HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-18-2022 FHPL Board of Trustees MeetingFHPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
04/18/22
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 PM with the first order of business accepting the minutes of the previous board meeting held on 02/21/22.
Monthly Statistics: A review of the fiscal year month-to-date performance statistics was presented. The state of AL requires the number of visits to be segmented by age group. For
ages 0-5, the number of visits in March was 25% higher than any previous month (463 to 368). For 19 and older, March had the highest number of visits. This trend should continue as
we put COVID behind us. The board unanimously approved all three statistical reports to be accepted.
New Business:
Outreach to Fairhope’s three Rotary clubs for the second-floor build-out contributions. It was agreed that a presentation would be made to each club that would include the latest visual
rendering of the second-floor space, a list of the programs that FHPL is already engaged in with Fairhope Rotary Youth and then a specific request for the three organizations to underwrite
some technology that can be utilized for any additional programs/services that the Fairhope Rotary Youth would like to participate in at FHPL.
Budget Discussions—regular and Capital campaign. There is a meeting with the Mayor on May 25th with Tamara, Anne and Randal presenting the FHPL fiscal ’23 budget. Asking for a 7% increase
to get hourly wages up to $11.03. This request is reasonable and essential so that we can retain the talented and professional staff. CapitalCampaign: Anne, Randal, and Tamara met
with Mayor Sullivan, Councilmen Jimmy Conyers and Jay Robinson about the city’s commitment to the library renovation project. We cannot ask other organizations for money until we know
what the city will provide. Their response was at least $250,000. Now that we have this information, we can begin the Capital Campaign for the upstairs renovation. Tamara and Randal
plan to present to the Single Tax Corporation in May and hope STC will commit to a significant monetary contribution.
Banking: The library’s current bank is becoming cumbersome to work with and the Library Director is considering reaching out to other financial institutions.
Disaster and Emergency Plan—an extremely comprehensive report was generated by the FHPL staff. New sections included an Exposure Control Plan as well as Pandemic Guidelines so that
we keep up with our changing environment. Also added was an updated section on Collection and Salvage Priorities in case of a disaster. The plan was approved and accepted by unanimous
vote.
Old Business:
2nd Floor Update: Renderings for the space have more clarity and are very impressive. City leadership is very excited by the deliverables that will be realized on the renovated 2nd
floor and has decided to make a generous contribution toward this ambitious project.
Bay Breeze Fund Raiser: The Friends of the Fairhope Public Library sold 206 tickets at $50 each for a total of $10,300 + $142 in miscellaneous donations for agross revenue of $10,442.
Expenses were $1,600 and yielded a profit of $8,842. Due to the success of this event, the board will be talking to the Friends about having another similar event in the fall.
Library User Feedback: Very complimentary, unsolicited feedback was given by Fairhope citizens and visitors. Most common feedback was praising the courteous, professional and knowledgeable
staff. Other comments included “Favorite Library in the US”, “Enjoy using HOOPLA” and “Well run, best thing in Fairhope”. Thanks to everyone for their hard work!
Before adjourning the meeting at 5:20 it was unanimously agreed that Anne would remain as chairman with Andy becoming vice chairman and Debra in her first meeting has graciously agreed
to be secretary.
Respectfully Submitted,
Andy Parvin