FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2024
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on November 20, 2024 at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: M. O’Leary, S. Sheppard, T. Lancaster, J. D’Agostino, M. Richmond, D. Grisgraber, G. Mayfield
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Donald
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; S. McDuff, Associate Director; C. Hall – Associate Director; B. McDermott, Finance Manager; J. Marshall, Manager – Systems; A. Archibald, Personnel Supervisor; C. Brohawn, Project Coordinator; K. Cambrel, Communications Manager; M. Currens, Library Collections Manager; C. Krogh, Facilities Coordinator; J. El-Zeftawy, Development Officer; B. Heltebridle, Branch Administrator – C. Burr Artz Library; L. Branson, Branch Administrator – Walkersville Library; D. Spurrier, Branch Administrator – Emmitsburg Library; S. Yates, Branch Administrator – Urbana Regional Library and Point of Rocks Library; A. Knight, Branch Administrator – Middletown Library; B. Brannen, Branch Administrator – Thurmont Regional Library; J. Diaz, Branch Administrator – Brunswick Library; R. Cox-Steib, Branch Administrator – Myersville Library; B. Watts, Staff Development Coordinator; E. Miller, Library Associate; E. Strubert, Library Associate; G. McQueeny, Library Associate; A. Fink, Library Associate; S. Daley, Library Associate; A. Parker, Library Associate; M. Phipps, Development Intern; L. Larsen, Development Intern; R. Bowman, Accounting Supervisor – County Finance Department; Z. Hylock, Accounting Supervisor – County Finance Department; C. Smith, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: J. D’Agostino made a motion to approve the Minutes of October 2, 2024; seconded by M. O’Leary. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair expressed their concern, following election outcomes, for the potential impact that it will have on our educational and public library systems. She also pointed out that, nationally, there were 79 library related measures on state-wide and local ballots regarding funding, buildings, and governance. Although the Chair voiced concern for the divisive rhetoric being spread and the trying times to come, she expressed hope considering the library staff’s important work and advised they practice self-care.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Kelly introduced Development interns, Max Phipps and Lillian Larsen, who are finishing their semester’s work under the supervision of Development Officer Jess El-Zeftawy.
Mr. Kelly reported on a three-month long program series and capstone event, Puerto Rico in Brunswick Festival!, in partnership with Cultura Planera. The event brought over 500 people to downtown Brunswick to celebrate and highlight Puerto Rican history, music, food and artisans, which provided an opportunity to interact with hundreds of attendees at FCPL’s outreach table. The Director then informed the Board of the tours held by the Walkersville branch for local high school students, as well as the library’s presence at several events: In the Streets in downtown Frederick, the Festival of Flight air show, the Sabillasville Elementary School’s Pollinator Day, and the Music and Trolley Festival in Myersville.
Pivoting to statistics, Mr. Kelly shared the noteworthy rise in eContent circulation, which contributed to the budget appeal that was submitted last year to increase FCPL’s materials funding formula. J. Kelly also shared the notably positive trendlines for Wi-Fi use and New Cardholders.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
Regarding the FY24 audit, Mr. Kelly reminded the Board that they will hear the results prepared by County Finance and that the Ending Fund Balance number will be noteworthy, since those funds will become an important source of revenue in the FY26 budget. Development of the FY26 budget is underway and meetings with the County Executive’s office will occur in November and December, with the second round of meetings planned for January/February to discuss budget appeals.
Mr. Kelly shared the news that the new Middletown branch was recently featured in Library Journal’s design issue and provided an update on the West Frederick project. The City’s Planning department has issued their recommendation to rezone the Hillcrest Park site for a library to the City Council following the feasibility study of the site. This recommendation could result in a vote to rezone the parcel if approved by the majority of the City Council. Land would then be handed over in January and then design could begin.
NEW BUSINESS
LATI Recognition:
J. Kelly provided background about the LATI program and presented certificates to S. Daley, A. Parker, and A. Fink for their graduation from the program. M. O’Leary added congratulations and emphasized the skill, training, and commitment that the graduates contribute to the FCPL staff.
Audit Presentation:
Z. Hylock presented the County Finance department’s audit of FCPL’s FY24 budget.
M. Richmond made a motion to approve the audit, J. D’Agostino seconded. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY25 budget numbers tentative as of September 30, 2024, with data pulled on October 18, 2024.
Middletown Update:
A. Knight shared the successes of the Middletown branch since their move from the previous 2,500 square foot space to 15,000 square feet. She acknowledged the FCPL staff that helped set up the new space. Ms. Knight shared data to show the impact of the new space: door count from year to year increased 97%, circulation increased 104%, program attendance increased 61%, and card holders increased 281%. The Middletown Library is now able to provide 24/7 access to customers through the book locker, hold community events like Trunk or Treat, and are now hosting regular field trips for students to visit the branch due to the proximity to local schools.
Board questions and comments:
M. Richmond thanked the presenters for using the microphone and mentioned the seamless process of obtaining a passport at the Urbana branch.
Other Citizen remarks: None.
The next FCPL Board of Trustees meeting will be held at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room at 7:00 p.m. on January 8, 2025.
T. Lancaster made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by M. Richmond. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:47pm.
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S. Sheppard
Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees