LIBRARY TRUSTEE MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2017
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 pm in the Community Room at the library.
In attendance were: Trustees Gloria Parkinson, chairwoman; Wendy Neil, vice chairwoman, Tracy Colangione, Angela DeVivo, Karen Nugent, secretary; and Alex Zapantis; and Library Director Marie Mueller.
The minutes of the Nov. 16, 2017 minutes were amended to change a sentence in the Community Room Update section to read: “Ms. Zapantis said she knows the Excel Club and will reach out to them when something specific is to be requested.”
The minutes were then unanimously accepted.
There was no public comment.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Director’s Report:
Ms. Mueller told the board the new town facilities manager, Russ Karlstad, and Town Administrator Michael Ward would attend the January meeting to discuss library issues.
Ms. Mueller said the microfilm reader has been fixed, so there is no need to buy a new one.
After a discussion on an impending snow-ice storm, it was decided that Ms. Mueller and Ms. Parkinson would confer about closing the library on Saturday (Dec. 23) at 6 p.m. Friday, (Dec. 22) when the library closes for the day. Also, Ms. Mueller would call Ms. Parkinson early Saturday morning to finalize the decision, after checking weather reports. (The library policy is to follow Clinton Public School policy, but this was a Saturday storm.)
Ms. Mueller said the lending and circulation policies for DVD borrowing has been changed. Families may borrow up to 10 DVDs at a time, but only five new ones. The board approved the change.
Ms. Mueller said it is time to start formulating the FY19 library budget.
- Report on Open Meeting Law/Conflict of Interest seminar:
Ms. Colangione, Ms. DeVivo, and Ms. Neil attended the seminar in Sudbury on Nov. 18, 2017, and reviewed it for the board. Ms. Neil said she specifically asked one of the presenters if hiring and firing may be done by a library director without meeting with trustees. She was told it is acceptable, unless a town bylaw says different. Ms. Parkinson said the Clinton bylaws require that the trustees approve such measures. Materials from the seminar were passed out.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Community Room Refurbishment Update:
Ms. Parkinson said trustees nor the director have yet to receive the check from the Clinton Home Foundation for the $37,000 grant, nor have we been officially notified in writing. She will try to reach Joel Frisch, the foundation’s treasurer.
A motion was made by Ms. Neil; seconded by Ms. Zapantis, to move forward with window replacement in the Community Room, using Advanced Glass and Mirror of Westminster. The motion was contingent on input from the facilities manager, and on him not seeing any “red flags.” The motion passed unanimously.
- Capital Campaign: Nothing to report.
- Subcommittee Reports:
- Children’s Room Policy: Ms. DeVivo gave information from the Sudbury library’s policies. They have an age category called “tweens,” which encompasses children ages 10-12. She also showed trustees a small, welcoming-type card used at that library. It was decided that Ms. Mueller would meet with the Children’s Librarian to review any proposed changes made by the children’s library personnel and bring them back to the board. We will include a small card, like the one demonstrated by Ms. DeVivo.
But, it was made clear the trustees feel strongly that there should not be a time limit for children staying in the library.
Publicity and Marketing: A re-design of the website was discussed. Ms. Mueller said a town subcommittee is still exploring town signs with a new logo, and perhaps signs directing people to the library. Ms. Parkinson and Ms. Nugent will begin designing a flier to be sent to new residents.
- Report on library position discussed at Personnel Board meeting: The plan is to change the job title of the children’s librarian, to increase the salary formulated by a consultant hired by the town to re-do the salary grid. Trustees believe the position’s salary is too low.
A motion (made by Ms. Zapantis; seconded by Ms. DeVivo) to take the necessary steps to change the job title to “Head of Youth Services” passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m.,Tuesday, January 23.
Minutes submitted by Karen Nugent, secretary