Town of Bowers

The meeting included updates on the door, counter, and shelving projects, with orders placed for most materials and projects expected to begin this month and conclude before spring. Updates to employee vacation and sick time were presented to align with the city's handbook and guidelines. Proposed changes to the library board policies, with additions and suggestions from IFLIS, were presented for the board's review and will be addressed at the February 2023 meeting. The board also discussed getting these policies online once completed.

The board discussed a proposal to provide materials regarding dementia and Alzheimer's for library patrons. They also discussed the director's reports, school activities, city council happenings, and updates on the door and counter projects. The board approved staff bonuses/gifts for the holiday season, the 2023 board meeting dates and library closed dates, and an updated and revised 2023 budget. They also confirmed the wages for a library employee and discussed proposals to update and increase employee vacation and sick time. Proposed changes to the library board policies were presented for review at the January 2023 meeting.

The Calhoun Memorial Library Board meeting included updates from the treasurer, library director, Friends of the Library, school representative, and city council representative. Discussions covered the Summer Reading Program, the library's annual report submission, staffing updates, and a building needs assessment report.

The board reviewed and discussed the building needs assessment report, noting significant building needs that would require remodeling or a new building. The board agreed that promoting the importance of the library to the community would be necessary before further discussion on library renovations. The board discussed ways that the library could continue to be in the public eye and work with organizations and businesses in the city. The slate of officers that will be up for election at the June meeting was briefly discussed.

The council meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. An overview of the 2021 audit report was presented. The council approved a lease amendment for hangar agreements, stipulating that hangars be used only for aircraft-related purposes. Hangar lease fees were increased by 20% to address airport budget needs. Concerns about noncompliance with hangar lease renewals were raised, requiring inspections and compliance letters to hangar owners. A credit on a sewer bill was approved due to a water usage issue during a remodeling project. The draft ordinance regulating short-term rentals was discussed, with concerns raised by rental owners regarding various aspects of the ordinance. A request for handicap accessible doors at The Center and the library was presented, with potential funding from ARP funds. The 2023 budget was adopted as presented at the public hearing.