January 10, 2022

Benton Public Library District
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 10, 2022

Members Present: Debbie Clark, Brian Crisp, Pat Hollada, Sue Wells, Sara Handlin, Stephanie Hart, Kathy Storey

Absent: None

Library Director: Susan Stickel

Meeting called to Order: 5:33 pm by Debbie Clark/then Sue Wells

Approval of December Board Meeting Minutes

1st by Sara Handlin 2nd by Stephanie Hart

Payment of Bills:

1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Pat Hollada

Financial Report:

1st by Stephanie Hart 2nd by Sara Handlin

Librarian’s Report:

Sara Handlin asked about the status update on the vandals. The police have not learned anything new.
Sara Handlin will represent the Benton Library at Mr. A’s memorial service/dedication on January 30th. The library will stay open on this date.
Vaccine update: We have had another employee get the vaccine. Another employee said that they will now be getting one.
Another employee has resigned due to her husband’s work schedule.
Employee handbook update: The paper was passed around and phone numbers were verified for a new printing.
We now have keys to the building next door. The electricity and water will be put in the library’s name as of tomorrow (1-11-2022). The power will be left on for the time being.
The pine tree has been cut down in the back. It has been suggested to plant a shade tree for the existing area (possibly a red maple?). Susan mentioned the tree could be dedicated to the memory of Mr. A.
The policy manual needs to be reviewed/updated about service animals. There was an incident with a dog on the property. We need to get with the lawyer to see what they say. We probably need to post a sign at the front door about allowing service animals.
The new fence around the new boat will be installed this week instead of in February.
Library progamming update:
- We had a good turnout for Christmas
- 35had entered the drawing
- 44 backpacks were given away to students/families
- The letters to Santa were very successsful
- The library will host a tiny art show soon
Circulation totals for December were 2,090 items
Loyd Electric has an estimate for more lighting in the back and by the ahip. The total was $3,800.00

1st by Pat Hollada 2nd by Stephanie Hart

All voted yes.

Old Business:

Personnel:

The vandals still haven’t beeen caught, but the police are still watching social media.
Personnel: Susan passed out copies of the personnel raises for the next several years. We all thought that it looked great. We decided to go with it for at least the first year and watch to see if anything changes later with the laws, but we do have a framework for the next several years for raises. Salaries will be addressed in June.

1st by Sara Handlin 2nd by Stephanie Hart

All voted yes

Susan mentioned she is going to need to hire an additional person. She is looking at hiring Shannon Hess. We told Susan to do what she needed to do.

New Business

Banking Ordinance 101-22. Susan needs signatures from Brian and Sue.
Government Mileage Reimbursement 58.5 cents per mile

1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Pat Hollada

We received an updated document from Rend Lake College stating the number of laptops that would be used for the GED program to be held at the library.
Kathy’s signature needed on the 6month receipt/disbursement form

Other