Committee-of-the-Whole

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 05/05/25 – 18 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE OF THE CITY OF GROSSE POINTE WOODS HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS/COURTROOM OF THE ROBERT E. NOVITKE MUNICIPAL CENTER, 20025 MACK PLAZA DRIVE, GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Bryant Council Members: Brown, Gafa, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall ABSENT: Granger Also Present: City Administrator Schulte Assistant City Administrator Como City Attorney Walling City Clerk Antolin City Treasurer/Comptroller Schmidt Grosse Pointe Library – Woods Branch Representative Peck Grosse Pointe Library Director Keyser Motion by Motschall, seconded by Koester, that Councilmember Granger be excused from tonight’s meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: Granger Motion by McConaghy, seconded by Gafa, that all items on tonight's agenda be received, placed on file, and taken in order of appearance. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: Granger Tonight’s meeting was regarding the Grosse Pointe Public Library – Woods Branch Financial Update and Millage Renewal Presentation. Tom Peck, Library Board of Trustee Member since 2020, introduced himself and the Library Director, Jessica Keyser. He provided a Power Point  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 05/05/25 – 19 presentation displaying the library’s performance and challenges for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Some of the highlights are as follows:  Wayne State University Scholarships  Central Library wins American Institute of Architect (AIA) Award  Website Accessibility – Recite Me Assistive Technology  Meeting Community Needs – Summer Reading Programs, Library Card Sign-up Month, National Author Programs Some of the challenges presented were as follows:  Grosse Pointe Public Library (GPPL) underpaid $139,000+ in penal fines  Executive Order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The GPPL had strong financial results having total revenue of 7.7 million, total expenses of 7.7 million and an unmodified audit opinion as reflected in the presentation. The library budget is heavily funded by property taxes at approximately 92%, State and County Aid (1%) and Fees, Gifts, & Others (7%). Expenditures are for Salaries and Benefits (47%), Debt Service (26%), Supplies, Books, and Audio/Video (13%), Purchased Services (12%), and Capital Outlay (2%). Mayor Bryant inquired about any millage increases and Mr. Peck stated that there are currently, two millages in effect. One is kind of a perpetual millage and the other will expire on December 31, 2027, which is scheduled for renewal sometime in 2026. However, there are no planned increases for the millages. Mayor Bryant also asked if there are any construction projects for the libraries. Director Keyser stated other than routine maintenance, the Vernier Road parking lot will be resurfaced in the summer. All other major capital improvements have been concluded. Councilmember McConaghy asked for the current fund balance. Director Keyser stated the fund balance is $10 million with an operating expense just under $8 million. Director Keyser commended Tom Peck as a board member representative. Tom Peck shared the commendation of the GP Shores Public Safety Director to the GPW Public Safety Director and all the GPW Public Safety Officers.  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 05/05/25 – 20 Under New Business/Public Comment, no one wished to be heard. Motion by Motschall, seconded by Koester, that the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole be adjourned at 7:43 p.m. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ _________________________ Paul P. Antolin Arthur W. Bryant City Clerk Mayor