MINUTES

CLERMONT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JULY 21, 2025

MIAMI TOWNSHIP BRANCH

Present: Jennifer Doss, Ernie Ramos, Judith Kocica, Ed Humphrey, Katie Bock, Laurie Schlueter.

Staff: Chris Wick, Melanie Smithey, Debbie Williams, Andrea Brofft, Lynn Baird, Theresa Herron, Dot Crane, Ashley Lemaster.

Absent: Mary Jo Waite.

Guests: None.

Ms. Doss called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Ms. Doss, here; Mr. Ramos, here; Ms. Kocica, here; Mr. Humphrey, here; Ms. Bock, here; Ms. Schlueter, here.

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

June 16, 2025, MINUTES:

Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve the June 16, 2025, meeting minutes. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

None.

BOT BRIEF:

Mr. Ramos shared the Library can contract with other entities like schools to purchase services as stated in the Ohio Revised Code 3375.403.

GETTING TO KNOW THE LIBRARY:

Ms. Lemaster presented information about the Williamsburg Branch Library.

FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT:

Ms. Smithey presented the June financial report.

Motion by Mr. Ramos, seconded by Ms. Schlueter, to approve the June financial report. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Bock, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to approve the June bills paid. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to approve the June bill (Anthem) paid. All present were in favor, none opposed. Ms. Doss abstained. Motion was adopted.

Ms. Smithey said the state auditor is still working on the 2024 audit.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

Ms. Wick presented the Board with copies of the Summer Reading Guest Bookmark Contest winners. The bookmarks created by guests were used to promote the program. She also presented them with a copy of the invitation to Theresa Herron’s retirement party set for August 1.

The new biennium is in effect, and the Library received the first monthly distribution as outlined in the state budget. 

The Public Library Fund is now a line item in the budget, and the Fiscal Office does not yet know if the same amount will be received each month.

Ms. Wick asked Mr. Ramos if he would consider reviewing the provision in the new state budget bill concerning changes to library board terms and to present an explanation at the August BOT Brief. She also reported that the Ohio House of Representatives did not have enough votes to override the Governor’s veto dealing with county budget commissions when they met on July 21. She did say Ohio Representative Adam Bird believes the House will revisit the provision of the budget bill that dealt with library materials.

Ms. Brofft said she will lead a group of Library staff in developing a new strategic plan, with a focus on increasing awareness of Library services and resources.

She also updated the Board on the county’s plan for the America 250 celebration and how the Library will be involved.

Ms. Wick said the 2025 Library2Go van’s wrap is complete, and interior fixtures have been installed. A driver’s manual has been written. Staff members must read the manual and pass a test before being allowed to drive the van.

Ms. Wick provided an update on recent staffing changes.

Ms. Wick said the majority of frosted positions have been filled or reassigned.

The Bethel Branch roof has been inspected, and a water test is being conducted. The consultant is expected to present his report at the August board meeting.

The plans for the extra handicapped parking at Miami Township are at Permit Central, awaiting approval.

Additional lockers will be installed at the Miami Township and Union Township branches, targeted for September. Ms. Doss requested a review of the landscaping near the Miami Township lockers for safety concerns.

Ms. Wick said the door counts are a bit ahead of the numbers from the same time last year.

BOT DEPARTMENT BRIEF:

Ms. Herron introduced the new Community Engagement Department Manager, Dot Crane, and updated the Board on the department. The Board and Ms. Wick thanked Ms. Herron for her years of service and wished her well in her retirement.

OLD BUSINESS:

Ms. Doss updated the Board on the progress of the Virtual Meeting Policy.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve Resolution 2025-18, Acceptance of Gifts to the Library, donations as listed. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Schlueter, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve Resolution 2025-19: Disposal of Unneeded or Obsolete Library Inventory. Roll call vote: Ms. Doss, yes; Mr. Ramos, yes; Ms. Kocica, yes; Mr. Humphrey, yes; Ms. Bock, yes; Ms. Schlueter, yes. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.

Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.

____________________________________  ____________________________________

Board President Board Secretary

____________________________________

Date