Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

---

---

---

Call To Order

• The December 13, 2022, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:32 p.m.
• R. Jordan Davis provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

• A Southside resident presented questions regarding one of BPL’s electronic products. Caleb West, Director of Collection Manager, provided a response.

Presentations:

• Executive Director Janine Langston introduced City of Birmingham employees, Dr. Meghan Veneble-Thomas. Director of Community Development, and Cory Stallworth, Deputy Director.
• Dr. Veneble-Thomas and Mr. Stallworth shared a presentation and information about the Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant and answered questions from the board.
• Langston introduced Meghann Bridgeman, President and CEO of Create Birmingham. Ms. Bridgeman shared an update on the Asphalt Art Initiative and presented a proposal for an art installation on the plaza at the Smithfield Branch Library. Langston’s recommendation was to move forward and allow Create Birmingham to complete this project as it was presented.
  • Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve allowing Create Birmingham to complete the art installation on the plaza at Smithfield Branch Library.
  • Mona Lisa Morris moved to accept the motion.
  • Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
  • The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
  • Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.
• Langston presented a video highlighting employees on the move.
• Langston shared a short video featuring a snapshot of the many programs and activities Birmingham Public Library hosted in the month of November.

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.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis 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 November 8, 2022 Board Meeting
  

• Personnel Actions

Personnel Actions

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• R. Jordan Davis seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

City Attorney

• No report.

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.
• Yawntreshia Coleman 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:

Finance Committee

• Mona Lisa Morris reported on the December 13th committee meeting.
• In the committee meeting, BPL Chief Financial Officer, Damien Baity, and Mona Lisa Morris presented a review of the Regions Tutwiler Fund and shared the changes made in the portfolio. Committee members approved of the steps taken and agreed the fund was in a better a position than previously.

Unfinished Business:

None.

New Business:

• Janine Langston presented the proposed 2023 Board Meeting Schedule.
  • Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the proposed 2023 Board Meeting Schedule.
  • Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
  • Jermaine Johnson seconded the motion.
  • The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
  • Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.
• Janine Langston shared the interior work on the bookmobile has been completed. The exterior wrapping is now being done and is expected to be completed in late December. Langston recommended hosting an unveiling event on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. prior to the 4:30 p.m. board meeting.
  • Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the recommended unveiling event on January 10, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Yawntreshia Coleman 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.

Executive Director's Report:

• Janine Langston congratulated Titusville Branch Manager, Reba Williams, for being awarded the 2022 Librarian of the Year by the Jefferson County Public Library Association.
• Langston shared BPL will host over 80 holiday programs and activities in the month of December and provided members with a 2022 Holiday Happenings booklet.
• Langston communicated the BPL Development Department is promoting Season’s Readings and Festive Eating and invited board members to send in a submission sharing their favorite book and seasonal recipes.
• Langston thanked the board for allowing her the opportunity to serve as Executive Director this past year and wished all a happy holiday season.

Board Member's Comments

Board members thanked BPL staff for all their hard work and for a great year. Jermaine Johnson spoke about being a celebrity judge for the youth poetry slam, Word Up! Festival, held on December 9th and stated it was a successful and fun event. Willie S. Davis III stated he was excited to see the new BPL bookmobile and was looking forward to year 2023. All members wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for January 10, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjourned at 5:54 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Executive Director