thomas Schlafly, and Vince Volpe.

Also present were Executive Director Waller McGuire and staff members Carrie Dietz, Diane Freiermuth, William Jackson, Kathy Leitle, Brenda McDonald, Jen Ohzourk, and Justin Struttmann; Liz Reeves, Library Foundation; and Lisa Stump, Lashly & Baer.

The meeting was called to order at 5:38 p.m. by Ms. North-Murphy.

Minutes:

Mr. Schlafly's motion to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2018 Board Meeting, seconded by Mr. Savage, was approved.

Communications:

Mr. McGuire included an article from The New York Times called "To Restore Civil Society, Start with the Library" and a note from visitor Linda Smith of San Francisco who praised both Central Library and the staff after her visit.

Executive Director's Report:

 Mr. Jackson presented the Finance Report.

  • McGuire described the changes to the system with the installation of new networked copiers that also work as print release stations for the public computers as well as scanners.
  • Confluence Academy is currently up-to-date with their payment and work continues on the condominium agreement. They are also pursuing avenues for additional funding.
  • All locations will be closed October 8, 2018 for a staff training day.

The third Drag Queen storytime was held at Central September 22, 2018, with over 100 people in attendance.

  • McGuire stated that the Library had received a call about how gender issues for restrooms are handled. His response was that patrons self-identify, following definitions by the City and the American Library Association.
  • Reeves presented the Foundation Report.
  • McGuire stated that he would be out of town for two weeks in October.

Diane's Freiermuth's last day at the Library will be September 30, 2018. There will be a retirement reception for her that evening at Central Library from 5:30 — 7 p.m.

Fiscal Affairs Committee Report:

Mr. Volpe presented the Fiscal Affairs Committee report, stating that the Committee recommended approving the proposed budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Board Members discussed several aspects of the proposed budget. Mr. Volpe's motion, seconded by Mr. Schlafly, to approve the 2018-2019 budget was approved.

Mr. Schlafly's motion, seconded by Ms. Rainford, to approve the .5584 tax rate was approved.

Nominating Committee Report:

The members of the Nominating Committee include Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr.

Sweeney. They proposed Ms. North-Murphy for President and Mr. Volpe for Vice-President.

Mr. Schlafly's motion, seconded by Ms. Ferring, to elect Ms. North-Murphy as President was approved.

Mr. Schlafly's motion, seconded by Ms. Ferring, to elect Mr. Volpe as Vice-President was approved.

New Business:

Mr. Schlafly's motion, seconded by Mr. Savage, to approve "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the City of St. Louis Municipal Library District Authorizing Lease Renewal for Central Library Lease; and Related Matters" was approved.

Mr. Schlafly's motion, seconded by Mr. Savage, to approve "A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the City of St. Louis Municipal Library District Authorizing Lease Extension for Old Post Office Building; and Related Matters" was approved.

Mr. McGuire distributed a draft of proposed changed to the Bylaws of the Library Board. He asked that Board Members send him any questions they have about the suggested changes. The changes will be voted on at the next Board Meeting.

Mr. Volpe's motion, seconded by Mr. Schlafly, to go into Executive Session to discuss legal matters was approved by unanimous vote.

At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Public Library on September 24, 2018, the following actions were taken:

Mr. Schlafly moved that the Board approve the minutes of the meeting of July 9, 2018. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)
Mr. Volpe moved that the Board approve the 2018-2019 Budget. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)
Mr. Schlafly moved that the Board accept the .5584 tax rate. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)
Mr. Schlafly moved that the Board elect Ms. North-Murphy as Board President. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)
Mr. Schlafly moved that the Board elect Mr. Volpe as Board Vice-President. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)
Mr. Schlafly moved that the Board approve A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the City of St. Louis Municipal Library District Authorizing Lease Renewal for Central Library Lease; and Related Matters. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)
Mr. Schlafly moved that the Board approve A Resolution of the board of Directors of the City of St. Louis Municipal Library District Authorizing Lease Extension for Old Post Office Building; and Related Matters. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)

Mr. Savage moved that the Board go into Executive Session. MOTION APPROVED

(In favor Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy,Ms. Rainford, Mr. Savage, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Volpe.)

The meeting ended at 7:01 p.m.