Library Board meeting minutes - January 27, 2021

The public is welcome at all library board meetings

Attendees

Present: Jonathan Gaw, Rahfat Hussain, Samuel Neisen, Tim Dolan, Sheila Letscher, Adja Kaba, Labelle Nambangi, Erin Vrieze Daniels, Gordy Aune Jr, Keegan Xavi and Jane Brissett

Hennepin County Staff: Chad Helton, Jeannette Lewis, Janet Mills, Johannah Genett, Alison Waukau, Chuck Salter and Commissioner Goettel

Public: Jody Gray

Call to Order

Chair Erin Vrieze Daniels called the Hennepin County Library Board meeting of January 27, 2021 to order at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed all in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

Motion: Gordy Aune, Jr
Seconded: Adja Kaba
Motion passed.

Approval of Consent Items

Motion: Jane Brissett
Seconded: Gordy Aune, Jr
Motion passed.

Public Comment

No public comment.

Mni Sota

Jody Gray of the newly formed HCL Native Advisory Committee read a letter of introduction from the committee to the Library Board. The Native Advisory Committee, named Mni Sota, is a group of Native community members who will be advising the Library on their work and helping library staff build connections to the Native community.

President’s Report

President Vrieze Daniels led board members in a discussion about Library Board planning for 2021. Board members attended the ALA Mid-winter Conferences virtually January 22 – 26, 2021, and gave a brief reflection on the event. HCL Committee appointments were made for the Friends of Hennepin County Library Liaison and the Policy Committee. Hennepin County Attorney Chuck Salter gave an overview of open meeting law requirements for virtual Library Board meetings.

Director’s Report

Director Chad Helton spoke to the Library Board on Library, Community, and County Updates.

Introduction to 2021 Policy Review Cycle

The Board discussed returning to the original model for policy review in 2021. Policy Committee members and library staff will review and discuss each individual policy up for review. The Policy Committee will bring forth draft policies to the full Library Board for consideration.

Committee Reports

Friends of Hennepin County Library (FHCL) has upcoming events available on the FHCL website. FHCL plans to support HCL with 2 million dollars in funds compared to the 1.7 million budgeted in 2021. No new information to report from the Executive and Budget Committees.

Unfinished Business

No unfinished business.

New Business

The Library Board discussed having Equity Diversity and Inclusion presentations from Library staff and others to be presented to the board at meetings throughout 2021.

Adjourn

There being no further business, Adja Kaba made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m.; seconded by Gordy Aune, Jr. Motion passed. The next meeting of the Hennepin County Library Board will be held at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, 2021, virtually via Microsoft Teams.