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Home My WebLink About2020-02-10 Board of Library Trustees Minutes env Ur NC90 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes „ D aaa,, TOWN CLERK READING, MA. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: pe- Board of Library Trustees 2020 MAP, 10 AM 11: 20 Date: 2020-02-10 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Public Library Location: History Room Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session Purpose: General Meeting Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Nina Pennacchio, Vice Chair; Monette Verrier, Alice Collins, Secretary; Cherrie Dubois, Andrew Grimes Members - Not Present: John Brzezenski Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Alice Collins, Secretary Topics of Discussion: Call to Order 7:02 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes from January 13, 2020 Motion: To approve the minutes as written (Grimes, Collins) Vote: Approved (5-0) II. Public Comment No public comment III. Update on 59 Middlesex Avenue Ms. Lannon reported that there were over 100 attendees at the public meeting including town staff and town council. Ms. Lannon discussed implications of a regulated treatment center that would require a public hearing vs. use as a congregate living space (sober home or otherwise). Ms. Collins inquired about the emotions of people at meeting, Ms. Dubois stated that people were angry. Ms. Lannon said that there is a lot of opportunity to provide education about mental health and the illness of addiction with the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support on these issues. Ms. Verrier asked if the Board of Trustees should have a position on the use of the property. Ms. Dubois said any position should be based on legal requirements. Ms. Verrier reported that the neighbors are looking for the library's support. Mr. Grimes stated Page 1 1 that any development of the property will meet legal requirements and Ms. Pennacchio talked about many misconceptions of expected behavior in treatment centers. IV. Ad Hoc Human Rights Committee Update Mr. Grimes reported the Committee's recommendation to the Select Board which is to create a town division within the Reading Public Library called the Reading Alliance for Equity and Social Justice. The division is expected to have a full-time executive director and an appointed Advisory Board very similar to the Reading Coalition model. The library already does much of the anticipated programming and education, as well as serving as a safe and welcoming space for the community. There was concern that this would disrupt the financial position of the library. Mr. Grimes stated that if the town does not fund position and programming, the project will not move forward. Mr. Grimes and Ms. Lannon discussed options and representation for the Advisory Board. While there would be a transitioning committee, the final Advisory Board would be as broad as possible with town residents, businesses, and clergy members. Ms. Collins asked about the powers of Advisory Board. While this has not been determined, Ms. Lannon noted that because the library is seen as neutral, non-judgmental, and independent from Select Board and School Committee, it is a strong department to foster this type of service. Ms. Pennachio asked about the next steps and how this might impact the work spaces. Ms. Lannon answered that there are some ideas, but nothing concrete as yet. V. Financial Report a. FY20 Update: On target, nothing to report. b. FY21 Update: Ms. Lannon provided the draft FINCOM report for FY21. If nothing changes in FINCOM, this is the document that will go to the town meeting warrant. The Town Manager will focus on FTE for each department, Ms. Lannon's goal is to only increase incrementally as services continue to grow. Ms. Collins inquired about the library programs budget. Ms. Lannon commented that the budget line will continue to grow as programming becomes as important as materials. c. Gifts: Nothing to report VI. Director's Report Building / Facilities Update a. Fire alarm testing on Thursday. b. Ms. Lannon has been in touch with the Town Manager and Head of Facilities regarding the general security project. There is $80k Page 1 2 left over from the library building project and it will be used toward library security upgrades. Ms. Lannon has reached out to Gail Dowd from the School Department for their security camera policy, as well as Wakefield's library. Programs and Outreach a. Congressman Seth Moulton will be having a Town Hall meeting at the library on Saturday, February 29u'from 1-2 pm. The library will remain open during this event, but strictly limiting the seating in the Community Room. At 12:30 pm, Trustees are invited to meet with Congressman Moulton ahead of the Town Hall in the Conference Room. RCTV will broadcast. b. Library staff will be presenting a workshop at the annual Reading Institute Professional Development Day for the Reading Public Schools. The theme is focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion. The facilitation team is Lorraine Barry, Amy Lannon, and Cate Zannino. c. The library will also be attending the annual Parent University held at RMHS on March 28th. d. The library is hard at work on the 2020 Global Eats and Summer Beats program. We will use the same program framework as last year: We are going to apply for a one-day liquor license. Ms. Verrier recommended Melt Food Truck. Motion to approve a one-day liquor application (Collins, Dubois) Vote: Approved 5-0 Professional Development a. Ms. Lannon reported • Continued training with Federal Census 2020, including being involved with the town's Complete Count Committee. April 1s' is Census Day; • RPL continues to spearhead the NOBLE Inclusive Libraries Discussion Group; • Participating in the RMHS's "Portrait of the Graduate." Ms. Collins asked if the librarians have had the opportunity to share the early childhood development training with the schools. VII. Other Business Ms. Verrier inquired about Kanopy and Hoopla budgeting. Ms. Lannon reported that she is working with Jamie Penney, Head of Collection Services to increase allocation for digital content as need increases. The usage trend is up, but not nearing a problematic high. Ms. Lannon reported that we received one bid for the strategic plan consultant. The company is out of Virginia and has worked with many libraries of varying size around the country. Ms. Lannon and Page 1 3 Ms. Verrier requested permission to accept bid after review and discussion with town procurement officer. Motion to allow Ms. Lannon and Ms. Verrier to make the final decision on the strategic plan contract award. (Dubois, Grimes) Vote: Approved 5-0 The MBLC budget went up 1%. Please continue to advocate for state financial support of MBLC and libraries by contacting Representative ]ones, Representative Haggerty and Senator Lewis. Legislative Day is on April 2, 2020. 2019 Annual Report to the town will be submitted this week. It is based on the calendar year, not the fiscal year. Ms. Lannon issued a No Trespass order for continued inappropriate behavior. She is also working with reports of similar behavior by another patron that happened in the Fall of 2019. Often, the library issues a verbal warning, followed by a written warning before issuing a No Trespass order. However egregious and illegal behavior can result in an immediate no-trespass. Ms. Verrier and Ms. Pennacchio gave kudos for the Winter Warmers event. Ms. Dubois asked if we could have Trustees book picks. Ms. Filleul will follow up. Adjournment: 8:29 p.m. Motion: To Adjourn (Verrier, Grimes) Vote: Approved 5-0 Respectfully Subbmittedd, Alice Collins, Secretary Page 14