Birmingham Public Library Board Minutes

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Call To Order

• The February 140, 2023, board meeting was called to order by Willie S. Davis III at 4:30 p.m.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin provided the Invocation.

Public Voices

• None

Presentations:

Damein Baity, Chief Financial Officer, introduced Sheppard-Harris & Associates as this year’s audit team. Connie Sheppard-Harris presented the FY 2022 Audit Report.

Executive Director Janine Langston introduced Alisha Johnson as BPL’s new Regional Manager.

Langston shared a video highlighting new employees and employees on the move.

Langston presented the FY 2022 Annual Report. This report covers July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. Langston recognized BPL employees David Ryan, Lisa Smith and Fontaine Alison and thanked them for their assistance in creating the annual report.

Approval of Agenda

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Agenda.
• R. Jordan Davis 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 January 10, 2023 Board Meeting
  

• Personnel Actions

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the correction of changing the date for the board minutes from December 13, 2023 to December 13, 2022.
• 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.
• Mona Lisa Morris seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Reports of Committees:

Finance Committee

Mona Lisa Morris reported on the February 14th committee meeting. Damein Baity presented the FY 2022 audit report. This report covers July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. The report was clean and there were no disputes. The Finance Committee voted to approve the FY 2022 Audit Report.

Unfinished Business:

Janine Langston informed board members they should have received an email from Niche Academy for access to the Trustee Training series. At least two board members are required to complete the training, but all are encouraged to attend. Langston stated if any board members needed the email resent to let her know.Langston announced the 2023 ALA Annual Conference will be held in Chicago, IL on June 22-27, 2023. Langston asked any board members interested in attending to reach out to her by March 1, 2023.

New Business:

Janine Langston proposed a reception be held to recognize and honor the Executive Director, Deputy Director and previous Board Presidents on April 25, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

• Willie S. Davis III called for a motion to approve the recommended reception held on April 25, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
• Yawntreshia Coleman moved to accept the motion.
• Lynn Flowers-Martin seconded the motion.
• The Board responded unanimously in favor to approve the motion.
• Willie S. Davis III confirmed the motion carried.

Langston informed board members that the budget packet is due to the City of Birmingham on March 1, 2023. Langston requested board members please attend a Finance Committee meeting held on February 27, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. directly followed by a Special Called Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. where BPL will present the prepared budget packet for board approval prior to submission.

Executive Director's Report:

Janine Langston reported that Birmingham City Council approved $3.4 million for facility improvements at the Birmingham Public Library. Janine Langston and Damein Baity are working with the COB Chief of Operations regarding these projects and will share more information as it comes.Langston acknowledged and thanked Councilor J.T. Moore for supporting BPL Mobile with a portion of his ARPA funding. Councilor Moore funded $52,658 to the BPL Mobile Initiative to span over 3 years. Funding will provide programs and opportunities for children, teens and senior adults.Langston reminded board members to save the date for the second annual A Novel Tasting. The event will be held April 6, 2023, and tickets are available for purchase through EventBrite. Langston requested any recommendations for sponsorships, silent auction items and/or cryptic cork prices be sent to Catherine Frey. Willie S. Davis III requested sponsorship information be emailed to all board members.Langston distributed booklets highlighting BPL’s programs and activities celebrating and honoring Black History Month.Langston shared BPL partnered with local service organizations to provide free tax preparation at several locations.Langston reported that Best Sellers Book Club members are now able to prick up their holds at any JCLC library.Langston shared the COB Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity is hosting the 1619 Project: A New Origin Story at the Central Library on February 28, 2023. The event will feature a panel discussion hosting Dr. Richard Arrington Jr., Odessa Woolfolk and Chad Freeman.Langston reminded board members the next board meeting will take place at the Pratt City Branch Library

Board Member's Comments

Board members wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and thanked BPL staff for all their hard work. Members congratulated Alisha Johnson on becoming the new Regional Manager. Members stated they were excited about the Black History Month programming and were looking forward to A Novel Tasting. Yolanda Hardy recognized Rod Zeigler and his team for their excellent service. John Lyons, Jr. asked if there was a facility maintenance schedule for grass cutting and landscaping and Janine Langston responded. R. Jordan Davis stated he was excited to see BPL offered a brake light repair program. Willie S. Davis requested a Save the Date card be created and passed out to board members. Karyn Davis-West shared information on the upcoming TRIO College Fair, Soulful Sunday and the Spider Martin Selma to Montgomery March Photo Exhibit.

Next Board Meeting is scheduled for March 14, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

Adjourned at 4:56 p.m.

Submitted By

Janine Langston, Executive Director