August 11, 2021
Benton Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
August 11, 2021
Members Present: Debbie Clark, Sue Wells, Brian Crisp, Pat Hollada, Sara Handlin, Stephanie Hart
Absent: Kathy Storey (via phone)
Library Director: Susan Stickel
Meeting Called to Order: 5:33 pm by Sue Wells
Motion to make Sara Handlin an official library board trustee
1st by Sue Wells 2nd by Debbie Clark
Sara was sworn in by Sue Wells
Corrections to the July Board meeting minutes:
- C and J Motors name change was made in the minutes
- Ordinance 102-21 It was noted and marked an passed by unanimous roll call vote
- We voted to move forward with the pirate ship project
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Sara Handlin
Passed by unanimous vote
Payment of Bills:
1st by Stephanie Clark 2nd by Sara Handlin
Passed by unanimous vote
Financial Report:
1st by Sara Handlin 2nd by Stephanie Hart
Passed by unanimous vote
Librarian’s Report:
Susan brought up the topic of the ground cover for the log area in the Reading Garden. She talked with Scooter Nelms from the Benton Park (their material was very expensive). She will talk with Burkdell Mulch in Ewing about the playground grade chips (not sure of the price)
The paperwork for State Bank of Whittington was passed out to all members so we can start signing checks and our names will be on the account.
Doorma from St Louis came to fix the handicapped door entrance.
The LED lighting project is almost finished. The total price for this was $3,400.00. We all agreed it looked very nice.
Henry has fixed the light in the employee restroom.
Susan mentioned that $600 was given towards the pirate ship project (which we will refer to as a learning experience for children).
Someone donated $100 for someone to win if their name is chosen from those who get vaccinated at the Benton Public Library.
Susan has applied for a Humanities Grant.
Baysinger Architecture was here to check on the beams of the pavilion in the Reading Garden area. Some beams are splitting and leaning. He assured Susan and Henry that it was safe, but would replace them if need be. They would accept full responsibility. Sue suggested that Susan check withour insurance about the pavilion beams.
We decided to purchase an ad in the Benton High School yearbook. We chose the $200 ad and would feature the Reading Garden.
Old Business:
We discussed increasing the hours of employee(s). We are going to leave the scheduling up to Susan and her discretion. Kim Livesay stressed interst in working here and getting more hours. We decided to up her hours to 35 a week (no less). Debbie will meet with Susan to discuss her salary and what herr job will consist of for this salary.
1st by Pat Hollada 2nd by Debbie Clark
The new fence addition will cost $16,244.00
1st by Pat Hollada 2nd by Stephanie Hart
Passed by unanimous roll call vote
We will have to put down 50% of the total now and are now waiting for the fence materials to come in (shortage/backorder)
Face coverings the topic was brought up about if we should change our current policy to REQUIRED face covering while in the library
1st by Stephanie Hart 2nd by Pat Hollada
Passed unanimously
Personnel: See above about Kim Livesay
New Business
Susan mentioned that she is currently working on the IPLAR Annual Report.
Susan brought up the idea about slowing down on spending money. We have recently spent money/ purchased things that are quite expensive. We agreed to halt the idea of the parking lot project for now. Susan said that we might be able to extend our grant to possibly pay for the fencing.
Adjournment: 6:22
1st by Stephanie Hart 2nd by Debbie Clark
Brian Crisp – Secretary
