Key Messages, June 2025

Key Messages Update
Type
Key Messages

Organizational Excellence

  • 2024 Audited Financial Statements Approved: KPMG, in partnership with Michael Switzer, the Town’s Deputy Treasurer and Manager of Budgets & Accounting, presented the draft 2024 audited financial statements. Following the presentation, the Board approved the final statements and authorized proceeding with the Town’s selected auditing firm for the 2025 audit.
  • Annual Policy Review Continued: The Board continued its annual policy review, approving the alignment of two human resources policies with those of the Town to ensure compliance with legal standards and adoption of best practices in hiring and onboarding. Additionally, definitions related to market analysis, pay equity, and cost-of-living adjustments were further clarified to enhance transparency and understanding.
  • New Budget Timeline & Process: The Board received a verbal update on the Town’s revised budget process and timeline. To enhance transparency and accessibility, the CEO will present the draft budget to the Board in October, allowing sufficient time for its inclusion in the Town’s budget book.
  • Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee Appointed: The Board approved moving forward with an update to the existing strategic plan, rather than developing a completely new one. To guide this process, a new ad hoc committee has been appointed to oversee the next steps and ensure the plan remains aligned with the organization’s evolving priorities.
  • L.E. Shore Facility Washroom Concerns Discussed: The CEO brought forward concerns about the ongoing issues with the bathrooms at the L.E. Shore facility, specifically flagging the overwhelming smell of sewage as a high-priority concern. The Town has been made aware and is actively investigating the issue to determine the cause and implement a long-term solution.
  • New Quarterly Statistics Template Approved: The Board approved a new quarterly reporting structure that aligns key data elements with the strategic priorities and the annual work plan, ensuring more effective tracking and decision-making.
  • Staff Development Reflections: The CEO shared a verbal update reflecting on her recent participation in the Advancing Public Library Leadership (APLL) Program and the Library as Place Conference, highlighting the value of continuous learning, professional networking, and diverse approaches to space planning in public libraries. Additional insights and learning outcomes from the APLL program are detailed in staff report ADM.25.22: Proposed Strategic Planning Process.
  • Town/Library Collaboration: The CEO provided a verbal update on the Multi-Use Recreation Feasibility Assessment, sharing that a tentative date to receive the final report as information is July 16. Youth Climate Action fund round 2 recipients have not yet been announced. 

Community Hubs

  • Space Utilization Draft RFP Reviewed: The Board reviewed the second draft of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a space utilization study of the L.E. Shore facility. Final approval was deferred to the next meeting to allow for further consideration.
  • Craigleith Working Group Update: Board Member Laurey Gillies has officially joined the Craigleith Working Group, which serves as a key advisory body and community sounding board for the east end of the Town.

Empowering Services

  • Board Advocacy: The Board approved releasing a letter to MPP Saunderson, calling the provincial government to repeal Bill 5 and recommence the process with meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities and stronger consideration for environmental commitments. This action reflects the Board’s recognition of Indigenous History Month, its solidarity with the Ontario Library Association’s Indigenous Advisory Council’s Call to Action, and its ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and environmental sustainability.
  • CEO Service Report Highlights: May was a popular month for programs ranging from art, writing, gardening, and culinary workshops, all reaching full capacity. A heartfelt book launch by local author Karen James marked Mental Health Awareness Month, while seniors and gardeners benefited from informative sessions. New items were added to the Library of Things, and online exhibits continued to expand. Staff took part in regional museum visits and the Digital Odyssey Conference, contributing as leaders in the field. BMPL also partnered with the Town to celebrate National AccessAbility Week through a social media campaign.