The next regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the East Hills Library.
Minutes from the April 24, 2025 Board meeting:
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
April 24, 2025, 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 April 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library. Board members in attendance were Rosetta Ballew-Jennings, Bobbie Cronk, Heidi DeSchepper, David Jordan, and Kyla Ward. Joshua Bachman, Harriet Gordon, Johnt Slayden, and LaTonya Williams were absent. Jenny Ellis, Katie Green, Jessica Poet, Lisa Ransom, Mary Beth Revels, Jenna Sanders, Misty Snider, Crystal Stuck, and Jen Wildhagen were present from the staff.
Kyla Ward called the meeting to order, introductions were made, and the roll call was taken.
Upon review of the March 27, 2025 meeting minutes, Bobbie Cronk moved and David Jordan seconded that the minutes be approved as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Under the Report of the Treasurer, Kyla Ward moved and Rosie Ballew-Jennings seconded to approve checks #35437 through #35478, March electronic withdrawals, direct deposits, and journal entries. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Bobbie Cronk presented the March Financial Reports. Mary Beth Revels met with accountant Tim Gawatz post tax season and no new concerns were noted. Kyla Ward moved and Heidi DeSchepper seconded to accept pages 9-22 of the financial report as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes” and the motion carried.
Under Reports of Committees, Kyla Ward announced that annual evaluations for Mary Beth Revels’ performance were in from the staff, with 30 being received. Kyla resent evaluation forms to the Board hoping for more responses. The committee will likely meet in May or June and present the evaluation in July.
Representing the Budget Committee, Bobbie Cronk thanked the managers who helped Mary Beth formulate a balanced budget.
There were no other Committee Reports.
In Old Business, Kyla Ward presented an update to the SJPL logo, Bobbie Cronk moved and Heidi DeSchepper seconded that the logo be approved as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Mary Beth Revels presented the ongoing projects list, highlighting that exterior lights at East Hills have been fixed, bids for concrete work at Washington Park are coming in, and the restoration of the front wall at the Downtown Library is slated to begin in May.
There was no other old business.
Under New Business, Mary Beth Revels presented an update to the Board of Trustees Bylaws. After discussion, Heidi DeSchepper moved and Rosie Ballew-Jennings seconded to approve edits to the Board of Trustees Bylaws as discussed. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Mary Beth Revels presented the Sale of Surplus Property policy for review. During discussion an edit to the policy was suggested. David Jordan moved and Bobbie Cronk seconded to approve the Sale of Surplus Property policy as edited. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Mary Beth Revels presented an update to the Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Bobbie Cronk moved and David Jordan seconded to approve the Harassment and Discrimination Policy as presented. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Mary Beth presented a request from the SJPL Foundation to host the Books, Beers, and Boos Fundraiser at the Downtown Library in October. Alcohol will be served at the event. David Jordan moved and Rosie Ballew Jordan seconded to allow the SJPL Foundation to host the Books Beers and Boos Fundraiser at the Downtown Library and serve alcohol. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Jessica Poet, Outreach and Marketing Services Manager, shared information about a new Spanish Language newsletter, Noticias de la Biblioteca, that includes programming information and culturally relevant explanations of services available at the library. The newsletter is available in print or via email.
Jen Wildhagen, Branch Manager of the Downtown Library, requested that branch hours be reduced beginning in Mid-May due to a hiring freeze and other staffing challenges. If approved, the Downtown Library would close at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, instead of 8:00 p.m. David Jordan moved and Rosie Ballew Jordan seconded to reduce the hours at the Downtown Library as requested. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
In the Director’s Report, Mary Beth Revels discussed March outreach events and the upcoming open house at the Carnegie Library. Jenny Ellis announced the exciting news that the 2026 Kensington Cozy-Con, celebrating Cozy Mysteries, is to be held at the Carnegie Library October 17th360.
There was no board discussion or public comment.
The next meeting will be on May 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., at the Carnegie Library.
There being no further business, Heidi DeSchepper moved and Rosie Ballew-Jennings seconded to adjourn the meeting. All Board members in attendance voted “yes.” Motion carried.
Katie Green
Secretary Pro Tempore