Library Board meeting minutes - January 24, 2024

The public is welcome at all library board meetings

The Hennepin County Library Board met on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Meeting Room.

Attendees

Present: Gordy Aune, Jr., Jane Brissett, Briana Eicheldinger, Michael Hogan, Randy Klauk, Jessica Kraft, Ashley Krohn, and Lynn Stetler.

Hennepin County Staff: Kat Debertin, Scott Duimstra, J.R. Genett, Patti Hetrick, Krista Hoitomt, Kelli Koob, Jeannette Lewis, Amy McNally, Ali Turner, and Josh Yetman.

Call to Order

President Jane Brissett called the Hennepin County Library Board meeting of Wednesday, January 25, 2024, to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed all in attendance.

Attendance of Library Board Members

Library Board Clerk Jeannette Lewis took the roll call. The Board met the quorum with eight members present.

Approval of Agenda

One amendment to agenda.
Motion: Gordy Aune, Jr.
Second: Lynn Stetler
Motion passed.

Approval of Consent Items

Minutes of November 15, 2023, meeting, and donations.
Motion: Gordy Aune, Jr.
Second: Randy Klauk
Motion passed.

Public Comment

Public comment was given by two union members.

Commissioner Greeting

Commissioner Debbie Goettel greeted the Board and thanked them for their service.

Welcome from Ridgedale Staff

Patron Experience Supervisor Krista Hoitomt welcomed the Board and provided highlights of Ridgedale Library.

President’s Report

President Jane Brissett provided updates on meeting room locations for upcoming 2024 Board meetings. Brissett highlighted several HCL events. Brissett discussed trainings available to Board members from the American Library Association.

Director’s Report

Library Director Scott Duimstra discussed Library, Community, and County updates.

Friends of Hennepin County Library 2023 Year-End Presentation

Friends of Hennepin County Library Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Kristi Pearson provided a summary of the Friends’ work and contribution for 2023.

Acceptance of Friends of Hennepin County Library Financial Report

Motion: Gordy Aune, Jr.
Second: Ashley Krohn
Motion passed.

Library Staff Dialogue

Library Staff Member Kat Debertin presented the results of the first annual Patron Satisfaction Survey, conducted in 2023.

Committee Reports

The Executive Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Meeting Room.

The Friends of Hennepin County Library ex-officio Jane Brissett had no update.

The Budget Committee shared their meeting schedule for the year. Meeting dates are Wednesdays, February 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m., August 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m., November 13, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

The Policy Committee shared their meeting schedule for the year. Meeting dates are Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m., on February 21, April 17, June 12, August 14, October 23, and December 18. The two policies for review at the February 21 meeting include the Library Board Per Diem and Expense Policy and the Reserving and Using Library Rooms Policy.

Unfinished Business

Board Member Aune, Jr. inquired about the Administrative Patron Conduct Policy. Director Duimstra confirmed that the Board would be alerted to when an update to the policy occurs.

New Business

Board Member Krohn inquired about how public comments are considered by administration. Director Duimstra confirmed that he would report back on how personnel matters are handled.

Board Member Hogan inquired about public comment time periods and requested it be a topic of discussion at a future meeting.

Adjourn

There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
Motion: Randy Klauk
Second: Gordy Aune, Jr.
Motion passed.