HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-07 EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
LIBRARY BOARD
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021
ITEM NO. 1 CALLED TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Euless Library Board was called to order by Chairman Snitz at 7:00 p.m.
on Thursday, January 7, 2021, in the Meeting Room of the Library, 201 N Ector Drive. Those
present included Chairperson Barney Snitz, Vice Chairperson Allan Gibbs, Board Members Jim
Hamilton, Mike McGehee, Jorge Chac (via phone), and Rochelle Ragas. Board Members Mavy
Wright and Chris McAllister were not present.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Sherry Knight, Library Administrator
Mollie Snapp,Administrative Assistant
VISITORS
No visitors were present.
ITEM NO. 2 APPROVED LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
Chairperson Snitz asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the regular meeting, held March 5,
2020. The motion was made by Board Member McGehee and seconded by Board Member
Hamilton. All were in favor and the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 3 WELCOMED VISITORS
Chairperson Snitz initiated introductions with the new board members and welcomed all that were
present.
ITEM NO. 4 ELECTED OFFICERS
Board Member Hamilton made a motion to nominate Barney Snitz as Chairperson. Board
Member McGehee seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board Member Hamilton made a motion to nominate Allan Gibbs as Vice Chairperson. Board
Member McGehee seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board Member Hamilton made a motion to nominate Rochelle Ragas as Library Board Liaison to
the Euless Library Foundation (ELF). Vice Chairperson Gibbs seconded the motion. All were in
favor and the motion carried.
ITEM NO. 5 PRESENTED LIBRARY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Library Board Minutes,January 7,2021,Page 1 of 3
Library Board Minutes,January 7,2021,Page 2 of 3
❖ Library Policies Update
Library Director Sherry Knight gave an overview of the changes to the library policies that became
effective on October 1, 2020. These included ceasing to charge overdue fines, lessening the
automatic renewals, instituting non-resident fees, accepting TexShare cards, and changes in
printing costs to patrons.
Board Member Hamilton inquired about how these changes may affect revenue and Ms. Knight
stated that it was a minimal impact, and that the cost of materials are still charged to patrons for
items that are never returned.
Board Member McGehee complimented the changes and stated that preparation for these changes
have taken a long time.
Alternate Chac inquired about the cost of TexShare and Ms. Knight informed that the cost was
free.
Alternate Ragas inquired about participating libraries and Ms. Knight stated that not all libraries
participate.
❖ Library Technology Update
Ms. Knight gave an overview of the new technology that the library started implementing in the
remodeled building. This including RFID technology in the self-check machines, smart bin, smart
chute,patron app,and staff app(Librarian Rover). Ms.Knight also discussed the roaming devices
that staff used and the online room reservation system for the study rooms.
Alternate Chac inquired if neighboring libraries also had a patron app and Ms. Knight stated that
they did not but more libraries would likely follow this trend in the future. Alternate Chac inquired
about the public computers and Ms. Knight informed that they were available right now to our
patrons, spaced out and in two separate rooms according to COVID safety guidelines.
Board Member McGehee inquired about the effect these technology advances have had on the
library's staffing numbers and Ms. Knight stated that it's allowed our current staff focus their time
on other library duties.
Board Member Hamilton inquired about the loss of staff due to COVID and Ms.Knight stated that
the City was being conservative with hiring from frozen positions until the economy stabilizes.
Board Member Chac complimented the change in service and use of technology, stating that we
were among the few libraries that offered such services.
❖ Classes & Events Update
Ms. Knight gave an overview of the virtual programming and discussed transitioning to in-person
programs in the summer once the COVID-19 situation is manageable. Ms. Knight also reviewed
the latest statistical report.
Board Member Hamilton inquired about the restriction on the number of Hoopla downloads per
month and Ms. Knight stated that it was necessary to stay within budget due to its popularity and
pay-per-use invoicing.
Library Board Minutes,January 7,2021,Page 3 of 3
Ms.Knight invited all board members to volunteer as a library greeter.
ITEM NO. 6 REPORTS
Library Board Chairperson
Chairperson Snitz inquired about staff numbers on the floor,the location of the library mascot,and
implored everyone to stay healthy.
Library Board Vice-Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson Gibbs informed the Board of the new officers of the Euless Library Foundation's
Board of Directors. Mr. Gibbs also discussed outstanding items regarding the finalization of the
Bubble Wall art project of the foundation.
Library Board Members
None.
ITEM NO. 7 PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
ITEM NO. 8 ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Snitz asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made by Board Member
McGehee and seconded by Vice-Chairperson Gibbs. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
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Chairman Barne Snitz Date