The Chairperson, Nancy Eggenberger, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

• Present:
  N. Eggenberger, M. Farell, S. Foster, T. Hartnett, D. Turner
• Absent:
  J. Fausone
• Also Present:
  E. Davis, K. Gladden

 

Call to Audience

(H. Ahmad, L. Golden, L. Hoelscher, D. Huntzicker, D. McHugh, M. Nicholson, L. Papa, N. Szczepanski) – None

Approval of Agenda

S. Foster moved and T. Hartnett supported a motion to approve the agenda as amended.

The motion passed unanimously 16/6-30-1.

Approval of General Meeting Minutes

The minutes were approved by unanimous consent.

Communications

E. Davis shared “thank you” notes from the Library of Michigan, where she had made a presentation on library security and dealing with difficult patrons; from the School of Information at the University of Michigan, where Davis had participated in a focus group re: curricula for Information and Library Science graduate programs; and from First Step, who thanked Community Relations department head L. Golden for spearheading a drive for First Step at the library earlier in the year.

Director’s Report

Davis reported that the library did not win the EBSCO solar grant for which it had applied; however, Business Services department head M. Nicholson was investigating options for other grants for which Building Supervisor J. Laffey could apply.

The Canton Township sidewalk program was placed on hold; the library’s sprinkler junction box needs to be moved, as well as some trees that lie in the path of the planned walkways. The library will be responsible for the junction box; removal of the trees will be negotiated.

The library learned from representatives of the League of Women Voters that since there will be no primary election for the open trustee positions, all candidates may expect to be contacted by the League and by D. Clem of the Canton Observer for their respective voter guides. Also, representatives of the local mosque have indicated their interest in hosting a forum for the trustee candidates.

Davis reviewed the financial reports as of the end of May; at approximately 42% of the way through the year, spending is on target although insurance expenditures are trending high, due to premiums being due in the first quarter, and in Capital Outlay, due to the Children’s Library renovation. These will fall into line over the course of the year.

In keeping with the auditors’ expressed wish that the library make small adjustments throughout the year, rather than one large one at the end, a second quarter budget amendment will be proposed at the July meeting.

Committee Reports

None

Unfinished Business & General Orders

Approve Proposed Policy Updates

S. Foster moved and M. Farell supported a motion to approve the proposed policy updates as presented.

The motion passed unanimously 16/6-30-4.

2017 Budget (Expenditures) Salaries Recommendation Discussion

Trustee D. Turner stated that the backup materials provided in the June packet were reassuring; he found the line graphs to be especially helpful. The trustees expressed their support for the administration’s goal of moving staff salary rates closer to the midpoint of the market compensation model, and directed that Davis prepare a draft budget that includes a 5.53% salary increase. Turner further indicated his desire that a one-page budget summary, clearly articulating the most important levers anchoring the budget (i.e. tax collection rates, salary recommendation and reserve balance fund), accompany the draft budget proposal.

2017 Budget (Revenues) Property Tax Collection Rate and Millage Rate Discussion

Davis informed the board that the Headlee amendment has triggered a Millage Reduction Fraction (MRF) and the new maximum millage rate that can be levied as of 2017 will be 1.5301 mills. Chair Eggenberger indicated that she would be comfortable if 1.5301 mills at a 98% collection rate is used to prepare the first budget draft; the rest of the trustees concurred. Davis reminded the board that multi-year capital improvement projects have been needed to restore the physical plant to good working condition; once the cycle has been completed, budgets will see a dedicated effort to rebuild the fund balance.

She also praised Building Supervisor Jim Laffey, whose detailed attention to maintaining the building and equipment have helped extend their lifespans.

New Business

2016-2017 Healthcare Plan Contract Options

Kapnick Insurance representative Dave Huntzicker spoke about changes to the library’s status, due to changes in interpretation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines. The library is now considered a small employer which means that, effective with the August renewal, the library must move to a new health insurance plan and will be charged at member level rates, rather than group rates. After explaining the differences amongst the Blue Care Network renewal policy, the BCN Platinum Option 1 policy and the comparable Priority Health Platinum policy, Huntzicker recommended that the board select the Option 1 (Platinum 500) plan, and the 80/20 cost sharing method outlined in P.A. 152.

T. Hartnett moved and M. Farell supported a motion to select Option 1 for the Employee Healthcare contract.

The motion passed unanimously 16/6-30-2.

D. Turner moved and M. Farell supported a motion to approve the 80/20 cost-sharing method for medical premiums as outlined by P.A. 152.

The motion passed unanimously 16/6-30-3.

Call to Audience

Friends of the Library Treasurer Larry Hoelscher told the board that the Friends have always been very happy with their relationship with the Canton Public Library Board of Trustees.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.