03/17/2021 MinutesParis Public Library Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Paris Public Library Advisory Board was called to order by
Chairwoman Melanie Loughmiller at 4:05 p.m.
Present:
Board members present were: Melanie Loughmiller, Eva Dickey, Jennifer Cullum, Steve
Hellmann, Myers Hurt, and Interim Library Director Ron Hervey. Board members absent were:
Lauren Matthews and Marilyn Threadgill.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the February 24, 2021 meeting were approved
with the correction of the spelling Steve Hellmann's last name.
II. New Business: No new business.
III. Old Business:
a. Ron Hervey presented the updated version of the Disaster Response Plan to the
Library Board for approval. The board voted to approve the updated version of the
plan, with minor changes: Steve Hellmann noted that on Page 9, it will be noted that
if there is water on the ground in a room, no one will enter the room until power has
been safely disconnected by a qualified person. Dr. Hurt noted that there was a
missing location for a fire alarm pull on the Emergency Library Map. The plan was
approved with updated notes. Steve Hellmann made the motion to approve, with
Dr. Myers Hurt providing a second.
IV. Presentations:
a. Budget Report
Expenditures in February totaled $39,049.19, with $267,046.41 expended so far, for
the year, which is 36.72% of FY 2021 budget of $727,331.00.
b. Statistical Report
February's circulation was 6,068 items, down from 7,815 items for February 2020.
Library visits were also down in comparison with the same month last year, at 2,898
for 2021 and 4,590 visits in 2020. Ron Hervey noted that these numbers don't truly
reflect the interest in the library because of Covid-19 having a detrimental impact on
patron's ability to access the library. Ron ran the numbers for the sixth month
average circulation, which was 6,698 and that should be increasing as well, with the
restrictions being lifted and patrons coming back to the library in their normal
fashion.
Melanie Loughmiller asked Ron Hervey who was currently responsible for ordering
items for the library, in the absence of the director. Ron stated that Tracy is primarily
responsible for ordering children's books, Jerry orders the adult books, and Ron is
focused on the administrative duties in the director's absence.
V. Friends of the Library Report:
a. The Friends of the Library newsletter was published. Copies were mailed to
current Friends and Dr. Amanda Green dropped off extra newsletters for
interested patrons.
b. There is a contest for children to design the new logo for the newsletter.
VI. Director's Remarks:
a. Ron Hervey spoke again with City Manager Grayson Path regarding Governor
Abbott's updated guidelines for Covid-19 restrictions. Mr. Path and Mr. Hervey
concluded that it would be acceptable for two more computers to be placed
back in the common area for public use, as long as they are adequately spaced
apart. The Gallery will now be allowed to hold gatherings of up to 25 people,
which is % that of the Fire Marshall's allowance in normal operating
circumstances. The staff will continue to be required to wear face masks while
on the floor. Ron noted that if circumstances change for the worse with regard
to Covid-19, the safety requirements can be strengthened once again. Steve
Hellman asked if appropriate signage would be placed around the library, to
reflect the updated guidelines. Ron responded, stating that change is in the
process of happening. Mr. Hervey also noted that books are still being cleaned as
they come in to the library, and the building is continuing to be fogged in the
appropriate places.
b. Ron also noted that Mr. Path intends to place the vacancy for Library Director
by the end of March.
c. Ron Hervey wanted to recognize how wonderful the library staff has been during
this time, along with their level of professionalism in the absence of a director.
Mr. Hervey also mentioned his appreciation for the library patrons who continue
to be supportive of the library. Melanie Loughmiller said that she values Mr.
Hervey's willingness to step in as Interim Library Director, and the board fully
agreed with this sentiment.
The next meeting will be on April, 21, 2021
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Submitted by
Jennifer Cullum, Secretary