In attendance were Vince Volpe, President, presiding; Keith Savage, Vice President, Nina North-Murphy; Tom Schlafly, Jacque Land attended virtually.
Also present were Chief Executive Officer Waller McGuire and staff members, Maryann Brickey, Tiffany Peck, Jon Drakesmith, Cathy Heimberger, Justin Struttmann, Liz Reeves, Laura Stallings, and Jen Wiese. Lisa Stump attended from Lashly & Baer.
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by President Volpe.
Minutes:
Ms. North Murphy's motion, seconded by Mr. Savage, to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2025 meeting was unanimously approved.
There was no public comment.
Communications
Mr. McGuire summarized a series of communications the Library had sent to customers concerning the long-term loan of the laptops made available through the Library's participation in the federal emergency connectivity grant, and customers' appreciation for the program.
Chief Executive Officer's Report
Mr. McGuire introduced Laura Stallings as the Library's new Neighborhood Services Director, hired from the International Institute, and Tiffany Peck in her new position as Chief Public Services Officer.
Mr. McGuire acknowledged the work of staff in making certain that no-one was injured during the tornados on May 16th that severely damaged the Julia Davis and Cabanne libraries.
Mr. Struttmann showed photographs and reported on the damage to the two locations. Both Julia Davis and Cabanne libraries were secured within hours, and disaster cleanup began the day after the tornado, with the alarm systems operational on backup. An insurance claim was begun the following day and temporary roof repairs made. A FEMA claim has been registered. Staff have been reassigned and programming (including summer camps) relocated. Collections and technology have been moved and the City-County transfer center relocated. Electricity was restored to Julia Davis on June 25th.
Hours have been extended and technology moved into the nearby Walnut Park Library, where a temporary Creative Experience location has been created in the meeting room. Studies of usage show that customers who regularly use the damaged libraries are using other locations in the system.
Mr. McGuire mentioned the domestic violence murder of staff member Raven Richmond, which was discovered when staff were concerned when she didn't come to work, and has greatly affected her colleagues at the Library.
Mr. McGuire commended youth services staff who moved quickly to relocate and reorganize the summer activity kickoff celebration when the original location was damaged in the tornados. The event was a major success, with good attendance and children and caregivers unaware that enormous last-minute changes had been required.
Mr. McGuire summarized information Mr Slattery received about possible effects on revenue from the tornados. Staff will schedule a Fiscal Affairs committee meeting late this month to discuss an approach to budgeting for FY 2026.
Mr. Slattery summarized the Library's financial reports included in the Board materials. Through May, total Revenue for the fiscal year is $33.7M, which is $246k higher than last year. Tax revenue from real estate, personal property and surtax in May was about $24k lower than last year, but year to date, those three tax categories are $694k higher.
Through 8 months of the fiscal year the Library's expenses should be 66.7% spent and are currently at 61.7% of the operating budget. Year to date, Salaries and Wages are $213k or 2.2% higher versus the prior year. In total, Operating Expenses are only $17k higher than last year. Capital Expenses in May were $613k and are $565k higher than FY24 on a year to date basis.
Ms. Wiese summarized the Human Resources report, stating that time to fill positions has been reduced and the Library is getting good applications for open positions. Negotiations are underway for the Library's health insurance contract.
Ms. Reeves reported on work underway for the Foundation's next fundraiser, including committee members and sponsorships. Several new grants have been submitted and a mail solicitation will go out later in the month.
Old Business
The Central Library Facility Rental Policy was distributed in May and is being proposed for vote in June.
Mr. Schlafly's motion that the Central Library Facility Policy be approved, seconded by Mr. Savage, was unanimously approved.
New Business
Mr. McGuire introduced two draft policies, the Art Acquisition Policy and the Draft Exhibit Display Policy. Mr. Schlafly suggested the policies include art loaned to the Library as well as gifted. Mr. McGuire stated that this change could be made, and that any further changes could be considered when the policies would be brought for vote at the next meeting.
At 6:35 Mr Schlafly moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Ms. North Murphy.. The motion was adopted unanimously.
At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Public Library on July 7, 2025, the following actions were taken:
| Ms. North-Murphy moved: |
that the Board approve the minutes of the May 5, 2025 meeting. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Savage, and Mr. Schlafly.) |
| Mr. Schlafly moved: |
that the Board approve the Central Library Facility Rental Policy. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Savage, and Mr. Schlafly.) |
| Mr. Schlalfy moved: |
that the meeting be adjourned. MOTION APPROVED by roll call vote (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Savage, and Mr. Schlafly.) |