FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
June 04, 2025
The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. on June 04, 2025, at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Sheppard, T. Lancaster, J. D’Agostino, M. Richmond, G. Mayfield, D. Grisgraber
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: M. O’Leary, J. Donald
STAFF PRESENT: J. Kelly, Director; C. Hall – Associate Director; B. McDermott, Finance Manager; A. Archibald, Personnel Supervisor; C. Brohawn, Project Coordinator; K. Cambrel, Communications Manager; M. Currens, Library Collections Manager; J. El-Zeftawy, Development Officer; B. Heltebridle, Branch Services Manager; B. Hissong, Community Engagement Manager; C. Krogh, Facilities Coordinator ; S. Yates, Branch Administrator – C. Burr Artz Library; D. Spurrier, Branch Administrator – Emmitsburg Library; A. Knight, Branch Administrator – Middletown Library; B. Brannen, Branch Administrator – Thurmont Regional Library; J. Diaz, Branch Administrator – Brunswick Library; R. Cox-Steib, Branch Administrator – Myersville Library; D. Frank-Rice, IT Coordinator; J. Spiegel, Special Project Manager – Frederick County Government; M. Ducey, Administrative Coordinator – Boards and Commission; and M. Fowle, Technical Services Coordinator and Recording Secretary.
CITIZEN REMARKS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: J. D’Agostino motioned to approve the Minutes of April 2, 2025; seconded G. Mayfield. No further discussion.
VOTE: Unanimous.
CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair shared her deep appreciation for all of the hard work of FCPL staff. She expressed gratitude for FCPL’s commitment to literacy, the community, and the passion exhibited by staff. The Chair is ready for the fun books she has set aside for summer reading and is preparing to make reading a daily ritual with her children to beat summer slump.
She wished everyone a relaxing and rejuvenating summer – no matter what that looks like.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
J. Kelly attended a training for Boards and Commissions with Board members. He introduced Miranda Ducey from the County Executive’s office, who joined the meeting. Miranda is the coordinator of the boards and commissions across the county, working to ensure bylaws are up to date and documents like minutes are being prepared and archived correctly.
M. Ducey expressed the exemplary nature of FCPL’s Board of Trustees and pointed out the opportunity to teach and share information amongst other County divisions. She also shared that more online training and information about the application process will be coming soon.
J. D’Agostino asked if Board members have to do Open Meetings Act training every year. M. Ducey confirmed that it is only necessary to complete it once.
Mr. Kelly continued by sharing a recent discussion of Maryland code that outlines library functions that must be provided to be compliant. The code being discussed includes things like kindergarten readiness, addressing learning gaps, access to computers, serving as distribution sites in emergencies, offering public programs, etc. Libraries must complete only one, but FCPL has done many which means we are compliant.
FCPL is expanding access through shared branch outreach events, as well as building bridges as part of the continued work of strengthening connections with local schools and collaborating to host the 7th Annual Thurmont Green Fest. FCPL is sparking excitement through “eco-programming” which includes special storytimes featuring nature-themed material, a newly installed instrument garden outside the Middletown library branch, and the 3rd annual Touch-A-Truck event in Brunswick.
Pivoting to statistics, April is the start of the 4th quarter. J. Kelly shared statistics found in the board report, which show that program offerings and attendance have been above average, as well as year-to-date numbers exceeding the average, and noted that FCPL was highlighted in spring issue of Business Quarterly.
BUDGET/CIP UPDATE:
County Council voted to approve the FY26 budget. This year will be difficult considering the items that the State pushed down to be absorbed by the County. While not all FCPL appeals were approved, some highlights include: an additional $29,000 for Collections and General Operating to account for population increases, the Children’s Services Supervisor position at Emmitsburg, a 2% increase for salaries beginning in January, Phase 1 of compensation study beginning in January, and funding for both Bookmobiles.
Capital – all projects in FCPL’s master plan are included in the County’s CIP. Currently we are in the design phase for West Frederick with construction funding immediately following, East County Regional library design funding in 27 and construction in 29, North Frederick design in 29 and construction in 31, and the CBA remodel design in 31 and construction in the out years.
