PROCEEDINGS
Vermilion Parish Library
Board of Control
November 7, 20232
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
Library Board Vice President, John LeBlanc, called the Vermilion Parish Library Board of Control budget hearing to order on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Abbeville Library at 6:00PM. The following members were present: Jane Barras, Jennifer Saltzmen, Yolanda Broussard, John LeBlanc, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, and Bridget Winters. Absent was Anita Levy. Guests were Charlotte Bourg, Library Director, Amy Stelly, Business Manager, Dawn Hebert, Administrative Manager, Gene Sellers, and Lee Ritter
The prayer was led by Bridget Winters.
The pledge was led by John LeBlanc.
Amy Stelly called the roll.
There being no public comments, the board moved to the public meeting.
Vice President John LeBlanc called the regular meeting to order at 6:02PM.
There were no comments on any agenda item.
A motion was made by Melanie Hensgens and seconded by Jane Barras to move the agenda item regarding the Gueydan building issues to the first order of business.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
Director, Charlotte Bourg, gave a summary of the building issues at the Gueydan Branch. Gene Sellers described work that had previously been done at the library including the repair of water intrusion at the windows and exterior waterproofing. Lee Ritter, of Ritter Consulting Engineers, described his services and the process of mold remediation that needed to be done. The board, on the motion of Melanie Hensgens and seconded by Yolanda Broussard agreed to hire Ritter Consulting Engineers to solicit bids for the remediation and for bids to be obtained for the build back after the remediation.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
Upon completion of that agenda item the board went back to the agenda as written.
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Melanie Hensgens the board voted to dispense with the reading of and to accept the previous meeting minutes.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Bridget Winters the board voted to approve the financial report including a budget to actual comparison as presented by Amy Stelly.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board accepted the Director’s Report.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
The board was introduced to new board member Jennifer Saltzmen, who is replacing Betty Girouard.
On the motion of Paul Bourgeois and seconded by Yolanda Broussard the Board voted to amend the 2023 budget.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Paul Bourgeois and seconded by Jennifer Saltzmen the board approved the 2024 budget.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Yolanda Broussard the board approved the board meeting schedule for 2024.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Yolanda Broussard and seconded by Jane Barras the board approved the 2024 library holiday schedule.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board approved the updated Collection Development Policy to comply with Act No. 436.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board approved the updated Circulation Policy to comply with Act No. 436.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Yolanda Broussard the board approved the Request for Reconsideration Policy to comply with Act No. 436.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Paul Bourgeois and seconded by Bridget Winters the board approved the Service Animal Policy.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
Director Charlotte Bourg gave a report on the millage renewal election being held Saturday, November 18, 2023. The Vermilion Library Foundation’s efforts were discussed. After the election a meeting will be held to discuss the outcome and any future plans.
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board approved of having the Police Jury sell the property next to the Kaplan Branch.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Yolanda Broussard and seconded by Jane Barras the board conducted a roll call vote to table the discussion of cost of living pay increases for the staff until after the election.
Jane Barras YEA
Melanie Hensgens YEA
Jennifer Saltzmen YEA
Bridget Winters YEA
John LeBlanc YEA
Paul Bourgeois YEA
Yolanda Broussard YEA
Anita Levy ABSENT
There was no dissention among the board.
On the motion of Yolanda Broussard and seconded by Jane Barras the board conducted a roll call vote to table the discussion of cost of living pay increase for the director until after the election.
Jane Barras YEA
Melanie Hensgens YEA
Jennifer Saltzmen YEA
Bridget Winters YEA
John LeBlanc YEA
Paul Bourgeois YEA
Yolanda Broussard YEA
Anita Levy ABSENT
There was no dissention among the board.
As this was the last meeting for Paul Bourgeois serving as the Police Jury Ex Officio member. The Director and Board thanked him for his service. Charlotte Bourg will contact the Police Jury to get the name of the new Police Jury Ex Officio member.
Paul Bourgeois motioned to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Yolanda Broussard.
