Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

Call To Order

• The February 9, 2021 board meeting was called to order by Eunice Johnson Rogers at 4:30 p.m.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

None

• The February 9, 2021 board meeting was called to order by Eunice Johnson Rogers at 4:30 p.m.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

None

Presentations

Wylam Branch Library Virtual Dedication

• Kimberly Richardson asked if we could thank our sponsors and if this video link bas been shared with City employees. Janine Langston responded that yes, we could thank sponsors and she wanted the Library Board to be the first to see the video. It will be shared and posted on social media.

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Agenda: Approval

• Eunice Johnson Rogers proposed approval of the Agenda.
• Sherri Nielson motioned to accept the Agenda.
• Fatima Carter seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion was carried.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda: Approval

• Eunice Johnson Rogers proposed approval of the Consent Agenda as presented.
• Kimberly Richardson motioned to accept the Consent Agenda as presented.
• Sherri Nielson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the Consent Agenda was approved as printed.

Terry Oglesby, City Architect

No Report

Malera Wright, Assistant City Attorney

No Report

Operational Items Requiring Board Approval: None

Motion to approve Finance Report: Approval

• Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers proposed a motion to accept the financial report.
• Judge Scott Vowell motioned to accept the financial report.
• Sherri Nielson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor of the motion to accept.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion carried.

Reports of Committees

Nominating Committee: Approval

Motion to accept the nomination by acclimation for president and vice president of the Birmingham Public Library Board: Approval

• Judge Scott Vowell motioned to accept the nomination by acclimation for Eunice Johnson Rogers as President and Willie Davis III Vice President of the Birmingham Public Library Board.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor of the motion to accept.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion carried.

Eunice Johnson Rogers announced Lynn Flowers-Martin as the appointed Parliamentarian.

Advocacy, Fundraising & Development Committee

• Willie Davis III shared information about the delivery of the bookmobile. Candice Hardy has spoken with a representative from BJCTA. We are waiting on the actual title to the vehicle.
• Damein Baity spoke with Mr. Dickerson, CFO of BJCTA. He will meet with him tomorrow (Feb. 10) to get everything lined up to complete the transfer of the bus including bill of sale and title.
• Candice Hardy shared information about planned fundraising events. BPL had to reschedule some of the fundraisers. We will revamp Soulful Sundays and bring it back in March. We will adhere to dates approved by the Board. We will move forward with Media Day on the day of delivery of the once the title and bill of sale are finalized.
• Willie Davis III shared information on Media Day. BJCTA wants to show a strong partnership between BJCTA and BPL. We also have the QR Code project This is where riders can use their devices to scan a QR code while waiting for the bus.
• Janine Langston further explained BPL is creating a landing page so travelers can scan QR codes and go to a landing page of information such as story times, programs, digital resources, etc.
• Willie Davis III stressed his appreciation for Candice Hardy and Damein Baity's hard work. There are still legal issues to work out to make this transaction happen. He thanked everyone for their patience.

Finance Committee: Approval

• Finance Committee met on January 28th. The Board has not yet received the full report after the audit. Someone from the auditing firm will come to the next meeting to answer questions.

Unfinished Business

Eunice Johnson Rogers stressed a reminder to the Board: we signed board pledge forms early in 2020. Going into 2021 if you have not met your 2020 commitment please do so at your earliest convenience

New Business: Approval

Janine Langston proposed moving the submission of the annual report to the March 9th 2021 meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Eunice Johnson Rogers called for a motion.
• Sherri Nielsen motioned to accept the postponement of the annual report to March.
• Willie Davis III seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor of the motion to accept
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion carried.

Janine Langston proposed expanding the current in-person service hours at the branches to 9-4 beginning Monday Feb 22, 2021. Curbside service will remain. Eunice Johnson Rogers called for a motion.

• Judge Scott Vowell motioned to accept the expansion of in-person service hours to 9-4 at all locations.
• Sherri Nielsen seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor of the motion to accept.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion carried.

Interim Director's Report: Approval

Janine Langston, Interim Director, asked Damein Baity to give an update on library vehicles.

• Damein Baity reported several incidences with BPL and JCLC vehicles. Several of the vehicles have had broken windows and damaged ignition switches.
• Willie Davis asked about security cameras in the parking lot. Damein Baity responded that updated security cameras are in the proposed budget.
• Judge Scott Vowell asked if there is room in the loading dock. Damein Baity responded there is not enough room for all the vehicles. We are looking into getting access to the Boutwell parking deck for these vehicles. It is a more secure parking facility.
• Kimberly Richardson asked about the leased vehicles and the amount of time left on the lease. Damein Baity responded the lease for the Director's vehicle ends on March 31, 2022.

Janine Langston shared several highlights including:

• BPL submitted four LSTA notices of intent; a HUD grant for the bookmobile; and an Alabama Power Foundation Grant for 2021 Summer Learning.
• Birmingham Public Library was named one of the top libraries in the nation for genealogy research by Family Tree Magazine.
• Presentation of high quality virtual programs including Read-In for Justice and a partnership with Birmingham City School for virtual story times.

• BPL has partnered with the City of Birmingham & Behavioral Systems to provide a webinar on February 17th for staff on managing stress during Covid.

Board Member's Comments

Presented.

Next Board Meeting: March 9, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

Adjourned at 5:27 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Interim Director