Library Board Accepts Clean 2022 Audit, Defers Vote on New Filming Policy
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Trustees voted 8-0, with David Lefkovits abstaining, to approve the April 12, 2023 meeting minutes. President Carol Harpster was recognized with an NJLA trustee award, to be presented at a ceremony in Atlantic City on June 1. The board unanimously accepted the library's 2022 draft audit report, which came back with no major findings, though auditors recommended tighter petty cash reporting; this is the final year of the contract with the current auditor, and Director Tina Marie Doody will consult with the borough on whether to renew.
On building and grounds, the library received its signed and executed contract from the State Library for its capital bond project. The architect is finalizing core drawings, though an outstanding question remains over the required height of a new water fountain under updated accessibility code, which must be resolved before the project goes out to bid. Trustee Tina Payne's proposed updates to the library's filming policy were reviewed, but the board opted to defer a vote until member comments could be incorporated.
The finance committee's April bills list and Treasurer's report were both approved unanimously, with expenses running above budget for the quarter due to the timing of the annual BCCLS fee. The Director reported the library is back to full staffing, gave an update on the new pick-up lockers (321 checkouts in April with a 97% pickup rate, outperforming in-person desk pickup), and noted the Friends of the Library raised $1,579 during a rain-soaked shredding day. The board also heard that the library's strategic plan is roughly 90% complete or in progress with about 18 months remaining, with Harpster suggesting a day-long board retreat to help kick off the next plan.
What to watch
- Board vote on the revised library filming policy once member comments are incorporated
- Resolution of the water-fountain accessibility-code question before the building project goes out to bid
- Decision on renewing or replacing the library's auditor for the next contract year
- Planning for the library's next strategic plan, expected to begin in late 2024