WILLIAMSTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Post Office Box 357, Williamston, Michigan 48895-0357
Telephone: 517-655-5140
Website: www.wclf.info
Email: contact@wclf.info
MEETING MINUTES
WILLIAMSTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
MEETING LOCATION:
Wheatfield Township Hall, 985 East Holt Road, Williamston, Michigan
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President, Susan Graff.
DIRECTORS PRESENT:
Jeff Bartrem, John Brazier, Fred Campbell, Tom Clay, Marlene Epley, Susan Graff, Frank Kolasa, Julia O'Connor, Fran Schaffert.
DIRECTORS ABSENT:
None
INTRODUCTIONS/OTHERS PRESENT:
Bob Hanna
ADDITIONS and CHANGES TO AGENDA/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Three (3) items added to Discussion Items
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
MINUTES OF 14 NOVEMBER 2007 MEETING:
Two (2) corrections to minutes. Motion by Frank, seconded by John, to approve minutes with corrections. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
TREASURER REPORT:
Written report submitted.
Tom reported that the Citizen's account will be closed next week. It is not reflected on the report but yesterday (12/11/2007) the interest was paid on the account.
Edward Jones account paid 4% - $75 interest.
Capitol National interest is not yet reflected on the statement.
Fran asked if we have been paying on the principal. Tom answered that we have been paying interest only.
The check from the insurance company was placed in the 11/14/07 column.
Motion by John, seconded by Fran to accept the Treasurer's Report. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
ACTION ITEMS:
January Meeting Location: – Agreement to hold the meeting at Wheatfield Township Hall.
Electronic Meetings: There were problems! Susan said the biggest problem was that we could not conduct the discussion simultaneously. Information and circumstances changed even as e-mails were passing each other in cyberspace. Everyone agreed that in future, electronic meetings should be avoided.
Susan stated that we should have our By-laws reviewed by a lawyer with a specialty in By-laws. Specifically, there is a possibility that electronic meetings are not legal in Michigan.
Sale of Property to Scott Simmons (RiverHouse Inn): Frank spoke with Scott on Monday, 12/7/2007, and told him that WCLF would accept no less than $10,000.
Scott has not responded, therefore, Frank suggests sending him a letter indicating a deadline by which to respond and if a response is not received by the deadline, advise him to remove all the materials/items he has installed on WCLF property, pending court proceedings.
Bob Hanna said that at the November City Council meeting the city attorney stated that an electrical permit cannot be issued to Mr. Simmons for property he doesn't own.
Frank noted the expense involved in hiring an attorney and engaging in litigation.
Tom reported on the discussion that took place about this subject at the Executive Committee meeting.
Motion from Tom, seconded by Jeff, to direct Frank to write to Scott Simmons notifying him that WCLF expects a formal written offer for purchase of the property or removal of the electrical box and buried conduit within one (1) week from the date of the letter. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote
Property Taxes: Tom said he received the property tax bills and recommends that payment be made in early February. Tom will personally deliver the payment. Consensus agreement – vote not taken.
Tom left meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Review of WCLF Position Paper Regarding the CADL Capital Campaign: Fran noted several spelling errors – Susan will make corrections. Fran believes the paper should be more detailed if it is going to be distributed widely. Changes at the end of the paper were agreed upon and Susan will produce final copies and distribute at the January meeting.
Meeting with CADL Board of Directors: Marlene asked if it would be beneficial to have a meeting between the two boards or for WCLF to do a presentation before the CADL board. Susan will send the finalized Position Paper to CADL and ask for a meeting of the two boards.
Charge to the Building Committee: Susan has not yet compiled the suggestions. Susan and Marlene were the only ones who responded to this assignment. This is tabled until the next meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Campaign Consultant Contract: Jan will rewrite the contract with different begin and end dates.
Storm Damage to the House: Jeff reported that the tree removal has been paid and he provided two estimates for damage repairs.
Jeff and Frank will work together on the remainder of the insurance negotiations.
Frank asked about board sentiment regarding demolition of the house. Everyone agreed that demolition is the more desirable plan.
Friends Book Sale: Susan distributed a report. The Boy Scouts helped a great deal with set-up and take-down.
Motion by Marlene, seconded by Fred, to approve Executive Committee minutes.
Annual Meeting (January 2008) Election Procedures: The By-laws state, "Those persons who receive a plurality of the votes cast shall be deemed to have been elected." Fred pointed out that a "plurality" means less than 50%. Susan asked Marlene how many position the Nominating Committee is expecting to fill. Marlene answered that the Committee is striving to fill five (5) positions. Motion by Marlene, seconded by Julia, to fill a maximum of five (5) positions. Approved by voice vote.
Motion by Fred, seconded by Marlene, that each director will have five (5) votes. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
Marlene announced that she will be in Hawai'i on 9 January 2008. Motion by Frank, seconded by Julia, to move the date of the annual meeting to 16 January 2008. Motion approved by John, Fred, Marlene, Susan, Frank, Julia, Fran. Opposed by Jeff. Motion passed by majority.
Marlene will submit a notice to the Enterprise to publish the date of the meeting.
REPORTS:
Building Committee – none.
Fundraising Committee – no report. A meeting is not being held in December.
Township Meetings, City Council and Other City Meetings, Miscellaneous Meetings: No reports.
CORRESPONDENCE:
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Marlene Ann Epley, Secretary
Approved: 16 January 2008