Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

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Call To Order

• The November 8, 2022, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:35 p.m.
• Jermaine Johnson provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

• A patron presented questions to the board on the closing of Eastwood Branch Library.

Presentations:

• Executive Director Janine Langston presented a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move. Langston shared a video highlighting the many events Birmingham Public Library hosted in the month of October.

Approval of Agenda

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Agenda with the removal of Personnel Committee under Reports of Committees.
• Kimberly Richardson moved to accept the motion.
• Mona Lisa Morris seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

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 October 11, 2022 Board Meeting
  

• Minutes of October 19, 2022 Special Called Meeting
  

• Minutes of November 1, 2022 Special Called Meeting
  

• Personnel Actions

Personnel Actions

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
• Willie S. Davis III moved to accept the motion.
• Mona Lisa Morrisseconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

City Attorney

• City Attorney Yolanda Lawson called an executive session in order.
• All attendees returned to the board meeting after executive session.

Operating Items Requiring Board Approval

Finance Report:

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

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the financial report.
• Mona Lisa Morris moved to accept the financial report.
• Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Reports of Committee:

Advocacy, Fundraising and Development Committee

• Jermaine Johnson shared there will be a meeting scheduled soon to discuss 2023 opportunities. He asked that all board members attend if available.
• Johnson presented a preliminary report for the Classic Cocktails event hosted on October 25, 2022. He thanked Catherine Frey, Director of Development, and the BPL team on all their hard work.

Unfinished Business:

None.

New Business:

• Willie S. Davis III congratulated Karyn Davis-West on becoming BPL’s new Deputy Director.

• Janine Langston presented BPL’s proposed Holiday Schedule & Closures for 2023.

  • Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the proposed 2023 Holiday Schedule & Closures with the provision that any special event date changes be brought before the board for approval.

  • Jermaine Johnson moved to accept the motion.
  • Yolanda Hardy seconded the motion.
  • The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
  • Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Executive Director's Report:

• In honor of Veterans Day, Janine Langston recognized BPL employees that are military veterans.
• Langston shared that BPL Archivist, Jim Baggett, was recently presented the Marvin Yeomans Whiting Award.
• Langston stated the 2022 BPL Staff Day was a great success and thanked the BPL Board of Trustees and BPL Friends Foundation for their generous contributions and support.
• Langston provided information on the various outreach events BPL team members attended in the month of October.
• Langston expressed appreciation to all that supported and promoted Classic Cocktails and made it such a successful event.

Board Member's Comments

Board members congratulated Karyn Davis-West on being appointed BPL’s Deputy Director. They extended their gratitude to BPL staff for all their hard work during the month of October and the year as a whole. Members congratulated BPL for a great Staff Day and on the success of the Local Authors event and Classic Cocktails.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for December 13, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjourned at 5:26 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Executive Director