Benton Public Library District
Board of Trustees Meeting
July 10, 2023
Members Present: Debbie Clark, Pat Hollada, Theresa Bates, Kathy Storey, Debbie Clark
Absent: Sue Wells, Larry Journey
Library Director: Susan Stickel
Meeting Called to Order: 5:30 pm by Debbie Clark (filling in for Sue Wells)
Approval of June Board Meeting Minutes
1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Theresa Bates
Payment of Bills:
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Brian Crisp
Financial Report:
1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Brian Crisp
Librarian’s Report:
Susan brought up the audit and what should we do going forward scheduling these (for this year and the following years). A full audit costs over$6,000, while and A.F.R. audit costs over $1,000. Pat mentioned that since we have spent a lot of money this past year, we should go with the full audit. There was a motion made to do this by Pat, but there wasn’t a second. Theresa made a motion for an A.F.R. for the past year, and Brian seconded this motion.
The vote was four yes, one no (Pat). We have decided to do the A.F.R. audit this year, and next year we will do the more expensive audit.
Susan has been in contact with our attorney about the small claims for the $849.60 in lost books. She did not show up for court, even though papers were served to her. We have blocked her library card and she will not have access to getting materials from now on. How do we proceed from here? Do we spend more time and money or just drop it and cut our losses. We agreed to drop the case and hope that having her card blocked, she won’t be getting any more resources from here.
Susan was in contact with the Benton Park Board. They do not have a policy about unattended children and ages. Our policy will stay the same with “children under the age of 10” need supervision while being at the library.
Susan requested getting another camera and pole for the pirate ship so that we can get a better angle of looking down to see what is happening on the ship. We told her to get one.
Pat mentioned that we need tables for the back of the library for people to sit on. We decided to move back two of the tables that were originally there and we will see what happened next.
MAINTENANCE:
F.W. Electric has performed the service maintenance on the air conditioners.
F.W. Plumbing has repaired the sink in the children’s room and cleaned all of the faucet screens in the building.
The gutters have been cleaned out on the library building and pavilion. Our mowing service does this for us as needed.
Dormakaba has been here and repaired the locking mechanism on the west interior door of the library.
Henry place the new No Trespassing after hours signs at both parking lot entrances, repaired the outside display case, put up the handicap parking sign, and put a coat of varnish on the pirate ship.
The statue light is still a work in progress.
READING GARDEN:
The playhouse linoleum has been cleaned and looks like new again. She removed the rubber mats that were causing issues and it was suggested that we don’t place the children’s benches inside the playhouse. The benches are making black markings on the linoleum.
Henry repositioned a concrete block that was in front of the little library. It raised up over time and was making the walkway uneven.
PROGRAMMING:
Below are a few of the current offerings:
Summer Steam has been amazing. It has drawn over 50 children per session.
Bingo has been a success
Tech Help is appreciated by those who stop by for it.
The Book Club is enjoyed by many in the community.
Paperback books are being compiled in the genealogy department, Among most recent, a picture book about the town of Christopher, Illinois. Other areas of interest are a work in progress.
Story Hour each Monday is a delightful time for children as they learn and have a fun time.
Craft Club on Mondays twice a month is a very enjoyable time to gather and work on individual projects.
Old Business:
NONE
Personnel:
**After conferring with auditing and the library’s attorney, we will be reimbursing Susan for all Medicare-related expenses/supplemental policy premiums. Doing this, There will be net –savings to the library district.
Decennial Meeting:
Doris briefly went over her findings with us and had compiled the information and handouts were given out to each of the board members.
1st by Brian Crisp 2nd by Pat Hollada
New Business
Ordinance #102-23 Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance
We held this budget meeting prior to the Board Meeting (5:15 pm)
1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Debbie Clark
All voted yes.
Other
Debbie Clark mentioned that the Reading Program that the library is offering is going well. She attended on and the kids seemed engaged.
Public Comment
NONE
Adjournment: 6:0 pm by Debbie Clark
1st by Theresa Bates 2nd by Brian Crisp
