St. Mary's County, MD Library Board of Trustees for St. Mary's County, 16 Aug 2021

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From YouTube: 8/16/21 Library Board of Trustees for St. Mary's County

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Library board of trustees meeting I'm jim hanley on the board president.

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As we typically do, we'll introduce ourselves, two of our members will be online and michael.

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Dunn will not be able to attend today. So we'll begin, then with you carolyn uh good morning, I'm.

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Carolyn guy vice president good morning, I'm sandy howenstein, I'm more treasurer.

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Good morning, trust is set up board. Member sorry dennis it's all right.

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Hey john you're next good morning, john walters board, member and janice your final good morning.

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Janice walpower board member okay, thank you. Okay, we do have a quorum. Certainly, uh six f7.

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Constitutes a quorum, so the first item on the agenda is the approval of the.

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July meeting minutes so I'll make the motion to accept the minutes from july.

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And if I can get a second second, okay, any questions, comments or changes.

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Okay, if not I'll, ask for a voice vote uh all in favor indicate by saying aye.

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Aye opposed hi okay motion carries.

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Okay, the next item on the agenda is the expenses or eals, as we entitled them.

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So again I'll make the motion to accept the els.

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And if I can get a second, a second okay, are there any questions about anything on those reports.

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Okay, so um I'll make a motion to accept them. I made the motion to accept them all in.

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Favor indicate by saying aye, aye aye carefuls. All right, okay motion carries.

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Okay, now the treasury's report, so sandy you're up. Okay, um all we have this month is a reimbursement.

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Of the summer intern costs back when we approved the budget for our vanguard accounts, we authorized.

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Two thousand dollars for the summer intern to be paid from both of our accounts. What I did was, I.

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Went back and I looked at the dividends earned both in 2019 and in 2020, because that's what we.

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Do we take the dividends from the prior year in the account and we apply them towards the interns.

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Costs we did not have an intern in 2020, so I'm going to apply as long as I want objects. I'm going.

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To apply the dividends from 2019, which was 505.67 and the dividends from 2020, which was 350.88.

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For a total of 856.00 to come out of the rudolph account, and that will mean we'll take 1143.45 from.

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The original vanguard account to make up for the difference plus, add 8 cents, because.

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It looks like there was an additional eight cents on the the earning amount.

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Okay, as any indicator, that's a report that we don't vote on anything, but any questions.

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If not, okay, I'll move out to smurler, which actually is through really nothing to report just.

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As a reminder, when we meet as a board at smurler, what I try to do is to convey to this board.

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Things that are applicable to the county, libraries and really all of the.

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Discussions pretty much were around issues that were unique to the.

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Operations of smurla so really there's nothing to pass along to this group.

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So unless there's any questions about smurler in general, uh we'll move on to to michael.

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uh A quick agenda, uh our a quick addition to the smurla is that we are.

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Working to move forward with the southern maryland regional library, association.

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On the rfid project, so that's getting a start and it will allow us to.

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Put tags on all the materials which will allow better, inventorying and and faster checkout for.

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Our customers so it'll be a convenient thing, because people can check everything out at once.

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As opposed to each individual item, um so we're looking forward to working with smurl on that.

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Project and and are very grateful, as always for their help start with some celebrations here.

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We have two anniversaries of note. The first is a 15-year anniversary and that's for tammy jones.

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Who is at lexington park and the other one is ben sweeney who began work with us, but is now working.

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As a substitute and he's been working with us for five years, so congratulations to both of those.

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The other thing I'd like to mention and haven't, had a chance to do a hip, hip hooray for yet.

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Is the naacp back to school event, which was this past saturday and the library had a table.

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And the friends of the library also came out and gave away free books to everybody.

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We gave away quite a few backpacks uh with the naacp and um the endable acp is. We didn't give.

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Away all the backpacks was going to give some to the library to give away to people.

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Not everyone might have been able to make it to that event that day, um so uh we'll be working a.

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Way to notify the public that we have some backpacks available for uh pre-k up through.

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High school, so that's good news and thank you. Janice and the ability for working with us.

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On that it was just a lovely day building the future through education, it was terribly hot, but.

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Other than that just a fine day, and we had a lot of vendors out, they were giving out covered.

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Vaccinations just a great all-around day there and thank you to our library staff, who were there I'll.

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Be getting you your hip, hip arrays, uh take a quick look at the budget so far for this year. I think.

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The only thing that will be of note will be, um it looks like um we've paid, no health insurance, so.

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Far this year, um and that's because we're working on some things with our accountant, those payments.

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Haven't been made yet, but we're on track to uh do what we typically do with health insurance.

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And hope that the cost will stay, you know relatively low so um other than that you know it's.

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Still early days- and uh we are just doing just fine on all of our expenditures um for the year.

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Any questions about the budget so far getting back to the health insurance for a second excuse me.

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How often is that normally paid.

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We pay that monthly and why is it not paid? Based on your comment about the accountants.

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Michael, can I answer that? Yes, please do.

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The county held up the bill because uh there were some issues with it, so the county.

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Receives the bill and then uh sends our part to us: the health insurance company dropped everybody.

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In june, and then didn't put them back on correctly for the july bill, so the county had to send the.

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Bill back and get a revised bill, so they just sent me the bill. Last friday, I've already had.

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It signed by michael and it will be paid this week, the that was for july august bill my county.

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Contact told me that she's working on it this week and she also already has september's bill.

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So both of those will come in this month and I have budgeted for that and I'm aware of the.

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Costs of those because they are about 40 000 for each bill, and I think you answered my subsequent.

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Question which is going to be, does that mean there was or is a lapse in coverage back there.

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No, there is no lapse in coverage, they just build incorrectly, they just dropped them from the.

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Bill but there is no lapse in coverage. They will continue to be covered, anything that occurred for.

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Any of our employees at that time would be covered because it was just an accounting error by the.

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Insurance company- okay, thank you, michael on the page, four, under the section of charges and fees.

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There's a miscalculation: if you look at service income, it's three thousand two: thirty seven.

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Then fines, three thousand o twenty four, but the total is three thousand two. Thirty seven.

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One of those three lines just didn't get added in. Thank you very much. Jim.

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And yes, the the insurance bill is some 43 000 a month and I groan every time I sign it, but it is.

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Such an incredibly valuable and important thing for our employees, who are eligible, my only regret.

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In fact, that is not more, and I wish there was some way we could find to cover everybody, but we do.

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Insure through the county and people have to work at least 30 hours a week in order to be eligible.

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So we do offer some supplemental insurance through aflac and some of our part-timers.

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Are able to take advantage of that as well? So, um michael, I'm curious that do they, the employees.

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Have a contribution: yes, they do. They do uh 15, 15, okay um and that's been fairly standard for.

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The county there has been discussion over the years of raising the employee contribution, but.

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So far the county has not done that and we're just following them in that that that measure.

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um Okay, well, um you've already seen.

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uh The intern cost. I just like to note one thing about the intern, and that is.

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We've got some of a tradition of our interns, eventually becoming saint mary's county employees.

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In this case, it happened very quickly. Our intern became an employee of saint mary's.

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County as soon as the internship was done, we had an opening. She was eligible for it, so she has.

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Joined us, and that continues to be a really great way to introduce people to the library, career and.

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To what st mary's county library does and so we're just incredibly grateful to you, the trustees for.

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Funding that position um to join is a full-time or part-time belinda full-time. I think it's part-time.

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She is a part-time librarian at charlotte hall, yeah. Okay, thank you.

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So a quick arpa grants update, we did get two as we talked about previously. The mobile library grant.

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And then the e-book grant for the mobile library we're working with mr standowski.

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Who is the one who helped uh calvert library put together their mobile library, which we'll be.

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Launching very soon- and we have an rfp out on the street and so far we've got one response to that.

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um We are moving forward uh for the full project um and so that's a little bit more than.

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We that the grant would allow, for so we'll be looking for alternative sources of funding.

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For that, and we've talked about a couple of those last month.

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But also when we present, as we will a week from tomorrow to the county commissioners.

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We'll already be uh and informally, I've talked with a couple of them and said.

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Hey this is coming along, so we'll be looking to get their support um for the mobile library.

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Specifically um next year, we'd like an fte or two for it, so we'll be asking for that and the.

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One of the commissioners I've talked to have already said. Well, you know we can't tell you.

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Yet we need to see what the budget's like, but it sounds like a great request.

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So I'm hopeful that we'll we'll see that project continue to move along.

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The kind of news on it is that when we initially got the grant, they said it's vehicle only, but.

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We said well, we were kind of hoping to get a staff member hired who will begin to do.

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Community outreach work with daycares work with senior centers work with neighborhoods.

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To start establishing a schedule and what we're going to do work with our partners on that and.

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And we got letters of support from the naacp from health department from the department of.

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Social services and start thinking about maybe some joint programming we can do with them.

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So uh that will be moving along and we do have permission then to think about hiring somebody.

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And we don't have to do that for a while, yet the vehicle will not be on the road until at least.

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Probably september or october of the following year of 2022., it takes that long.

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To put it together, um it is all custom done so we're looking forward to that.

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On the ebook grant, which is really for the state, and not just at least for st mary's county library,.

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We're working with a company called lyricist, which is deploying a new version of the simply e-app.

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Called palace, as in palaces for the people, which was andrew, carnegie's, fun,.

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Name for what he called the library c help fund, um and that should be ready. A draft version of it by.

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The end of september um so uh we'll be trialing that just to make sure it works.

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We have a kind of a hold out with one of our vendors overdrive, who.

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It took them three years to decide they would let simply e have access to their.

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Audiobook titles which we license through them, and so the state library and I have appealed.

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To overdrive to say, we need that content you've already given it to us. Basically just.

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Release it for this version of the app um and I'm pleased to note that that new app will have.

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Content that had previously been excluded from libraries through amazon, any of their publication.

