Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

Call To Order

• President James Sullivan called the meeting to order.
• Gwendolyn Amamoo provided the invocation.

Presentations

• Sandra Lee was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her 25 years of service. Kimberly Richardson said she appreciates all the ways Lee has served BPL. Gwendolyn Amamoo thanked Lee for everything.

Public Voices

• Henrietta Tripp expressed her disappointment in what she described as an uninviting atmosphere that is not conducive for learning of the Central Library’s 1st floor. James Sullivan thanked her for her comments and stated the library has policies regarding food and drink that should be upheld. Sullivan stated the library is welcome to all, and homelessness is a broader issue that involves action from the city. Kimberly Richardson asked if Ms. Unit located in the ceiling of the third floor Central East building Tripp was able to visit the 2nd floor where the youth department and learning lab was located. Ms. Tripp stated no and said the first floor is still unwelcoming.

Approval of Agenda

• Gwendolyn Amamoo moved to approve the agenda. Eunice Johnson Rogers seconded the motion, and it was approved .

Approval of Consent Agenda

• Advocacy Committee report and Personnel Committee report were added to the consent agenda. Kimberly Richardson moved to approve the consent agenda with the additions. Gwendolyn Amamoo seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Terry Oglesby

• Terry Oglesby updated the board on the status of projects throughout the system. The Powderly roof project is complete. The Wylam project will be advertised in January, and bids will be taken in mid-January. The VOIP drawings are expected to be completed before the end of the year. The architect for the Central stair project is wrapping up the design for the re-bid of the project. Oglesby said the air unit located in the ceiling of the third floor Central East building will need to be sealed to prevent leaks coming through the ceiling tiles. Oglesby recommended checking with PEP at the city to ensure no special consideration is needed for the installation of the plaques on the wall in Linn-Henley Research Library

Attorney Malera Wright, City Attorney

• Attorney Wright provided the board with a copy of the open meeting law.
• Judge Scott Vowell moved to enter into executive session. Eunice Johnson Rogers seconded the motion, and it was approved. The board entered into executive session.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers moved to exit executive session. Sherri Nielson seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Operational Items Requiring Board Approval

Finance Reports

• Attorney Wright provided the board with a copy of the open meeting law.
• Judge Scott Vowell moved to enter into executive session. Eunice Johnson Rogers seconded the motion, and it was approved. The board entered into executive session.

• Eunice Johnson Rogers moved to exit executive session. Sherri Nielson seconded the motion, and it was approved.
  

Reports of the Committees

Personnel Committee Report

• Gwendolyn Amamoo made the recommendation to fill three positions: Community Engagement Manager funded from two vacant positions; Accountant funded from the vacant Business Manager position; and Director of Library Security funded by the contract security position.
• Floyd Council confirmed there will still be a Development Officer pending identification of a vacancy and will announce the position after approval from the board. Development will stay separate from Community Engagement and Public Relations. Richardson asked the Development Officer position be prioritized.
• Amamoo moved the three positions, Community Engagement Manager, Accountant, and Director of Library Security, be advertised, interviewed, and hired. Sherri Nielson seconded the motion, and it was approved.
• Amamoo informed the board that Caleb West will be the acting Collection Management Manager until the position is filled.
• Amamoo recommended Floyd Council assume the duties of the Deputy Director until the position is filled. Gwendolyn Amamoo made the recommendation to fill three positions: Community Engagement Manager funded from two vacant positions; Accountant funded from the vacant Business Manager position; and Director of Library Security funded by the contract security position.
• Floyd Council confirmed there will still be a Development Officer pending identification of a vacancy and will announce the position after approval from the board. Development will stay separate from Community Engagement and Public Relations. Richardson asked the Development Officer position be prioritized.
• Amamoo moved the three positions, Community Engagement Manager, Accountant, and Director of Library Security, be advertised, interviewed, and hired. Sherri Nielson seconded the motion, and it was approved.
• Amamoo informed the board that Caleb West will be the acting Collection Management Manager until the position is filled.
• Amamoo recommended Floyd Council assume the duties of the Deputy Director until the position is filled.

New Business

• Floyd Council requested to close all libraries on January 30 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for a quarterly, all staff meeting. Judge Scott Vowell moved to approve closing all libraries on January 30 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kimberly Richardson seconded the motion, and it was approved.
• James Sullivan announced the Nominating Committee will comprise of Kimberly Richardson, Judge Scott Vowell, and Willie Davis. The committee will meet prior to the next board meeting.

Board Members' Comments

• Kimberly Richardson wished all a Merry Christmas. Richardson thanked Mrs. Amamoo for her service on the board and thanked the staff.
• Judge Scott Vowell wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Pat Rumore commented that her first year as Friends Foundation president is coming to a close. Rumore has received great support from Sandi Lee and Floyd Council. Rumore looks forward to facilitating the partnership between the Foundation and library.
• Sherri Nielson wished all a Merry Christmas and thanked the library for the holiday programming offered to the patrons. Nielson appreciates the staff and fellow board members.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers agreed with all previous comments.
• Gwendolyn Amamoo thanked everyone as it may be Amamoo’s last meeting. Amamoo hopes the managers will share that she appreciates all the work that staff does.
• Floyd Council requested the libraries close at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve in consideration of staff safety.
• Kimberly Richardson moved to close the libraries at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve if the city does not close facilities early.
• Gwendolyn Amamoo seconded the motion, and it was approved.
• James Sullivan thanked Amamoo for serving as Vice President and her service on the board. Sullivan thanked all the staff.

Next Board Meeting is Tuesday, January 8, 2019.

Submitted By

Floyd Council, Secretary