WILLIAMSTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Post Office Box 357, Williamston, Michigan 48895-0357
Telephone: 517-655-5140
Website: www.wclf.info
Email: contact@wclf.info
WILLIAMSTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Wheatfield Township Hall, 985 East Holt Road, Williamston, Michigan
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President, Susan Graff.
Jeff Bartrem, John Brazier, Fred Campbell, Tom Clay, Marlene Epley, Susan Graff, Frank Kolasa, Julia O'Connor, Fran Schaffer.
None.
Bob Hanna, Leo Sheets, Chris Yelvington.
Motion by Fred to move Jeff's action item to beginning of agenda because of Jeff's need to leave early. Motion not seconded, no vote taken. Susan stated that the agenda would be rearranged accordingly.
Bob Hanna stated that the Williamston DDA does not intend to release money to CADL. He questioned the DDA about releasing money to WCLF for the property but did not receive an answer.
Motion by Tom, seconded by John,toapprove October 2007 minutes as written. No further discussion. Passed by voice vote.
Written report submitted.
Tom explained that WCLF has approximately $38,000 in total assets.
The Citizens account can now be closed and the funds moved to Independent Bank.
Carrie Thorburn of Edward Jones indicated that they would handle all paperwork for donations of stock. The value on the date of transfer would be the deductible gift.
Tom is now receiving water bills at his home address.
None
Leo distributed copies of print showing the North-South property line between WCLF lot and RiverHouse Inn, and stated that the accompanying written description is not accurate. He will supply and distribute an accurate written description.
The property extends 6 feet along the Red Cedar River and 12 feet along Grand River Avenue.
Scott Simmons asked Leo if WCLF board wants to sell him the property. Leo told him that it was being discussed at this meeting.
Frank stated that a professional appraiser is needed to establish the value of the property. Fran suggested trying to find someone who would do it pro bono.
Motion by Fred, seconded by Fran, for Frank to have a professional appraiser establish the value of the property, not to exceed the cost of $500. Motion passed by voice vote.
Frank suggested sending a letter to Scott Simmons informing that WCLF is taking action to get an appraisal and he (Mr. Simmons) may want to do the same.
Motion by Fred, seconded by John, for Frank to send a letter to Mr. Simmons. Motion passed by voice vote.
Mr. Simmons is proceeding with encroachment on WCLF property by wiring the electrical box. He has run conduit to and from his building. All of this work is being done on WCLF property. Jeff spoke with electrical inspector who indicated that it is WCLF's responsibility to prove that Mr. Simmons does not own the property. Jeff spoke with Holly at City Hall and to a Detroit Edison representative and asked them to not issue a permit for the work because Mr. Simmons does not have permission from WCLF to have the box and conduit located on WCLF property.
Frank stated that by the December meeting the appraisal should be done and we should know if an arrangement will be possible with Mr. Simmons. In the event that WCLF and Mr. Simmons cannot arrive at a purchase agreement a court order should be pursued as soon as possible.
Leo suggested having Mr. Simmons put $15,000 in an escrow account so he can proceed with his electrical work and if the appraisal comes back higher he can pay more. If it comes back lower, money can be refunded.
Discussion regarding the appraisal be used as a guideline and not necessarily the final asking price.
Jeff asked the insurance agent for a complete copy of the insurance policy. It has not yet been received. Jeff explained that the Auto Owners agent suggested that if the costs for repairs, loss of rent, etc., related to the storm damage on the rental house, are too high, Auto Owners might be interested in paying to tear down and dispose of the house.
The December Board meeting will be held at Wheatfield Township Hall. Marlene will check on the possibility of meeting in one of the school buildings.
Fred will check on the possibility of meeting at the Depot Museum.
Discussion regarding Ryan Carver and the amount he still owes for rent. Jeff will meet with David Jones to pursue garnishment of Mr. Carver's wages.
(Jeff left the meeting.)
Discussion regarding Quiring Associates (Jan Quiring) contract proposal.
CADL has changed the date for the millage election from February 2008 to August 2008.
Fran indicated that she has mixed feelings about how much WCLF can accomplished until the CADL vote in August of 2008.
