June 12,2023
Benton Public Library District
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 12, 2023
Members Present: Debbie Clark, Brian Crisp, Kathy Storey, Theresa Bates, Larry Journey
Absent: Sue Wells
Library Director: Susan Stickel
Meeting Called to Order: 5:32 pm by Debbie Clark
Approval of May 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 Brian Crisp 2nd by Kathy Storey
Librarian’s Report:
Maintenance:
The light has been installed on the old shed. We have a $4,200 estimate from Terrace Fence Company to place more fencing in the back. The funeral home has agreed to let us connect to their new building. They think it is a good idea and may help out with the cross traffic in the back area.
Henry placed a closing latch on the outdoor library. We were having issues with the lock.
Henry also fixed the entry gate close to the dumpster to make entry safer.
The sidewalk on the northeast gate in The Reading Garden is finished. Concrete pads were installed.
Henry continues to make improvements and provide maintenance to the ship.
The awning at C & J Motors was disposed of.
Screws were placed in both cigarette receptacles in hopes of curbing the vandalism. On Monday, June 12th, vandals broke the containers in spite of the efforts made.
The employee entrance door has been repaired.
- Debbie Clark asked if more sidewalks could possibly be added. She also brought up that we need a handicap parking sign for the spot on the right hand side of the entrance.
Community Outreach:
The dedication of the Reading Garden/ship dedication was promoted in person, by phone, emailing and texting. The newspapers were notified. Kimberly promoted the event on social media. The Gazette covered the event and a nice article was written in the paper.
Signature Cards:
Susan will prepare a letter to State Bank of Whittington to have retiring board member’s names removed from the account and the new member’s names added. Everyone will need to in person to the bank with their photo ID to sign a signature card. Please wait to hear from Susan as the bank will notify her when everything is ready.
Old Business:
Personnel:
CLOSED SESSION from 5:42 to 5:56 to discuss personnel, salaries, raises, etc.
Raises were given to full-time employees for the year starting July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024.
Decennial Meeting:
Doris was absent for this meeting. Susan collected any of the filled-out surveys to give to her.
New Business
Review of the closed session minutes: NONE
Non-Resident Program Fee
- $98.00 is the new fee per family/household based on a calculated formula based on population. The last fee was around $80+. We voted unanimously to increase the rate on this.
2023-2024 Budget Draft
- The lawyer looked this over and said that everything looks good. This will be voted on at the next meeting in July at 5:15.
Policy for Unattended Children
- Currently, our policy is that 10 year old children and above can be in the library without the supervision of an adult. Should this be changed? We are going to ask the Park Board to see if they have an age policy in regards to this. Could a form be sent home with children if they are misbehaving. Our lawyer could draw something up for us and give us more advice on this topic.
Other
Debbie wanted to complement Susan and everyone who helped out with the dedication for the Reading Garden and the ship christening. Susan and Debbie both agreed that everything went well and people enjoyed their time while they were here. Theresa stated the volunteer group also had a great time at this event.
Public Comment
NONE
Adjournment: 6:14 pm by Debbie Clark
1st by Kathy Storey 2nd by Theresa Bates
