June 8, 2020
BENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
JUNE 8, 2020
5:30
President Sue Wells called the meeting to order at 5:30.
Members Present: Debbie Clark, Stephanie Hart, Doris Heaton, Pat Hollada, Kathy Storey (by teleconference), and Sue Wells
Members Absent: Chris Jerrells
Also Present: Bookkeeper Kim Livesay and Director Susan Stickel
Motion by Stephanie Hart, seconded by Pat Hollada to approve the March 2020 minutes passed. All were in favor.
Motion by Debbie Clark, seconded by Doris Heaton to approve the payment of bills passed. All were in favor.
Motion by Doris Heaton, seconded by Stephanie Hart to approve the financial reports passed. All were in favor.
Librarian’s Report:
Susan reported receiving the Per Capita grant award letter.
Susan submitted the Live & Learn Grant for an electronic sign. The library has been awarded a Live & Learn Grant within the three year window, however Susan felt it was worth the extraeffort to apply.
Maintenance:
Kyle Shell with IPMG (the library’s insurance company). made the annual inspection of the library and presented a very good report with no concerns.
Programming:
All programming was cancelled as of March 17th due to Covid-19 and when we reopen it will continue to be suspended indefinitely.
Memorials and Donations:
The library received two memorial donations and one donation honoring Mr. A.
Old Business:
Personnel:
Personnel discussion was moved to the end of the board meeting.
Reading Garden:
Susan reported signage for the garden is being made and will soon be ready to install.
The Garden Gate Garden Club of Benton donated their time to weed the Butterfly and Serenity Gardens. A thank you card was sent to the club’s president on behalf of themembers that donated their time. Susan then arranged for Plantscape to treat the flower beds. They will be returning to spray any grasses that are then present.
Rain bonnets were placed on the new trash receptacles in the Reading Garden.
New Business:
Kim Livesay, bookkeeper, prepared the annual budget draft and was available to answer questions pertaining to the ordinance. After a brief discussion, Kim exited the meeting at approximately 5:50 pm.
After review of the first half of the year’s closed session minutes, Doris Heaton motioned, Stephanie Hart seconded to keep the records sealed passed. All were in favor.
Using the mathematical formula, the non-resident fee for out of district patrons is $108.00. Motion by Debbie Clark, seconded by Stephanie Hart to approve the non-resident fee and to again this year offer a non-tax based discount fee of $28.00 to be offered for the year beginning July1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021 passed. all were in favor. Susan will update the forms to reflect the current fees.
Regarding the opening of the library, Susan reported that the local health department has recommended the library remain closed through the 30th of June. The safety of our staff and patrons is our main priority therefore we are implementing the following changes:
The library will shorten hours of operation. We will continue to be open seven days a week, but our hours will be from 1:00 until 6:00 until further notice.
Staff will be available at the front entrance to greet patrons and provide information about how to navigate this new normal.
Masks must be worn by patrons entering the building. We will provide disposable masks to those who may need them. Temperature checks are required. Staff will keep a log of visitors in order to maintain compliance.
A maximum capacity of 15 will be allowed in the buiding at one time. This includes staff members.
Social distancing is required throughout the entire building.
All patrons are limited to 1 hr. in the building.
All returning material must be placed in the book drop at the entrance of the library building.
Protective shields have been installed at all work stations.
Individual rooms now have limited capacity with the exception of families.
All material is being quarantined and disinfected.
Children’s computers will not be available at this time.
As stated previously, all programs are suspended indefinitely.
The decision was made to not offer curbside service.
In regards to reopening the Reading Garden, this decision was tabled until next month’s board meeting.
Personnel:
A discussion was held regarding salaries of employees for the coming fiscal year. A motion was made by Doris Heaton, seconded by Pat Hollada, that there will be no pay raises for part-time employees efective 7-1-20 except as required by law. Susan Stickel, Henry Stickel, and Kim Livesay (bookkeeping salary) will receive 1% increase beginning 7-1-20. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
A motion was made by Debbie Clark, seconded by Doris Heaton that as of 6-15-20 all employees will be paid only for the hours that are worked as scheduled. Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
There being no further business and no public present, motion was made by Stephanie Hart, seconded by Debbie Clark to adjourn the meeting at 6:32 pm.
Susan Stickel
