Board of Library Trustee Minutes from meeting of Nov. 17, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. in the lower level of the library.
In attendance were: Trustees Gloria Parkinson, chairwoman; Wendy Neil vice-chairwoman; Tracy Colangione, Russ Grady, Caroline Keiger, and Karen Nugent; and Library Director Marie Mueller.
Ms. Colangione was welcomed to the board.
The board decided to skip the December meeting.
A motion to accept the October minutes was made by Ms. Neil and seconded by Ms. Colangione.
The board reviewed and discussed the library trustee Code of Ethics, especially pertaining to interacting with library staff. There should be no job related interaction with staff.
The board discussed a change in state law regarding the modernization of municipal government which allows for a trustee designee, and a backup, to sign bi-weekly warrants rather than requiring four trustees to sign. The board then voted 3-3 to designate the chairman and the vice chairman as warrant signers, but since it was a tie vote, there will be no change. Voting in favor of the change were Ms. Colangione, Ms. Nugent and Ms. Neil; voting against were Mr. Grady, Ms. Keiger and Ms. Parkinson.
There was a discussion of creating a general library policy manual, in pamphlet form, to be kept at the front desk as a way to guide the public. Trustees agreed to collect such pamphlets from other libraries for comparison, and begin work on one for Clinton. A separate marketing plan, with posters and other materials, will also be discussed in the future. Ms. Colangione passed around sample posters she got at the state library trustee orientation.
Ms. Mueller gave the director’s report and reviewed the budget. She said this year’s style guide graphics and logo will be updated for the annual town report and newsletter, so there will be consistency. Ms. Neil agreed to write a trustees’ article for the newsletter. The library boiler had its annual tune up. The results of a two-question online survey were discussed, as was an action plan for 2017.
The board discussed the director’s annual performance evaluation, and voted unanimously to appoint Ms. Parkinson and Ms. Neil as a subcommittee which will meet privately with Ms. Mueller and then fill out the evaluation form. The form will be presented to the full board in open session at a later date.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2017.
The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
Submitted by Karen Nugent