The next regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday, July 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington Park Library. Supplemental Actuarial Valuation of Alternate LAGERS Benefits
Draft Minutes from the June 29, 2026 Board meeting:
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
June 29, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Downtown Library
M I N U T E S
The Board of Trustees of the St. Joseph Public Library met on June 29, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library. Trustees in attendance were Rosetta Ballew-Jennings, Kathie Brunner, Bobbie Cronk, Kate Davison, Harriet Gordon (via Zoom), Jonht Slayden, and LaTonya Williams. Kyla Ward was absent. Library staff in attendance were Jen Caton, Katie Green, Paula Hayward, Maryann Knorr, and Mary Beth Revels.
Rosetta Ballew-Jennings called the meeting to order and the roll call was taken.
Upon review of the May 28, 2026 meeting minutes, LaTonya Williams moved and Bobbie Cronk seconded that the May 28, 2026 minutes be approved as written. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes”. Motion carried.
Under the Report of the Treasurer, Kate Davison moved and LaTonya Williams seconded to approve checks #36159 through #36213, May electronic withdrawals, direct deposits, and journal entries. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes,” and the motion carried.
Bobbie Cronk presented the May Financial Reports. After some discussion, Mary Beth Revels added that as a whole, the library is ending the fiscal year with more revenue than forecasted and spending less than the total amount budgeted for expenses. LaTonya Williams moved and Rosetta Ballew-Jennings seconded to accept pages 10-34 of the financial reports as presented. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes,” and the motion carried.
Bobbie Cronk and Mary Beth Revels presented the 2026-2027 Budget for approval. It was noted that tax revenue should have been broken out onto two lines: one for the permanent tax levy and the other for the levy that sunsets in 2040. A final version of the budget document will reflect that and will be issued once the June financial statements are issued. Bobbie Cronk moved that it was the recommendation of the Budget Committee to approve the budget, as noted. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes,” and the motion carried.
Under Reports of Committees, Rosetta Ballew-Jennings updated the Trustees on her work contacting potential new board members. She contacted people who previously expressed interest in joining the Board of Trustees to ensure they were still able to serve. She encouraged anyone who had applied several months ago to reapply with the city and submit at least one letter of recommendation. The Nominating Committee is meeting Thursday, July 9th, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. at East Hills Library.
Under Old Business, Mary Beth Revels presented the Library Projects Overview. The front doors at the Downtown Library are refurbished and GKW Restoration will be adding more grit to the front porch at the library. Mary Beth also discussed the humidity problems affecting the East Hills Library and the upper level at the Downtown Library.
Next in Old Business, Rosie Ballew-Jennings read aloud a Resolution to change the library’s Missouri Local Government Retirement System (LAGERS) benefit level from 1% to 1.25% and institute a 2% employee contribution. Minor changes to the wording of the Resolution were discussed. Bobbie Cronk moved and LaTonya Williams seconded to approve the Resolution, as amended. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes,” and the motion carried.
There was no other Old Business.
In New Business, Paula Hayward, Reference Librarian at the Downtown Library presented her plan to create Reader’s Roadmaps to help discover content related to adult nonfiction topics. The first four Reader’s Roadmaps will be America in the Revolutionary Era, Medieval History, Art History, and Ancient Egypt. The roadmaps will be available on the website and as a print document.
Next in New Business, Rosie Ballew-Jennings read the Resolution honoring retiring trustee Jonht Slayden after serving on the Library Board faithfully for three years.
There was no other New Business.
Under the Report of the Director, Mary Beth Revels invited the Board of Trustees to the Annual Friends Dinner and presentation by Dr. Dominic DeBrincat on the Boston Massacre. Mary Beth also reported on the success of this year’s Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party.
There was no public comment.
The next meeting will be Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., Washington Park Library.
There being no further business, LaTonya Williams moved and Bobbie Cronk seconded to adjourn the meeting. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Harriet Gordon
Secretary