September 9 2020 Library Board Meeting Minutes

Prince Rupert Public Library
Library Board Meeting

Sept. 9, 2020

Present: Nick Adey (NA), Cary Dalton (CD), Carolina de Ryk (CdR), Chelsea Keays (CK), Stephanie Lysyk (SL), Dale White (DW), Andrea Wilmot (AW), Joe Zelwietro (JZ-Chief Librarian)

Regrets: Glenn Groulx (GG)

Meeting commenced at 7:06pm

• Discussion Agenda amended to include the following matters:
  • Does Library have role in supporting COVID-19 home schoolers?
  • Does JZ have any succession plans for potential library staff retirees?
  • JZ give details to PRL trustees about upcoming NWLF-wide Library trustees zoom meeting.
• Motion to approve Consent agenda as is and the Discussion agenda as amended by NA, seconded by CdR, passed.
• 2021 Budget discussion. There were concerns about the impact of COVID-19 for both 2020 and 2021. The Board recognizes that Library self-generated revenues were significantly reduced in 2020 and may again be in 2021. It was also recognized that the Board has to meet contractual obligations based on collective agreement as well as other increased costs. The consensus was to submit a budget request which meets the requirements and recognize that it may change depending upon the decision of City council.
• Discussion about Library levels of openness. The Board understands the concerns around COVID-19 risks and appreciates the staff work done to get Phase 3 of it’s ReOpening. The Board also hears the concerns of the public and supports greater levels of Library service provision in the near term.
• Discussion about tentative Positive COVID-19 test policy. Trustees have concern about the role of the Library management in regards to Contact tracing. One of our trustees has a contact at Northern Health and will discuss the matter with that person and inform the Board of the results of the conversation. It is the consensus at this point that library management will not do contact tracing due to privacy issues.
• Discussion about tentative Symptomatic patron in Library discussion. There are concerns for some trustees about whether the Library staff have adequate training for distinguishing between symptoms that are COVID-19 or are resulting from non-COVID-19 source; also whether the Library has the authority to refuse service to patrons without proof of illness since the library is a public building and finally a concern about how the management can arbitrate between the staff and patron claims.
• The matter of retiring employee succession is tabled until the next Board meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:06 pm. Next Meeting at 7pm (October 14, 2020).

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LibraryBoardMtg-modified-Sept-9-2020.pdf	30.22 KB