CONCORDIA PARISH LIBRARY BOARD OF CONTROL MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2024 CLAYTON LIBRARY 2:00 PM

CONCORDIA PARISH LIBRARY BOARD OF CONTROL

MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2024

CLAYTON LIBRARY

2:00 PM

 

1. CALL TO ORDER: President Jill Britt called the meeting to order at 2 PM at the Clayton Library. All members were present: K. Stevens, L. Corbett, J. Young, R. Chatman, J. Lee, B. Sheppard, and J. Britt.  Ex-officio member Collin Edwards was absent.

 

2. MINUTES – January 24, 2024: J. Young moved to accept minutes as mailed and Mr. Lee seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

3. PUBLIC COMMENT (Comments limited to 5 minutes): No public comments.

 

4. REPORTS

 

• Circulation: January and February statistics were reviewed and discussed. (See Attachments)
  • January
  • February

 

• Financial: The monthly figures were examined. (See Attachments)
  • Current Balance Sheets – January/February

 

5. OLD BUSINESS

 

• Vidalia Kitchen: The Kitchen is almost complete. The locks on the cabinets need to be installed and the trash can tops need to be repaired.
• Bookmobile:  The colors have been chosen, teal, copper, and gray.  The Logo will be READING WITH FRIENDS…BOOKS ARE MAGICAL!
• Construction in Progress:  The punch list is attached and there are still a few items being added.  The Staff and I are trying to check closely for details.  (See Attachment)
• Ethics/Sexual Harassment/Cybercrime Test:  There are 3 tests to be taken. They must be completed by December.
• Potter/Boyd:  Attorney Potter sent an update and no final decision as of yet.  (See Attachment)

 

6. NEW BUSINESS

 

• Future Millage: The Library Tax renewal will be in 2027 and the enclosed Secretary of State calendar shows perhaps April would be a good month to hold the election.  If the millage is rolled back due to increased property value during this reassessment year, K. Stevens made the motion to accept the roll back and B. Sheppard seconded the motion.  Motion carried. The Police Jury could possibly set the millage before the Board meets again in May.
• Fire Alarm: Wood Fire Alarm was not chosen to monitor, because their rates were hirer and the Director never signed a contract to agree to use them. There were some difficulties in order to select Brown Securities, but Attorney Boyd assisted the Library. The Fire Marshal checked the system and the Library received a green tag meaning the Library met all requirements.
• Deliveries: Two furniture shipments have been made and only a few pieces are still to arrive.
• 720 Design: The Dallas Architect will make one more site visit with Architect Bennett. She will be checking the building the furniture
• Plaque: Wilmar Construction is assisting in getting the plaque made.  The cost will be between $1500 and $2000.  A proof will be sent before it is actually made.
• Easter Holiday: The Library will close early on Thursday and closed all day Friday and Saturday.
• Silas Simmons: Silas Simmons has undergone some changes.  Since the Board has been satisfied with their work and all 2023 financial records have been sent, the Library will remain as is.
• Reading: The Director suggested that on Wednesdays a Reading Teacher be hired to tutor 1^st and 2^nd graders that need assistance.  J. Britt felt that the younger children would benefit the greatest. J. Lee offered to check on the best product to teach reading skills and who would be qualified to teach.  One application was presented.   This service will be free and open as all other Library programs.  L. Corbett made the motion to consider this summer a Pilot Program and begin with children from Ferriday Lower to see the response and R. Chatman seconded the motion. Motion carried. The Director is to speak with the administration at FLE to learn of which children who may need some tutoring.
• Beautification – Deadline May 20, 2024:  The Grant must be completed by May 20^th.  Hazel Goodwin who mows some of the Library properties has agreed to do the Ferriday Landscaping.
• State Library Board of Examiners: The Vidalia Library hosted the Board of Examiners to give the Certification test to three Librarians. J. Lee made a statement that Bill# 168 was not a good idea to lower the standards by hiring directors without a Masters of Library and Information Science. All of the Board agreed that it is necessary to have a professional Librarians to hold the Director’s position.
• Old Courthouse: The Director stated the refurbishing of the Old Courthouse is of interest to the Police Jury and the Library is helping seek some funds for the renovation.
• Grand Opening: The Director suggested hosting an opening event on Wednesday, May 29th.   This will be when all materials have been received and installed.

   

7. NEXT BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Ferriday Library at 2:00 pm will be the next meeting. President Britt adjourned the meeting.   President_________________________________   Secretary_________________________________