1997-04-07 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

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Board of Library Trustees Minutes of Meeting April 7, 1997 Present: Ms. Cherrie Dubois, chair; Mr. Stephen Conner; Mr. William Diamond; Mr. Robert Fields; Dr. Christine Redford; Mrs. Maria Silvaggi. Also present: Mary Bastiani. Ms. Dubois called the meeting to order at 7:08. Minutes: The minutes of March 10 were accepted. Financial report: $85,000 has been spent on materials thus far from all accounts (budget, trust funds, state aid, donations). To meet state requirements, the Library needs to spend about $20,000 more. Since this continues to be over the municipal materials budget, the Library should pursue an increased materials budget again next year. Report of the chair: The Foundation Board decided on its logo at its last meeting. The Board meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The Foundation is a separate nonprofit corporation with its own Board of Directors: Gene Nigro, chair, Russ Graham, Bob Nordstrand, Ray Couture, Cherrie Dubois, Maria Silvaggi, Arthur Knapp, and Susan Meuse. They are now talking to people who might be in a position to support the foundation, and would like to begin with the financial support and commitment of the Trustees. They are still waiting for tax-exempt - status from the IRS. Mr. Diamond recommended that the Foundation explore the possibility of accepting contributions by credit card. The Foundation Board is developing a means of permanent acknowledgment for all levels of gifts. The goal down the road is a one million dollar fund, with $50,000 interest income yearly. The Foundation is looking for an articulated need from the Trustees for use of the interest income in the short term. Ms. Hanley said that the most pressing need right now is for materials. The need must be clearly articulated so that it is understood that Foundation funds will not replace municipal funds. Mr. Conner requested examples of uses from other libraries who have endowment funds. Ms. Dubois will ask for concrete suggestions at the next Trustees meeting. Director's report: Statistical and staff monthly reports are not available, due to the early date of this meeting. They will be in next month's packet. Liaison reports: Dr. Redford attended the recent Friends board meeting. Friends' report: Upcoming activities include the luncheon for author Paul Zindel, the Chocolate Moose birthday party, a Coffee Hour program of nature slides, a guitar and oboe concert, the house tour, and a portrayal of Amelia Earhart at the June 4 annual meeting. A nominating committee is being formed. The newsletter went to press this week. Unfinished business: 1) In a memo to the Town Manager, the Director had specifically questioned three positions in the revised classification plan. As a result, the position of Technician (Circulation) will be raised from Grade 2 to Grade 3 pending budget approval, the position of Senior Technician (Technical Services) will be raised from Grade 3 to Grade 5 pending budget - -