MINUTES

CLERMONT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

NOVEMBER 17, 2025

MIAMI TOWNSHIP BRANCH

Present:  Ernie Ramos, Mary Jo Waite, Judith Kocica, Edwin Humphrey, Katie Bock, Laurie Schlueter.

Staff: Chris Wick, Andrea Brofft, Melanie Smithey, Lynn Baird, Dot Crane, Jennifer Bucher.

Absent:  Jennifer Doss.

Guests: None.

Mr. Ramos called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Ms. Doss, absent; Mr. Ramos, here; Ms. Waite, here; Ms. Kocica, here; Mr. Humphrey, here; Ms. Bock, here; Ms. Schlueter, here.

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

October 20, 2025, MINUTES:

Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve the October 20, 2025 Board meeting minutes. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

None.

BOT BRIEF:

Mr. Ramos shared the Ohio Revised Code requirements for public bidding.

FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT:

Ms. Smithey noted that the Fiscal Office continues to update documentation on fiscal procedure. Fiscal Office staff have participated in several recent professional development webinars.

Ms. Smithey presented the October financial report.

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

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

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

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

Ms. Wick reported that HB 137 hasn’t gone to the full House for a vote yet and encouraged Trustees to contact Reps Bird and Schmidt.

The New Richmond/Felicity Supervisor, the Goshen Branch Manager, as well as the Facilities Manager positions have all been filled with internal candidates.

She noted that photos and bios for Board members were posted to the Library website.

The Library is moving forward with new Library cards for juvenile and teen readers that will limit access to the collection to age appropriate materials, similar to the current 3 For Me cards, but without the three-item limit. 

The Library is also in the process of separating the juvenile non-fiction collection from the adult non-fiction.

LibrariCon was a success. LibrariCon attendance has risen every year since COVID-19.

At a recent Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Clermont County (DPILCCO) meeting, it was announced that Little Miami Brewing chose DPILCCO as the recipient for their Give Back Wednesday on April 8, 2026.

Ms. Brofft spoke about the Library’s Strategic Plan draft. Ms. Brofft gave an overview of the plan which, based on the Library’s Mission and Values is centered on increasing awareness of all CCPL services, programs, and materials. As part of the process, the Values have been refreshed. The Strategic Plan will be presented for the Board’s approval at the December meeting.

Ms. Brofft noted that America 250 events will be highlighted in the CCPL newsletters and on the calendar in 2026.

The Williamsburg Branch mural dedication and Holiday Open House are scheduled for December 5, with the mural dedication starting at 4 pm.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Per collaboration with the Board President (absent), Mr. Ramos named the Board Officer Nominating Committee: Ms. Bock, Chair; Ms. Schlueter, and Mr. Humphrey.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve Resolution 2025-26, Acceptance of Gifts to the Library, donations as listed. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to approve Resolution 2025-27: Disposal of Unneeded or Obsolete Library Inventory. Roll call vote: Mr. Ramos, yes; Ms. Waite, 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 Ms. Bock, to approve Resolution 2025-28: Resolution for the Fiscal Officer to Open the Bethel Roof Recover Bids. All present were in favor, none opposed the motion was adopted.

Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Waite, to adjourn the meeting at 6:28 pm. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.

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Board President Board Secretary

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