New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes May 31st, 2023
In attendance:
George Anderson, President
Donna Wells, Treasurer
Angelica Schmidt, Secretary
Abigail Magrath
Jill Robinson, Trustee
Alan Fairbrother, Trustee
Also in attendance:
Michelle Priola, Director
Absent:
Darla Smith, Vice-President
George Anderson calls the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
Most current bills are reviewed by board members and initialed for approval.
Jill Robinson makes a motion to approve the minutes from March’s meeting, seconded by Alan Fairbrother. Motion carries 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report
Donna Wells hands out the Profit and Loss sheet for January through May 2023 and the Balance Sheet as of May 31st of 2023.
Discussion about whether or not to leave the legal fund as a separate line on the balance sheet with the final decision to keep the legal fund as a separate line on the budget sheet.
Donna Wells reviews expenses and income. No questions from Board.
Director’s Report
Michelle reviews with the Board that the Freewill Rummage Fundraiser will run from June 1st-30th.
Michelle also updates the Board that Kelly Miller from The Evening Sun wanted to write an article about the rummage sale and provided questions to ask about the sale. Some discussion about how to respond to this inquiry from the newspaper. Michelle will most likely answer the questions for the reporter.
Michelle mentions that the water fountain is not working. Discussion about whether to remove the water fountain with consensus that the water fountain can remain in place for now with the status of inoperable.
Michelle provides an update on Bill Mclaughlin’s photography exhibit. Bill may not be able to attend the opening reception. As the time approaches details will be worked out as to what day in early July the opening reception will occur. The art forum has provided $100 toward a performer for the reception opening.
Michelle has received the Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant of $750 for this year’s Summer Reading Program. The theme for this year is “All Together Now.” Some discussion as to how to create a display around this theme.
Michelle reviews the latest donations to the library museum from the Beardslees and Perkins. All donations have been placed and inventoried. More donations on the way.
Michelle has filed the Annual Report and so far has received no updates for any changes/requests.
The Board approved the response letter to the Village regarding the painting of the library building. The letter specified that the library board would not be seeking painting contractors on behalf of the village. Additionally, as per standard municipal policy there should be an open bid process advertised in the paper or three estimates obtained and that only contracting company qualified in proper lead paint abatement should be considered without exception. President George Anderson will sign this letter as spokesperson on behalf of the library Board of Trustees before it is sent to the Village.
Progress for the Perkins Summer Performance Series is as follows: All acts are booked and the performers have signed their contracts. Prolifiq will be contacted for signs and the Evening Sun will run ads for the performance series.
Michelle provides the results of the ABC night event that the library participated in at UVCS. Great outreach was achieved with over 200 books handed out to attendees.
The Boy Scout Historic Hike event that the library participated in was a success, with a total of 4 boy scout troops attending and public outreach being considerable. It is likely that the library will participate again at the next Historic Hike.
Michelle brought up the empty magazine rack with request as to what the Board would like to do with this article of furniture. George Anderson makes a motion to declare the magazine rack discard and offer it through the 4CLS “Freebie” email, seconded by Alan Fairbrother. Motion carries 6-0.
George Anderson makes a motion to close the library meeting at 6:29pm, seconded by Alan Fairbrother. Motion carries 6-0.