New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes
September 27th, 2023
Present:
George Anderson, President
Darla Smith, Vice President
Angelica Schmidt, Secretary
Alan Fairbrother, Trustee
Jill Robinson, Trustee
Abigail Magrath, Trustee
Also Present:
Michelle Priola, Director
Absent:
Donna Wells, Treasurer
George Anderson calls the meeting to order at 6:12pm.
Jill Robinson makes a motion to approve minutes from the July board meeting, seconded by George Anderson. Motion carries 6-0.
Abilgail Magrath makes a motion to accept August and September bills, seconded by Darla Smith. Motion carries 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report:
Balance sheet as of September 13th, 2023 is passed to Board members. Reconciliation Summary with Period ending 9/13/2023 is also passed to Board members for review.
Darla Smith makes a motion to accept the treasury report including above reviewed forms, seconded by Abilgail Magrath. Motion carries 6-0.
Director’s Report:
Michelle updates the Board on the Freewill Donation Book Rummage Fundraiser which will take place starting Tuesday October 3-26th. This event will be run the same way as the summer freewill donation book rummage event. Fliers and signs have been created with a suggested donation of $1 per bag.
Michelle also updates the Board about the Halloween Party which will take place October 30th at 6pm. Ron Cain will be the performing magician at this event. The New Berlin Art Forum is sponsoring the magician’s performance fee if $350.
Michelle mentions to the Board that the Youth Center in town offered to paint the library windows with Halloween theme October 27-29. Michelle agreed contingent on the screen portion of the window not being painted. Board in agreement.
Michelle updates the Board that the Christmas Party will take place December 16th at 2pm and will feature a live dulcimer player, Eileen Rose. Eileen Rose’s performance fee of $300 will be sponsored by the New Berlin Art Forum.
Michelle also mentions a Freewill Holiday Rummage Fundraiser will occur November 6th-December 8th. The Loretta and Ed Caputo have generously donated items for this rummage fundraiser.
Michelle updates the Board that the Art Forum Program held this summer was a great success with 336 children participating in various art projects.
Michelle also updates the Board that the Summer Reading Program reached a record participation level of 72 children reading a combined total of 38,730 minutes.
Michelle mentions that the New Berlin Library participated in the 4cls Library Road trip and 165 patrons visited the New Berlin Library.
The Village of New Berlin has completed the lead paint testing and has decided to hire 2 separate companies to undertake the project of painting the library. The first company hired will be responsible for lead paint abatement and priming and the second company will complete the final painting.
Michelle updates the Board on the specifics of the Perkins Performance Series and attendees at each of the 5 concerts. Also, ideas concerning next year’s concert series are discussed as follows: there will be a total of 4 Perkins events next year that may possibly include a Petting Zoo as one of the events.
Michelle reviews upcoming Holiday Closing Dates as follows: Columbus Day, November 10 and 11 for Veteran’s Day, November 23, 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving, December 23, 25 and 26 for Christmas, and January 1st for New Year.
The Board agrees to hold an organizational meeting December 27th at 6pm. Motion made by George Anderson, seconded by Abilgail Magrath. Motion carries 6-0.
Michelle reviews this year’s election stats as follows: Abigail Magrath’s and Alan Fairbother’s seats are up for election. Nominations for these seats will take place between November 6-24. December 4-22 elections for these seats will then be held. The ballot box will be opend and tallied at the December 27 organization meeting.
Michelle also stated that the letter requesting release of the library taxes from the school has been mailed.
Jill Robinson makes a motion to close the meeting at 6:54 seconded by Darla Smith. Motion carries 6-0.