Motion by Tom, seconded by Fredto approve the Quiring contract with the following change: Duration of contract for 12 weeks beginning on or near 1 January 2008. Fred amended the motion to include: WCLF Board adopts the agenda described in the proposal.
Frank questioned WCLF's readiness for the Quiring plan in light of the issues described in the Feasibility Study regarding the small number of residents aware of the efforts of WCLF and the interview pool that was used. Frank questioned if some of the services described in the Quiring proposal could be done by WCLF volunteers.
Marlene and Tom explained that, among other functions, the Campaign Cabinet that will be established will be charged with increasing public awareness and broadening the pool of residents involved in the project.
Tom said that Jan will lead us through all of the steps of the campaign.
Motion passed by voice vote with no opposition indicated.
Marlene will follow-up with Jan about this discussion.
Susan distributed copies of an e-mail in which Sue Hill (Director, CADL) answered questions put forth by WCLF at the October board meeting.
It was generally agreed that answers to questions and particulars of the CADL plan are too vague and a meeting with the CADL Board of Directors is needed.
Marlene is concerned CADL is justifying the Capital Plan for a new building by including items that are already covered in the current CADL millage. We have previously been told that if the Williamston Library had the space, the current millage would cover the cost of additional computers, meeting room amenities, etc.
Susan distributed a draft WCLF Position Paper. She will e-mail it to everyone who can then e-mail back suggestions and changes.
Motion by Fred to approve the statement in general and finalize at the December Board meeting. Seconded by Marlene. Passed by voice vote.
Susan and Leo reported on their presentation to the Williamston DDA. They were informed that DDAs cannot pick and choose which taxes they will give back – if they give back one they have to give back all. It was then pointed out that the DDA has already given back money to NEISA. Susan said that in light of this information we will need to continue pursuing this issue and she will take the lead.
Marlene proposed that the Board develop a charge or guideline document for the Building Committee so the committee can begin working full steam toward developing a building proposal. Some items that the board needs to clarify are: size of building if CADL millage passes and size if CADL millage doesn't pass, budget with CADL millage and without CADL millage; green building expectations, inclusion of specific spaces such as space for Friends of the Library, History/Genealogy Room, multiuse meeting room possibly with small commercial kitchen to accommodate Senior Center use, children's area, adult reading area, private study areas, outdoor reading areas, garden areas, etc.
Susan will draft the paper and e-mail to everyone for input so it can be ready to finalize at the December meeting.
Susan explained that the Friends of the Library book sale room was destroyed in the storm. Currently the books are being stored in the basement of the Community Center. The book sales can take place in the gymnasium of the Community Center. The Senior Center has agreed that their tables can be used for the book sales. Prior to the book sale the tables and books will have to be moved to the gym and set up and everything disassembled and returned to the appropriate place after the sale. Susan made the following proposal to the Friends: a) they continue the book sales on their own and bank their profits, and if they choose this, she (Susan) will discontinue her involvement with the book sales, b) they continue the book sales on their own and donate a percentage of the profits to WCLF, c) they continue the book sales as a joint effort with 80% of the profits distributed to WCLF and 20% of the profits distributed to the Friends. The next sale is on 9 December. Volunteers will meet at the Community Center at 3 p.m. on 8 December to set-up.
Motion by Julia, seconded by Frank, to empower Susan to pursue book sales twice a year as a joint effort with the Friends. Motion passed by voice vote.
Field trip to Hastings and Portland Libraries on 27 November. Marlene will contact everyone and confirm attendance. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the WCLF lot in Williamston.
Building Committee – no report.
Fundraising Committee – no written report. September and October meetings were cancelled. The next meeting will be 29 November, 7 p.m. at Wheatfield Township Hall. Marlene delivered a verbal report: WCLF will have an information table at the Williamston Library holiday open house in December. Marlene has reached an agreement with John Lepard, Director, Williamston Theater, to do a joint Murder Mystery Fundraiser in March at Brookshire.
Julia attended the WASO meeting. A questionnaire was distributed at the meeting regarding interest is student volunteers. Marlene will complete and submit the questionnaire indicating WCLF's desire for a student volunteer.
No Township meeting or City council meeting reports.
None
None.
None.
Susan adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Marlene Ann Epley, Secretary
Approved: 12 December 2007