Tonganoxie Library Board of Directors

Call to Order

Kohl called the meeting to order at 7:12pm.

Consent Agenda

Treasurer's Report

Splichal presented the November and December Treasurer's Reports. She explained that for 2022 the library was over budget overall because of a few different reasons - payroll increase approved by the board in the mid-year, Tonganopoly being an unbudgeted $10,000, and unplanned landscaping and repairs. She also explained that 2022 was the first full year in the new building post-COVID and the cost of items such as office supplies, utilities, programming, and collection development that are significantly impacted by the number of employees and patrons in the building on a regular basis was more than anticipated or that could be fully realized without previous data to compare. Wirestone also highlighted that more money was brought in than budgeted as well.

Director's Report

Wirestone presented the Director's Report.

Friends and Foundation

There was no meeting in December. The Santa event did happen at the library as planned and overall was a great success. Wirestone does have a few ideas of things to do differently next year, but he is excited to work with them again.

Wreath Off! Update

The Wreath Off brought in $700-$800. Since it didn't cost a thing, this will probably be done again next year.

Old Business

Tonganopoly Update

All the remaining copies were moved to the library. While they are taking up the space used to store books to sell in the book sale, Wirestone believes it is the best place for them to be stored. Sales have significantly decreased (there were only about 3 copies sold in December). The board needs to brainstorm ideas on how to sell the remaining copies soon. This was tabled until February's meeting.

"Telling Your Library's Story" Discussion

The board discussed the "Telling Your Library's Story" training provided by NEKLS. The board believed some of the things discussed were already being done well by the library. However, the board agreed that as board members, it is the responsibility to be advocates for the library like discussed in the training and help tell the library's story. Kohl made a commitment to increase her advocating as a board member and encouraged all other board members to do the same.

New Business 

Coffee Equipment

Steve Skeet previously expressed interest in the coffee equipment (for a friend or himself) purchased for the library by Friends and Pathways. He borrowed it in the middle of the year to see if it would meet the need, but t it still hasn't been returned or paid for by Skeet. Kohl will reach out to Skeet and have an update at the next meeting.

Board Positions

Teri Morgan resigned from the board in December, so we are now down to seven members. This has renewed the conversation of reducing the board size from ten members to seven. There did not appear to be any disagreement from the board members; however, it was tabled until February to allow time to get additional information on the steps needed to be taken for this change.

District Library Update

Two meetings were held by the city with politicians requesting them to support the bill to move the library to a district library, and both indicated they would support it. The city will more than likely move forward. It was believed to be in the board's best interest to support the city in doing so; however, the board agreed that the city should pay the costs associated with it.

Staff Christmas Bonuses?

Because there was no December meeting, there was no discussion/decision made for Christmas bonuses, so the staff did not receive any. Wirestone shared that he had prepped the staff members that there may not be bonuses this year due to being over budget. 

Adjournment