Here is the summary of the Oakville Public Library Board meeting on September 18, 2024:

High-Level Summary:

The Oakville Public Library Board meeting on September 18, 2024, was chaired by the unnamed Chairperson, with key participants including Rebecca, Andrew, Avis, Rod, Tara, and Belinda. The primary discussions focused on financial reports, budget approvals, and operational matters for the 16 Mile library, with important motions passed regarding previous meeting minutes, financial reports, and budget proposals.

Important Topics Discussed:

1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes:

   • Five sets of minutes from previous meetings were approved in an omnibus motion moved by Rebecca and seconded by Avis, emphasizing streamlined decision-making processes. "I would be happy to take an omnibus motion and approve them all if somebody is interested in doing that," stated the Chairperson.

2. Comprehensive Financial Report (June 30, 2024):

   • Tara presented a financial report revealing a projected $200,000 surplus, driven mainly by vacant positions. This surplus indicates effective budget management, despite initial staffing challenges. "We are on pace to see a surplus of approximately just over $200,000," Tara noted.

3. 2025 Capital Budget for Oakville Public Library:

   • The Board revisited and confirmed discussions around the capital budget, which remains under review by the town's budget system. This budget is crucial for future infrastructure developments and library services.

4. 2025 Operating Budget Discussions:

   • Tara discussed the adjustments needed to meet a 5.5% target increase requested by the town, focusing on operational costs for the 16 Mile library. The Chairperson raised concerns about opening hours and maker space changes due to budget constraints, stressing the need for operational clarity. "I don't think it's acceptable that we open the place without operating it," added the Chairperson.

Opportunities for Public Input:

No specific opportunities for public input were mentioned during the meeting. However, public consultation is implied during the town council's general budget process, suggesting residents could engage when the budget is presented to the town council.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred:

1. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes:

   • Outcome: Passed
   • Mover: Rebecca
   • Seconder: Avis

2. Approval of Comprehensive Financial Report (June 30, 2024):

   • Outcome: Passed
   • Mover: Rod
   • Seconder: Avis

3. Receipt of Initial Capital Budget Proposal:

   • Outcome: Report Received
   • Mover: Rebecca
   • Seconder: Andrew

4. Receipt of Revised Operating Budget Proposal:

   • Outcome: Information Received
   • Mover: Rebecca
   • Seconder: Andrew

Councillors Present:

1. Chairperson (unnamed)
2. Rebecca
3. Andrew
4. Avis
5. Rod
6. Tara (Financial Reporting)
7. Belinda