1998-09-21 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

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Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting - September 21, 1998 ' 29 P .3= b Present: Ms. Maria Silvaggi, chair; Mr. Stephen Conner; Ms. Cherrie Dubois; Ms Donna InDelicato; Mr. Richard Ogden; Dr. Christine Redford. Ms. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Minutes: The minutes of August 6 were accepted as amended. Financial report: The payment to NOBLE was more than expected, due to connections added during the year, incurring additional maintenance charges. Dr. Redford made note of the heavy use of children's nonprint material, especially during the summer, and the disparity between percentage of circulation and percentage of materials budget for nonprint materials. Statistical report: For FY98, July saw the highest circulation; December, the lowest. Report from the Chairman: Mrs. Silvaggi expressed her appreciation for the letter sent out by the new co-presidents of the Friends, Karen and Peter Brown. The McLaughlins' annual party for the Friends and staff was held yesterday. It was agreed that one of the staff liaisons or the secretary will send notes of condolence or congratulations to staff as appropriate; perhaps a kitty will be instated. The Director or Assistant Director will keep the liaisons or secretary up to date. An extra meeting is scheduled for September 29 at 7:00 to discuss the FY00 budget. Regular monthly meetings were rescheduled for October 21 and November 23. The Budget Council meets on October 14 and November 18. There was consensus that the presence of the full board is still needed at Budget Council meetings. Friends report: A. trip to the MFA for the Monet exhibit is a possibility. The Friends are considering providing funding for new toddler programs. Director's report: Ms. Hanley will speak at the Cape and Islands Interlibrary Association on October 17, on the subject of information literacy. Thy RMLD has determined that the Library is using more than 400 amps at times. When a number of large motors have turned on simultaneously, use has gone as high as 570 amps. This week, DPW is digging a trench in the front lawn. RMLD will install a new pole in the corner of the. lawn and a 1200 amp transformer at the Deering/Middlesex corner of the building. The switchover to the new transformer will involve very minimal disruption. Parking lot work is expected to begin the week of October 5. Unfinished business: Brainstorming on Staff Development Day on September 10 generated visions of the library as having something for everyone, and specific short- and long-term goals. One underlying issue is that the staff think the Library needs more space to offer the services it should in the next five to ten years. Mike deBrigard says that the attic can be converted to useful space if the HVAC equipment is moved up to the roof. The HVAC system is sized large enough to accommodate an addition.