Small Town Living
Village Of Mead Office
(402) 624-2495
Non-Emergency Fire & Rescue
(402) 624-3610

Mead Public Library

Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

  • Meeting was called to order by Jenn Lee at 6:00pm.  Open Meetings Act poster was pointed out on the west wall of the back room.

 

  • Roll Call:
    • Members Present: Kylee Hickman (2024), Cara Simon (2027), Jenn Lee (2026), Amanda Schaal (2028), and Sara Else (2027) entered at 6:05pm.
    • Members Absent: None
    • Library Employees Present: Director-Laurie VanAckeren
    • Library Employees Absent: Lori Moseman and Roberta Kisling

 

  • Library Board Meeting Minutes
    • October minutes reviewed and changes made.
      • Lee moved to approve October minutes with changes. Second by Schaal. Motion carried. Unanimous approval.

 

  • Open Discussion from the Public:
    • Melissa Konecky, Member of the Friends of the Mead Public Library, shared with the Board that The Friends are looking to add new members, specifically a Friend to take over the President’s role as current President, Jackie Peterson, has indicated she wishes to step down.
    • Paulette Mayfield shared that the Alma Book Club will disassociate from the Public Library. They will supply their own books and no longer meet at the Library.
    • Diane Ellis was in attendance to observe Library Board Meeting Operations.

 

  • Bills, Financials, and Monthly Reports for October
    • October Bills/Financial transactions reports were reviewed.
      • Lee moved to approve October Bills, Financials, and Monthly Reports. Second by Simon. Motion carried. Unanimous approval.

 

  • New Business/Director’s Report
    • Director and President informed the Board that employee, Rachelle Gay, submitted her resignation on October 8. Laurie has posted for a part-time position to fill and has received a couple inquiries. No applications yet.
    • October stats were reviewed. While patron visits fell dramatically due to shortened staff coverage and hours open, Libby circulation and Program attendance maintained.
    • Laurie reviewed General Administrative Responsibilities for the Director and Library Board.
    • Laurie attended a statewide Library Conference in Kearney. One item she brought back to share is an updated meeting Agenda Template.
    • Review of Probationary Period for New Employees. No action at this time.
    • Upcoming November events to note:
      • Mead Adult Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at the Library.
      • Adult Craft Night, November 11th at 6:30pm
    • All guests left the meeting at 6:28pm.

 

  • Executive Session
    • To prevent needless injury to a person’s reputation, the Board entered into Executive Session at 6:29pm. No minutes were recorded.
    • Member Schaal left the Executive Session and Board Meeting at 6:47pm.
    • The Board reconvened in Open Session at 6:55pm.

 

  • Board Member Actions
    • Following the resignation of PT employee, Laurie reported a non-refundable $29 class fee was paid for said employee, but she did not attend the class. She has asked the Board to determine if reimbursement should be requested from employee.
      • Simon moved to waive reimbursement of class fee. Lee seconded. Simon, aye. Lee, aye. Else, aye. Hickman, nay. Majority approved waiver of reimbursement.
    • Following the disassociation of Alma Book Club, the Library has one month of unpaid postage for October’s book club kit. Given minimal financial impact to the Library, Lee moved to waive reimbursement of postage fees. Hickman seconded. All approved. Alma Book Club postage fees for October waived.
    • Member Else left the meeting at 7:01pm.
    • Member Lee is still working to contact the school to promote Library activities.
    • Member Schaal volunteered to post Library flyers in the entryway of elementary school.

 

  • End of Meeting Roll Call:
    • Members Present- Kylee Hickman (2024), Cara Simon (2027), Jenn Lee (2026)
    • Members absent- Amanda Schaal (2028), Sara Else (2027)
    • Library Employee Present: Director-Laurie VanAckeren

 

Lee adjourned the meeting at 7:09 pm.

 

Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 3rd at 6pm- Mead Public Library

 

Respectfully Submitted by

Cara Simon