Library Board talks donor wall, elevator contract

Without a quorum present to take official action, the Putnam County Public Library’s board of trustees touched on how to recognize donations to PCPL, as well as heard an update on a new elevator contract during its regular meeting Wednesday evening.

First saying that progress had been made on creating a donor wall, PCPL Director Matt McClelland brought for consideration what it would take amount-wise to be named on a plaque.

Saying that he wanted input from the whole board, he opined that he did not want different levels of contributions (i.e., gold, silver, platinum). In general, he said donations could go to either the Friends of the Putnam County Library or PCPL’s gift fund, and that some kind of endowment option could be offered. He added that it would be important to recognize past donors.

Board President Kayla Flegal suggested that donors could be recognized for rallying around specific projects or initiatives like Imagination Library, rather than a broad suggestion that the library as a whole would benefit. Board member Kristin McClellan added that donor plaques could go under a designated spot (e.g. one for the Friends of the Library).

Saying that identifying three to four project ideas would be enough, Flegal supported bringing up the donor wall at the board’s next meeting.

With considering a new elevator contract, McClelland said going with TK Elevator as the best choice was closer to being finalized. TK would take over servicing the library’s elevator from Kone, which the library has had issues with when it comes to communication about repair work.

The new contract would be for three years with a $75 monthly fee. While it did not make clear the frequency of maintenance or labor costs, McClelland said being able to opt out of the contract was ensured.

McClelland brought proposals from TK as well as Kone and Mid-America Elevator Company to the board last month.

It was stated then that TK has serviced elevators at DePauw University. Flegal provided Wednesday that TK was the “best bet” given that no complaints about its services at DePauw were made after talking with maintenance personnel there.

McClelland said the board has until May 1 to finalize the contract, when the library can begin to terminate its current contract with Kone.

In another topic, McClelland said that he was determining how to give away extra pieces of furniture. He said that the typical procedure is to offer them to other libraries, but that approval was needed by the board.

With the rest of the board absent, Asst. Director Jane Hazelton joined McClelland, Flegal, McClellan and Tiffany Shields for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Library Board is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room at the library.