J. D. Agostino inquired about the design of the new Bookmobiles. J. Kelly said they will follow a similar model to the current Bookmobiles.
S. Sheppard asked for clarification on the timeline for renovation of CBA. J. Kelly confirmed that CBA is the last item on the timeline because we need to move Support Services departments out of this location before renovations can begin. The remodel will increase public space at CBA by a third and allow the footprint to be used more efficiently.
M. Richmond asked about the location of the administrative offices and if the plan is to have the new space in the city or further out. J. Kelly confirmed the plan is to include space in the North Frederick branch for administrative offices and that land will likely be within the city or close to the northern part of the city.
J. D’Agostino asked for an update on the design for West Frederick branch. J. Kelly confirmed it is going well – there was a meeting with designers today. Design work is based on community feedback and different models were presented by the architects.
T. Lancaster asked where “North Frederick” would be located. J. Kelly confirmed the Christophers Crossing area and that we need more land than normal to fit library as well as operations space, and that it is accessible in that area.
NEW BUSINESS
Financial Report:
B. McDermott shared FY25 budget numbers tentative as of April 30, 2025.
J. D’Agostino asked why security went up so much this month.
B. McDermott confirmed it’s based on usage, but also there was a month when costs were not posted.
M. Richmond asked why the increase of materials. B. McDermott confirmed the increase is normal, however, we may experience a spike next year due to renegotiations with book vendors.
S. Sheppard asked if we have to spend 100% of the budget, or can we carry over? B. McDermott said we don’t have to spend 100%, but most of it is spent in the year. Some funds are encumbered, and we are just waiting for materials to be received. J. Kelly pointed out that there is always ending fund balance – for example, this can be salary savings from job openings.
Bookmobile Update:
B. Hissong presented on FCPL’s Community Engagement, focusing on the history of the vehicles – this year marks 60 of bookmobile services. He shared photos and highlights from the many years of service, beginning in 1965. FCPL will celebrate with a Bookmobile Birthday Party on June 21, at the future site of the West Frederick Library.
A newer vehicle, the Rover, fills in the gaps of the Bookmobile’s schedule and, in the last year, has made a concerted effort to start library services where the new West Frederick branch will be. Interactions with the community have allowed FCPL staff to provide valuable information about library services, which has resulted in community engagement and growing relationships. This will continue in the fall and spring until construction is completed.
S. Sheppard asked if programming will continue in that spot through the summer. B. Hissong confirmed that service will be paused, because there is no school.
J. D’Agostino asked if schools are serving free lunches, and could the Rover visit during that time. B. Hissong said it was possible, but over the summer it is quite booked as staff at branches book the Rover to attend events and do community outreach.
B. Hissong showed design specs of what the possibility of the new Bookmobile will look like and discussed what the thought process was with why they chose the design.
M. Richmond asked for an explanation of the Early Start Bookmobile. B. Hissong described the difference between the two vehicles, and what services they provide. Early Start focuses on early childhood education – the collection is geared toward students/children and is often coordinated with the lessons schools/organizations are doing.
G. Mayfield requested the slides of the vans – with the pictures of the old vans.
Election of new officers:
G. Mayfield nominated T. Lancaster for Secretary, J. D’Agostino seconded. No further discussion or other nominations. VOTE: Unanimous.
G. Mayfield nominated M. Richmond for Vice Chair, J. D’Agostino seconded. No further discussion or other nominations. VOTE: Unanimous.
Board questions and comments:
M. Richmond challenged fellow Board members to sign up for and participate in the Summer Challenge.
In training, M. Richmond learned that Boards review bylaws and suggests that a small group or committee review and approve any changes to ours.
Other Citizen remarks: None.
The next FCPL Board of Trustees meeting will be held at the C. Burr Artz Library – Community Room at 7:00 p.m. on September 3, 2025.
J. D’Agostino made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by M. Richmond. No further discussion. VOTE: Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.
Signed by S. Sheppard
Chair, Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees