Board Meeting February 2021
350 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6B 1B1
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 6:00 p.m..
Vancouver Public Library acknowledges that our work takes place on the unceded homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
Board Agenda: February 2021
CHAIR TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER
INTRODUCTION
a) 2020 Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence – Kung Jaadee
ADMINISTRATION
a) Items for Consent – Removal of Items & Approval of items in consent agenda
b) Approval of the Agenda – Additions/Alterations
c) Minutes – Receive/approve draft minutes of Board meeting held January 27, 2021: Download
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
a) CUPE Local 391
b) Friends of VPL
c) VPL Foundation
ITEMS FOR DECISION
a) VPL Trustee Appointments: Download
b) Changes to the Sponsorship Policy: Download
ITEMS FOR CONSENT
DIRECT TO BOARD
a) Patron Usage Statistics Report: Download
CORRESPONDENCE
b) Jan11/21 – Letter from Public Library InterLINK to BC Reconciliation Award re: nomination of the BCCDC for the British Columbia Reconciliation Award: Download
REMOVED FROM IN CAMERA MINUTES
c) January 27, 2021 decision on the Chief Librarian’s Performance Review and Title Change: Download
CRPD COMMITTEE
d) Draft Minutes - February CRPD Committee Regular Meeting: Download
e) Invitation to MST Nations for Input and Engagement (Pls see draft CRPD Minutes)
f) Phased COVID Recovery Plan for Programs and Rentals: Download
g) Cardholder Email Campaign Results: Download
h) CRPD Committee Terms of Reference (Pls see draft CRPD Minutes)
SFHR COMMITTEE
i) Draft Minutes - February SFHR Committee Regular Meeting: Download
j) Governance, Inputs and Relationships (Pls see draft SFHR Minutes)
k) Phased COVID Recovery Plan for Programs and Rentals: Download
l) December 31, 2020 (Q4) Financial Operating Results: Download
m) SFHR Committee Terms of Reference (Pls see draft SFHR Minutes)
DISCUSSION OF ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN
IN CAMERA MEETING RATIONALE
THAT the Library Board will go into meeting later tonight which is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 7(o) of the Board Procedure Policy, to discuss matters related to paragraphs:
Section 7(o)(x) Discussions respecting the development of a policy or the proposed provision of an activity, work or facility that are in the preliminary stages and that, in the view of the Board, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the Library or the City of Vancouver if they were held public.
VISION, MISSION, AND VALUES
Vision Statement - An informed, engaged, and connected city.
Mission Statement - A free place for everyone to discover, create and share ideas and information.
Values
We value:
- diversity
- access for all
- intellectual freedom
- learning and curiosity
- patron-centred services
- community-led planning
- community partnerships
- innovation and creativity
- respectful spaces and communication
- staff development and collaboration
- effective use of resources
- sustainability
Board Minutes: February 2021
Present: Jennifer Chan, Chair; Kurt Heinrich; Zahra Hussein; Rebecca Jules; Raji Mangat, Vice Chair; Barbara Parrott, Vancouver School Board Trustee; Harlan Pruden; Rhonda Sherwood; Karen Spears; Abeer Yusuf
Absent: Clr. Christine Boyle, Vancouver City Councillor; Kevin Lowe, Vice Chair; Stuart Mackinnon, Vancouver Park Board Commissioner
Management Present: Christina de Castell, Chief Librarian; Kay Cahill, Director, Collections & Technology; Julie Iannacone, Director, Neighbourhood & Youth Services; Dawn Ibey, Director, Library Experience; Julia Morrison, Director, Corporate Services & Facilities; Carol Nelson, Director, Planning & Communications; Balwinder Rai, Director, Human Resources
Staff: Sophie Middleton, Manager, Neighbourhood Services
Guests: Kari Scott-Whyte, President, CUPE Local 391; Jenny Marsh, Executive Director, VPL Foundation; Olin Anton, Chair, VPL Foundation; Monika Brar, Co-Chair, Friends of VPL
Recording Secretary: Chrysalyn Tolentino, Executive Assistant
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Board Chair Chan acknowledged that the Library’s work takes place on the unceded homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She expressed gratitude for the collaborative relationships that VPL staff have developed with Indigenous patrons and program partners, which have strengthened the work of VPL. As examples, Board Chair Chan noted the Connection to Kith and Kin program, which was highlighted by the Globe & Mail on February 3, and the Library’s highly popular Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence Program. She welcomed and thanked Kung Jaadee, the 2021 Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence.
INTRODUCTION
1. Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence – Kung Jaadee
Erin Watkins, Manager of Programming & Learning, introduced author and storyteller Kung Jaadee as the 2021 Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence. Kung Jaadee belongs to Haida, Musqueam, and Squamish First Nations, is an author of children’s books, has performed for hundreds of audiences across Canada and the U.S. and has taught the Haida language to both children and adults to help preserve and revitalize her ancestral dialect. Kung Jaadee noted that she is grateful for the opportunity and shared her powerful background story. She is planning on a number of online programs that are aimed at encouraging connection which will include storytelling workshops and performances, a film screening, virtual potluck, and more. Board Chair Chan noted that several Trustees enjoyed attending Kung Jaadee’s inaugural event and wished her much success and joy as the 2021 Indigenous Storyteller-in-Residence.
ADMINISTRATION
2. Consent Agenda - Removal of Items and Approval
Trustees agreed to pull out the Public Library InterLINK correspondence from the consent agenda.