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Imprints will be available, that's about 10, 000, additional titles, and you know it's not like.

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They're just going to be sitting there, we will be working with the state to provide access to those.

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But I'm hopeful that some of that content will become available and I'm not really allowed to.

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Talk about another vendor who's coming on board, but it looks very likely that another large.

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Entity who's been withholding content from libraries has decided to come to the table.

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So we look forward to talking about uh still more content. Libraries have.

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Not been able to have previously that they are now going to be able to get and.

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Well, well, officially, I don't know that the maryland law that was passed and came into.

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Effect this past june had anything to do with that. I'm pretty confident that it might have.

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Played a factor in their decision, um I did share with you an article from publishers weekly from.

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Last friday, talking about our further hopes for that legislation, what we'd like it to do.

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Many publishers are already giving what we consider reasonable terms, but a number of the.

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Biggest publishers who release about 95 percent of the best sellers have terms that are not nearly.

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As favorable as what we can get when we look at our print materials and we're just hoping that.

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Through negotiation, we might get a slightly better deal and we'll just see if that happens,.

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Unfortunately, I think there's some misinformation put out by a lobbyist for the publishers saying.

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That maryland was planning lawsuits. I assure you that that is not true.

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We have no plans to do any lawsuits related to the publishers. Our statement to them was just.

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An invitation to talk and we're hopeful that at least some of them will come forward and talk with.

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Us about what they might consider to be reasonable costs for us, it's hard for me to understand why.

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A e-book would cost 60 and expire after two two years when for print book we can get it for.

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About 15 16 in hard cover, and, of course it never expires, it will wear out over time. um It could.

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Very well be that the first time somebody uses it they'll spill coffee on it and we can't use.

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It ever again, on the other hand, we've got books that are years old. I mean how reasonable would.

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It be for the publisher to suddenly say all your hard covers are not 60 bucks and you've.

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Got to weed them after two years, just doesn't seem like libraries are getting a square deal there. So.

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We in maryland are advocating for getting a better rate, um so that's kind of an update on. What's.

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Happening with those grants, uh any questions about those can we back up to a question, but.

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I have a comment um and I'd like to thank you again, michael for being at the forefront of the.

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um The efforts to get this legislation going and to to level the playing field for libraries.

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It's going to make a huge difference to people in maryland and eventually.

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Hopefully around the country as well, so thank you, oh well. Do you certainly welcome it's? um It's a.

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Passion, um but I do think that it's something that will be good for maryland, readers and.

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So far, new york has passed this legislation. Although the governor hasn't signed it of.

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Course, the governor up there having some issues of his own. um We just happen to see when, when.

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The new governor comes along when that will happen. Some other states are interested in and the idea.

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Is that if we can get enough states, maybe we can see some action at a federal level on that kind?.

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Of legislation, um other questions or jonathan, a question? Yes, yes, you kind of lost me at the.

G

Beginning of your mobile library comments, you named an individual, who is he again and what is.

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He doing for us, oh michael standowski. He is a specialist in putting these vehicles together.

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He has expertise and helps libraries through the whole process of design of setting up the layout.

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Of working with the companies who are in the field with on an rfp, so he basically is.

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A consultant that helps libraries put this together because we don't necessarily have.

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Expertise in these areas and he does and the rfp then is going out to the manufacturers.

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Yeah, the rfp has gone out to anybody who wants to respond to it. It is out on the street, and so.

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Far one one manufacturer has responded to it: okay did the individual, was he selected through an rfp.

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um We just make it available out to the public no you're you're consultant. Did we rfp to find him.

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I'm sorry, I'm not understanding your question. Did we put out a request for a proposal.

G

To identify the consultant, no, we didn't have to do that. We have to do that anytime. We are going.

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To spend more than 25 000, and we got him because of recommendation from other libraries who have.

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Used him and his costs are below that threshold. Yes, it was seven thousand dollars. Thank you.

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Michael and another question with a comment too, you mentioned the groups that will use mobile.

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Library to reach out to one of the groups, I hope we can. uh It's always individuals who are involved.

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In homeschooling, I remember free pandemic that we had talked to a woman from that group and.

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It never materialized for obvious reasons, but maybe that's one group. You also can add to the.

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Spectrum of organizations and groups that we can support through the.

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Mobile library, well, if there would be a place where any number of them would meet.

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And already they come very heavily to the library and that's one place where we expect. We could see.

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These backpacks go, although in a homeschooling situation, you might not need them there's if.

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They're ever going to be coming to the library, as they often do, it could be that with something they.

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Want as well plus there's some school supplies in these backpacks as well, it's not just the pack.

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Backs themselves, so, if there's ever a place where they would meet as a group, certainly that would be.

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Something that we can consider, I don't know that we'd be doing. You know individual house visits.

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But that would be. uh I believe that there are times when they gather and it's not necessarily.

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At the library and if they want to do a reach out- and if that's you know something that would be.

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Scalable, you know for five or six kids. I can see us.

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Doing a visit, um the mobile library will have books, it will have its own collection.

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So people will be able to check out right from the mobile library, um so that would certainly.

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Be something we happily consider yeah, because I understand that the number of homeschooling.

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uh Amount of homeschooling really increased during the pandemic period. So now, whether that will.

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Fall back down again or not, or people will just continue to in that mode, but it could.

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Represent a fairly good number, I've never seen statistics of of families that use homeschooling.

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Yes, um we we do know that there was an increase, of course during the pandemic, and um but we already.

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Had a fairly substantial number of families in the county who do homeschooling so um uh but I've.

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Already sent an email out to a woman who does some work with smaller daycares. She had approached us.

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A couple years back and said: is there anything you can do to help us and and of course we the.

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Pandemic came along, um but we're hopeful that, um with this grant, we'll be able to reach out to.

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Not necessarily the larger, but even some of the smaller independent daycares and get the materials.

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So lots to be done with this and I'm really excited about the opportunity.

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That it's presenting to extend library, services in the county.

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The next thing I have for you is a statement of our opeb: that's the health insurance for retirees.

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And that was in your packet that comes from kevin, binder and bolton, who also works with the county.

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Our plan is separate from the county, but we are able to get a a better hiring rate because he.

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Is kind of doing group work for us and you'll take a look at page four of that to get an.

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Overview of kind of where we are um and you'll see that we're funded at a little bit over 29, which is.

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Actually, nice, because that's a couple percentage points higher than we have been in prior years.

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Of course, the total op liability of four point- almost seven million dollars when we've got.

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1.4 million dollars we've got a long way to go to fully fund this, and you know anytime. We have.

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A budget surplus or we get some money back from the county if the health care costs weren't as.

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High as expected, so this past year, you know we put in an additional 20 000. When that happens, we.

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Try to bump up the opeb account, but it's largely dependent upon investments. We simply don't have.

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The wherewithal to be funding that, in a particularly aggressive way,.

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Bolton tells me that don't think about the total think about getting to 75 and if you're, even there.

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It will be self-sustaining, and that, ultimately, is the goal. Is that the investments from the.

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um The investments from the opeb account can more than equal the costs and it's dependent on.

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The number of years a person was in the system, but we were paying anywhere from 15 percent of.

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Retirees healthcare costs all the way up to 100 percent of the retirees health care costs.

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So it's not an insubstantial amount that we pay. So we are.

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As I say hopeful that over time, this will become self-sustaining and we're not.

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Doing a pay go out of pocket for those expenses. May I have some version clarification on page four.

F

Yes, okay, so if, if I understand the content right and what you just the 29.

G

Is where we are against four million dollars of estimated future liabilities? Yes,.

G

Well, it's kind of apples and oranges, then isn't it of course we're going to be a long way.

G

Away well um true, I believe the county is farther along than we are in this, but there.

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Are some counties, and but I believe st mary's has been particularly um responsible about this.

F

There are some counties in maryland and this was a maryland mandate. This wasn't something we just.

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Said, oh, here's something we want the library to do um and this date's from long before I came here.

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So there are some counties that simply ignored: it are not doing this kind of investment and are.

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Doing a pay go, I I think that if you can get the money in there but yeah I mean it's not surprising.

F

That we are, um we are a little bit lower than than the total. um I I just you know where we're.

F

Ultimately, going to how we're ultimately going to get, there is going to be a very long.

G

But haul the same time, the target is moving away from us. Isn't it? Yes, it is, um but not quite as.

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Fast, as we at least recently caught up so we're a couple of percentage points higher than we than we.

F

Were in some previous years, so that's a good trend. Do the commissioners contribute at all.

G

To closing that gap uh they contribute to the county. They do not contribute to well I'll. Take.

F

That back, we have 99 000 in our budget, which is uh earmarked for these expenditures and in some years.

F

um We have through pago, actually exceeded that amount. um I've asked for additional funding for.

F

This and that funding has not been granted to us, so is that 99 000 for this or is it for tourists.

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For anything related to uh retiree health expenses, so that's where the pay go. Money comes from. uh We.

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Pay out of pocket and then, if we don't spend that full amount, we'd like to put it into this account.

F

But really, what happens as I I said previously, is that if we've got a budget surplus on any.

F

Given year, let's say we had a budget of I'll just make up a number 3.7 million and we spent.

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Three point: six: ninety nine hundred thousand and we had an additional.

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Ten thousand dollars we would put that into this account.

F

Is has been kind of what we've been doing with any sort of surplus funds, but overall, your progress is.

G

Primarily, driven by investment results, absolutely yeah, I would say in the past five years we've put.

F

I can get you an exact number if you want, but I think we've put about 50 000 in the last five.

F

Years into this fund, over and above we did 20 twice and I think there's another year we did 10.

F

So yeah, it's almost all through investments and when the stock market takes a hit, our amount.

F

That we list as on hand our net fiduciary position obviously goes down.

F

Fortunately, uh over time the investments have grown substantially and we'll be talking about.

