Trustee T. Hartnett asked for a moment of silence, honoring the victims of recent worldwide terrorist attacks, to be observed before the meeting was called to order.

The Chairperson, Nancy Eggenberger, called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM

• Present:
  N. Eggenberger, M. Farell, J. Fausone, S. Foster, T. Hartnett, D. Turner
• Absent:
  None
• Also Present:
  E. Davis, K. Gladden

Call to Audience

(L. Golden, R. Havenstein-Coughlin, D. McHugh, M. Nicholson, L. Papa, N. Szczepanski, K. Young) – E. Davis introduced Friends of the Library board member Kathy Young (also a former Canton Public Library board trustee.)

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

Approval of General Meeting Minutes

The minutes were approved by unanimous consent.

Communications

None

Director’s Report

E. Davis informed the board that, in the course of evaluating the library parcel in preparation for the proposed real estate transfer from Canton Township, Northwest Consultants discovered that some of the library storm drains have standing water. This is an indication of blockage of some of the library storm drains to the retention ponds. This information had just become available the previous day and Building Manager J. Laffey will be in contact with potential contractors for estimates to fix the problem; Trustee J. Fausone suggested a firm to contact to Business Service Department Head M. Nicholson. Davis had a meeting scheduled with Northwest Consultants for Friday, November 20 regarding the preliminary engineering and surveying work they’ve completed.

Davis stated that she had heard from Canton Township Attorney Kristen Kolb that three prospective nominees to the newly reconstituted Township Building Authority will be proposed at the December 8 township board meeting. Kolb suggested a future joint meeting between the Building Authority and library board.

Davis, along with Information Services Librarian Jack Visnaw, stated there would also be a meeting on November 20 with Greg Schupra of the Canton Community Foundation regarding a potential Children’s Literacy donor Schupra had identified. In addition, she informed the board that she met last week with Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi, whose Hamzavi Foundation might be interested in donating to the library; the meeting had been facilitated by frequent audience member Hassan Ahmad.

Davis reminded the trustees to RSVP re: the annual Volunteer Holiday Tea, being held on December 2.

A public relations push to inform the community about the upcoming Patron Service Improvement Project, Phase 3 (PSIP III) will be underway the following week with the publication of the eNewsletter. Additionally, postcards will be mailed to every address in the township in early December; a link to information regarding the renovation will appear on the website beginning Monday, November 23; and the Observer & Eccentric will be at the library to interview Community Relations Department Head L. Golden, also on Monday.

The Friends of the Library will have a Beer & Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Tony Sacco’s Pizzeria on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. Tickets will be $25; the Friends will receive $10 from every ticket sold.

Davis discussed the monthly financials. The library is 84-85% through the calendar year, which is reflected on the expenditure side of the financial reports. Some funds were moved from the checking account to a high yield savings account in advance of year’s end, to avoid banking fees. Additional revenue will be addressed in the 4th Quarter Budget Amendment in December.

As could be expected, given fluctuations in the economy and the stock market during the last quarter, the Endowment Fund showed a loss, per the first quarterly statement received from the Canton Community Foundation.

Trustee Comments

Secretary/Treasurer M. Farell reported on her experience at the recent Michigan Library Association conference, which she attended in October. She attended each of the many sessions designed for library board trustees, including a panel discussion with various state lobbyists; Ten Things Every Trustee Should Know; and a session on advocating for the library.

Finance Committee Report

Secretary/Treasurer Farell reported that the Finance Committee met on November 9 to discuss options for funding the MERS pension account (decreasing the unfunded accrued liability for employee retirees), which were presented to the full board. Discussion ensued, ending with a board decision to take action regarding this item.

D. Turner moved and T. Hartnett supported a motion to increase the library’s portion of the retirement contribution fund with a lump sum payment of $494,000 effective before the end of 2015, to better prepare the funding for eligible retirees.

The motion passed unanimously 15/11-19-1

Unfinished Business & General Orders

None

New Business

Canton Community Foundation Fundraiser

The board discussed the role of boards in relation to fundraising. It was decided that a larger discussion regarding fundraising in general needed to take place before any decision was made as to what type of fundraising vehicle would be most appropriate for the library. N. Eggenberger, T. Hartnett and D. Turner will constitute the new Fundraising Committee, and E. Davis will arrange for G. Schupra of the Canton Community Foundation to speak to the board at a later date, as directed by the committee.

Library Board Holiday Party

M. Farell stated that December 5 appeared to be a bad time to have the board holiday party, as she had received very few acceptances from those invited. She will cancel the party and reschedule it for 2016.

Board Officers for 2016

All sitting officers are eligible to serve for another year, and all indicated their willingness to do so. Nominations and elections will take place at the December meeting.

Director's Evaluation

E. Davis requested that the board move into closed session to discuss her evaluation.

J. Fausone moved and M. Farell seconded a motion to move into closed session to discuss the director’s 2015 evaluation.

Roll Call Vote:

• Tom Hartnett: Yes
• Don Turner: Yes
• James Fausone: Yes
• Michelle Farell: Yes
• Sommer Foster: Yes
• Nancy Eggenberger: Yes

The motion passed unanimously 15/11-19-2

REGULAR MEETING RESUMED AT 9:50 pm.

Call to Audience

None

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm