December 12, 2022
Benton Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
December 12, 2022
Members Present: Debbie Clark, Brian Crisp, Pat Hollada, Kathy Storey, and Sue Wells
Absent: Stephanie Hart, Sara Handlin
Library Director: Susan Stickel
Meeting Called to Order: 5:30 pm by Debbie Clark, then taken over by Sue Wells
Benton City Council Representative/Zoning Commissioner
Kathy Garavaglia from the Benton City Council introduced Brian Calcaterra from the city’s Zoning Department. Brian spoke about the three lots that lie east of the library and the Reading Garden. The city has purchased one and is in the process of purchasing the other two. The trailer has been removed from the one lot. Lots have been cleared and mowed. Their plan is to put in playground equipment that complements the Reading Garden and Pirate Ship. Their goal is to get kids to this property and eventually the library. The lot is 150 ft x 160 ft. They are currently preparing for future development of the lot
Approval of November Board Meeting Minutes
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Kathy Storey
Payment of Bills:
1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Debbie Clark
Financial Report:
1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Debbie Clark
Librarian’s Report:
- Susan mentioned that there might have been a water leak during the Polar Express movie night. She looked around and didn’t see any water damage on the ceiling tiles. She brought up the idea of having the roof inspected for damage. It hasn’t been inspected since it was built. She would check in to it before having it done. We told her it was probably a good idea to have this inspection done.
- There was a great turnout for the movie night. Lots of children and adults were there. (157 kids!) Santa showed up, crafts were made, and many pizzas were delivered. Kim is already planning out next year’s events.
- Kim also mentioned that she might be doing a movie night each month in the future at the library.
- The CD is coming up for renewal. Kathy is going to check current interest rates to see what is best for it and will let us know.
1st by Brian Crisp 2nd by Sue Wells
Old Business:
Personnel:
NONE
512 South Main St. property
- Pam Teague spoke about getting new donations from differrrent people and getting to store them at the Benton Community Building on North Main Street. The donations were coming from Mulkeytown and possibly the McAfoos family.
- Pam showed us two images of pole barn building shells that could be possible frameworks for a building on the property. One was $23,000 and the other was $42,000.
Brian made a motion to go into Executive Session. Debbie Clark seconded the motions. The Executive Session started at 6:10 and ended at 6:35.
- Sue made assignments for certain people. Brian was in charge of contacting Michael McGuire. We need to find someone who can give us professional advice and opinions of what sould happen to the property next door and cost. Brian will get back with the board on this information. She assigned Pam Teague the task of getting things stored at the Benton Community Building or wherever she can. Pam can also be in contact with Susan about this. Sue mentioned that we have no current plans on which direction we will be going with this or any project in the future, but we need to have a plan and advice to help make better decisions.
New Business
- Review of Closed Session Minutes – There were no closed session minutes to review and reflect upon.
- Ordinance #105-22 Library Board Meeting Dates and Times. We looked over the proposed dates for the following year and we were okay with them
- Library Holiday Schedule for the year 2023. We decided to keep all of the holidays the same as last year.
- Employee appreciation- Debbie Clark made a motion that we continue to keep giving employees a $30 Wal-Mart gift card for all of the library employees for Christmas.
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Pat Hollada
- Per Capita Requirements hand book. Susan mentioned that we review our blue handbook. Nothing has changed in the book but it is always good to be up-to-date on what is in there.
Other
Brian Mentioned that he feels the Reading Garden and Pirate Ship should now be closed strting December 1st and reopening on March 15th due to the winter and possible inclement weather. There could be a variety of slick surfaces on sidewalks, on the ship, etc., that could be a safety hazard.
1st by Pat Hollada 2nd by Kathy Storey
- Open House/dedication for the Reading Garden was brought up by Debbie Clark. We need to make this happen soon when the weather is good. Sue asked Debbie to plan something for this event. This might possibly be in the month of May.
Public Comment
NONE
Adjournment: 6:56 pm by Sue Wells
1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Debbie Clark