F

That later, okay, thank you I'm also noticing too, because we've had a number of retirees.

A

During the pandemic period too, so it hasn't done a lot of damage to at least with our balances.

F

Yes um and those employees in many cases were long term, so uh we.

F

Are going to be paying pretty much all those expenses as a as a retirement benefit.

G

Which are which are not yet reflected in this. Is that correct? I don't know well it's I don't know.

A

It's been been a while, since those retirees occurred yeah. I I think that this is the.

F

End of this fiscal year, so they probably should be factored in. Okay,.

F

Okay, well we're going to go on to things that I do need approval on.

F

And there's quite a few things here.

F

And in many cases the things that you will approve are are quite small. In other cases, they are you.

F

Know a little bit more substantial, but let's go ahead and start going through them. The first.

F

Is something that's happening through the regional libraries and not specifically.

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The southern maryland regional library association, it's all the regionals we're given a grant to.

F

Help with facilities master studies, a facility's master study, looks at the current buildings that.

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A library has, it looks at those in the context of the community, so is the community growing where.

F

Is the community growing where around this library branch do we? Are we seeing growth? What changes are.

F

Happening there, st mary's county has a facility masters study which dates to 2007. um It's a little.

F

Bit outdated now um I did have a update on just the leonardtown portion of that done in 2016.

F

And the reason why this is so important is that if you want to have a capital grant and now the.

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State is giving away 7.5 million a year as opposed to five. You have to submit an updated facilities.

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Master study, calvert and charles already have an updated facility master study, so the state.

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Decided that they really didn't need to have another one, but they looked at us and said: okay.

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Saint mary's can be included in this now with these grants, unlike our other two arpa grants,.

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There is a match: there's a 50 match, um so our share of this match um would be 9435, which sounds.

F

Like a lot of money, if we were to do a facilities master study on our own, it would be over 40 000.

F

And you can see on that form what, if it were just us individually, they would be charging us.

F

So this is an incredibly generous offer on the part of the state and the regional libraries to.

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Include us, um the friends and the foundation, I'm sure would be happy to pay for this.

F

But it is an essential expense. um They'll be, as I say, this is a firm that has done a lot of this.

F

Work in maryland, they'll be looking at all our facilities and I think they're going to find that.

F

At least two of them now that a town obviously is probably not gonna, have to have a lot of changes.

F

um But I could easily see um them calling for substantial.

F

Necessary renovations in our other two branches, especially looking at the growth that's occurring.

F

In those areas, so it will be, you know an issue to convince the county. Hey this, this library really.

F

Needs some work, but if we're ever going to do that uh and take part in that 7.5 million a year.

F

That's given away um in state grants for capital projects, we'd need to have this, so I'm asking you.

F

To approve the expense for this, michael when you say that that an updated study is required.

G

For a capital expense money, what is the shelf life of the previous study.

F

um Well, when you're doing the grant request, they'd like you to have something as current as possible,.

F

But five years is not out of the question here. um 2007, however, is just a little bit out of date.

G

14 years back yeah, so if we do this uh and and it's done and we're happy within everything- is.

G

That going to trigger in our long-range plans is that going to trigger a capital request.

F

Well, the county commissioners have for the next five years and ongoing probably set their capital.

F

Improvement plan, but uh I would think that there are certainly things that we'd like to do.

F

Will it automatically trigger that no, but that will be in part your decision.

F

For example, we applied for two upgrades to our facilities through the arpa funds, which.

F

Looking at the guidelines that arpa gave out, I thought we were eligible for, but the.

F

State decided that those were capital projects, so they said because this kind of funding, which.

F

Every year maryland gets about 3 million to give away as a state to libraries, and this year they.

F

Had six because of the arpa funding? Typically, they won't support a capital project with that funding.

F

I think that they could have with the arpa money, but their decision was no.

F

We're not going to fund any capital projects that way, but at lexington park. What we asked for was.

F

A drive-through and a parking lot improvement and we were anticipating that costing 50 000.

F

So updated facility master study would assuming we can get a match somewhere and it wouldn't.

F

Necessarily even have to be the county, although I think that would be the most likely source of.

F

25 000, we could apply for the state for a 25, 000 grant and probably come home with it. I think that.

F

That would be a small ask and when we um we've been pretty successful in our grant applications.

F

So if we could um and talking with the county, say here's something that needs to.

F

Be done to lexington park and, oh I you know the stacks are far too tall. They need to be.

F

um Creating better sight lines there um the whole layout of the branch we could.

F

Fuse a couple of these spaces and have a far better. We need to take out one of the desks.

F

That's a branch that really could use a complete modernization. It's a great.

F

Facility um for the late 1990s, if we had even more staff than we do for our current uses,.

F

It's a little outmoded and really could use a major redo so.

F

uh You know it's going to be a question of talking to the county and trying to get into their capital.

F

Improvement plans, but um this would allow us to do it. In any case, we need to have an updated plan.

G

I think you just answered my next question, so their five-year roadmap right now does not have a.

G

Line item in there for us, no, it does not. Thank you. That's something. We'd have to approach them about.

B

I move that we approve the consulting agreement.

B

With smerla for the facilities master study, okay I'll second.

G

I do have a question: go ahead, john, on page five of the consulting agreement item number 18.

G

Everybody find it the non-discrimination, employer, yup yup. um I'm surprised that.

G

There is no mention in there even obligely um about uh doing business with people.

G

Who are not authorized to be employed in the united states?.

B

I don't know that I mean, I don't know labor law, but it seems to me that that burden is.

B

On yeah, the employer, the the employer and not the people who are benefiting from their from.

B

Hiring them, I don't know, I don't know labor well to your point. If, if we make that a requirement.

G

Of the hiring the recipient of the contract, wouldn't that solve that problem.

B

I don't well this again, this is just me and I don't know labor law, but I don't see any.

B

Point in involving ourselves in an aspect that should not affect us, no matter what, because.

B

Smirlo is being held harmless, no matter what it says. In the last paragraph, there.

B

So I I I don't know why we would want to include it and even get involved in that.

B

That is not our burden, that is hba. What is their name.

B

Hbm, architects burden, the other consideration too, is again. This agreement is signed by smurler and.

A

I can tell you the whole history and it's really not as relevant but um they're 16 employees and so.

A

um The likelihood and we never would hire anybody there that wasn't qualified to work.

A

So I again you there are certainly things you could include, but reality sets in that the size.

A

Of the organization and the process of hiring would really make this unless that unnecessary.

G

And then, on the first page of the hbm architects exhibit a. I made a little note in the margin.

G

I didn't see where they discussed, ensuring that we are ada compliant in all of our facilities.

A

Well, I I would tend to agree with what carolyn that's the obligation of the employer.

A

So I'm not sure why the consultant would mandate that that's that's basic to any.

A

Employment law or any legislation dealing with employees that you have to be compliant, so I'm not.

A

Sure why that would be necessary if that were to be an impediment to anything they do. Then that's.

A

The obligation of the employer to rectify that, so we at the library take great pride in being.

F

Compliant in fact, we move some of the shelving in the new leonard town library to make sure that we.

F

Were because the shelving itself was compliant, but when you put books on it sticking out, it was not.

F

So that's something that we at the library would have to do, but that's also something.

F

That I think that if we were not a facilities, master study might very well be taking a look at.

B

It says actually says in the scope of work that um part of it is their job would be to um identify.

B

Infrastructure deficiencies- and it seems to me that that would be on that. That's the umbrella.

B

That that issue would be under. um I understand what you're saying, and I agree with you, but.

B

I think it's addressed here because of their responsibility to identify.

B

Infrastructure deficiencies, and that would include ada well, why don't we make it comma to include ada.

B

Again, well, it's number one: it's not the role of this board to augment the contract, because.

A

The contract is with smerla um well, but we're we're being asked to participate.

G

In a smurler contract, are we not, but I mean here's, my feeling is: do you want to.

B

Re-Go over I mean do we want to redo this entire contract, to include things to specify things that.

B

In my opinion are already included in here, in other words,.

B

If they're going to identify infrastructure deficiencies, do we necessarily want to put.

B

To include ada, I mean to include what what else do we want to include that's their responsibility.

B

And smirlos and ours eventually to to to make sure that they're doing that. But but if they don't.

G

Nobody's ever raised a red flag about it, but it's if they don't, then they have not done.

B

Their scope of work- it's identified in here that they would identify those deficiencies.

B

If they don't, they didn't do the job. That's part of the job I mean I again.

B

I'm not a contractor, I think, you're on on ada. I think you're giving them too long a leash.

B

uh Yeah again, it's a smart issue. um Maybe that's a well it's our issue. If we sign this with smarla.

F

Our sites are already ada compliant. That's one thing: I don't worry about.

F

I also think that they will probably be addressing those as part of the work. I don't know that.

F

Calling that specifically out is necessary in light of how very much attention we.

F

And smirler indeed, themselves have paid this, and this is the company that has done.

F

Substantial amounts of work for maryland libraries- this is not their first rodeo.

F

So I'm sure they're going to be aware of anything that will be related to ada compliance.

E

If I read it correctly, there are several review points in this. This process, where.

E

If we felt it had not been addressed that it would be able to be addressed.

F

And we also are really grateful to smurler for this we're not necessarily signing this contract.

F

Ourselves, this is smirlus signing the contract, um so I don't. If we were going to add our signature.

F

um You're, basically, just approving yes, smurl is going to include us in their contract.

F

But if you want us to sign separately, this would have to completely redone and frankly.

F

I don't want to get involved with that. They've already got this set with hbm.

D

I call for the question.

A

Okay: well, are there any other questions or anything.

A

Okay, if not all in favor, indicate by saying aye aye aye opposed, I opposed emotion, carries.

F

All right, our next, um it looks at many several different changes in the manuals.

