LIBRARY TRUSTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2018
The meeting was called to order at 6 pm in the library.
In attendance: Trustees Gloria Parkinson, chair woman; Wendy Neil, vice chairwoman; Tracy Colangione, Angela DeVivo, Karen Nugent, secretary; and Alex Zapantis. Library Director Marie Letarte Mueller, and Russ Karlstad, town facilities director (for the first agenda item.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the Aug. 28, 2018 meeting were unanimously approved with one amendment. Under “New Business, role and responsibilities of library trustees,” the following sentence was added: The board reviewed materials, and a handbook on becoming a trustee, from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
NEW BUSINESS:
- COMMUNITY ROOM RENOVATION: Mr. Karlstad gave trustees a tour and update on the Community Room. The west wall has been examined, and will be repaired, and an old radiator will be removed. Windows will be renovated by Clinton High School industrial arts students. Glass and wood frames will not be replaced – they will be repaired. Outside storm windows will be added. The black grates will be removed from two side windows. A new door for the Church Street side entrance will be purchased. Replacing the rug with something other than carpets was discussed, as was re-plastering the walls.
- HVAC: VOTE: The board voted unanimously (motion by Ms. Neil; seconded by Ms. Nugent) to accept a $15,000 quote from Whitney Brothers Oil Corp. of Clinton to replace heating and air conditioning in the Children’s Room, upstairs. The money has been approved by the Finance Committee.
Ms. Parkinson read a letter from the Nypro Foundation outlining why it rejected a grant request for HVAC upgrades for the first floor. Other revenue sources will be researched.
C.LIBRARY DEMOGRAPHICS DISCUSSION: The board brainstormed on potential library patrons, as a follow up to a previous marketing plan discussion with Sean Kerrigan.
D.STRATEGIC PLAN FINAL DRAFT REVIEW: VOTE: The board voted unanimously (motion by Ms. DeVivo; seconded by Ms. Zapantis) to authorize Ms. Letarte Mueller to send the five-year plan to the state Board of Library Commissioners by Oct. 1. The plan will also be submitted to the Board of Selectmen the next time trustees attend a BOS meeting.
- DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Ms. Mueller reviewed the budget, strategic plan, facilities and personnel. She said a plan to move the director’s office to the the former “director’s room” on the second floor, can’t be done until the room is cleared. Bound magazines and other old books will be removed as they are available online, along with outdated items and items falling apart. The current director’s office would be used for a private study room and/or for the historical collection.
Ms. Letarte Mueller said a start date for the new Saturday hours (9 am to 2 pm) has not been established because she needs to discuss it with the staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm. Oct. 23.
Minutes submitted by Karen Nugent, secretary.