WISCONSIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Minutes

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Riverview 2 – KI Center, Green Bay 

Mission Statement: WLA engages, inspires and advocates for library workers and supporters to improve and promote library services for the people of Wisconsin. 

Present:  Desiree Bongers, Katharine Clark, Jennifer Cook (online), Michael Doylen, Kristina Gomez, Linda Jerome, Sherry Machones, Gina Rae, Nyama Reed, Kris Turner, Tracy Vreeke, Laura Sauser, Tom Klement.

Excused:  Kathy Michaelis.

Guests:  John Chrastka, Peter Gilbert, Mark Jochem, Hannah Zima.

Call to Order 

The meeting was called to order and a quorum was established at 4:33 p.m. by President Machones. 

Consent Agenda 

The consent agenda, which contained the minutes of the 10/22/2021 meetings and the current agenda, was accepted on a motion by Turner, seconded by Doylen.  Passed on a unanimous board vote. 

President’s Report – Sherry Machones 

  • WLA Annual Conference Update
  • Guest Presentation – John Chrastka, EveryLibrary
    • EveryLibrary is a 501c4 and one activity is direct lobbying in order to amplify the voice and agenda of local library elections.
    • There is also a 501c3 component with a large reach on social media.
    • Gave examples of campaigns in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Dallas.
    • In Wisconsin there is a need for training trustees to be advocates.
  • Finance Committee Appointment
    • Vreeke moved, Reed seconded, to appoint Rae to the Finance Committee.  Motion carried with Rae abstaining.
  • Election Update – Write-in candidate
    • Doylen moved, Rae seconded, to appoint Elisabeth Kaune, Marquette University, as incoming WAAL Chair.  Motion passed.

Finance Report – Tom Klement

  • September 2021 Monthly Financial Report
    • Slightly ahead on dues compared to last year.
    • Waiting for conference revenue and bills and will have full report soon.

Finance Committee Report – Katharine Clark

  • Katharine gave a summary of the 2020 WLA Budget.
    • Reed moved, Turner seconded, to approve the 2022 WLA Budget.  Motion passed unanimously.

WLA Policy Updates – Tracy Vreeke

  • Doylen moved, Reed seconded, to approve the Code of Conduct policy.  Motion passed.
  • Turner moved, Rae seconded, to approve the Conflict of Interest policy.  Motion passed.
    • Discussed the Confidentiality policy – questions about the definition of “confidentiality” and when the policy would be applied.  Vreeke will revise for discussion at next meeting.

Executive Director Report – Laura Sauser

  • Report
  • Vendor Memberships Proposal
    • Lifetime Membership Dues Update – still being discussed
    • 2022 Election Update – there are still several vacancies
      • Jerome moved, Gomez seconded, to create an appointment committee to fill the gaps.  Motion passed.
  • 2022 Board Retreat is January 13, Leadership Orientation is January 14, both in DeForest

ALA Councilor’s Report – Kristina Gomez

Unit Work-in-Progress

  • No reports.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m. with full consensus among those in attendance.

 
Respectfully submitted,

Desiree Bongers

WLA Secretary