Nov 16 2023
Proceedings for November 7, 2023
PROCEEDINGS
Vermilion Parish Library
Board of Control
November 7, 20232
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
Library Board Vice President, John LeBlanc, called the Vermilion Parish Library Board of Control budget hearing to order on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Abbeville Library at 6:00PM. The following members were present: Jane Barras, Jennifer Saltzmen, Yolanda Broussard, John LeBlanc, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, and Bridget Winters. Absent was Anita Levy. Guests were Charlotte Bourg, Library Director, Amy Stelly, Business Manager, Dawn Hebert, Administrative Manager, Gene Sellers, and Lee Ritter
The prayer was led by Bridget Winters.
The pledge was led by John LeBlanc.
Amy Stelly called the roll.
There being no public comments, the board moved to the public meeting.
Vice President John LeBlanc called the regular meeting to order at 6:02PM.
There were no comments on any agenda item.
A motion was made by Melanie Hensgens and seconded by Jane Barras to move the agenda item regarding the Gueydan building issues to the first order of business.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
Director, Charlotte Bourg, gave a summary of the building issues at the Gueydan Branch. Gene Sellers described work that had previously been done at the library including the repair of water intrusion at the windows and exterior waterproofing. Lee Ritter, of Ritter Consulting Engineers, described his services and the process of mold remediation that needed to be done. The board, on the motion of Melanie Hensgens and seconded by Yolanda Broussard agreed to hire Ritter Consulting Engineers to solicit bids for the remediation and for bids to be obtained for the build back after the remediation.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
Upon completion of that agenda item the board went back to the agenda as written.
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Melanie Hensgens the board voted to dispense with the reading of and to accept the previous meeting minutes.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Bridget Winters the board voted to approve the financial report including a budget to actual comparison as presented by Amy Stelly.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board accepted the Director’s Report.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
The board was introduced to new board member Jennifer Saltzmen, who is replacing Betty Girouard.
On the motion of Paul Bourgeois and seconded by Yolanda Broussard the Board voted to amend the 2023 budget.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Paul Bourgeois and seconded by Jennifer Saltzmen the board approved the 2024 budget.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Yolanda Broussard the board approved the board meeting schedule for 2024.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Yolanda Broussard and seconded by Jane Barras the board approved the 2024 library holiday schedule.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board approved the updated Collection Development Policy to comply with Act No. 436.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board approved the updated Circulation Policy to comply with Act No. 436.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Bridget Winters and seconded by Yolanda Broussard the board approved the Request for Reconsideration Policy to comply with Act No. 436.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Paul Bourgeois and seconded by Bridget Winters the board approved the Service Animal Policy.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
Director Charlotte Bourg gave a report on the millage renewal election being held Saturday, November 18, 2023. The Vermilion Library Foundation’s efforts were discussed. After the election a meeting will be held to discuss the outcome and any future plans.
On the motion of Jane Barras and seconded by Paul Bourgeois the board approved of having the Police Jury sell the property next to the Kaplan Branch.
YEAS: Jane Barras, Paul Bourgeois, Melanie Hensgens, Jennifer Saltzmen, John LeBlanc, Bridget Winters, and Yolanda Broussard
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Anita Levy
On the motion of Yolanda Broussard and seconded by Jane Barras the board conducted a roll call vote to table the discussion of cost of living pay increases for the staff until after the election.
Jane Barras YEA
Melanie Hensgens YEA
Jennifer Saltzmen YEA
Bridget Winters YEA
John LeBlanc YEA
Paul Bourgeois YEA
Yolanda Broussard YEA
Anita Levy ABSENT
There was no dissention among the board.
On the motion of Yolanda Broussard and seconded by Jane Barras the board conducted a roll call vote to table the discussion of cost of living pay increase for the director until after the election.
Jane Barras YEA
Melanie Hensgens YEA
Jennifer Saltzmen YEA
Bridget Winters YEA
John LeBlanc YEA
Paul Bourgeois YEA
Yolanda Broussard YEA
Anita Levy ABSENT
There was no dissention among the board.
As this was the last meeting for Paul Bourgeois serving as the Police Jury Ex Officio member. The Director and Board thanked him for his service. Charlotte Bourg will contact the Police Jury to get the name of the new Police Jury Ex Officio member.
Paul Bourgeois motioned to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Yolanda Broussard.