Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

Minutes	November 13, 2018	4:30 p.m.	Central Library Boardroom
Meeting Called By	James A. Sullivan, President
Type of Meeting	Regular Board Meeting
Attendees	Trustees: Gwendolyn Amamoo, Fatima Carter, Willie S. Davis III, Sherri Nielson, Kimberly Richardson, James Sullivan, Eunice Johnson Rogers, Judge Scott Vowell Advisory Member Present: Patricia B. Rumore, Friends Foundation President Staff Present: Floyd Council, Executive Director; Sandra Lee, Deputy 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; Bessie Miller, Central Youth Manager; Melvia Walton, Community Engagement; Caleb West, Collection Management Others Present: Malera Wright, Assistant City Attorney; Kay Kinnear, Retiree

Call To Order

Floyd Council congratulated Tobin Cataldo, Collection Management Coordinator will become the next JCLC Executive Director.
Karyn Davis-West introduced Bessie Miller as the Youth and 2nd Floor Manager at Central Library.

Fatima Carter moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Personnel Committee under Committee Reports. Gwendolyn Amamoo seconded the motion, and it was approved.

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

Floyd Council reported the Central Library is working with a specialist to determine how to repair ceiling leaks. There is no update on the Central stair project. PEP is working towards Central Library crosswalk leaks. The Wylam Branch Library is projected to be bid out in January.

Judge Scott Vowell moved to approve the 2019 Holiday Working Schedule. Willie Davis III seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Judge Vowell reported on the Policy Committee meeting. The committee recommends to approve the PCI compliance for credit card payments pending legal review. Attorney Wright will check on the review.
The committee brought the discussion to the board about ways patrons and staff can submit confidential comments to the board. Attorney Wright reminded the board there is a policy currently for staff which should be separate than customer service policy. Staff needs to follow the staff policy. Judge Vowell stated further research will be conducted to accomplish the result the board is working towards.

Kimberly Richardson moved to approve the Special Called Meeting minutes from October 22, 2018, as presented. Sherri Nielson seconded the motion, and it was approved.

The Eastwood Branch lease has been signed for the next two years, and the committee reviewed the document. The committee wants to initiate a discussion for long-term plan for the organization structure of the system. Council was asked to look at creative solutions for long-term plans.
The Long-Range Planning Committee made recommendations to the Personnel Committee in regards to staffing structure and a plan from Council for re-organization.
The committee recommended the board speak to the city in regards to the library sending requests to the city to fill vacant positions. The city has responded that the positions are not funded when the positions were included in the budget which was previously approved at the beginning of the fiscal year. Fatima Carter stated the issue is included in the Personnel Committee.

Gwendolyn Amamoo reported the committee discussed the vacancies. The committee asked Edith to submit the vacancies, advertise the positions, and get them filled. Fatima Carter reported that Edith Major will provide the committee with a list of vacant positions that came back from the city as not funded, and the committee would go to the city to ask questions.
Gwendolyn Amamoo moved to advertise the Deputy Director position, internally and externally, and fill as soon as possible. Fatima Carter seconded the motion, and all were in favor.
Kimberly Richardson moved to authorize Floyd Council to determine the process to appoint staff to serve in the interim capacity of Deputy Director and Collection Management Coordinator. Gwendolyn Amamoo seconded the motion, and all were in favor.

Kimberly Richardson requested planning continue for the plaques honoring past board presidents.

Willie Davis III is glad there will be a new process for grievances which will allow for more transparency.
Kimberly Richardson agreed with Davis’ comment. Richardson thanked the board for their hard work and wished all a happy Thanksgiving.
Pat Rumore informed the board the annual appeal is taking place, and the bookstore is continuing to work hard.
Judge Scott Vowell let Pat Rumore know that she is appreciated and the work she does for the library does not go unnoticed.
Sherri Nielson appreciates the work of Pat Rumore and the support of the Friends Foundation. Nielson appreciates the work of the staff.
Gwendolyn Amamoo is grateful for the board’s legal representation. Amamoo thanked the board. Amamoo also appreciates the work of the bookstore and enjoys coming in. Amamoo thanked Mr. Hilliard for attending the meeting. Amamoo congratulated Tobin Cataldo on being hired as Executive Director of Jefferson County Library Cooperative. Amamoo thanked Sandra Lee for her work and will see her at the December board meeting.
Davis thanked Floyd Council and staff for attending the Community Kitchens breakfast. Davis is working towards partnerships between the library and Community Kitchens.
James Sullivan congratulated Cataldo, the board, and Lee for working hard together.

Floyd Council, Secretary