HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021.05.10 LBT Minutes Minutes—McCall Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting
May 10, 2021
Teams/Legion Hall, 216 E. Park Street
Call to Order: 10:00 am
Attendance: Via Teams—Amy Rush, Dawn Matus
In Legion Hall—Meg Lojek, Jacki Rubin, David Gallipoli, Lola Elliot, Patrick Coyle
Amendments to Agenda: Jacki motioned to add a review of the Library's mask policy, due to
changes in local guidelines after the agenda was published. Lola 2nd. All in favor.
Approval of Minutes: Jacki motioned to approve the minutes of 4/12; David 2nd. All in favor.
Public Comment: No public comments received.
Director's Report:
Payment Approvals: Lola moved to approve payments of 4/15, 4/20 and 4/30/21. Jacki
seconded, and the motion passed.
Budget and Stats: March financial statements were reviewed online. April statements will be
available by 5/15. Meg noted that the Library has used less than 50% of its budget for the current
fiscal year, but many larger expenses come due at the end of each fiscal year. She is preparing
preliminary documents for FY22 budget and will share them at the June Board meeting.
Annual inventory: This fiscal year's inventory is complete. Non-fiction items were not included
this time, but will be in next year's inventory. About 49,000 titles move in and out of the library
each year. This year's inventory revealed a very low loss rate (two chapter books; one adult
fiction book; one Idaho Room book; as well as 47 story books -which have been weeded out of
the collection, but hadn't been removed from the database).
Library usage: Usage for FY21 is at 75% of normal levels, despite operational disruptions due to
Covid-19. Many continue to use curbside services to borrow reading materials.
Inactive library card accounts: Based on advice from the Idaho Commission for Libraries, Meg
created a new category for accounts that have been inactive for 5 years but still carry fines or
lost items. About 40 users currently fall into this category. Participants noted that inactive
accounts inflate user statistics but dilute usage data. The Board agreed with the change.
Library tours: The City and Library have continued to advertise informational tours for the public
ahead of the May 18 Library expansion bond election, but there have been no takers so far. An
immersive 3-D virtual reality tour of the new Library design is also available at the Library.
Summer intern: The Library is advertising for a summer intern (for applicants aged 16-28). The
internship will feature training and mentorship, and will provide the successful candidate with a
hands-on opportunity to learn about library operations and library professions. It is funded with a
grant from the Idaho Commission for Libraries.
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Discussion of Library Mask Policy: On Thursday, May 6, the City Council rescinded McCall's
mask mandate, as three of four metrics set by city leaders for lifting the order had been met.
Meg said that while Library staff will continue to wear masks in the workplace, the policy for
Library users was in need of review. Up until now, the Library has kept the main entrance
locked, with staff allowing patrons inside individually. Inside capacity has been limited to two
parties (members of a single family are considered one party). Trustees decided to revise the
Library's policy in line with the City's: The main door unlocked; staff required to wear masks and
visitors requested to do so; social distancing promoted. The Library will take steps to limit indoor
traffic when social distancing can't be maintained, and will follow state capacity guidelines for
programs and events.
Bond Election Discussion:
Jacki reported getting a lot of positive feedback about the proposed Library expansion during
conversations with residents, while Lola said she has heard reservations from some residents
who are concerned about taxes in general. Meg shared that she will give presentations about
the expansion through the Ponderosa Center's virtual programming on May 11, followed by an
in-person presentation that evening at the Senior Center, and also at the Rotary Club's meeting
on May 12. Regarding voting, Jacki said that while the deadline has passed for requesting an
absentee ballot, those who have received one can still send it in by mail, or deliver it personally
to the County Courthouse in Cascade. It is also possible to bring incomplete absentee ballots to
polling stations on election day, Tues., May 18, have them voided, and vote in person. Everyone
agreed to keep up their efforts to encourage and remind people to vote! Meg thanked the Board,
Amy and the rest of the Library Foundation members for their work on behalf of the Library
expansion proposal and Library services. Members of the Board thanked Meg for her dedication
and leadership.
Fundraising and Foundation Report:
In addition to its get out the vote campaign, Amy reported that the Foundation received about
$3,000 in donations during the Idaho Gives fundraising campaign.
Friends Liaison Report:
Lola said FOL held a pop-up book sale outside of the Pump House on May 1, and said more
activities are planned every Saturday in May to raise funds for the Library.
City Council Liaison Report: Mayor Bob Giles was unable to attend this month's meeting.
Adjournment: 10:47 am
Next Meetings: June 14, July 12, August 9.
Minutes prepared by Dawn Matus, Secretary
Respectfully submitted by Jacki Rubin, Chair
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