BOARD MEETING MINUTES Approved

Wednesday November 20, 2024 Board Meeting   Preston Town-County Library

CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL

The November 20, 2024 meeting of the Preston Hot Springs Town-County Library Board was called to order at 5:03pm Board members Peggy Winebrenner, Rube Wrightsman, and Mary Finlay were present.  Library Director, Starla Rice, acting as secretary, was also in attendance.  

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Minutes from the October 18, 2024 board meeting were read by the Board members.  

Discussion: Peggy entertained a motion that the minutes from the October 18, 2024 meeting be approved.  Rube moved that the minutes from the October 18, 2024 board meeting be approved.  Mary seconded that motion.  All trustees present approved.

BUDGET & CLAIMS

The board was presented with the budget reports for October 2024. Discussion: Claims were moved to the end of the meeting. Peg entertained a motion that the budget reports for October 2024 be approved. Mary moved that the budget reports for October 2024 be approved. Rube seconded that motion. All trustees present approved.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Starla presented the November 2024 Director’s Report.  

Discussion: The carpet is clean in all of the main areas and office.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1.  Recap of Planning Training on October 2, 2024: Starla gave a general report on the 5 hour training in Missoula.  The board went over the library’s Mission Statement. The director will see that it appears on the library’s website.

2.  Montana Community Foundation Donation: Phyllis Buckridge has donated $2500 “for operating support or projects, including new chairs, new books/materials, support for Books in Search of Kids.” The director will begin the search for new chairs and see where we go from there.

NEW BUSINESS

1.  Statistics:  The director presented the library board of trustees with copies of the Montana Public Library Statistics turned in October 18, 2024. The director pointed out the questions that required a written explanation.  Statistics don’t close until November 30, 2024.

2.  Carpet for behind the circulation desk:  The carpet behind the circulation desk has pulled away from the floor making it very difficult to clean it.  Peg entertained a motion to purchase clear carpet runners for behind the circulation desk and in the office where the director sits.  Mary moved that the director purchase clear plastic carpet protectors/runners for behind the circulation desk and in the office. Rube seconded that motion. All trustees present approved.

3.  Staff Christmas Bonuses: Discussion: Trustee Rube Wrightsman suggested that because we were able to budget for Christmas bonuses that we should increase from last year if we have the money to do it. The board is about supporting the staff every way they can. Peg entertained a motion that Library Director Starla Rice receive a $700 one time holiday bonus, Janitor Martha Vogel receive a $300 one time bonus, Media Librarian Jessie Stephens receive a $250 one time bonus, Programming Librarian Nina DeCoster receive a $250 one time bonus and Part Time/Fill-in Catherine Finlay receive a $100 one time bonus.  These are listed as one time bonuses because bonuses are dependent entirely on having enough money to offer them. Bonuses are not guaranteed from year to year.

4.  General Administrative Business:  Staff meeting minutes:  The director read some of the minutes from the November 4, 2024 Library Staff Meeting. The director will be scheduling a staff meeting every 2 months. The staff requested a door bell. The director purchased pizza for the meeting. Peg suggested that the library continue to feed the staff at their meetings.  Town Council Meeting Attendance December 10, 2024. Rube Wrightsman will attend.  E-rate contract:  Peg entertained a motion that the library approve a contract with The Kendrick Group LLC to continue filing e-rate forms for the library.  Mary moved that we renew the contract with The Kendrick Group LLC. Rube seconded that motion.  All trustees present approved.  Weeding books:  Board members went through weeds and approved them being deleted from the circulation system.

The following claims were submitted:

Visa                                       $396.07                        Office, Repair & Main, Books, Tam Fed

The Kendrick Group LLC   $200.00                        E-rate contract renewal

O. W. Lytton                       $20.00                          Snake Toilet

Discussion:  Peg entertained a motion that the claims be approved.  Rube moved that the claims be approved.  Mary seconded that motion.  All trustees present approved.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The December meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was scheduled for:  December 18, 2024 at 5:00pm.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  None

ADJOURN

Meeting adjourned at 6:53 pm as per motion by Mary; seconded by Rube.  All trustees present approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Starla Rice, Director

Approved:

____________________________                                                                  _________________________

Chair Person                                                                                                      Vice Chair Person

____________________________                                                                  _________________________

Trustee                                                                                                              Trustee

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Trustee