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Written by Librarian
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Friday, 02 May 2008 |
Geneva Public Library Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting 08 April 2008 I. Call to order: The regular meeting of the Trustee and Advisory Board was held on 08 April 2008 at the Geneva Public Library. The meeting was called to order by Chair Person Alton Powell at 5:00 p.m. II. Roll Call: Present were – Alton Powell, Philip Carter, Donnell Smith, Ann Owens, Wylie Brannen, Alice Davis. Absent were: Virginia Clemmons, Ben Davis, Brenda Jordan, Nell Johnson, Atz Fleming, Floree Farrar. III. Minutes of the regular 12 February 2008 meeting were read. Minutes were approved. Motion: Philip Carter. Second: Donnell Smith. IV. The financial report was reviewed. Motion to approve the financial report: Donnell Smith. Second: Ann Owens. V. Librarian's report on operations read and reviewed. VI. There were no reports or comments from board members. VII. Unfinished Business: Building Report 1. New doors need lock sets checked. Design Excellence purchased all lock sets from the same company. Philip Carter contacted Design Excellence and did not receive a response. He will contact the lock set company. Motion to proceed: Ann Owens. Second: Alice Davis VIII. New business: Boy Scout Project 1. The Boy Scouts are planting trees around Geneva for free. Currently there are Japanese Maple, River Burch, Dogwood, and Live Oak seedlings (about 2 feet tall) available. They would like to plant one or two at the Geneva Public Library. The board selected Dog Wood. Motion to proceed: Philip Carter. Second: Wylie Brannen. 2. The board requests the librarian to contact “Anderson Flooring and Blinds” 793-7799 for an estimate to put a blind in the window our new elevator entrance. IX. Other business: HB604 1. This is a bill currently in the Alabama House of Representatives. Please see "Attachment" below for more information regarding this bill. If this bill becomes law, it would be extremely damaging to all public libraries in the state of Alabama. It was initiated by the Alabama Public Library Service as a simple name change to State Library of Alabama. However, upon closer inspection of the text of the bill, it became clear that there is much more here than a simple name change. The Geneva Public Library board is very concerned about this bill and that it initiated from the Alabama Public Library Service. This is an organization that is in place to “protect” public libraries in Alabama not “acquire” them. X. No members of the public were present. XI. Adjournment at 6:20 p.m. Motion to Adjourn: Alice Davis. Second: Alton Powell. Attachment:HB604By Representative LindseyRFD JudiciaryRd 1 28-FEB-08
Items that are lined through are items that will be removed and the items that are underlined are items that will be added to the original code of Alabama. The following excerpts of code relate to the Alabama Public Library Service. Text, in the gray areas, regards the changes to the code if HB604 becomes law.
41-8-2 (d) It shall be the duty and power of the executive board to conduct the affairs of the Public Library Service State Library of Alabama, to administer the funds received from the Treasury that are allocated to the Public Library Service State Library of Alabama, and to be responsible for the program and for such other activities as would naturally be administered by such an executive board. The board may adopt rules for its own government and also for the government of the agency. Note: The Underlined addition. "The board may adopt rules for its own government and also for the government of the agency." This is unnecessary. Executive Boards have By-Laws.
41-8-3 (b) he board shall appoint a director the State Librarian of Alabama. The director State Librarian of Alabama shall be a graduate of an accredited library school (MLS or MLIS) who shall have had a minimum of three 10 years of library experience in a medium or large public library or a state library in an administrative capacity or shall be a college graduate with a master's degree with a major in library science who shall have had a minimum of five years of library experience in an administrative capacity. The director State Librarian of Alabama shall not be a member of the executive board and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. Why add seven (7) more years to the experience level? Why exclude someone who may have ten (10) years in a "small" library system? The Executive Board should have the freedom to choose the director and not have this legislated for them.
41-8-3 (c) All other members of the staff of the service shall be appointed by the executive board on the nomination of the director State Librarian of Alabama and shall be subject to the provisions of the state Merit System law. Note what has been eliminated here "executive board on the nomination of the director". The Executive Board no longer has any say in any staff appointments except for the Director. Does the Executive Board of the Alabama Public Library Service know this?
