By LOU ANN MILLETT
Tribune Correspondent
The Tipton County Library Board has scheduled a special meeting in the Community Room at 6 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 20. The meeting’s topic is the Library’s fine arts collection that is set to be auctioned off at Ripley Auctions in Indianapolis, beginning Nov. 23.
Over recent years the library board has had concerns over its displayed collection. The theft of one piece brought attention to the fact that there was no security in place to ensure other valuable pieces, like the T.C. Steele paintings, could not stolen.
According to Library Director Jason Fields, after an assessment of the collection, some of the paintings are deteriorating and therefore need restoration. This “aging” is to be expected since the works are displayed around the library for all to enjoy.
The Letter to the Editor from Fred Henderson of Sharpsville in today’s Tribune, expresses his feelings that these “treasures” needed to stay within Tipton County. He listed several prominent Indiana artists that are in the Tipton collection: T. C. Steele, P. Barr, D. Bessire, J.E. Bundy, R. Byrum, V. J. Cariani, H. Davisson, W. Forsyth, L.O. Griffith, R.B. Gruelle, G.C. Henshaw, M. Lists, G. A. Scott, and W. Vawter.
For those who are just learning about this planned sale, Director Fields noted the library board’s meetings are posted on the community bulletin board in the foyer outside the large meeting room. The post about the board’s special session was posted Monday, Nov. 18, within the required 48-hour notice to the public.
Anyone from the public desiring to speak to the board during this meeting must indicate this by signing in prior to the start of the meeting. Anyone considering speaking needs to read the board’s policy on “Addressing the Board of Trustees” at https://www.tiptoncountylibrary.org/policies.
In part, the policy reads: Meetings of the Tipton County Public Library Board of Trustees are generally held on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The meetings are conducted in compliance with the state Open Door Law (IC 5-14-1.5 and as amended) and are open to the public.
There is no legal requirement that members of the public be given the opportunity to speak at the board meetings; however, the board values the thoughts and ideas of its constituents.
The policy reads, in part:
• An individual wishing to speak must sign in with their full name, home address, and the topic to be discussed.
• The Board President reserves the right to exclude public comment from the agenda at any board meeting during which circumstances dictate that the board’s focus needs to remain on the business at hand.
• At the President’s discretion, each person who has signed in will be given three (3) minutes to address the board.
• Speakers are cautioned against using abusive, vulgar, or intimidating language, and will be asked to leave the meeting if such occurs.
• Trustees will not engage in conversations or answer questions posed by speakers during the meeting. Requests or comments will be noted and a response may be given at a later date after the board members have sufficient time to consider and deliberate the issue.
This meeting allows the public an opportunity to offer positive, creative alternatives to the board or to affirm the board in its decision.