Moved by Rhonda Sherwood and seconded by Harlan Pruden
THAT the following Board reports be approved on consent:
- Patron Usage Statistics report – January 2021
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- January 27, 2021 decision on the Chief Librarian’s Performance Review and Title Change
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- Draft Minutes -- February CRPD Committee Regular Meeting
THAT the Library Board receive the draft minutes for information.
- Invitation to MST Nations for Input and Engagement
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- Cardholder Email Campaign Results
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- CRPD Committee Terms of Reference
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- Draft Minutes -- February SFHR Committee Regular Meeting
THAT the Library Board receive the draft minutes for information.
- Governance, Inputs and Relationships
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- Phased COVID Recovery Plan for Programs and Rentals
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- December 31, 2020 (Q4) Financial Operating Results
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
- SFHR Committee Terms of Reference
THAT the Library Board receive the report for information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Zahra Hussein and seconded by Raji Mangat
THAT the Board approve the regular meeting agenda as received.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Minutes
The draft minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 27, 2021 were presented to the Board for approval.
Moved by Karen Spears and seconded by Rhonda Sherwood
THAT the draft minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 27, 2021 be approved as received.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
CUPE Local 391
Kari Scott Whyte, President of CUPE 391 shared that the Union held its Annual General Meeting on January 28 and established a Member Assistance program. The Union was pleased that the recall notices for regular part time members have started in line with the move to regular hours. Challenges to staffing remain a high area of concern and they are looking forward to discussion and finding solutions to reduce precarity and gain stability for members. February 28 is the National RSI Wellness Day and the joint OH&S Committee has a number of initiatives in order to support members.
Friends of VPL
Monika Brar, Co-Chair, Friends of VPL reported that they are revamping their membership structure and looking at partnership opportunities with VPL Foundation. Monika and Darius Maze are meeting with the Chief Librarian in March to discuss the Book’mark lease and opportunities for collaboration. Board Chair Chan thanked Monika and wished her the best of luck when she goes on maternity leave next month.
VPL Foundation
Jenny Marsh, Executive Director of the VPL Foundation shared background and noted that Library Giving Day will be held on April 7, 2021 and Foundation staff are working on social media and developing video content to promote this. She noted that following the VPL Cardholder Campaign they were able to reach out to donors. She thanked her team for making over 1,400 phone calls and personally connecting with donors. The VPL Foundation has launched a new virtual series featuring local authors and are getting ready for their upcoming fiscal year end including finishing off the capital campaign. Olin Anton, Chair of the VPL Foundation Board, noted that the Board held its meeting on February 22 where they officially welcomed Trustee Heinrich as liaison to the VPL Foundation Board. Board Chair Chan appreciated the work of the VPL Foundation and expressed that she is thrilled with the response to the VPL Cardholder Campaign.
ITEMS FOR DECISION
5. VPL Trustee Appointments
Board Chair Chan presented a report recommending appointments to the BCLTA, Public Library InterLINK Board, Friends of VPL Board, VPL Foundation Board and VPL Trust for 2021.
Moved by Harlan Pruden and seconded by Abeer Yusuf
THAT the Board appoint Raji Mangat as representative to the Public Library InterLINK Board for a term of one year;
THAT the Board appoint Kevin Lowe as backup representative to the Public Library InterLINK Board for a term of one year;
THAT the Board appoint Abeer Yusuf as liaison to the Friends of VPL Board for a term of one year;
THAT the Board appoint Kurt Heinrich as representative to the VPL Foundation Board for a term of one year; and
THAT the Board appoint Zahra Hussein as liaison to the VPL Trust Board for a term of two years.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Changes to the Sponsorship Policy
CRPD Committee Chair Kurt Heinrich provided an overview of the changes to the Sponsorship Policy. Trustees Pruden and Jules noted the need for a definition of the term Indigenous Peoples and provided suggestions. The Board also discussed the correct terminology when engaging with Indigenous partners, and agreed to the proposed language. After discussion, the following motion was raised:
Moved by Harlan Pruden and seconded by Kurt Heinrich
THAT the Board approve the updated Sponsorship Policy as amended.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEMS PULLED OUT OF CONSENT
7. Correspondence from InterLINK re: Support for BC CDC
Vice Chair Raji Mangat noted the letter of support for the nomination of the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) for the British Columbia Reconciliation Award. It is in recognition for the excellent work of Trustee Pruden with InterLINK and the deep commitment that he created for Reconciliation work in libraries through his efforts. The Board congratulated Trustee Pruden for his tireless work on Truth and Reconciliation. Trustee Pruden recognized the efforts of his fellow InterLINK board members and shared interest expressed by other libraries in the workshop.
Moved by Raji Mangat and seconded by Rebecca Jules
THAT the Board receive the letter for information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ADJOURN
Moved by Rhonda Sherwood and seconded by Harlan Pruden
There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Signed by: Jennifer Chan, Chair and Christina de Castell, Secretary
Board In Camera Agenda: February 2021
THAT the Library Board will go into meeting which is closed to the public, pursuant to Section 7(o) of the Board Procedure Policy, to discuss matters related to paragraphs:
Section 7(o)(x) Discussions respecting the development of a policy or the proposed provision of an activity, work or facility that are in the preliminary stages and that, in the view of the Board, could reasonably be expected to harm the interests of the Library or the City of Vancouver if they were held public.
CHAIR TO CALL MEETING TO ORDER
ADMINISTRATION
a) Approval of the Agenda – Additions/Alterations
b) Minutes – Receive/approve draft minutes of In Camera Board meeting held January 27, 2021
ITEM FOR CONSENT
SFHR COMMITTEE
a) Draft Minutes - February SFHR Committee In Camera meeting
b) Internet Archive Update
c) Fine Free Update