41-8-5 (a) The Alabama Public Library Service State Library of Alabama shall give advice to all free public, regional, municipal, and county libraries and to all communities in the state which may propose to establish public libraries, in the manner provided in this article, as to the best means of establishing and administering such Public Library Service service, selecting and cataloging books and other details of library management, and may send any of its staff to aid in organizing such libraries or to assist in the improvement of those already established. The service State Library of Alabama may advise as to the proper qualifications of librarians of free public, regional, municipal, and county libraries and shall perform such other services consistent with and in furtherance of the purpose of this article as shall from time to time appear feasible. Moreover, the service State Library of Alabama shall advise as to arrangements as provided in Section 11-90-4, by which local governmental agencies may combine in the establishment of joint units of library service. The service may receive and shall administer all funds, books, or other property from whatever source, under such conditions as may be deemed necessary in order to carry out the purpose of this article; and, by. By the use of such means and methods as circumstances warrant, the service State Library of Alabama may acquire and operate traveling libraries, and circulate or loan such books and libraries among communities, libraries, library associations, social and civic clubs and organizations and other public agencies and institutions under such conditions and rules as the board deems necessary in order to protect the interests of the state and to increase the efficiency and promote the extension of public library service throughout the state. That is a long one. Please note the last part beginning with the word "Moreover". If HB604 becomes law: The State Library of Alabama may receive and shall administer all funds, books or other property from whatever source, under such conditions as may be deemed necessary in order to carry out the purpose of this article. Notice that local government agencies have been removed from this process. Please note that the word "traveling" has been removed. If HB604 becomes law: "the State Library of Alabama may acquire and operate libraries under such conditions and rules as the board deems necessary in order to protect the interests of the state and to increase the efficiency and promote the extension of public library service throughout the state." This is the most insidious of them all. If the State Library of Alabama decides that a library is not being efficient or is not necessary to a community, or for any reason “deemed necessary” they can "acquire" that library. They have already eliminated any input from local government. So even if you are a department of your city government, the only entity that will have any say in your existence will be the new State Library of Alabama.
This House Bill continues to sit in Committee. Warren Beck our House Representative and Harri Anne Smith our Senator have been contacted regarding HB604. Warren Beck assured us that if it made it to a House vote, he would vote against it. Senator Harri Anne Smith said that if it made it past the House and onto the Senate floor, it would be filibustered. Even though it seems too many obstacles stand in the way of HB604, there are people in the Alabama Public Library Service who will continue to push this type of legislature. We need to be concerned about this. There is a tremendous amount of funding that goes through our Alabama Public Library Service. Funding that is needed by each and every public library in Alabama. Several of the members of our board made comment that this "State Library of Alabama" would also acquire bank accounts, savings accounts, CD's, Money Market Accounts and any other finances of any public library in the state of Alabama. It is incredible that an agency established in 1939 to assist and aid every library in the state of Alabama would try to do something like this. Following are the Executive Board Members of the Alabama Public Library Service
District One Ronald A. Snider Mobile
District Two Robert E. Hodge Prattville
District Three Donna Dickey Sylacauga
District Four Mack Butler Rainbow City
District Five Bobbie Lou Leigh Sheffield
District Six Helen Harrison Phillips Columbiana
District Seven George T. Washburn Marion
Here are the names of the committee members on HB604:
Ralph Howard
James E. Buskey
Joseph Mitchell
Barbara B. Boyd
James L. Thomas
Tommy Sherer
Thomas E. Jackson
James O. Gordon
Locy Baker
Christopher John England
Artis (A. J.) McCampbell |
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Written by Librarian
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Monday, 07 April 2008 |
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Geneva Public Library Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting 11 March 2008 I. Call to order: The regular meeting of the Trustee and Advisory Board was held on 11 March 2008 at the Geneva Public Library. The meeting was called to order by Chair person Alton Powell at 5:10 p.m. II. Roll Call: Present were – Alton Powell, Philip Carter, Donnell Smith, Ben Davis, Nell Johnson, Wylie Brannen, Floree Farrar. Absent were: Virginia Clemmons, Brenda Jordan, Ann Owens, Atz Fleming, Alice Davis III. Minutes of the regular 12 February 2008 meeting were read. Minutes were approved. Motion: Nell Johnson. Second: Wylie Brannen. IV. The financial report was reviewed. Motion to approve the financial report: Philip Carter. Second: Wylie Brannen. V. Librarian's report on operations read and reviewed. VI. There were no reports or comments from board members. VII. Unfinished Business: Elevator Report 1. A list of items that remaining to be completed was presented to Design Excellence. When this list is finished then a “Contractor's Release of Lien” will be signed and notarized, and a legal notice for “Notice of Completion” will be published in the Geneva Reaper during the month of March 2008. 2. The lower level door that opens to the elevator, does not close properly. It was suggested that a door closer be installed by Design Excellence. 3. Sanders Security sent a quote for additional security measures for the new elevator addition. Motion: Donnell Smith. Second: Nell Johnson. The board decided unanimously on the following security changes and additions: a. Replace VHS system with DVR system b. Add camera to lower level elevator entrance. c. Add door sensors to both new doors VIII. New business: None IX. Other business: None X. No members of the public were present. XI. Adjournment at 6:00 p.m. Motion to Adjourn: Philip Carter. Second: Wylie Brannen. |
