St. Elmo Public Library District
311 Cumberland Road
St. Elmo, IL 62458
Board Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2022
Present: President T. Koberlein, B. Koberlein, C. Arnold, S Hord, C Hough, C Kamnick, Director Karnes, D. Crawford
No guests present
The Board Meeting was held at the St. Elmo Public Library and was called to order at 6:00 pm. by President Koberlein
Minutes of the October 13, 2022 were approved as read.
Review of the Financial Statement
Review of the financial statement was given by Connie Kamnick. President Koberlein asked that the financial statement be put on file for audit. A motion to accept the treasurers report and pay the bills was made by Hough and seconded by Arnold. The motion was unanimously approved.
The Librarian’s Report
Kim reported that circulation went down slightly at St. Elmo and Beecher City, but that usually happens during the Warner months. Brownstown’s circulation did go up slightly. E-books did go up and Kim had put something on Facebook to remind patrons about E-books. Kim hopes the number continues to increase during the winter months. Kim mentioned that the library is still issuing cards due to new people moving in.
Director’s Communication
Kim informed the staff that they need to put things in writing or email and the same goes for any Library Board communication as far as suggestions for any of the libraries. She has too much information coming from several directions and it’s difficult to keep requests or information sorted out. Kim has gotten the four dozen cookies ordered for the Beecher City Christmas walk.
Old Business
Damaged Items due to Insects/Bugs Policy
On hold
Snow Removal
Barkers has agreed to remove the snow at the St. Elmo Library. Beecher City will have their meeting on November 21 and, hopefully, the city will be willing to keep the snow cleared for the Beecher City Library.
Changing Hours
Discussion ensued about a good time to have a Toddler Time. Connie K. suggested opening the library doors at 10 am. and having Toddler Time start at 10:10 am. for 20 minutes. Kim mention that the library could hold Toddler Time during the time that the library is still closed to the public.
Changing the Subject
B. Koberlein said that her daughter-in-law that works in a library in the state of New York is using more programs to take the library to the people, instead of waiting for the people to come to the Library. Discussion ensued. It was talked about having Toddler Time from 10:10 until 10:30 am. and then opening the doors to the public at 10:00 am. and closing the library at 3 p.m. on the Toddler Time Wednesdays. There was some discussion for an offer of a therapy dog to come in during Toddler Time. Plans are to start the program after the first of 2023. Brownstown already opens at 10:00 am., so Toddler Time Wednesday hours will take place at Beecher City too.
New Business
Beecher City Trees
Discussion about removal of all the trees at Beecher City Library, except for three, which would include, two pines furthest to the south and on health pine on the north end of the property. The cost would be $13,500 for taking down the trees, removal of all debris and grinding down the stumps. Cathy said she would check with the city to make sure that it wouldn’t be a problem for the Library Board to pay to have those trees taken down. The plan is to transfer funds to Liability, due to the fact that the trees are becoming a danger. B. Koberlein made a motion to get Jason Buff’s company to remove, clean up and grind the stumps of all but three trees at the Beecher City Library, S. Hord seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
BC Konica Minolta Upgrade
Kim met with Brien from Konica Minolta. The lease for the Beecher City machine is going to expire in January. It is now taking three to six months to get a new machine. Currently the cost is $81.87 a month. The new lease would be a 60 month lease, plus a flat rate maintenance which would be $124.88 a month and the lease and the maintenance will be bundled together. Tony suggested that Kim set up a meeting with Brien and he would attend that meeting also.
Kids Picnic Table
The kids picnic table will be in the reading garden at St. Elmo Library. Kim said Greg Evans had gotten in touch with her and quoted a price of $125 with a stain of sea green or he could use a different solid stain at a cost of $150. Adam Mathis with Timber Ridge Woodworking, turned in a bid of making a kids picnic table for $100 and that would include the stain of our choosing. Bookcases for the Beecher City Library, if we got four built, the cost would be $275 each or six for $250 each. A motion was made by B. Koberlein to accept the bid from Adam for a $100 kids picnic table and to accept a bid from Greg to build six book shelves and seconded by Don. The motion was unanimously approved. A concerned was voice by Connie K. that the current set up near the Beecher City Library restroom wasn’t handicap accessible. The plan is to get a cabinet that is out of the way of the restroom to place cleaning supplies in, along with assorted other stuff. The plan is to make a cork board with a frame about it to form a wall divide. Kim is to get an estimate on the price of getting a cabinet, baseboard at Beecher City and the price of making cork board wall to be voted on at a later date. It was also mentioned by C. Kamnick that the bathroom floor at Beecher needs to be painted. Andrew Evans works for a company that can make a new logo for the libraries. Imagine This is located in Effingham it was suggested the company put something together and the board look at it for approval.
Fine Free Possibility
Kim brought up the possibility of going fine free on kids and teen material. A motion was made by B. Koberlein to give out “fine free” library cards to elementary age through 8th grade age. D.Crawford seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Miscellaneous
A motion was made by B. Koberlein that the holiday schedule by approve. D. Crawford seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. A motion made by D. Crawford to buy a single cup coffee maker and seconded by B. Koberlein. The motion was unanimously approved.
Christmas Party
The board members each gave $10 for the staff Christmas Party on December 9. The St. Elmo District Library Board Christmas party will be Thursday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. with everyone bringing something to share.
A motion was made by B. Koberlein to adjourn the meeting at 7:19 and seconded by D. Crawford.