F

um And the first is in the volunteer manual and you'll see any additions that we've made to that.

F

In blue and everything else is that's already in black, is, as was so there's basically on.

F

Page one we've added our vision and mission statement.

F

We've amended the age for youth volunteers, there's a fairly large section on basically.

F

What added duties might be and you'll see that there's also a list of things that volunteers.

F

Will not be performing the following duties and the reason for that is that under maryland, law.

F

We cannot have volunteers doing something for which we pay professional library staff.

F

So that is the reason for that exclusion. It's not a saint mary's thing. That is a.

F

That is a state issue. There.

G

Michael, since a sense we are contemplating using underage volunteers in the library and.

G

I'm looking on page two of the guidelines up at the top youth will be supervised more closely by.

G

Library staff does the library have any policies about these underage children being allowed to be.

G

Going to put this off in groups by themselves or merely one-on-one with an adult.

F

uh Not specifically for that um children under a certain age and that age is seven.

F

If you're younger than that you're not allowed to be unaccompanied in the library.

G

Yeah but now I'm talking about people working in the library underage um there's no specific.

F

Policies, that's you know that say: they've got to be one-on-one with somebody um they will in some.

F

Instances be doing, although now it's very rare, it used to be that at summer reading program.

F

We had a volunteen table and there would be two volunteens there and we've just.

F

Not found that to be the most efficient use of volunteen time, but they are regularly supervised.

F

For what they do, but they're never going to always be one-on-one with an adult in the library.

F

That wouldn't be the case for anybody of that age: who's not working in the library.

A

Michael just a quick question not related to the policy itself, but uh I know we sort of scale.

A

Back or even stop the volunteer activity. Are we now back in full force in terms of.

A

Utilizing volunteers, we have um said we're going to start.

F

Allowing volunteers again, but we are asking that they be vaccinated and they will be.

F

They will be, they will have to have all the behaviors that we're expecting from staff.

F

Right now, which is masking for all, um despite regardless of vaccination status, um and we we.

F

Simply are not allowing volunteers in right now who are not vaccinated and we do ask okay.

G

Can we jump ahead to the guidelines section volunteer guidelines is the heading.

A

And think john, if I can interrupt, we really should vote on these individually.

A

um So why don't we vote it on the the manual.

A

And look at john look at the guidelines separately just to be consistent with the way we normally.

A

Treat policies um so I'll make the motion to accept the volunteer. The updated volunteer manual.

A

Let me get a second I'll, give you a second okay. I have a question then, where amended.

G

Youth volunteers, on page one that first blue section used, must be age, 14 or older.

G

um And I said then, at the top of the next page, youths under 16 must bring a signed volunteer.

G

Contract so we have kind of a 1416 thing going here which which prevails.

F

If you look, you see the original that was in the original. So what prevails is that if you're 14.

F

Through 14 or 15 you will bring in that signed, volunteer, contract, 16 and older. You don't need it.

F

And 16 is the age of consent in maryland, and that is the reason for that number. Okay, so.

G

That's where we pick up the difference between page one and page two yeah exactly um so.

F

At age at age 16 you, you have um you're at the age of consent in maryland, so we.

F

Couldn't require them to have something signed by their parents; they don't need it legally.

G

They are adults at that age, they have reached the age of consent and they may marry, for example,.

F

Without parental consent, so in some ways they are adults, other ways they're, not legal adults,.

F

Until 18 or 21, depending on what it is that they are doing but maryland, for example, you can get a.

F

Driver's license at that age without parental consent, you can sign a waiver to do dangerous.

E

Activities at 16 in maryland, like climbing and ziplining, without a parent's consent. So yes.

A

Okay, so any other comments, questions on the uh updated manual they've done.

A

It all in favor, in the cable saying aye aye opposed aye aye motion carry.

A

Okay, the volunteer guidelines and and the guidelines are simply.

F

Instead of saying positions introduce available voluntarily defined by the staff.

F

um We just kind of define what some of those are and again the things they're not permitted.

F

To perform is not a st mary's thing, it is a statewide thing, you're not supposed to be.

F

Having volunteers do things for which you would pay professional librarians.

G

So the first bullet under child volunteers- again we see 13. should that not be 14.

E

That's the original, the amended is below it.

F

Yeah, so at the very bottom, where it says child volunteers, it must be age, 14 and older.

F

Maybe I'll have to have them do anything amended in red and the corrections in blue that that's. I.

F

I appreciate your um uh question there because I don't think that's entirely clear, but yes.

F

The the child volunteers at the very end, that's what it's supposed to say. So it has been.

F

Under the uh amended guidelines, change to 14.

G

Oh there, it is way down there: okay, yeah. Thank you good question. I did the same.

A

Thing because I saw it at the women, that's not consistent and I had to go down and I found it.

G

And somewhere I saw.

G

Volunteering, so parental releases are necessary if the child needs medication. Medical attention.

G

Etc and yet wasn't there a reference somewhere else that staff will not do this.

F

Staff will not do what I'm sorry.

B

I don't understand the question either. I'm sorry well, the staff will not.

G

Provide medication or administer medications or whatever.

E

Yeah, the uh the policy we just approved said library staff are.

E

Not authorized to administer medication to volunteers that was in the original.

E

I don't know if it made it to the it. Is there, but.

F

Basically, I don't think that this is the staff administering it just so much as we need to.

F

Be knowing for these underage kids that this is something that is expected, so the staff will not.

F

Be administering medication in any case, but if a kid says all right now, I need to take my insulin.

F

We need to know that fact. That's all that's saying not that we're going to administer it.

A

And that's very common in hr practices and policies that we're never going to administer.

A

But we need to know about a condition you have or medication requirements.

E

You don't require them to leave their medication with an adult correct if they come in with.

E

Medication, they keep it themselves, that is, that is absolutely theirs. Yes, we we, we would not be.

F

Handling anyone's medication, um we're not I'm just used to working with scouting, where you.

E

Go away and there's a med box and everything's locked up and an adult does have to administer.

E

It, but I think this is yeah, we're not medically trained and librarians, unlike school officials.

F

Don't act in loco parentas um school officials can, in the absence of a parent or guardian.

F

Fill that role in libraries- that is not the case. We cannot do that legally.

A

Okay, so I'm gonna go ahead and make the motion. I think we didn't do that yet so I'll make the.

A

Motion, we accept the volunteer guidelines and one more question. Typically, what we need.

A

To do is get the second and the question a second okay, okay, john, you have a question.

A

What was your question? There was a question: yeah, okay, so look at the page that begins.

G

Study room policy in bold at the top. Oh that's we're not there! Yet! I'm I'm sorry.

B

We're still on volunteer guidelines, yeah.

A

Okay, so any other questions or comments about the volunteer guidelines.

A

If not in favor indicate by saying aye aye aye opposed okay, thank you motion carries.

A

Okay onward, all right so now we're on to um study, room policy, personnel manual, separations.

F

And safe and secure manual, workplace, violence and we've just got a couple of additions here.

F

So the study room policy- you see the current the adjusted is the same, except that it.

F

Adds two points: any applicant making in room reservation must be at least 12 years of age.

F

And children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

G

Do we want a 12 year old, making a reservation.

B

For a study room, why would they not be able to do a study room? I'm just saying.

E

It's different than the meeting rooms. I mean it's, it's a it's, a small room for tutoring or whatever.

F

Yeah these these rooms, there's five of them at um leonard town, there's three at lexington park.

F

Or there's none at charlotte hall, although that would be a lovely thing to add. If we ever can.

F

Get a capital grant, we've talked about it uh ways we might get into glass study rooms there, but yes,.

F

These are small spaces they're either individual, um but they'll see two to four typically.

A

Okay, so I'll make the motion to accept the changes to the various policies, so then get a second.

E

A second second, okay, um any questions, I'll ask a question.

A

um When we talk about requesting at least two weeks, written resignation, um no question about.

A

The phraseology yeah, oh did you did you want to do these individually or I thought we were doing them.

A

Jointly but all right, we can do them individually, but it's up to you yeah. Maybe what we could do is.

B

Is just I don't, you know, are we done with study room policy, yes and then move on and.

B

Then do all of those at one time. So we're not done, because we have a motion and a second.

B

Not on this one, yet, yes, we do. We do well yeah yeah. I made the motion and john's right and we seconded.

A

All the changes, but um we can look at them individually. I don't there are.

A

Going to be a lot of questions, um but we can do it individually and before we you.

A

Know we already started the process. Why don't we treat it as one approval process.

A

So one question has been raised about the study room policy. I don't have any others except about.

A

The under the two week, notification requirement is that what this may do is if someone who is not a.

A

Good performer um and frankly, they they reque they resign. uh Do you really want them? Sticking around.

A

For four more weeks, because they say well, look I I opted to remain six weeks. You should have some.

A

Ability to deny that request and there's not really not nothing in there that allows that.

F

um All right, I want to make sure I understand your question as I'm looking at the policy.

F

Resignation um we're what we're adding here is a formal sign letter indicating the last.

F

Day of employment right so, and that under these guidelines should be at least two.

F

Weeks it could be up to six weeks, but that's just appreciated. It may not be any more than six weeks.

F

um So I'm, what is your question about this then yeah? It really has nothing to do with the changes.

A

That that's that's fine, but again an individual. Let's take a person who's on staff who, frankly.

A

You're glad it has resigned and they say well but I'll stick around for six weeks.

A

You have under this policy, you can't say well thanks, but no thanks.

A

Give you two weeks notice and then that ends your employment. That's what I'm getting at.

F

um It's a request, not a requirement mary's county library request, um but you have to treat.

A

All individuals the same saying, otherwise you get into issues of discrimination. The problem could be.

F

That, if someone has, for example, a certain amount of leave time now, for example, if it were health.

F

That they were crying we'd require a doctor's notice. But if someone's got some sort of amount.

