Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

Call To Order

Meeting called to order by President James Sullivan.

Judge Scott Vowel provided the invocation.

Public Voices

G.L. Matthew spoke about his book, "From the Ghetto to the Promised Land." Mr. Matthew attended the meeting to discuss having a book signing at the library to promote his book.

Presentations

There were no presentations.

Approval of Agenda

James A. Sullivan moved to approve the agenda.

Approval of Consent Agenda

James A. Sullivan moved to approve the consent agenda. Fatima Carter seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Terry Oglesby, City Architect

Mr. Council provided an update on the Wylam project and the Central Stairs project update. Project management was the issue and it was resolved. The City of Birmingham project both projects will be completed by the end of the year.

Malera Wright, Assistant City Attorney

There is no new Business.

Operational Items Requiring Board Approval

Finance Reports

Damein Baity presented the financial report to the board. James A. Sullivan made a motion to accept the finance report as presented. Fatima Carter seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Reports of the Committees

Advocacy Committee

Willie S. Davis presented the minutes from the Advocacy Committee Meeting. He discussed going with the prior year’s vendor for the plaques. Mr. Council recommended we use the prior vendor to purchase the plaques . Mr. Council stated that Project Management would make sure dates are corrected going forward. Damein Baity stated that the prior vendor was the cheapest and the Library is familiar with the quality of the vendor. Mrs. Eunice Rogers if the additional $200.00 was for each plaque. Judge Vowell asked, would it be a conflict going with Clark Memorial, and asked for the total cost. Mrs. Fatima asked if there would be any problems getting the plaques done by the deadline. Mr. Council stated that he wanted to have the plaques mounted round the 1st or the 2nd of April and have them covered until the unveiling. Judge Vowell wanted to know if the vendor would install the plaques. Mr. Baity stated the contractors will install plaques. Mrs. Carter asked if Clark puts up the plaques would they take accountability. She also wanted to know if Mr. Council had a plan B, if the plaques do not arrive on time. Mrs. Carter also wanted to know will we have certificates if they are not finished by deadline. Mrs. Eunice suggested going with another vendor. Mr. Baity informed Mrs. Eunice that the Library has used the same vendor before and he was not aware of any issues. Mrs. Carter asked if the Board would look at prior year’s contracts. Mr. Council stated that he wanted a plaque to honor Sandi Lee. Judge Vowell asked do we normally have plaques for interim. Mr. Council stated he wanted to honor Sandi Lee during Staff Day in October. Mr. Davis inquired about doing Eat Drink Read Write again if not this year maybe next year. Mr. Council stated that he would have to get back with Mr. Davis concerning Eat Drink Read Write. Mr. Davis asked where we stand with Grant Writing. Mr. Council stated that the Strategic Plan goal was to raise $500,000.00 but we raised less than $100,000.00 dollars. He stated that the Development Office has been multi- tasking with Community Outreach and Grants and we have not met our goals. Mr. Council stated we are taking a committee approach (Executive Development Committee).

Mrs. Langston gave the following updates of the grants; * Alabama Power Foundation * Alabama Ballet (Meet a ballet) * Brent and Tucker (math and dance).

Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business

New Business

There was no new Business.

Director's Report for March 12, 2019

Mr. Council stated that the PR team had put together some passport cards to inform staff and patrons upon Kimberly Richardson’s request. Mr. Council asked the Board for permission to add the Library to the list of Urban Libraries Council to build a rapport with the other 142 libraries.

Judge Scott Vowel moved to approve the library being added to the list of Urban Libraries and Mr. Sullivan seconded and it was approved.

Mr. Council asked the Board to accept the Directors Report as Published. Mr. Council thanked the staff and the Board for all they do.

Board Members' Comments

Willie Davis thanked Karyn and the staff for their assistance on Dannon Project Fair. He also wanted to thank Community Kitchen for providing lunch for our patrons during the fair.

Mrs. Amamoo suggested sending something in writing to thank Community Kitchen for the lunch and all that they do and she motioned for the Community Kitchen to get something in writing and it was approved.

Mr. Davis stated he is working with Alabama Power on having ACT Prep classes at Dannon Project facility, but later plan to move the classes to the library.

Mrs. Rodgers stated she met with Pat Rumore concerning getting auditors for Community Foundation because the foundation has not had an audit since 2016.

Mr. Council stated the City schedules audits for the library and JCLC has someone who does their audits.

Next Board Meeting is Tuesday, May 14, 2019

James A. Sullivan moved to adjourn the meeting.

Submitted By

Floyd Council, Secretary