New Buffalo Township Library
33 N. Thompson St
New Buffalo, MI 49117
269-469-2933
Board Minutes November 11, 2014
1. Call to Order-Roll Call
Meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by President Daniel Donnelly.
Members present: Daniel Donnelly, Sandy Sporleder, Nancy Mrozek, Cyndie Spriggs, Mary
McPherson, Albin Sikora and Andrea Brown
Absent: Leah Aaron and Kate Vyskocil
2. Approval of the Agenda
Motion made by Cyndie Spriggs and seconded by Andrea Brown to approve the agenda. All
ayes, motion carried.
3. Reading and approval of the October minutes
Motion made by Mary McPherson and seconded by Nancy Mrozek to approve the October
minutes.
There was some discussion about less detailed minutes now that construction was wrapping
up. The minutes will highlight the important details only.
All ayes, motion carried
5. October Treasurer's Report
Motion made by Albin Sikora and seconded by Andrea Brown to approve the October
Treasure’s Report.
Mary commented that we have not yet received the LRSB funds, and Julie explained that the
disbursement is being held up by the City. The areas that are over budget were anticipated.
There will be budget amendments in December. Julie will meet with the auditor before the
December meeting to go over the 2015 operating and capital improvements budgets. The 2015
budget was given to the board for review, but may be revised at the suggestion of the auditor.
All ayes, motion carried.
6. Privilege of the Audience
7. Business:
 Construction and JBA: Julie handed out the JBA balance sheet and explained that after
construction close out there should be a little over $100,000 left. There will be cost for
the patio gate and technology yet. We are still researching adding a generator, which
could be costly. Julie will also ask for a letter from FTC&H regarding the reasoning
behind not adding a generator in the initial planning. We will also double check our
insurance policy for flood coverage. Julie explained there are a few minor issues that
are being taken care of by various contractors. Scott and Courtney are still involved to
New Buffalo Township Library
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33 N. Thompson St
New Buffalo, MI 49117
269-469-2933
make sure we are getting things finished up. A coffee brewer and air pots have been
donated and water lines are going in, so there will be coffee for patrons at the vending
areas. Dan informed the board that Richard Farina contacted him about the landscaping
that was promised along the fence line on the neighboring property. Manny has
submitted an estimate for $2600. This will include shrubs, topsoil and grass seed.
Manny made it clear to Mr. Farina that the library will not maintain this landscaping, it
will be the responsibility of the landowner. This plan was in lieu of a retaining wall and
was previously approved during the planning stage. Albin made a motion to accept the
estimate, Dan seconded. All ayes, motion carried.
Staff wages, appreciation bonuses and IRA’s: Dan made a motion to accept the IRA’s
up to 3%, Cyndie seconded. All ayes, motion carried. The Personnel Committee
recommended that all staff receive a 2% raise and appreciation bonuses be the same as
last year because of the move. Longevity will remain the same, and future raises and
bonuses will be evaluated next year. The committee will research implementing a wage
range going forward. Dan made a motion to approve the wage increases and bonuses,
Cyndie seconded, all ayes, motion carried.
Director Evaluation: Julie submitted a self-evaluation which the personnel committee
reviewed. The committee gave Julie a 4+ out of 5, and recommended a 2% raise.
Cyndie made a motion to accept the Director evaluation and raise, Dan seconded, all
ayes, motion carried. Julie had a list of goals that she handed out to the board
members, for the coming year. These will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Board meeting times: Dan asked the board to think about changing the meeting time to
later in the afternoon. It was thought 5 or 5:30 pm may be acceptable. We will discuss
in December.
Director Comments:
Julie introduced new staff members Gail Prietto and Debbie Bye. Courtney Kliss told the board
about the Afternoon Tea event that will be held in January.
The New Buffalo Times approached us about giving the library a quarter page space for a
drastically reduced rate. The board agreed this would be acceptable.
8. Comments from the Board:
Parking along Merchant Street: Dan will follow up with the acting City Manager at a later date.
Sally Taylor: Sandy has had no response from Sally regarding drafting the agreement for the
JBA. Julie will follow up.
Dan suggested that the service/outreach agencies who meet here should get up to 25 copies
free. The board thought that would be reasonable.
Nancy said she has been approached about library hours, and being open on snow days. Julie
said that we are open 50 hours per week, this is what has been budgeted. We decided to go
with the school for snow days because staff have to drive in dangerous conditions, and the
library becomes a babysitting service. The board feels we should stay with the hours and snow
days as is.
New Buffalo Township Library
33 N. Thompson St
New Buffalo, MI 49117
269-469-2933
9. Adjournment:
Motion made by Nancy Mrozek and, seconded by Mary McPherson to adjourn the meeting at
5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Mrozek, Secretary