F

Of vacation time you you can pay them out um and in this case we'd, probably if we were talking to.

F

Somebody who, um let's just say, we're a mutual decision. um I think that we could probably say.

F

Two weeks is adequate, it doesn't. I don't think this ties our hands from doing that.

F

It just says that that much is appreciated, and I suspect that if they were, it was a situation where.

B

The library is not sorry to see the the back end of them that they probably don't not going to.

B

Want an additional four weeks over the two you'd be surprised you never know, um but I would think.

B

It'd probably be a fairly rare occurrence: okay, well again, in a system of this size, yeah again.

A

These areas sort of straddle what it is, a very fine line, we're approving a policy but.

A

I don't want to get involved in the operations library, well, you're, an hr specialist.

F

And I appreciate your concern about that. um Practically would probably happen in those cases.

F

We'd, probably just say all right, this person's due a certain amount of payout. Here you go bye.

F

I I don't know that um you know they they could submit that, but I think that we would negotiate.

F

That kind of a thing and just say you know, let's, let's see what we can do with this here.

F

We um very rarely see that as a circumstance, but yes, it's it's very well. It would be.

F

Very well advised to know that it could happen and to be able to make contingencies. Yeah yeah we all.

A

Come michael from different experiences, my last company had 10 000 employees so.

A

The likelihood that we had a policy like this, a lot of people would take advantage of it, but.

A

You know your workforce and again um it's just a suggestion that no means by no means.

A

uh Amazing, for uh let me just make a note, and I will consider that for a future edition.

A

Okay, any other questions or comments and when we just continue in this fashion,.

A

And then we'll vote in one single vote. Any other questions on that that aspect of the changes on.

A

The personnel personnel side right- okay, if not we'll, move on to safe and secure manual,.

A

Any other questions about that portion of it. My only question about that is um staff is.

B

Aware of these code words, yes, that's just something that we we review with them and.

F

It works even better if you have a.

F

Av system that allows announcements to be made.

F

But we don't necessarily have that in our libraries, although we asked for it at leonardtown.

F

um Basically, the idea is that we've got these code, words that if you hear them people say okay, this.

F

Is an emergency situation and I either should go there or I should absolutely get away from there.

C

Michael, I have a quick question: how does this get out if we don't have a pa system.

G

Yes, how are the original words compromised.

C

Well, they can become too familiar when people staff changes and.

C

The words you know, everybody knows what the code words might be, but I'm just curious how.

C

The an announcement is made so that the staff are aware, michael, I can answer that. Go ahead.

H

The original words were not compromised, they're just outdated, and so the staff wanted something.

H

That was more relevant to current world and, as far as how it's done, it's simply done by word of mouth.

H

If we're talking to somebody and you have that situation, you're going to turn to somebody else,.

H

Use the code word in a sentence: they'll leave the desk and we resend it to whoever needs to know.

H

Okay, thank you and, as I say, I pick a question go ahead. I I do have a concern that this document.

E

Has I'm not sure, but I'm assuming this document has been posted in public documents? I don't think.

E

Our code words, I don't think we as a board need to know the code words and now they're.

E

They're out that was my concern, but really anybody knowing the code words doesn't compromise. The.

C

Whole the integrity of the situation or what the library staff need to do whoever's in the library.

C

Creating an issue already knows they're in the library creating an issue so.

C

Letting them know the code word well, plus the definitions haven't changed.

G

So now everybody has to remember: is it mrs polly or is it uh mr dewey.

C

Well, I think that's easy enough for them to you know, wrap their.

C

Bread around- I wouldn't bet on it, since you don't use them every day,.

A

Yeah, I think the only other problem it creates is you can't hire anybody named watson or polly.

A

Okay, so any item anything you want to talk about in terms of any of these policies.

A

If not, um the motion's been made, the second's been made so.

A

We'll go ahead and vote on all the changes to the policies that are included on this sheet. Hi.

A

You're saying hi janice, let's say: okay, I assume but janice you're, muted.

A

Yeah, you made it um okay. Well, we have. We have a enough vote to carry it. Okay, move on.

D

Okay, although there is go ahead, thank you. I think it's worth exploring after we.

D

Listen to this uh having the pa systems in the in the libraries in all libraries.

F

Well, um I I happen to agree with that, and, and we just have to price them out and see what we'd be.

F

Looking at they can come in very handy at, for example, closing time. So you have the library.

F

Will be closing in five minutes, please gather your belongings and begin moving to an exit. If you have.

F

Materials to check out, please do so immediately. You can tell I've done that more than once,.

F

The next uh one makerspace policy maker agreement, although there is.

F

Some blue those are hot links to documents, and this is a new.

F

A new policy that we wish to have in place for when we open our maker space and we are working.

F

To do that, we had hoped to have it um already, but the pandemic has pushed us back a bit, but.

F

This is um basically just setting out some safety concerns about the use of equipment that.

F

While I don't think it's going to be life-threatening for anybody, you know they're.

F

You know it can be misused or there could be sharp things here um so and basically.

F

Just setting out some rules for the use of that space, and um I ask you to consider approving it.

A

Okay, I'll make the motion to approve the makerspace policy.

A

Second, okay, any questions comments yeah. I understand the 3d printing, but give me an.

G

Example of something else we're covering here well, for example, there's a machine called the qriket.

F

Which cuts shapes and out of fabric or paper? It has some pretty sharp cutting surfaces.

F

So that would be something that we'd want people to be trained in their use.

F

Ultimately, it might have a sewing machine.

F

And obviously, there's going to be a needle involved with that.

F

So we'll have ultimately, for example, a machine that will convert a photograph. You know just a.

F

Regular photograph into a digital image.

F

And you just want to be misusing equipment, so it's basically any kind of equipment. We've got to have.

F

In our maker space- and those are some examples of things that we we would like to have there, okay.

A

Okay, so I'll make the motion to accept the makerspace policy and.

A

um Agreement, so I could take it a second, you know I'm getting confused and sometimes.

A

Right: okay, we're ready um all in favor indicate by saying aye, aye opposed.

A

Okay, I just have to remember to give you guys time to.

A

Provide your vote. It's a little bit of a lag um okay, the next one then michael, moving on.

F

Just um some change in language for the existing 3d printing policy and qriket use policy.

F

There's a sentence there that, upon reflection, I didn't really understand what it meant and that.

F

You see it crossed out use of the library's 3d printer does not constitute knowledge.

F

Or acknowledgement of and use of the library, 3d printer implies that the person.

F

Using it is our action or is our active entity here so, but really it should be. The library who.

F

Doesn't have any knowledge of or acknowledge the use of a product, so I've just rephrased.

F

Those to, I think, more, exactly say what we're trying to say in this policy, which is that.

F

If somebody creates something using our 3d printer or our qriket machine that doesn't.

F

Just because they've used our machine, for example, to make I I don't know something: that's sharp edge.

F

It doesn't mean we know it or we've approved it or we say yes, that's an acceptable use of our machine.

F

So, to a degree, it's just basically saying this is on the user and we don't necessarily say.

F

Because you've used our machine, we knew what you were doing.

A

Makes sense: okay, my thought, michael and before we go on this but um yeah. I think when wording.

A

Changes are made that really are just a re clarification or just a better form of.

A

The sentence or paragraph that it doesn't need to go to the board um just to make it easier for you.

A

That um there's really no substantive change in the wording here, but that's that's been my.

A

Recommendation um I move that we accept to change. I do have a worrying recommendation. Should I wait.

E

For the motion yeah, let's make the motion yeah. I was just talking about uh policies in general.

A

But yeah I'll make a motion to accept the policy. I get a second, how about for both for both 3d and.

B

Cricket contains the exact same thing: they're the same changes, it's the same for both that's right.

A

Okay, why don't we combine them, then simplify um so I'll make the motion for 3d and the circuit.

A

And if I get a second set so now we have any discussions, comments, recommendations, andy.

E

I just wanted to say instead of saying this claims all knowledge and does.

E

Not acknowledge responsibility for can we just disclaim knowledge and responsibility.

E

And make it you know, disclaims all knowledge and responsibility for.

E

I I don't know whether that's tighter or if that is.

E

Is looser, but it just seems to me we want to just claim everything.

G

Who actually actually covers it, but I mean both both your sentence and michael's say.

B

The same thing to me: okay, if you think it's the same thing, I'm just saying does not acknowledge.

E

Responsibility for it to me sounds weaker than disclaims. Responsibility does not accept.

B

Responsibility, oh okay, so is that a official word change that you know we're in discussion right now.

G

The machine is actually operated by the library. Is it not.

F

It might be not necessarily the cricut machine, we train people to use it. The 3d printers right now.

F

They are operated by the library and we accept um we accept code that we will plug in, but ultimately.

F

The hope is that we'll be able to train users who will be able to use the machine themselves.

A

Okay, so where are we, you want to amend your.

A

Yeah that's motion. Well, are we making a change to it? Is that the consensus I'm not hard and fast? I.

E

Just wanted to raise the question if we wanted a little stronger of with the responsibility. I.

E

Kind of like carolyn's idea of does not accept, rather than does not acknowledge responsibility.

C

I think that's a little clearer and cleaner.

B

So, do you want to amend your motion or do we want to vote on your motion and then to do another motion with it.

A

I know so many emotions, I'm getting seasick.

A

Okay, sorry, I guess what is the change, then change acknowledge to accept on both of those yeah. Okay,.

A

They need the word all go out. Then too right. um I was saying that the library.

C

It just changes, just changes acknowledge and knowledge to accept yeah, okay,.

B

So I I suck at your motion, okay, so let me show you what he said. So it's.

A

Going to say what, let's make sure we have the right wording, the library disclaims.

A

That's where I'm at and does not accept responsibility for yeah, I'm looking at the.

A

First, okay got it okay, so we'll, in effect, we'll have to have a new motion because of.

