Meeting notes: Jasper Library Boards meeting info
The Contractual and Jasper Library Boards met Thursday afternoon and both boards passed authorization to write a new policy regarding use of the library property for the solicitation of sales by any organization on library grounds.
What started the discussion was a request by a local Girl Scout troop to sell cookies outside the Dubois Library.
Members from both library boards acknowledged that they are supportive of the Girl Scouts and their programs, but have reservations about allowing them to solicit library patrons to buy cookies, because in so doing, a precedent would be set that would for the libraries to allow any other group to do the same. And that might include groups that the library boards would rather not support.
The policy revision, however, would not affect groups who use the library community rooms to hold parties by those selling products like Pampered Chef and other like products.
Jasper Library Bill Shaneyfelt concurred that the change in language and policy was necessary to protect the library and recommended that the policy change be made ready to approve at next month’s meetings.
Next, the Jasper Library board passed an authorization that gives board president Bill Hewitt the authority to communicate to Jasper City Attorney Renee Kabrick that the library is interested in representation on any group that determines what will be done with the golf course property. The decision allows the library board to be an active participant in the future use of the property, which could include a new library building.
Attorney Shaneyfelt told the board that the City of Jasper still has not closed on the sale of the property and that the process is many weeks from completion. This move by the board serves notice to the city that the library wants to be an active participant in outcome.
Finally, Library Director Rita Douthitt reports that this Saturday will be the final day of the book sale in Jasper.
According to Douthitt, although she doesn’t have firm number yet, the library has taken in about $4000 so far from the book sale. The proceeds from the sales of the books have to go into the library general fund.
She reports that the excess books left over will be sent to a consignment company in northern Indiana where they will be sold online and the library will be given 15 percent of the proceeds and another 5 percent will be donated to the charity of the library’s choosing.
Also, Douthitt publicly thanked the Dubois County Community Corrections for sending workers to help with moving books for the book sale. She stated they were wonderful to work with.
Of course they are interested in buying land. The golf course was not about a new park, it was about the school and library and maybe a small park with whatever is left over…
Also, if you remember Councilman Kevin Manley indicated his support for a larger splash park (as a use of EDIT funds) to either replace or be added on to the existing pool. So you know some of the country club course land will be a new pool and splash park. Then you will need parking for everything listed so far. So there is your 63 acres as part of a future plan.
Expect the old pool to be phased out and the land sold off. Most likely the Jaycees Park will go away too.
I don’t say this to say this is a bad idea, I am neutral. I say this to help people understand the coming big picture so you can get your opinion in before it is too late.