Minutes
Bryan-Bennett Library Board of Trustees
January 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room
Call to Order
Bryan-Bennett Library Board President, Gary Hahn, called the January 14, 2025, meeting of the Bryan-Bennett Library Board of Trustees to order at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Board members present were Kasey Angeloni, Brenda Conrad, Jennifer Dice, Gary Hahn, Lynn Larimer, Marylin Lewis, Erica Nix, and Gayla Wilkerson.
Also present were Library interim Director Jodi Trinkle, Hendrick Morton (WJBD) and Benjamin Trinkle.
Closed Session
Open session was adjourned at 6:36 p.m. and a closed session with only Bryan-Bennett Library Board of Trustees present at 6:40 p.m. At 6:49 p.m. Trustee Mark Decker joined the meeting in progress.
Roll Call was taken with Trustees Kasey Angeloni, Brenda Conrad, Mark Decker, Jennifer Dice, Gary Hahn, Lynn Larimer, Marylin Lewis, Erica Nix and Gayla Wilkerson present.
Discussion was had pertaining to hiring a new Library Director to replace Kim Keller. Keller stepped down December 12, 2024. President Gary Hahn made the suggestion of placing Assistant Director, Jodi Trinkle, in the position of Acting Director until a permanent replacement can be hired. Board members discussed posting the position internally on Heartland Library Systems website for 30 days. The personnel committee will handle the posting and potential applicants.
Members of the Policy and Personnel Committee have agreed to meet to discuss expectations and benefits that will be offered to the new Director.
The Board agreed to a 15% increase in Assistant Director Trinkles wage and an increase in hours to 40 per week to be given retroactively starting December 12, 2024, if Trinkle accepts the Interim Director position.
The motion to adjourn the closed session was made by Trustee Nix and seconded by Trustee Wilkerson at 7:40 p.m. All were in favor.
Open Session
Open session was called back to order at 7:44 p.m. by Board President Gary Hahn.
Roll Call
Trustees answering roll call were Kasey Angeloni, Brenda Conrad, Mark Decker, Jennifer Dice, Gary Hahn, Lynn Larimer, Marilyn Lewis and Gayla Wilkerson. Also present were Hendrick Morton and Benjamin Trinkle.
Approval of November 19, 2024 minutes
A motion to accept the November 19, 2024 meeting minutes was made by Trustee Angeloni and seconded by Trustee Nix. All present voted yes and the motion carried.
Approval of December 10, 2024 Special Meeting minutes
A motion to accept the Special Meeting minutes from December 10, 2024 was made by Trustee Angeloni and seconded by Trustee Lewis. All members voted yes and the motion carried.
Approval of December 2024 Bills
A motion to approve the December 2024 bills in the amount of $19,616.43 was made by Trustee Larimer and given a second by Trustee Wilkerson. All members voted yes and the motion carried.
Separation Pay for Kim Keller
After reviewing Kim Kellers request for vacation and sick time paid along with the remaining days in December 2024, the Board will offer her $13,426.62 in accordance with the City of Salem policy in such situations. A motion was made by Trustee Dice and seconded by Trustee Larimer. All members voted yes and the motion carried. A certified letter will be mailed to Keller outlining the monetary offer.
New Business
Appointment of Acting Library Director
Assistant Library Director Jodi Trinkle was offered and has accepted the position of Acting Library Director. Trustee Decker made a motion to increase her hours from 28 to 40 a week along with a 15% wage increase. This motion was seconded by Trustee Larimer with all other Trustees voting in agreement. The motion carried and we look forward to continuing working with Acting Director Trinkle

Tabled Items

Several items were tabled until individual Committee's had a chance to meet including a decision to allow the City of Salem to handle the finances of Bryan-Bennett Library along with a termination of our QuickBooks program and a plan to adopt the City's Personnel policy, A motion to table all three items was made by Trustee Decker and seconded by Trustee Conrad. All voted in favor and the motion passed.
Budget Workshop
January 21, 2025 is the date that has been set for a budget workshop. The Board along with the City Finance Director and City Manager will meet at 6:30 p.m.
Grant Deadlines
Acting Director Trinkle has asked the Board to allow her to wait until next year to apply for the Live and Learn Construction grant that is due January 15, 2025 as she hasn't had experience writing grants. The Board agrees with Trinkle and is glad to hear she will be participating in upcoming grant writing sessions on January 14, 2025 and January 23, 2025. The Per Capita Grant is due January 30, 2025 and the E-rate Grant is due March 26, 2025.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made at 8:36 p.m. by Trustee Wilkerson and seconded by Trustee Nix. All were in favor.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jennifer Dice