Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

Minutes	July 10, 2018	4:30 p.m.	Central Library Boardroom
Meeting Called By	James A. Sullivan, President
Type of Meeting	Regular Board Meeting
Attendees	Trustees:Wardine Alexander, Gwendolyn Amamoo, Willie S. Davis III, Eunice Johnson Rogers, James A. Sullivan, Judge Scott Vowell Board Members Not Present: Fatima Carter, Sherri Nielson, Kimberly Richardson Advisory Member Present: Patricia B. Rumore, Friends Foundation President Staff: Floyd Council, Executive Director; Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer; Tobin Cataldo, Collection Management; Karyn Davis-West, Central Manager; Yolanda Hardy, Northeast Regional Manager; Janine Langston, Southwest Regional Manager; Mary Little, Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director; Edith Major, Personnel Officer; Diana Prince, Administration; Vincent Solfronk, Eastwood; Melvia Walton, Community Engagement; Roy Williams, PR Director; Phillip Willingham, IT Others Present: Veronica Merritt, Assistant City Attorney; Kay Kinnear, Retiree

Call To Order

The Advocacy Committee made presentations about the Innovative Cool Awards and the I am BPL Awards. Vincent Solfronk, Eastwood Branch Library was presented with an Innovative Cool Award for his idea of circulating board games for teens and adults. Solfronk thanked the board and administration for their support. Diana Prince was presented with an I Am BPL Award for her idea to post an expiration date on library cards. The Advocacy Committee discussed using a variation of the idea with the upcoming mobile app.
Shawn Caddell, Eastwood presented her ALA Conference experience to the board. Caddell’s experience was also published in the BPL newsletter.

Judge Scott Vowell moved to approve the agenda. Eunice Johnson Rogers seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Gwendolyn Amamoo moved to approve the consent agenda. Judge Scott Vowell seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Terry Oglesby shared an email update on current projects. The contract for the Powderly Branch Library roof was sent to the Legal Department and Mayor’s Office. The stair replacement project was sent back to the architect to scale back the cost. Trane is following up on outstanding issues throughout the buildings. The third floor crosswalk is currently being sealed. Floyd Council confirmed Ensley Branch Library is still closed due to HVAC replacement.

Damein Baity presented the finance report to the board.
Gwendolyn Amamoo moved to accept the finance report. Eunice Johnson Rogers seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Floyd Council reported the committee discussed looking into larger incentives for staff such as a “Super” I Am BPL Award. The Friends Foundation may be interested in contributing or creating awards for staff.

Floyd Council shared additional information about summer learning vs. summer reading with the board.
Floyd Council stated once the passport services are ready to begin at select branches, Community Engagement and Public Relations will work towards promoting awareness. Karyn Davis-West said the next steps would be for all staff involved to have their citizenship verified.

Floyd Council and Sandra Lee are working towards including the three regional managers’ public service reports within the board packet.
National Summer Learning Day will take place July 12, 2018. Janine Langston provided the board with an update in Summer Learning progress so far. Council thanked Langston for doing a fabulous job also thanking Public Relations and Community Engagement.

Wardine Alexander thanked fellow trustees for the opportunity to attend the ALA Conference 2018. Alexander brought back many books and hopes to have them distributed at branches. Alexander passed along a suggestion from a friend who is requesting Titusville Branch Library increase the number of programs for retirees.
Willie Davis stated the Dannon Project is providing mental health counseling and will explore providing services at different branches.
Pat Rumore looks forward to the MOU discussion between BPL and the Friends Foundation.
Gwendolyn Amamoo asked the staff keep up the good work.
James Sullivan enjoyed his time at ALA and thanked trustees for the opportunity. Sullivan announced Dora Sims sent invitations to all board members for an event put on by City Council President Valerie Abbott in honor of Sims’ years of service.

Floyd Council, Secretary