Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

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Call To Order

• The October 12, 2021 board meeting was called to order by Eunice Johsnon Rogers at 4:30 p.m.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

• Kimberly Richardson proposed a motion to honor the process of allowing members of the public to speak during the public voices portion.
• Willie S. Davis III seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Many community leaders and citizens spoke in opposition to the closures of North Avondale, Titusville, East Ensley, and Ensley Library.
  • Rob Burton, Southside Neighborhood Vice President
  • Jason Freeman, Titusville Neighborhood President
  • Keith Williams, Titusville Neighborhood President
  • Joyce Christians, Ensley Highland President
  • Sandra Clark
  • Byron Lagrone
  • Rev. Majadi Baruti
  • Cara Mcclure
  • Jacquie Cotillard
  • Alice S.
  • Tez Files
  • Samantha Arceneaux
  • Teresa Chandler
  • Donna Willis
  • Camilla Thompson

Presentations: Highlight Video

• Interim Director Janine Langston presented a video acknowledging new employees and employees on the move.

Approval of Agenda

• Eunice Johnson Rogers called for a motion to approve the Agenda as presented.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin moved to accept the Agenda.
• Kimberly Richardson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the Agenda was approved as printed.

Approval of Consent Agenda

All items designated as "consent" are considered to be routine and non-controversial and will be approved by one motion.

• Minutes of August 10, 2021 Board Meeting

• Personnel Actions

  • Eunice Johnson Rogers called for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented.
  • Kimberly Richardson motioned to accept the Consent Agenda.
  • Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
  • The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
  • Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the Consent Agenda was approved as printed.

Malera Wright, City Attorney:

• Wright reported that Governor Kay Ivey’s state of emergency proclamation will expire on October 31, 2021.

Operational Items Requiring Board Approval

Finance Report

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial report to the board.

• Eunice Johnson Rogers proposed a motion to accept the financial report.
• Kimberly Richardson moved to accept the financial report.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor of the motion to accept.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion carried.

Reports of Committee:

None

Unfinished Business:

None

New Business:

Eunice Johnson Rogers proposed a motion the board contributes $625 to the employee Staff Day training.

• Judge Scott Vowell moved to accept the motion to contribute $625 to the Staff Day training.
• Mona Lisa Morris seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion carried.

Janine Langston brought a recommendation from the Executive Team that effective November 1, 2021 public service hours at all BPL locations will be 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

• Lynn Flowers-Martin moved to accept the recommendation that effective November 1, 2021 public service hours at all BPL locations will be 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Mona Lisa Morris seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Eunice Johnson Rogers confirmed the motion carried.

Interim Director's Report:

• Langston reminded Trustees that Staff Day will be held this upcoming Thursday, October 14th and that Board of Trustees is invited to greet staff between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m.
• Langston thanked Trustees for their vote to contribute financially to the Staff Day training.
• This past September we celebrated Library Card Sign-Up Month and Food for Fines.
• Several team members attended JCPLA Virtual Staff Day training on August 27th.
• We will be hosting an exhibit titled “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City.” The exhibit will be installed this weekend and the exhibit will be open from October 21 through December 30th at Central Library in the Grand Reading Room. There will be a reception next Thursday, October 21 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Board Member's Comments

Board members unanimously thanked staff for their hard work and acknowledged citizens for sharing their concerns regarding their local libraries.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled November 9, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjourned at 6:03 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Interim Director