January 2016 Staff Meeting Minutes

The meeting began on January 8, 2016 at 8:30 AM.

          I.            Brandon was scheduled to begin the meeting by welcoming our new hire full-time CSC, Jennifer Snoddy, but due to a miscommunication, she was over at the Pleasantville branch so Brandon turned the meeting over to Drew to discuss the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

a.       Drew acknowledged that some might have negative associations the EAP because it is used as a tool when an employee’s performance or behavior takes a sudden turn for the worse, but assured everyone that the EAP was there for the Employee’s benefit, not managements and that it offered a wide range of services.

b.      Drew laid out basic services the EAP can offer such as getting out of debt, tax questions, legal support, work-life solutions, and counseling on a wide array of issues and all of it is completely confidential.

c.       Several staff members volunteered their positive experiences with the EAP as well as those of people they have known at HPL and Drew concluded by emphasizing the benefits of the program, its accessibility, ease of use and confidentiality.

        II.            Brandon moved on to cover the new shelving and shelf reading assignments.

a.       Brandon explained that most of the assignments were staying the same but a few changes were made to reflect the shifts made in employee’s schedules as well as the new hires.

b.      Brandon reminded the staff that shelving assignments are made primarily to give a focus to our shelf reading schedules and that we are all expected to pitch in with shelving books so that customers have the best available selection. Brandon shared that he felt staff is already doing a great job of sharing this task and that he wanted to encourage us to continue to keep the shelves stocked and organized for our customers.

      III.            At this time Jennifer joined us and Brandon took the opportunity to welcome her to the Pleasantville/Tuttle team and to thank her for the great job she has done so far as well as her team spirit.

a.       Brandon announced we would be adding a new member to our team with the hire of Part time CSC, Yadira Trejo, due to start on January 19th. With this new addition the staff is completely filled again.

     IV.            Brandon shared the announcements from the Manager’s meeting.

a.       It was shared that all of Customer Experience, except for 1 member, successfully completed the Lean Six Sigma training by the required deadline.

b.      Brandon shared that due to TLA being held in Houston next year, we are able to send 48 staff members to the conference.  We will be sending 7 to PLA, too.

c.       Brandon reminded everyone of  the excellent news of the raises that took effect in January and reminded everyone how to see exactly how much of an increase they will get based on whether they are currently at midpoint of salary for their position. He also pointed out that our current pay check did not reflect the raise yet as we are being paid for December’s pay period.

d.      The City of Houston signed a new contract with another security company named Norred Associates.  They will begin on 12/20/15.  Many of our current security guards were absorbed by Norred, so you will be seeing familiar faces.  Their uniform will be black pants, white shirts but wear different badges. Brandon informed staff that it would not have any changes on reporting security issues and that if staff had an issue with a security guard they should bring it Drew or Brandon who would address it to the proper source.

e.      The process for mileage reimbursements has changed.  Beginning in 2016, if staff’s reimbursement amount is less than $100, they will need to complete a petty cash form.  Mileage reimbursement forms are due to Celeste Diaz by the 5^th of each month.  They will be able to pick up that petty cash at Central or you can send an email to Financial Services giving permission for another staff member, preferably a manager to pick it up.  We are waiting for final instructions from Financial Services.  Once received, we will communicate it.

       V.            Brandon announced that Tuttle would be taking part in an exciting lunch program during summer.

a.       Brandon shared that Houston’s school lunch program is very progressive in that it actually includes breakfast and dinner and some locations and that Houston is committed to providing for the basic needs of its children in order for them to be able to learn to their fullest potential.

b.      In order to fulfill this commitment during the summer, the parks program has stepped up and offered a lunch program that will be offered at community centers and libraries and Tuttle is proud to join with them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM from May 31^st to July 31^st.

c.       Staff will be trained to assist with the program.

     VI.            Brandon closed the meeting and staff adjourned to begin shelf reading.