Library board approves bid to clean property, training for employees
The Forrest City Public Library board approved a bid to clean up the recently purchased property north of the library.
"When we decided to solicit bids to get it cleaned we decided to look at all if our lots," said Arlisa Harris, library director. "We received two bids."
She told the board that when reviewing the bids, she noticed one did not include portions of work needed, so the company was contacted.
"They didn't know and added $1,500 from the particular lot issues," said Harris. "So now these bids are comparable."
"Are both licensed and bonded?" asked board chair Lindsay Hodges, to which Harris said they are.
One bid was submitted by Get-R-Done Tree Services, Inc., of Forrest City for $10,100. The other was from Renigar Enterprises Inc., of Forrest City, for $11,850.
Harris said the project would be paid for with the library’s bond improvement money.
"Both are reputable," said board member Judy Sweet.
"I think with them being so close and both being good companies we should just go with the lowest bid," said board member Jeanette Jenkins.
Board members voted to accept the bid from Get-R-Done Tree Services.
In other business, the board approved further training for library staff to attend two conferences, with Harris attending one in Chattanooga and other full-time employees attending one in Fort Smith.
"The one in Chattanooga is geared to small and rural libraries and will also have a virtual aspect they can attend here," said Harris. "Then the other is in Fort Smith and is in person."
Harris said funding for the conferences could come from the library's training budget as well as state surplus funds sent to the library in the amount of $2,463.
"I think training is important," said Harris, who added that with the last conferences focusing on grants, staff was able to use that knowledge to apply for grants.
"And it's the networking that you do," added Hodges. “We've all been to conventions where we come back excited to bring back things and implement them."
"You just see your job with new eyes, you do," agreed Sweet.
Harris said the library staff always tasks themselves with bringing back ideas with at least one to implement.
"If I am going to a conference, I always need to bring back an idea to implement because we are spending money to go," said Harris.
The board unanimously approved funding for the conferences.
Harris also told the board the roofing repairs were slightly delayed due to heat but she hopes the project is back on schedule within the next few weeks.
The board also voted to move next month’s meeting to Aug. 15, at 4:45 p.m.