1997-09-15 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

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n ~ it~fl"u~ Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting - September 15, 19,97 J Present: Mrs. Maria Silvaggi, chair; Mr. Stephen Conner; Mr. William Diamond; Mr. Robert Fields; Dr. Christine Redford. Absent: Ms. Cherrie Dubois. Mrs. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:05. Minutes: The minutes of August 4 were accepted. Mr. Fields moved that the Town Manager be notified that the Board of Trustees think that the new building maintenance arrangement is not in the best interests of the Library. He recommended that money for building maintenance be included in next year's Library budget. Ms. Hanley read a note to her from the Town Manager clarifying that the charter takes precedence over state law; therefore, the Trustees cannot reclaim responsibility for the maintenance of the Library building without a change in charter. Ms. Hanley was directed by the Board to get further information on this from Town Counsel. Consensus was to continue to wait and determine the quality of service provided from the new Facilities Department. The Director gave an example of reporting a broken HVAC unit in the morning; there had been no response by evening. Statistical report: Comparative average daily circulation shows negative numbers due to Saturday openings this summer. Saturday circulation has been fair. Report from the Chairman: To enable Ms. Dubois's attendance, the October and December Board meetings were changed to the second Tuesday. Mrs. Silvaggi and Ms. Hanley will consult with the Friends and nominate someone as a member of the Town's Millennium Steering Committee. The Chair encouraged trustees to take a look at the Used Book Room, which is an ongoing book sale coordinated by Rachel and Steve Baumgartner. She congratulated the Director on her communication with the staff about the HVAC project. The Chair also commended Michael Colford and Allison DaSilva, over whose heads much of the HVAC work is being done. She attended a reception for the Library's Netguides, a group of high school students who passed an intense course to become Internet trainers. Mr. Conner will attend a fundraising workshop in October, on the Board's behalf. November 14 is the date for a Foundation kickoff party for all members of the community. A thank-you dinner for major donors will be held in January. In May, author Doris Kearns Goodwin will speak at a major fundraiser-perhaps $100 a head with dinner-for half of her usual fee. Director's report: Staff member Rachel Baumgartner received a scholarship from the BLC for one of her library school courses. She is not eligible for the Library's tuition reimbursement program. Liaison reports: Five thousand dollars is going to the Foundation from the estate of Eleanor Bishop. Staff discussed step raise proposals at their recent staff meeting. The Friends have a new 4 . and excellent board.