David Emmerling called the monthly meeting of the Van Buren county library board to order on March 13, 2024 at 5:07PM. Board members David Emmerling, Joye Hawk, David Jeffries, and Kelly Tester were present, as well as Administrative Assistant Kim Tyler, Director Deb Meyer, and Regional Director John McGraw.
Minutes of the February 14 meeting were reviewed. David Jeffries noted that the Petit Jean bill referenced is $2000, not $200. Kelly moved to approve the minutes as amended. Joye seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. Library Financials were reviewed. The First Service account saw a net increase of $641 with a final balance of $64,159. First Security had $1,604 in deposits and expenditures of $2,055 for an ending balance of $5,200. David Jeffries remarked on the disparity of interest between the two accounts. David Jeffries moved to approve the expenditures. Joye seconded the motion, which passed.
Old Business
DVR quotes are still pending.
Johnson Lawn submitted a quote for powerwashing. This is greater than the bid submitted last month and Deb will be pursuing that one.
A bid from Precision Floor Cleaning priced a carpet cleaning at $1461. The carpets have not been professionally cleaned since at least the year before last, possibly longer. Kelly moved to accept Precision’s bid. David Jeffries seconded the motion, which passed.
New Business
The certificate of deposit will be renewed for another six month period running from March to September.
Irregularities with gas bills prompted an inspection of the equipment and the replacement of the gas meter.
Petit Jean audit has produced a verbal report, with a final report to follow.
Deb shared some items she wished to purchase, including four book carts, two kick stools to help reach high shelves, two ipads, 2 laptops, and a display case for the circulation area. The book carts would be distributed for patrons to leave books they have browsed. There was discussion about what could be done with devices that need to retired when their replacements are purchased. The suggestion was made to prioritize the purchases and get some of the items each quarter. David Jeffries moved to authorize up to $2,000 for the book carts and kick stools in this first quarter of the year. Kelly seconded the motion, which passed. The tablets and laptops are slated for the second quarter.
John noted that February attendance was more than 1,200 people above previous February's, an increase of roughly 60%.
David Jeffries moved to adjourn. Kelly seconded the motion and the meeting ended at 6:15PM.
The next county board meeting is April 10.
The next Regional board meeting is April 28.