A

The change to it because we didn't, I thought you amended your motion. I admitted my emotion.

G

I can see that working when the uh okay now we're betting on this change. This change right.

A

I always thought this job was easy.

B

I think I gave it to you, so I can see that working when the patron has been taught and.

G

Is running the machine, I don't see how we hide under that. If the library is running the machine.

G

At that point, the library is the user, not the patron.

A

Yeah again, I'm not familiar enough michael with these people. Do you actually run it for them? I.

B

Mean my experience right now right now, the 3d printer, for example, we take the print job and.

F

We give it to somebody um now if, for example, and there was talk of making like stealth guns, oh you.

F

Can make a gun that will actually work with the 3d printer, and it turns out that that's really.

F

Kind of complicated, but if we got that job we'd simply say no, but let's say we get an. We get a.

F

Order for something we don't know what it is. It's just like it's a widget and somebody then says: aha.

F

This widget is used to trigger a grenade and you couldn't trace it. We wouldn't know that and we'd.

F

Be disclaiming responsibility for it. It's not on us! It's on you, um even if we're using the machine.

F

That we we'd have the ability to say, and the policy clearly sets out. You can't use it to.

F

Make something that's dangerous that we know that, but if you make something we have no idea.

F

What it is we still need to be covered, even if we're the ones running the machine for now.

A

Okay, so because, basically, based on what I know about our 3d printer, what you're doing is a.

E

Library is either taking someone's usb drive or taking an email file and you're making sure the.

E

3D printer's loaded with filament, and then it just goes to town that's right and that it can.

F

Run that file yes um and then you know, um but as I say, if we we kind of will know ahead of time.

F

What the file is supposed to make, and so we can say: well, I'm sorry we're not going to make you.

F

A plastic knife, um a plastic hunting knife, um but let's say, as I say it's something we have no idea.

F

What it does it just looks like a piece of plastic we're not going to say. Oh, we knew what that was.

F

Or we would accept responsibility for the use anybody makes of it.

F

We're not going to accept responsibility for use anybody makes of any of these things.

A

Okay, so any other questions that will questions have been cleared up.

A

And also as a reminder, we're voting on on really two policies because of the wording change.

A

Is reflected in both um so all in favor of to change it to both policies.

A

Please indicate by saying aye aye aye aye motion carries hey back on. Can I just make.

E

A note that this language is also in the makerspace policy that we already approved.

A

Okay, so it needs to need to be changed there too. Thank you.

A

A

So now we can move on to covent.

F

Okay, well, the next two are also new um and the first one is the employee, covid testing.

F

Guidelines just so you know this is largely cribbed from recently released federal guidelines.

F

And it is consistent with the latest guidance from centers for disease control and prevention.

F

And the occupational safety and health administration, our attorney- has reviewed this.

F

And the health department hasn't gotten back in touch with me, yet.

F

Nobody else in the county as county, there might be some individual employers who.

F

Have implemented a policy like that or for all I know, a mandatory vaccination policy.

F

But these are, we know from various court tests uh court cases, uh something that's legal for an.

F

Employer to do, and so what this does and I'm sure you've all had a chance to read it, but.

F

Just to summarize quickly, um there's some things just more general about mask wearing right now,.

F

But it sets out some basic differences between vaccinated.

F

And unvaccinated employees and we have about six unvaccinated employees in our system now.

F

And some of them have health reasons for not being vaccinated.

F

And none that I know of a religious objection, but then some who say they have no plans to get.

F

The vaccination and those employees would be subject to a bit more restrictions.

F

And you have asked to see this policy. As I say, our attorney has reviewed this. The.

F

Health department is looking at it, but they're simply having somebody research if anybody's.

F

Who else might be doing a policy like this or other? Are there templates for it.

F

So it has been vetted and it's really more a question of is this: it's really operational. I.

F

Think, probably under maryland law I have the the authority, just as a library director say, that's.

F

How it's going to be, um but I did want you to have an opportunity to decide if that's something that.

F

You would like the library to be doing so. The primary difference will be that employees who.

F

Are vaccinated may not have to physically distance or participate in weekly screening testing? We are.

F

Asking those as employees wear masks during times of high transmission of the pandemic.

F

And I believe we're in a code red situation right now they may do library related travel.

F

Whereas unvaccinated employees would be asked to physically distance as well as wearing a mask.

F

And would complete weekly screenings uh to weekly covered tests as part of their employment.

F

So and we wouldn't allow them to travel outside the county on library, related business.

A

Okay, well, let's again, I want to really follow the typical process I'll go ahead and make the motion.

A

um Because also as you saw I get, I get confused easily.

A

So I'll make the motion uh to accept the.

A

Covert testing guidelines, I'm sure there'll, be questions and comments, but.

A

I'll need a second, no second, okay! Thank you. Okay! So now any questions, comments, thoughts.

E

I I just have a concern about the requirement for testing, especially with rapid tests um having.

E

About a 50, I think I read a statistic this morning from a reliable source that they're about 58.

E

Accurate and that false negatives happen we saw it happen. um I personally saw it happen with summer.

E

Camp for um some of my son's friends having rapid, positives and then coming home and not.

E

Being positive, I just um with the masking and the distance requirement and the percentage of people.

E

That are already vaccinated within the library it. It just doesn't sit right with me personally.

E

What does it the requirement for weekly testing if you're not vaccinated? I I especially if.

E

You're not symptomatic, but I just I just feel like that's. If you're not symptomatic.

E

It's really, I don't feel like it's going to be enough of a positive that you're not something.

E

That you don't have covet, or it may end up turning out that somebody has to test and.

E

They show up positive and they're, not and they've got time off for that until they can get a longer.

E

More accurate test- and I just don't know how high the risk level is, I'm.

E

Just not comfortable with it and I'm sure that's not a popular opinion and I'm sure.

E

I'm in the minority, but that's just um I I will, if I vote no, that's why.

G

Shandy, well, let me say one thing first, and that is that um you you've asked to see this policy.

F

Typically, when I present something to you, it is my recommendation. um uh I'm it's not like. I'm.

F

Hiding here, but I do want you to have this- be your decision. So if a majority of you do not wish to.

F

See this policy in place- you're, not disappointing me at all this is this- is for you to decide.

A

Well, I think mike. We need a policy, that's done in the minority here and that's okay.

A

But I think what you're you're concerned is one item of the policy right, not the entire.

A

Policy itself was that right, okay right, um so I have a question for you: sandy is your concern.

G

About is your concern about the validity of the various testing methodologies or and or.

G

The frequency I mean, maybe we could go to a higher test level rather than a quickie test.

E

But then somebody can't come to work for two or three days. I don't think that's necessarily.

E

Going to solve it, I I guess I need a better feel for how much risk you think is out there with our.

E

With a small number of employees who are not vaccinated, if they're required to mask.

E

And if they're required to distance is, though, the weekly testing really.

E

Necessary, I think, is, is what I come. It is just what I'm asking and and other people.

E

May feel differently that it is I just I I just don't know what the risk level is. I know we're.

E

Concerned about children in the library, because children have not been able. You know children.

E

Under 12 have not been able to be vaccinated. Is there enough exposure that that it's really.

E

You know that we've deemed it critical to have our employees test weekly.

G

So I get where you're coming from in terms of the total number of unvaccinated people on the staff.

G

Maybe we should be focusing on what is an appropriate mask.

F

We have guidelines to that effect um and right. um Many people in the library are in.

F

Fact double masking at this point: they have the surgical mask and then a cotton one over.

F

It if they're particularly concerned, so I I think we're we're good as far as masking goes.

F

And the other than to address sandy's point other than the testing.

F

The only thing that would be different about this than what we're just doing as a matter of practice.

F

Will be all employees right now during times of high transmission are masking.

F

In workspaces, unless it's a private office with the door closed or an air filter, there they're.

F

Already masking in workspaces and out in the public, so the only difference between that is.

F

What we're doing is we'd say that the people who are not vaccinated, you also need a social.

F

Distance, our attorney raised a concern about this policy, saying if you're making people.

F

Get a test: are you identifying them um in some way so that the other people know their vaccination.

F

Status, and that would be an unavoidable- I think, um consequence of implementing this policy.

A

Yep yeah, I think again it's a couple of issues, one um it's degree of caution and that's going.

A

To be a sort of a personal issue to all of us, you know what level of caution the highest or.

A

Or something along the way, we've never talked about the issue. Do we mandate vaccination too?.

A

But we're not at that point yet because I think our county is not.

A

Quite at that point yet so I think there are levels of caution that we can introduce.

A

Personally, I do favor the maximum caution, which would require some degree of testing, but again.

A

It's going to be an individual thought, not necessarily the collective one or for all of us.

B

Well, michael, what would be the effect if we required instead of a rapid test, the.

B

Two-Day three-day test well, if we're requiring that every week and it be presented before.

F

Somebody is cleared to work we'd clearly not be able to schedule people early in the week.

F

And while everybody these days probably has either a friday or saturday shift that would.

F

Mean- and it would depend on how quickly the results could be back. I mean it could.

F

Be that the person wouldn't be cleared to work until the thursday? Suddenly they.

F

Not able to complete all their shifts in a week so that that could be an issue for us.

B

I I tend to err on the side of caution. Having had to get a code test myself um and it it.

B

Was negative, thank goodness, but um uh you know I thought I'd done all my precautions and yet I got.

B

Sick, so um I lean towards, even though they're not 100, I know that um I lean towards the the testing.

B

And again, as sandy says, it's an individual point of view and I I I I appreciate that.

B

But I think everything we can do. We should do to to try to do be as cautious as we can.

A

Oops yeah, so I guess eddie. Are you making a motion then to delete that from the policy.

E

No, I'm not. I was just bringing a point of discussion just to get it out there to see if.