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Written by Librarian
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Tuesday, 01 April 2008 |
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Geneva Public Library Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting 12 February 2008 I. Call to order: The regular meeting of the Trustee and Advisory Board was held on 14 February 2008 at the Geneva Public Library. The meeting was called to order by Chair person Alton Powell at 5:10 p.m. II. Roll Call: Present were – Alton Powell, Virginia Clemmons, Donnell Smith, Ben Davis, Atz Fleming, Wylie Brannen, Alice Davis, Floree Farrar. Absent were: Philip Carter, Brenda Jordan, Ann Owens, Nell Johnson. III. Minutes of the regular 08 January 2008 meeting were read. Minutes were approved. Motion: Alice Davis. Second: Donnell Smith. IV. The financial report was reviewed. Motion to approve the financial report: Donnell Smith. Second: Wylie Brannen. V. Librarian's report on operations read and reviewed. VI. There were no reports or comments from board members. VII. Unfinished Business: Elevator Report 1. The Library Board approved the following: Close CD #34462 in the amount of $50,614.19 on the maturity date of 14 February 2008. The amount of $30,000.00 will be placed in a new CD and the remainder in the amount of $20,614.19 in our Accessibility Improvement Account. Motion: Atz Fleming. Second: Floree Farrar. VIII. New business: None IX. Other business: None X. No members of the public were present. XI. Adjournment at 5:30 p.m. Motion to Adjourn: Alice Davis. Second: Atz Fleming. |
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Written by Librarian
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Tuesday, 01 April 2008 |
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Geneva Public Library Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting 08 January 2008 I. Call to order: The regular meeting of the Trustee and Advisory Board was held on 08 January 2008 at the Geneva Public Library. The meeting was called to order by Chair person Alton Powell at 5:15 p.m. II. Roll Call: Present were – Alton Powell, Virginia Clemmons, Philip Carter, Ann Owens, Nell Johnson, Alice Davis, Wylie Brannon. Absent were: Donnell Smith, Ben Davis, Atz Fleming, Floree Farrar. III. Minutes of the regular 13 November 2007 meeting were read. Minutes were approved. Motion: Philip Carter. Second: Alice Davis. IV. The financial report was reviewed. Motion to approve the financial report: Virginia Clemmons. Second: Ann Owens. V. Librarian's report on operations read and reviewed. VI. There were no reports or comments from board members. VII. Unfinished Business: Elevator Report 1. Due to regulations for the three (3) foot deep pit that lies below the elevator, we will have to install a submersible pump. This and other additional costs (Change Order #3) are detailed below: a. Cut existing concrete floor and build submersible pump pit and install submersible pump - $1275 b. New landing and Handrail - $825 c. Lock sets and closure - $325 d. Removal of old concrete walkway and install new concrete walkway - $225 e. Elevator Flooring - $140 f. Plaques for Mechanical Room and exterior door - $45 g. Total: $2835 VIII. New business: 1. The board approved that when the library orders new patron bags, we also have our library logo imprinted or stamped on the outside. Motion: Nell Johnson. Second: Philip Carter 2. The board approved the hiring of Amy Smith as our new part time staff person. IX. Other business: None X. No members of the public were present. XI. Adjournment at 6:00 p.m. Motion to Adjourn: Nell Johnson. Second: Ann Owens. |
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Written by Librarian
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Tuesday, 01 April 2008 |
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Geneva Public Library Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting 13 November 2007 I. Call to order: The regular meeting of the Trustee and Advisory Board was held on 13 November 2007 at the Geneva Public Library. The meeting was called to order by Chair person Alton Powell at 5 p.m. II. Roll Call: Present were – Alton Powell, Virginia Clemmons, Philip Carter, Donnell Smith, Ann Owens, Nell Johnson, Atz Fleming, Alice Davis, Wylie Brannon, Floree Farrar. Absent were: Ben Davis, Brenda Jordan. III. Minutes of the regular October 7th meeting were read. Minutes were approved. Motion: Virginia Clemmons. Second: Nell Johnson. IV. The financial report was reviewed. Motion to approve the financial report: Philip Carter. Second: Atz Fleming. V. Librarian's report on operations read and reviewed. VI. There were no reports or comments from board members. VII. Unfinished Business: Elevator Report 1. The re-bricking was completed and well done. 2. The board agreed that: a. We need emergency lighting upstairs and downstairs. b. The steps on the original outside stairs will have to be re-cemented, sandblasted, and painted. c. Sanders Security will need to come here after the elevator is installed to evaluate our security measures. d. Motion (a., b., & c.) Floree Farrar. Second Virginia Clemmons 3. Window arrived. The glass was broken. New glass has been reordered. VIII. New business: 1. The board approved that when the library orders new patron bags, we also have our library logo imprinted or stamped on the outside. Motion: Nell Johnson. Second: Philip Carter 2. The board approved the hiring of Amy Smith as our new part time staff person. IX. Other business: None X. No members of the public were present. XI. The regular Geneva Public Library board meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Motion to Adjourn: Nell Johnson. Second: Ann Owens. |
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Board Meetings 
