In attendance were Vince Volpe, President, presiding; Keith Savage, Vice President, John Dubinsky, Jacques Land, and Nina North-Murphy; Tom Schlafly and David Sweeney attended remotely..
Also present were Chief Executive Officer Waller McGuire and staff members Maryann Brickey, Amanda Endicott, Cathy Heimberger, Liz McArthur, Joe Monahan, Daisy Porter-Reynolds, Justin Struttmann, Liz Reeves, Jen Wiese, Stephanie Jones, and Lisa Stump, Lashly & Baer.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Volpe.
Minutes:
Mr. Land's motion, seconded by Mr. Savage, to approve the minutes of the March 4, 2024 meeting was approved.
Communications:
Mr. McGuire presented the letter from the Employee's Retirement System raising the contribution rate from 16.97% to 17.51% of covered payroll. Mr. Slattery asked the ERS for a rationale and was told to look at the actuarial report which he then requested and received. That report posits that the rate will increase steadily over the next five years to nearly 20%. A Fiscal Affairs Committee meeting is being scheduled to discuss the impact of this increase.
Chief Executive Officer's Report:
There was a brief discussion of the best and easiest way to respond to the Board meeting invitations.
The meeting was shown pictures of the large solar power installations underway on the roofs of Julia Davis and Buder libraries, as well as the energy efficient lighting and HVAC projects. The Library intends to publicize these projects when they are ready. Mr. Struttmann reported on progress of these projects and the next construction stage involving Carpenter Library, which will include test drilling on the Carpenter parking lot. There was Board discussion of St. Louis' underground landscape.
The Board watched some of the coverage of the media event announcing the Summer Adventure partnership between St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library. Mayor Jones and County Executive Page attended, as well as a large media presence that covered the scrimmage in the Great Hall between 25 preschoolers and the new St. Louis MLS team. Despite a valiant effort on the part of St. Louis City SC, the preschoolers won. The Board asked about the partners participating in the new program, which include Forest Park, the Botanical Garden, the Art Museum, the Science Center, Magic House, the History Museum, and the National Park Service. A major regional kickoff will take place in Forest Park on June 1st.
Revenues continue to track higher than last year, led by interest revenue and tax revenues nearing 100% of the annual budget with six more months remaining.
Expenses are tracking in line with budget expectations. 47% of the full budgeted expenses have been booked through the first six months of the year. Staff received their annual Merit + COLA increases in April. This increase was approved in the FY24 budget, and HR was able
to stay within that budgeted amount for the increase. The pension rate is set to increase from its current rate of 16.97% to 17.44% in July, which will push the pension line over budget by an estimated $20k.
Ms. Reeves reported on Foundation activity, including a new Board member Kristen Polchinski, Corporate Philanthropy & Community Relations officer with USBank. She reported on the 2024 gala, which grossed $190,000, falling short of goal by $40,000, in the sponsorship sector. It was nonetheless a positive financial success and an excellent connection opportunity.
Executive Session:
Mr. Dubinsky moved, seconded by Ms. North-Murphy, that the Board go into executive session to discuss legal matters. The motion was unanimously approved by roll call vote. The Board went into executive session at 5:52 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 6:02 p.m.
Adjournment
Mr. Sweeney's motion, seconded by Mr. Dubinsky, that the meeting be adjourned was unanimously approved, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Public Library on May 6, 2024, the following actions were taken:
| Mr. Land moved: |
that the Board approve the minutes of the March 4, 2024 meeting. MOTION APPROVED (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Savage, Mr. Dubinsky, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Sweeney.) |
| Ms. Dubinsky moved: |
that the Board go into executive session to discuss legal matters. MOTION APPROVED BY ROLL CALL (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Savage, Mr. Dubinsky, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Sweeney.) |
| Mr Savage moved: |
that the Board come out of executive session. MOTION APPROVED BY ROLL CALL (In favor Mr. Volpe, Mr. Savage, Mr. Dubinsky, Mr. Land, Ms. North-Murphy, Mr. Schlafly, and Mr. Sweeney.) |
| Mr Savage moved: |
that the meeting be adjourned. MOTION APPROVED |
