TRUSTEE MEETING MINUTES OF FEB. 27, 2018
The meeting was called to order at 5:59 pm 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 Marie Mueller, library director.
The minutes from the January, 23, 2018 meeting were unanimously approved (motion by Ms. DeVivo, seconded by Ms. Zapantis.)
There were no public comments.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Director’s report:
- Ms. Mueller discussed the five-year strategic plan for the state, which will require information about the building. The discussion stems from last month’s meeting at which trustees voted to look into an independent feasibility study of the library. Another discussion took place. Ms. Parkinson suggested that, by the next meeting, Ms. Mueller contact the state Board of Library Commissioners for information on architects who specialize in libraries.
A motion was then made by Ms. Nugent, and seconded by Ms. Neil, to find an independent library design expert, contact them, and ask them to a meeting to get information and find out how much a feasibility study would cost. The motion passed unanimously.
- B. Inclement weather policy: Ms. Mueller said situations could arise when Clinton public schools are closed, but the library is already open, or scheduled to open, such as on a Saturday. Trustees decided to leave closing the library due to bad weather up to Ms. Mueller’s discretion. She will amend the written policy.
- Safety Issues: Ms. Mueller recounted that a patron discovered a man had hidden in the library overnight, behind the couch in the Community Room downstairs. Trustees directed Ms. Mueller to report the incident, and any further incidents, to the Clinton Police Department immediately.
Also, it was agreed to install security cameras on all floors; and institute a policy in which a minimum of two employees, working together, would check the building before closing, including the men’s room.
In addition, trustees agreed that no staff would be allowed to be alone in the building after hours.
- Programs: Ms. Mueller said she would like at least one trustee to attend programs.
OLD BUSINESS:
Community Room Refurbishment Update: Ms. Parkinson reported that while the $37,000 gift check was received from the Clinton Home Foundation, it was mistakenly made out to the Friends of the Bigelow Free Public Library. Ms. Parkinson followed up with the town accountant and the Friends, and they agreed to sign the check over to the library. Ms. DeVivo will attend the next Friends meeting to follow through on this. Ms. DeVivo will also work with the Friends on getting them registered as a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization.
Ms. Colangione suggested asking Russ Karlstad, the town facilities director, to the next meeting to check progress on the window replacement, as he is now the project manager.
- Subcommittee Reports:
- Children’s Room Policy: Ms. Mueller said the children’s room staff is still unhappy with the existing policy, which was “tweaked” by Ms. Mueller. Trustees decided to request that they attend the next meeting, at which time Ms. Parkinson will explain that we are not willing to change rules.
- Publicity-Marketing: Tabled.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 27, 2018.
Minutes submitted by Karen Nugent, secretary.