E

How everybody felt about it? I don't. I don't really think that there needs to be a okay.

G

What is the quality of bullet number six? The free tests available for the county? Are they the.

G

Three-Day version or the 20-minute version, or what they're the rapid test when they take a test or at.

B

Least the one that I took they take it, they take two samples and one is immediate. It's well within.

B

Within that day and the other one takes uh 24 to or 48 to 72 hours, the one we use at the college.

C

Takes about 15 to 20 minutes? If that's that's, for the quick one, but and that's for confirmation.

G

Between the two yeah, it's like a double you know a backup kind of at least that's what what they did.

B

For me, um your rapid strap and the one that they sent off when you get tested for strap.

B

Yeah, but the rapid one you you know within by the end of the day, you know the answer to that.

B

Is but they also tell you they told me it's it's, no more than 80 effective, so I don't know where.

B

The 58 percent- there's probably numbers all over. Who knows, I found that from the health line, but.

E

The point is it's not a hundred percent with the with the rapid. They know that but and and.

B

Just like anything else, there's going to be mistakes, but there are the vaccinations. A hundred.

G

Percent so yeah so um right, but I I tend to let's protect as many people as we possibly can, as as.

B

Well, as we can, okay so without looking at us, another motion I'll just make a couple of quick.

A

Points michael j and they're minor, but I in under vaccinations in the second paragraph, the word in.

A

Says discussed in below it's really discussed below. You don't need the word in um the other.

E

Thing I try to find and again admittedly, I went through it very quickly, but we use the term high.

A

Transmission and what's the other word um substantial, are they defined in cdc, okay,.

F

There is a website that is pointed to here that you can look at every county in the united states.

F

And see, and also really what we're doing is we're going to follow the st mary's county.

F

Health department, recommendations and right now we are in a time of high transmission. Yes,.

F

Yeah as well, because we mentioned high, low, substantial, moderate and so there's a lot of words.

A

But the other thing I was you know again I'll throw it out, but it's just it's. We talk about.

A

It under travel outside the county employees should form supervisors to traveling by.

A

Playing cruise ship or train, even though it's not as popular should we include bus.

F

um Actually, just maybe I I I could say um public forums of transportation and then.

F

Or we could add bus, yes, I I suppose that that's probably yeah I haven't taken.

A

Us since 1972, but um and then you get into uber and lyft just call it.

G

Public conveyance yeah well in cruise ships, because that's not.

B

Really a public condition once you throw the worry bus in there, that could then work pretty.

A

Much cover, rather than trying to come up with wording to to alter other things. um Okay, so then.

E

One more question, though, are we: are we confident that we're tight unemployment law.

E

um Concerns there, as far as leaving ourselves open to any kind of uh vulnerability for lawsuits.

A

Yeah, I think sandy again there's and I'm not an attorney, but um in employment law, particularly.

A

Number one: a lot of companies are instituting policies in much director, including mandatory.

A

And already the case that has become precedence is was in texas, where the in the houston court.

A

They indicated that it's perfectly permissible for organizations to require testing so.

A

And I'm sure every other facet of testing that um I'm sorry required. They can require.

A

Inoculation but I'm sure testing is fits in the same category, that the current laws, the way laws.

A

Are being interpreted because there are lawsuits that will likely be more as the practice of.

A

Requiring vaccination or having extensive policies will raise legal objections, but none of them have.

A

Gone anywhere, so I think we're pretty safe that whatever we do, our attorney did review this with.

F

That in mind, and yes, there are entities, corporate entities that are putting this specific policy.

F

Which is to say, if not vaccinated, you will have weekly or bi-weekly even tests um into effect.

F

And so I don't think it's an excellent question sandy, but I don't think from a legal standpoint.

F

That we are facing any problems, I I would say the only issue I could see would be one of morale.

F

And um I you know that that I don't see any way to mitigate that.

A

Yeah and also too michael, there are organizations, primarily private corporations, so they're not.

A

Under the same gun, but um who are mandating that people have to be vaccinated, absolutely yes,.

F

Even more than this, and that's absolutely standing up in court yeah um as a means of protecting the.

F

Public and and other workers, okay, so uh the motion's been made and to accept the policy.

A

With those changes of deleting the word and and adding a bus as one of the transportation means.

A

um All right, I've got the the addition of the word bus um help me out yeah. It's just.

A

And again, it's just a wording issue like we're on the vaccinations on the first page.

A

Under on the vaccinations second paragraph, it says in the very end it says, as discussed in below.

A

It's really just yeah check out the word in okay.

D

And just a quick comment: I am going to fourth vote. Yes, we need to do this. I wholeheartedly.

D

Agree and we're only talking about six people, as michael said, so let's concentrate on those that.

D

Did do what they needed to do to support folks, not getting this disease and those.

D

That can't be vaccinated. You know if it's medical issues, then we understand that.

B

Michael, it's on page one, the section under vaccinations.

B

The second paragraph, the last sentence.

B

Okay, last few words say and quarantine as discussed. Thank you. I got it there we go there.

F

We go got it. Thank you, okay, so again, all in favor of accepting the policy is presented with those.

A

Minor changes of the word in and the addition of the word bus, please indicate by saying aye hi.

F

Sandy, that's that's! I. I absolutely respect you for that. um We had said that september.

F

1St was going to be the implementation for this just to give people time for it. So I I.

F

Will move forward on september 1st and michael? Can I ask you a question about the guidelines.

G

We have low medium and high and right now we're in the high we're in the red zone.

G

Does the threshold change or is only where you are changes against a fixed goal post, for example,.

F

um My sense of this is that if the level of transmission goes down.

F

That we can relax these that these are primarily high level of transmission.

F

Guidelines, but that line that we're crossed to get to be high. That line is fixed in the.

G

Cdc and the altitude- yes, it is yes yeah. um They they have a certain percentage, that they say or.

F

A number of cases based on population, they say: okay, code, red condition, red.

F

And and that's kind of more, where we're working with these and if you know.

F

I'm going to hope that by september 1st we can just say: hey, you know what that whole.

F

Delta thing fizzled, and now we don't have any problems, wouldn't that be wonderful.

F

Do I think, that's a likely scenario, no, probably not so um when, under the.

F

Advisory of the health department- and I did get an email suggesting that this would be a good idea.

F

From the health department um we will, we will have these in effect and and let's hope that.

F

The vaccination rate seems to be going up in the country with the delta variant coming in.

F

That this will be something that, in the future, we don't necessarily have to have in place. Okay,.

E

um What's your uh what's your window as far as I guess, when you look at, are you gonna? It's.

E

Every two weeks that the health department puts out data correct, I know that's what the school.

E

System is going with everybody's starting mask and they'll, evaluate every two weeks to see if.

E

You're vaccinated, you know they can possibly release some of them asking for vaccinated.

E

Individuals but I'm assuming we're going to go on either a week week by week or bi-weekly basis.

F

um I um will go week by week based on the health department recommendations. I don't.

F

Think they're going to on one day say: oh guess, what we're relaxing restrictions.

F

And the next day say: oh, never, mind um right so as they update, we will update.

E

Okay, well I'm just looking at the cdc map and it looks like we should move to nebraska. We should.

E

All move to nebraska because that's where the largest uh lowest risk is right now yeah yeah. I.

F

I will um I will refrain from making any comment about nebraska, which is I'm sure, a fine state.

F

Yes, um the final thing for us in terms of policies today and yes, this has been a longer meeting.

F

Than some we have had, but um several things just came up, is our investment policy and.

F

That um is um for your consideration.

G

To make sure I understand is this: for the library's two.

G

Vanguard funds, or are we talking about the opeb.

A

Oh, this is open. I would think I mean.

A

Because, again, you have to look at every because primarily we're talking about a range of.

A

Investments that may not be necessary. The vanguard I should point out the vanguard accounts are a.

F

Trustee account and not the library's account, so I do not think that this applies to them.

A

I think john, we can talk about those and then make a determination, but I think right now.

A

Because we're dealing with a policy that relates to the larger fund.

A

That's we're really focusing on now before we get into any discussion again.

A

um What I'd like to do is talk through this and then maybe not vote on it, because there's.

A

Two things: I want to point out that um one area that I put it in there, but I'm.

A

Really questioning whether we need it, and, secondly, do we want um one our consultant to review it.

A

Or do we want outside counsel to look at it so, um based on the answer to those questions, we may not.

A

Want to vote on this, but we may want at least open up any issues or questions about it. So is there.

A

Any thought about that that we need to have legal review before we institute a policy like this.

B

Do you think we do is that why you brought it up or um it's hard in all honesty, because I wrote it.

A

So um to truly to comment on your what you've, you've written.

A

um It's kind of difficult, I I'm not convinced. I was convinced previously that we need to have.

A

Outside counsel review and I'm not so sure now but again, I'm biased. So I have to admit to that.

A

um The the only other thing by the way, just to bring it out in the open is that we also.

A

Established a um a range that in which a fund may stray from its target goal.

A

Again, it's very common. I've never had them in any policy that I've been involved with, because.

A

It fluctuates, it can fluctuate primarily on the market activity and it's I've never been involved.

A

In rebalancing um in my my career, but again that's something that's just a personal thought, but.

A

But I think the most critical issue is that do we want an attorney to review it um and that's.

A

Again, I I need, if not, then we would just discuss it and then forward it on any chains that are.

A

Developed by an attorney, then we would have to revoke at a later date, so.

B

um What kind of an attorney are you talking about to to look at this? Well initially, my.

A

Thought was if this was developed either by one of us or by um an attorney. You would still need.

A

Somebody who knows something about investments to evaluate it, so um you know our attorney. I.

A

Think is, is very competent, but I'm not sure he had the expertise too, like I guess my.

B

Question was more, do we need an attorney or do we need a finance, a different financial advisor.

A

um Yeah, I guess it really wouldn't matter. You want an external review of what we're getting.

