New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes

January 29, 2025

Present:

George Anderson, President

Darla Smith, Vice President

Jill Robinson, Trustee

Abigail Magrath, Secretary

Donna Wells, Treasurer

Also Present:

Michelle Priola, Director

Absent:

Angelica Schmidt, Trustee

Alan Fairbrother, Trustee

George Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:12 pm.

Darla Smith made a motion to approve the January bills, seconded by George Anderson. Motion carries 5-0.

Donna Wells made a motion to approve minutes from the December 2024 board meeting, seconded by Jill Robinson. Motion carries 4-0.

Treasurer’s Report: 

Donna Wells requested to be the designated individual representing the New Berlin Library with all financial dealings in relation to stock shares of ConocoPhillips. Darla Smith made the resolution. Abby Magrath seconded the resolution. Motion carries 4-0 (1 abstained). 

Donna explained to the board that the New Berlin Library has 18 shares with ConocoPhillips. She reviewed the profit and loss sheet with the board. We did not use the total fund balance that was allocated in 2024. 

Jill Robinson made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. George Anderson seconded it. Motion carries 5-0.

Director’s Report:

Michelle updated the board on several grant opportunities. The Community Library grant would provide funds to redecorate the YA section. The Stewarts Holiday grant provides funds for the summer reading program. A $300 4 County Library mini grant was submitted. Michelle is going to apply for a grant that, if awarded, would provide funds for community outreach to Chase Nursing Home through art classes.

The Art Forum is sponsoring a winter concert with Elvis tribute artist, Aric McKown.The concert will be Wednesday, February 12 at 5PM. Aric charges $400 an hour. This was approved by the Art Forum. They would like to cover the cost of food and a free raffle basket.

Michelle is currently working on the annual report, which is due mid-February.

This spring, the library will, once again, host adult and children’s art classes. The adult class will be cherry blossom eggs and the children’s class will be 3-D bunny portraits. Michelle is planning the Egg Hunt for April 19 and will be working on a fundraising letter for April.

New business:

Michelle let the board know the thermostat in the NY room and children’s rooms was not working correctly. She was able to remedy the problem and it is now functioning properly.

Jill Robinson made a motion to close the meeting at 6:42 seconded by Darla Smith. Motion carries 5-0.