Bright Spot and Other News

Happy July! You just received a 1.9% increase in your wages. Thanks to our board of trustees for recognizing the need for this increase.

Here's more news:

• Thanks to those of who who cheerfully greeted our consultant from Carlson Dettman this week. CD is conducting a broad wage study for the whole KPL organization. They will be comparing the wages of private and public institutions in the area to determine where our wages fall, how we can adjust them toward a more fair wage, and how we can remain competitive in our recruitment efforts. We hope to have a proposed revised wage scale back from CD in time to craft a 2019 budget. There is a strong possibility that proposed changes in our wages will necessitate a multi-year phase-in period. We won't know much more till August.
• This week's Bright Spot Award goes to Sandy Bear. If you've spent any time at the administration office, you know we get an interesting collection of delightful and challenging people who wander in off the street, mostly looking for the courthouse, but sometimes stranded in Kenosha with very little bearings. As their first contact wandering in, they are lucky enough to meet up with Sandy, who has brought her compassionate service philosophy from the branches to administration. Sandy doesn't just turn people away, she counsels them and sets them up for success before they leave the office. Her patience and gentle respect for everyone is inspiring, and we award her the Bright Spot Award this week to recognize her service to KPL and the community.
• Thanks to everyone who signed up to walk in the 4th of July parade this Sunday! I love the cheers from the crowd as they see us passing on the route. KPL is much loved, and it's because of You!
• We have a new board member in July. Ellen Kupfer has ended her time on the board and will be replaced by Pastor Carlos Flores from St. Mark's church. Please welcome him into this new role.
• Thanks to Dan, Scott, and Jim for getting so much good work done on our lawns and gardens, despite the incessant rain. Simmons looks beautiful for the parade with the flag bunting and flower boxes!
• Proud to see the "Cooling Center" signs in our yards again this year and proud that we are open at SW on Sundays this summer. I am hearing praise from the community for both. Although our Sunday attendance isn't as high as it is when school's in session, being open is important to a lot of people, and this weekend, it will be good to know that those without the means to afford air conditioning will have somewhere safe and welcoming to get temporary relief.  Thanks for your service to the community on so many levels. It's no wonder your community adores you.

Summer is finally here! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Barb