A

At by someone who is, um you know, obviously very familiar with these type of documents,.

A

So I'll leave it up to you if you want to, if you feel that, if not, then we can review this.

A

And vote on it and then it's completed um again. I don't feel necessary at this juncture, but again.

A

If anybody here feels a necessity to have outside of the content, I'm not talking about as it is, but.

A

Should we have an outside counsel, look at this before we vote on it, that's what I'm getting at.

D

I think to be on the safe side. We should it's my opinion. I think another set of eyes.

B

Would probably not hurt I'll be honest with you? I need a lot of the stuff explained to me.

B

Which is for not uncommon, I think, for a lot of people who don't do investments on a regular basis.

B

But um I think another set of eyes is probably a good idea if nothing else just to say give.

B

It give it a stamp of approval. Okay, yeah. I agree. Okay, then I'll I'll. Ask the question then: do you.

A

Want to have that done first before we discuss it and look at it or do you want to discuss it.

A

Look at it now and then, if any changes we've done this before, but sometimes outside counsel will say.

A

You know you need to change these words and, after we've already voted on it, but either way it's fine.

A

But I think it'd be more efficient. If we had someone else, look at it, first, okay and go over.

C

It great yeah, I don't even know what questions at this point. So: okay, well I'll I'll descent,.

G

On that, because I think that uh to your point not sure whether outside counsel would have any.

G

Expertise in, for example, the the ratio of equities to fixed income.

G

So, theoretically, almost any numbers to them would be meaningless yeah. I think those are.

G

The things that we ought to clean up internally before we go paying an outside lawyer to see.

G

If we have any legal issues with the structure of it, not with the investments of it, okay, yeah.

A

And the challenge you have to actually, um as I was doing this, I did talk to our financial advisor.

A

um And I said you know, because we were at 60 40. and, I said, is 60, which is more prevalent.

A

In your experience, 60 40 65 35, he gave me an entirely different ratio, which is much.

A

More geared toward equity, so again you get into sometimes opinions and other other facets of it.

A

You can't have somebody look at a policy simply from a legal perspective that the wording and.

A

The terminology is sufficient um in any policy, and I think most lawyers can do that. However,.

A

As you're right, I mean there's terminology, there's elements to this that require some knowledge of.

A

Investment so yeah the ideal person would be an attorney who.

A

Writes investment policies, I don't know where we're going to find that person.

A

So again, I'm open to either way my suggestion would be to have attorney review it. Hopefully.

A

And we can talk to our counsel and say look, this is what we need to do.

A

Give him a copy of it and say: do you feel you have the qualifications in the background to evaluate.

A

This policy, or do you recommend someone who could do so? I think that makes sense is, is start with.

B

Him because we've we've already got him on, you know you know on board and then he's going to.

B

Be honest: if he's, if he feels like this is not his wheelhouse he'll, let us know about that, and.

B

Hopefully be able to recommend somebody okay, so I think the consensus is on your point, john, but the.

A

Consensus is that we have outside council review at first and hopefully with an understanding of.

A

Some of the fundamentals and basics, as described here and then we'll review it after that.

B

And that's where we can, I guess, discuss any allocation changes or juggle the numbers to.

B

Make more sense if that's what we need to do, but I like the idea of getting an overview first.

A

Okay, so is that the consensus then we'll we'll table this for now have.

A

Outside council review and michael, if you can coordinate that sure, um I will send this um to.

F

Our attorney joshua brewster and I will copy you on that email, okay and he can indicate whether.

F

Or not, he feels comfortable reviewing this or possibly make a recommendation if he does not.

F

And with any luck, we can have this reviewed before our next uh board meeting.

F

So I will take care of that um and if anybody has any questions now so they can email me.

A

And I'll be glad to answer any questions, that's a good idea to have a list of like john. I know you.

B

Probably have a couple things you want to throw in there and made a few notes. Yeah and- and you know.

B

Hit them with that, so we're not going back and forth with whatever our accounts. Yeah. That's fine.

A

Okay, so michael since we're not voting on the investment policy, then just a couple.

F

Of uh updates um so a week from tomorrow, um as far as I know, uh we are still on for presenting.

F

A biannual report to the county commissioners, my plan for that is to review the recently.

F

Released annual report, which laura did a fantastic job on, I thought.

F

And talk about that in general. But I more specifically want to talk about the future and.

F

Specifically, the ebook work and moving forward on that grant and then begin the conversation about.

F

The mobile library and I'm hopeful that the county commissioners will embrace the mobile library wish.

F

To see it promoted and although they cannot, of course until they see their budget numbers, commit.

F

To giving us any kind of staffing support that they'll be aware of it and that they will know.

F

That this is something that could be a real asset for the county, so those will be the two emphasis.

F

Emphases that I will have next week as far as your attendance, you are invited to attend.

F

um Nine o'clock in the morning, basically and we're usually after a couple of uh awards which are.

F

Usually fairly brief, um you may tune in and watch it on the county, facebook page or you may come.

F

Here in person and you're welcome to, but um that's that's not required, I don't I'm not expecting any.

F

Questions of the board or something that you will have to comment upon. um So uh if you wish to come.

F

Then that is fine, um and I would welcome your your appearance um and that's one week at nine.

F

uh It's a week from tomorrow and be here by nine o'clock in the morning because that's when the.

F

County commissioner meetings begin and I'll, let you know if that invitation gets rescinded, but.

F

As far as I know, that's when it's going to be on, which is, I believe, the 24th.

F

September 21st is the state of the county event and carolyn has rsvp'd for that.

F

As have a couple of library employees, but nobody else so far- that's at 11 30 to 1 30.

F

In the volunteer fire to station right next to the lexington park, library.

F

If you wish to attend that event, let me know, and we will rsvp for you. Lunch is included.

F

September 23rd through the 26th is the county. Fair and the library has been asked to have a.

F

Table there we have said we will have a table, but because our table is inside one of the structures.

F

That we cannot guarantee, it will always be. Somebody will always be there because of the.

F

Coveted pandemic, we may have a situation where we need all hands on deck in the library they prefer.

F

That you have somebody there all the time we just can't guarantee that that's going to happen.

F

So we'll be having volunteers and it does count as work time there as much as possible.

F

But we're not we're telling the county. We cannot guarantee we'll always be on hand.

F

October, 7th, through 9th, is the core conference in baltimore. It's still in person, as far as I know,.

F

It will be the first american library association event. That's in person, since ala midwinter in 2020.

F

October, 7th is a pre-conference tour of four libraries uh pratt.

F

Library, the new michael busch library in annapolis, a community college library.

F

That's in anne arundel county and has a new library and a newly renovated library.

F

Up in baltimore county, the reason I bring it up is because those are the um libraries that the.

F

Group, I'm the co-chair of the architecture for public libraries was able to get so.

F

We got a personal stake. I will be going on the tour if you wish to, we will arrange for.

F

You to do that, um I probably won't be going to the rest of the conference.

F

But I do want to go there for the tour, since my my group kind of arranged it um so uh with that.

F

Our next meeting is september 20th, uh either virtually or in the chesapeake building.

F

And thank you so much. Thank you before we close the meeting any questions, any question, thoughts.

A

From any member before just one michael, is it too early at this meeting with the commissioners.

G

To plant the seed about the facility study.

F

I'd like to do it one thing at a time.

F

I'd like to try to get staffing for the mobile library, I think that has to be priority. One.

F

For us to make that project sustainable and we've got the huge grant for it, so.

F

That's kind of what I'd like them to focus on. Besides the facilities, master study could be.

F

Some time before it appears.

F

The these you know, they've got the whole grant period. I anticipate it's going to be done by.

F

Before winter, but I I'd like to concentrate on that and then look at the um looking at possible.

F

Renovations for the libraries than after we kind of have that nailed down. It may require some.

F

um Community support to work on that, as I say, I'm just hopeful they're going to say this is a great.

F

Idea we're glad you're doing it and support it fully, but we we may need to bring some. You know.

F

Of our our daycare, constituents and homeschooling constituents and other constituents out to support.

F

Our ideas, so let's concentrate on the one. First is my sense. Okay, good question, though I have one.

E

More thing to I forgot to mention it when I was doing the treasures report, I did have success.

E

With vanguard today, they emailed me a pdf forum that I need to get john added to the account so.

E

I will bring that to the next meeting to get his signature and uh we'll have him added on.

G

Anything else, michael didn't you say that did I misunderstand: you are those foundation funds.

F

No, no, that's! That's! um That's the board's account um that you out of which you pay the uh intern for.

F

Example then I get back to is our policy going to apply to those funds too, and not at this juncture?.

A

We can look at it, but again this. We really want to focus on the opec fund right now, yeah.

F

That's the the policy that we had in front of us today was for saint mary's, county library,.

F

um If it were to apply to your vanguard account, it would have to be to the trustees of saint.

F

Mary's county library as well, equally, too again, the amounts in those funds is not sufficient to.

A

Divide up among the various alternatives that the policy indicates, so we can. We can.

A

Look at it's a future project, um but yeah. This is definitely for just the op account at this point.

A

Okay, no other questions or comments and I'll look in closing comments. Go ahead. I have a comment.

D

I'd just like to once again michael mentioned the uh back to school, fair that the naacp sponsor.

D

In partnership with the library like to thank the library, the friends of the library, saint mary's,.

D

County public schools, the health department, rex and parks and all the agencies that participated.

D

It's just it went very well, and we are so appreciative of the community support that.

D

We got at that fair, okay, yeah and if you ever want to smile on your face coming out and give.

F

Away some backpacks because the kids and the parents are just so appreciative. It's a lovely.

F

Day and they like those free books too, thanks friends, okay, all that's done uh sandy. We hope.

A

You feel better soon and can join us, certainly by next month, if not I'll close. This meeting.

D

D