In attendance were Vince Volpe, President, presiding, John Dubinsky, Alison Ferring, and David Sweeney; Jacque Land and Tom Schlalfly attended virtually.
Also present were Chief Executive Officer Waller McGuire and staff members, Maryann Brickey, Tiffany Davis, Jon Drakesmith, Cathy Heimberger, Jim Slattery, Justin Struttmann, Liz Reeves, Jen Wiese, and Lisa Stump, Lashly & Baer.
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by President Volpe.
Minutes:
Mr. Dubinsky's motion, seconded by Mr. Schlafly, to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2025 meeting was unanimously approved.
There was no public comment.
Chief Executive Officer's Report:
Mr. McGuire reported that a new director had been appointed at the St. Charles City County Public Library.
- Early voting is underway, popular, and going smoothly in Library locations.
In our Baden Library, a fire in the building next to the library in the middle of the night brought a crowd of cold and desperate residents into the building at 3am, opened by the fire department. Baden staff worked to accommodate these refugees throughout the night and next day.
Finance Report: Mr. Slattery reported that at the end of February 2025, Cash and Investments totaled $51.94M which was $3.9M higher than month end January but $2.3M lower than last year. This year we received the January tax revenue from the City in February so that increased our cash balance but the tax amount was about $1.0M lower than last year, causing the year of year decline. Additionally, we have spent over $2.2M more in FY25 on Operating and Capital expenses than the prior year, causing the decrease in cash vs last year. The statement does not include the $1.56M debt payment to UMB Bank that will be made in the beginning of March.
Through 5 months the Library's expenses should be 41.7% spent and are currently at 40.0% of the operating budget. Year to date Salaries and Wages remain high versus the prior year and that has to do with the three payrolls in January 2025 while last year the three payroll month occurred in March. Other expense categories are in good shape, but Grounds is running high due to the snow that occurred earlier in 2025 and Small Tools and Equipment is at 91.7% of the annual budget. Staff is looking into those expense categories to ensure proper classifications. In total, Operating Expenses are $1.4M higher than last year. Capital Expenses are $815k higher than FY24 on a year to date
basis. The Library's required contribution rate for the Employee Retirement System has been received and will be 17.2%, slightly less than predicted.
Liz Reeves summarized the Foundation Report and said that the Foundation has achieved 90% of its annual goal. Committee chairs for next year's fundraising gala are already in place: a welcome first. The Foundation has formed a series of work groups to look at planning needs and fundraising goals, including a possible endowment campaign.
Mr. Dubsinky moved and Mr. Sweeney seconded that the Board go into executive session to discuss personnel actions. The notion was unanimously approved by roll call vote. The Board went into executive session at 6:10 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. the Board came out of executive session
At 6:30 Mr. Dubinsky moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Mr. Land. The motion was approved unanimously.
At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Public Library on March 3, 2025, the following actions were taken:
| Ms. Dubinsky moved: |
that the Board approve the minutes of the February 3, 2025 meeting. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Sweeney.) |
| Mr. Dubinsky moved: |
that the Board go into executive session to discuss personnel matters. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Sweeney.) |
| Mr. Dubinsky moved: |
that the meeting be adjourned. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Ferring, Mr. Land, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Sweeney.) |