FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on February 5, 2025, 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, J. Donald
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; C. Hall – Associate Director; S. McDuff – 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; J. El-Zeftawy, Development Officer; B. Heltebridle, Branch Services Manager; B. Hissong, Community Engagement Manager; L. Branson, Branch Administrator – Walkersville Library; D. Spurrier, Branch Administrator – Emmitsburg 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. Lazarus, Library Associate; R. Daniel, Library Associate; J. Spiegel, Special Project Manager – Frederick County Government; and C. Smith, Executive Assistant and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M. Richmond motioned to approve the Minutes of January 8, 2025, and January 13, 2025; seconded by J. D’Agostino. No further discussion.
VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair recognized the current political climate’s impact on our community and emphasized the important work the library does every day. Libraries act as central hubs of information, community connection, and exploration of ideas. The role of FCPL is even more critical now as we provide safe and neutral spaces, safeguard access to information, promote intellectual freedom, offer resources and programs that support education, and foster community engagement.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Kelly announced the news of Stephanie Yates’ promotion to Branch Administrator at the C. Burr Artz Branch and reported ways FCPL is working toward the strategic priorities. FCPL is expanding access by increasing awareness of relevant technologies and fostering digital literacy. Bridges are being built through outreach to the West Frederick community by connecting with over 600 residents and establishing relationships with those who will benefit from the new library. New Year celebrations hosted across multiple branches sparked excitement, drawing over 1,800 participants.
J. Kelly then provided an update to the FY26-28 strategic plan, specifically that the workgroup will present their work and findings in March to the Board. In April, the proposed plan will be sent to the Board for consideration, with the official proposed plan brought to vote at the May meeting.
Pivoting to statistics, he shared the monthly analysis from December and the second quarter report, which showed library usage, visits, circulation, and program attendance are all up from previous fiscal years.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
Regarding the operating budget, J. Kelly shared that the budget refresher provided to the Board in early January was also presented to staff as a “Lunch and Learn” virtual training.
Directors Staff met with the County’s CIP committee on January 17th to discuss FCPL’s four capital projects: the West Frederick branch, the East County Regional library, the North Frederick branch, and the C. Burr Artz remodel. Mr. Kelly shared that, related to the West Frederick project, FCPL received an $800k State Capital Grant for phase 1 construction thanks to the work of C. Hall and C. Brohawn. A second grant application will be submitted in the spring in the hopes of receiving the award for phase 2 construction.
Mr. Kelly made note of an upcoming meeting with the County Executive to review the FY26 operating budget and discuss budget appeals.
Important dates to note include Library Legislative Day on February 11th in Annapolis and FCPL will host a community input session on design on February 13th at Butterfly Ridge Elementary School.
J. D’Agostino inquired about state funding, particularly regarding the outcome of possibly not receiving the grant in FY27.
NEW BUSINESS
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY25 budget numbers tentative as of Dec 31, 2024, with data pulled on January 17, 2025.
M. O’Leary inquired about the Artificial Intelligence grant. B. Hissong shared details about an event at the Weinberg Center with author Kashmir Hill and a virtual development opportunity for staff. S. Sheppard asked about the cost associated with using the Weinberg Center as a venue for the AI event.
Budget Presentation:
J. Kelly presented the proposed draft of the FY26 operating budget for the Board’s consideration. He reviewed each type of revenue source, highlighting the Fees, Gifts, and Miscellaneous category specifically. It was noted that the contributions and donations are lower than in years past due to not being in active campaign for a new branch. Then Mr. Kelly reviewed expenditures, reminding the Board that the Finance Committee was presented with the full budget line by line; however, the full Board will be presented with items that showed the greatest variance from year to year, which include travel and training, contracted services, computer software, and non-capital equipment.
Then Mr. Kelly presented the library collections budget and explained the variances which are due to keeping up with demand and materials costs.
Finally, he closed by highlighting upcoming projects in the new fiscal year, including the design of the West Frederick library and the replacement of the Bookmobiles in partnership with the County Fleet Department. Additionally, three appeals will be submitted: the remaining dollar per capita for Collections previously requested, a position at Emmitsburg for a Children’s Services Supervisor, and a selector position focusing solely on digital content.
M. O’Leary provided the recommendation from the Finance Committee to accept the budget as proposed and made a motion to approve the proposed FY26. Seconded by M. Richmond. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous
Emmitsburg Update:
D. Spurrier shared the successes of the Emmitsburg branch over the past year, emphasizing the opportunity for growth that is possible in the future. She shared that Emmitsburg is expanding access by inviting new customers to join the library through offsite visits to partner locations, as well as increasing access to relevant technologies and fostering digital literacy. The Emmitsburg branch is building bridges by facilitating connections to community services through new and existing partnerships. They are sparking excitement through events that celebrate the community’s diversity and inspire growth.
J. Donald asked about the positive aspects of sharing space with other organizations in the building.
Board questions and comments: M. Richmond commented on the impact FCPL has on our community, through its patrons. Specifically, one who shared FCPL’s initiative to remove overdue fees with a family member, they inspired their library in Connecticut to institute the same policy.
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 March 5, 2025.
J. D’Agostino made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by G. Mayfield. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm.
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S. Sheppard
Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees