LIBRARY TRUSTEE MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2019
The meeting was called to order at 6 pm at the library.
In attendance were: Trustees Gloria Parkinson, chairwoman; Wendy Neil, vice chairwoman; Angela DeVivo, Karen Nugent, secretary; and Alex Zapantis; and Library Director Marie Letarte Mueller.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes amended as follows: Under “facilities” in the director’s report, the line: “No progress was made on new windows or wall repair in the Community Room renovation project” was removed. The amended minutes were then unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
- DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Planning: Library Legislative Day at the State House is March 5. Ms. Parkinson and Ms. DeVivo plan to attend and advocate for the library.
Update on the National Institute of Health Exhibit, to run April 1- May 11. Ms. Letarte Mueller is looking for a presentation to go with the exhibit.
The Friends group is working to increase promotion of programs, especially Movie Nights.
The library is working with River Terrace rehab in Lancaster to host Memory Cafes once a month.
Town Administrator Michael Ward plans to attend the Feb. 26 trustee meeting.
Budget: Ms. Letarte Mueller discussed the proposed draft FY 20 budget. A 2.5 percent increase (an additional $9,068) is proposed to maintain level service.
Facilities:
The HVAC unit in the lower level has been installed.
Window inserts for the Community Room have arrived.
Director’s Room upstairs: Nothing to report except that town reports have been moved, and an old toy train table has been designated to go to Headstart.
Personnel/Committees/Training:
Bibliotemps: A new temp, Susan Coleman, is scheduled to work 28 hours a week from Feb. 1-June 30.
Library Assistant Position: The first interviews were held in January; the second round will take place in early February. Trustees Parkinson and DeVivo will sit in on interviews.
Technology:
The town is getting ready to launch a new website. The library’s page will be linked, and there will also be a town wide calendar on the site, so events and programs don’t overlap.
Staff computers have been updated.
Ms. Neil asked about pornography filters discussed at the last meeting. Ms. Letarte Mueller said she is working on it. The Chrome Book laptops need special licenses. After a discussion, it was decided that the old laptop, which is not a Chrome Book, will be removed, and another Chrome Book will be purchased. Meanwhile, Ms. Parkinson has sent an email to the town solicitor about liability and censorship issues. Ms. Letarte Mueller said very few libraries have pornography filters.
LIBRARY WARRANTS: Ms. Neil requested that trustees create a rotation for two bi-weekly signers, so the same people are not always doing it. Everyone agreed.
OLD BUSINESS:
Review of disbursements for Community Room project: So far, $3,503 has been spent (for window inserts) out of the $37,500 grant from the Clinton Home Foundation. Ms. Parkinson requested a breakdown of what money will come from the grant, as opposed to the Facilities Director’s budget.
It was agreed to discuss the renovation project with Mr. Ward at the next meeting. Particularly to ask if the facilities director has complete control over the project, or if trustees can independently seek quotes and then present them to Mr. Karlstad. Ms. Nugent agreed to revisit the two door quotes received last year.
2021 Library Odyssey: Ms. Parkinson requested trustees bring a list of their personal assets, ie social networking, writing, research, to the next meeting. They will be used to plan our future advocacy for the library.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
NEXT MEETING: February 26, 2019 at 6 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 pm.
Minutes submitted by Karen Nugent, secretary.