Board of Trustees

Rosetta Ballew-Jennings President July 2026 – June 2027, Board term expires June 30, 2027

Harriet Gordon, Vice President, July 2026 – June 2027, Board term expires June 30 2026

Kathie Brunner, Treasurer, July 2026 – June 2027, Board term expires June 30, 2028

LaTonya Williams, Secretary, July 2026 – June 2027, Board term expires June 30, 2026

Bobbie Cronk, Board term expires June 30, 2028

Kate Davison, Board term expires June 30, 2028

Jonht Slayden, Board term expires June 30, 2026

Kyla Ward, Board term expires June 30, 2027

Open, Board term expires June 20, 2027

The Board of Trustees of the St. Joseph Public Library met on October 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Washington Park Library. Trustees in attendance were Rosetta Ballew-Jennings, Kathie Brunner, Kate Davison, Harriet Gordon, and Kyla Ward. Bobbie Cronk, Jonht Slayden, and LaTonya Willaims were absent. Library staff in attendance were Katie Green, Jen Caton, and Mary Beth Revels.

President Rosetta Ballew-Jennings called the meeting to order and roll call was taken.

Upon review of the meeting minutes, Kyla Ward moved and Kathie Brunner seconded that the September 24, 2026 minutes be approved as written. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes”. Motion carried.

Under the Report of the Treasurer, Kyla Ward moved and Kate Davison seconded to approve checks #36373 through #36412, September electronic withdrawals, direct deposits, and journal entries. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes,” and the motion carried.

Kathie Brunner presented the September Financial Reports. She and Mary Beth Revels met with accountant Tim Gawatz and no concerns were noted. Kate Davison moved and Rosetta Ballew-Jennings seconded to accept pages 8-31 of the financial reports as presented. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes,” and the motion carried.

Two financial-related issues were discussed: should the Board be “approving” checks that have already been issued and what kind of documentation should be required from vendors. Both questions will be raised when the auditor attends the November meeting.

Under Reports of Committees, Rosetta Ballew-Jennings reported that the Personnel Committee met on Friday, October 16 to discuss a grievance. A former employee submitted the grievance to the Board at the recommendation of the Employee Advisory Committee. The Committee met with Mary Beth Revels to discuss a course of action.

Under Old Business, Mary Beth Revels presented the Library Projects Overview. Facilities manager Chad Sawyer has spent the bulk of his time recently on changing lights at the Carnegie and Downtown libraries and working to resolve HVAC issues at the East Hills Library. The front steps replacement project is continuing at the Washington Park Library.

There was no other Old Business.

In New Business, Mary Beth Revels presented an update to the “Suspension for Health and Safety Reasons Policy.” Kyla Ward moved and Kate Davison seconded to approve the amended policy as presented. All members in attendance voted “yes,” and the motion carried.

Mary Beth Revels presented a proposal to contract with lobbyist Cole Arreola-Karr, joining several other public libraries in Missouri.  Discussion ensued. Kyla Ward moved and Kate Davison seconded to contract with lobbyist Cole Arreola-Karr for the upcoming legislative session as long as the SJPL attorney approves the written contract. Four Board of Trustees voted “yes” one voted “no” and the motion passed.

There was no other New Business.

Director Mary Beth Revels reported on National Library Week and the Friends Annual Fall Book Sale and reminded Board members of upcoming events.

Under Board Discussion, Rosetta Ballew-Jennings complimented library staff for their kindness toward patrons and great variety of programs for all ages. There was no further Board discussion and no public comment.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., at the Downtown Library.

There being no further business, Kyla Ward moved and Harriet Gordon seconded to adjourn the meeting. All Trustees in attendance voted “yes”. Motion carried.