March 11, 2024
Benton Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
March 11, 2024
Members Present: Brian Crisp, Pat Hollada, Theresa Bates, Debbie Clark, Kathy Storey, Sue Wells, Larry Journey
Absent: None
Library Director: Susan Stickel
Also present: Kim Livesay, John Gulley
Meeting called to Order: 5:13 pm by Sue Wells
Approval of February Board Meeting Minutes
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Theresa Bates
Payment of Bills:
1st by Brian Crisp 2nd by Kathy Storey
Financial Report:
1st by Debbie Clark 2nd by Theresa Bates
Librarian’s Report:
MAINTENANCE:
The yearly fire alarm inspection was completed on February 29th, 2024.
The big shed needs some soffit work done to it. Susan has made arrangements for that to be completed. The gazebo also needs work done. Susan has taken care of this as well.
READING GARDEN OPENING:
Susan wishes to thank Pat, Kelsey, James, Salem, and Whitney for helping in the Reading Garden in preparation for its opening.
The garden grounds will be cleared of all winter debris before the egg hunt. Lisa will be washing all of the picnic tables, trash cans, and playhouse on March 19th.
PLAY AREA:
The finishing touches are being put around the new play area for the opening of the grounds on April 1st.
PROGRAMMING/COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The final preparations are underway for the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt.
National Library Week is April 7-April 13th. Ready, Set, Library! is the theme for this year. Susan stated that we are excited to join in the celebration with the other Illinois libraries for the week set aside that celebrates the importance of libraries in a community.
Old Business:
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
Personnel:
Susan Saxe has been transferred to Stonebridge for therapy.
New Business
Series 2014 Bonds
Susan gave Sue a copy of the email form the attorney about information with the 2014 Bonds. Sue read it to the board. The bonds will be paid off in 2039. We have the option of refinancing or doing nothing at this time. We could always refinance later if we wanted to. We have decided to leave it as is until we know any further information about this.
Other
Debbie brought in samples of the polo shirts for board members to look at. There was a sign-up sheet for anyone who might be interested in one. Debbie will place an order when everyone has had a chance to look at the samples and sign the sheet. Prices for the shirt are still unknown until we have an actual number to order.
Public Comment:
John Gulley spoke to the board about having a Genealogy building constructed next door on the recently purchased lot. The board members told him this would have to be discussed at a later time.
Adjournment: 5:50 PM by Sue Wells
1st by Theresa Bates 2nd by Debbie Clark
