The next regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Library.
Minutes from the July 24, 2025 Board meeting:
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
July 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Washington Park Library
M I N U T E S
The Board of Trustees of the St. Joseph Public Library met on July 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington Park Library. Board members in attendance were Rosetta Ballew-Jennings, Kathie Brunner, Bobbie Cronk, Kate Davison, Heidi DeSchepper, Harriet Gordon (via Zoom), Kyla Ward, and LaTonya Williams (via Zoom). Jonht Slayden was absent. Mary Beth Revels, Karen Schultz, Jenny Ellis, and Katie Green were present from the staff. Sue Wagner was present from the public.
Kyla Ward called the meeting to order, the roll call was taken, Kathie Brunner and Kate Davison were welcomed to the Board, and introductions were made.
Upon review of the June 26, 2025 meeting minutes, LaTonya Williams moved and Heidi DeSchepper seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Under the Report of the Treasurer, Rosetta Ballew-Jennings moved and Kate Davison seconded to approve checks #35595 through #35639, June electronic withdrawals, direct deposits, and journal entries. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Bobbie Cronk presented the June Financial Reports. She and Mary Beth Revels met with accountant Tim Gawatz to review the financial reports in detail. Bobbie reported that the library ended the fiscal year with a surplus. Kyla Ward moved and LaTonya Williams seconded to accept pages 9-22 of the financial report as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Mary Beth Revels requested approval to transfer half of the 2024-2025 budget surplus, or $67,400, to the T-bill where the library has been investing funds designated for capital reserves. Bobbie Cronk moved and Kathie Brunner seconded to add $67,400 to the T-bill. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Under Reports of Committees, Rosetta Ballew-Jennings presented the slate of officers for the 2025-2026 year on behalf of the Nominating Committee. President, Kyla Ward; Vice President, Rosetta Ballew-Jennings; Treasurer, Bobbie Cronk; and Secretary, Harriet Gordon. There were no nominations from the floor. Harriet Gordon moved and Heidi DeSchepper seconded to approve the slate of officers as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Kyla Ward spoke for the Personnel Committee, reporting that they had compiled responses for this year’s Director’s Evaluation, met with one staff member to discuss items beyond the scope of the evaluation form, and prepared a report based on the findings to present to Mary Beth Revels on August 14.
There were no other Committee Reports.
Under Old Business, Mary Beth Revels updated the Board on ongoing library projects, announcing that the city funded project to refurbish the front wall at the Downtown Library is complete and Northwest Health has also been doing extensive work on the building. At Washington Park Library, Robert’s Roofing recently inspected the roof and found no major issues. They did note that crown molding nail holes are letting water into the building and recommended those be sealed. Rosetta Ballew-Jennings pointed out a few other areas of concern and Mary Beth Revels will follow up with her about next steps.
There was no other Old Business.
In New Business, Mary Beth Revels introduced Sue Wagner who, as a native South Ender, gave a presentation and proposed adding some displays at the Carnegie Library to honor the history of the neighborhood.
Mary Beth Revels presented a proposal to have the cleaning company that Northwest Health will be using at the downtown location to clean the Downtown Library space three days a week. The proposal would work with the configuration of the library’s current custodial staff. Harriet Gordon moved and Bobbie Cronk seconded to give Mary Beth Revels approval to sign a contract with the cleaning service. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Board appointees to the SJPL Foundation Board were discussed. Kyla Ward and Bobbie Cronk served on the Foundation the previous year and Bobbie Cronk agreed to stay on for another term. Kyla Ward is not able to serve this year due to a change in employment. LaTonya Williams volunteered to serve. Heidi DeSchepper moved and Rosetta Ballew-Jennings seconded to appoint Bobbie Cronk and LaTonya Williams to the SJPL Foundation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Karen Schultz presented the latest monthly report from the Washington Park Library and discussed the library’s increased programming activity, headed up by Kirstie Healey.
In the Director’s Report, Mary Beth highlighted final circulation numbers for the fiscal year, increased participation in this year’s Summer Reading Program, and upcoming programs for Local History Week.
There was no board discussion or public comment.
The next meeting will be on August 28, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., at the Downtown Library.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned by consensus.
Harriet Gordon
Secretary