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Home My WebLink About2009-09-21 Board of Library Trustees MinutesMinutes of the Board of Library Trustees Meeting Monday, September 21, 2009 RLCE~V Attending: David Hutchinson, Chair; Richard Curtis, Vice Chair; Vicki Yablonsky, Cherrie Dubois gWNtftl i kector; guests: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager; Ben Tafoya, Selectman; Marsie West, Finance CKfiW4 G, MA S'ca: Meeting called to order 7:07pm 100q OCT 21 P 4, 0 5, Minutes unanimously approved as presented (Yablonsky/Curtis) Special Report Local History Librarian Rachel Baumgartner spoke about the Mass Memories Road Show on October 24th presented with grant monies through MassHumanities and University of Massachusetts Boston Financial Report • Financial report reviewed Statistical Report • Trend of 10% increase in library usage consistently each month over the past 14 months : noticeable impact on Circulation Staff • More Adults are using the library in more ways • Computer use has increased. Additional computers have helped assure availability • Laptop computers have seen consistent use • Additional desk top computers for the lower level a consideration • Tutoring designated area in the lower level Foundation (R. Curtis) • Subcommittees are meeting • Nelson Burbank is hosting a meeting by invitation of Reading attorneys and accountants to learn about giving to the Library Friends of the RPL (C. Dubois) • First House Tour planning group met to start the process • October 3rd book sale : members are meeting regularly to organize the donated books, DVDs, CDs • Book sale project has provided opportunities for Friends to volunteer, and to recruit new members Building Committee (D. Hutchinson) • Trustees will present information at the October 27th Selectman's meeting • Points of last meeting's discussion, options and issues reviewed for benefit of guest attendees • Trustees will review goals at the October Trustees meeting in preparation for a presentation at the Selectman's meeting Budget (R. Urell) • Discussion of FY10 figures • 3 more financial forums (October 14, November; January) to be held this year, to think about challenges and creative solutions for a zero funded budget (M. West) • Recommendation to talk to the Selectmen about protecting current level of services issues (M. West) • Two Trustees commissioned to a sub-committee to track the town budget process - J. Doucette; K. Storti will be asked, D. Hutchinson will assist in conjunction with R. Urell • Financial Forum review; turn around time following cuts in State Aid; FY11 guidance; not using free cash to balance budget this year to even out numbers in successive years ',Municipal Building Committee (P. Hechenbleikner, B. Tafoya) • Proposal to establish an ad hoc committee to consider large building projects for town and school buildings; to report by 12/31/2020 (draft policy submitted) • Plans to meet with interested parties to discuss the proposal and get support. With consensus the committee can be established within weeks, then quickly populated • Discussion of how school building projects were financed, and recommendations • Current building needs in town in addition to the Library building: Cemetery garage; DPW garage and vehicle maintenance; continued attention to the Town Hall building (e.g. new roof); teen/youth center; childhood/early childhood center; Killam School • Limits established to determine which projects will be funded under the tax base, and which go to the community for a debt exclusion • High School debt will be soon be reviewed and paid by the State, and tax payers will see a refund (appr. $150) • Municipal building debt generally carried 10 years; Fire truck debt carried 5 years Director's Report (R. Urell) • Garden Club working to replace things outside as necessary; selected three trees to plant; dedication to be scheduled (possibly just before next Trustees meeting) • Looking for donors for 2 additional outdoor benches • Downspouts and gutter work completed • Children's Room carpeting has been replaced; kudos to Facilities, Custodians and Children's Room staff • Grant: American Voices • Farmer's Market Library a success • Town Day Library presence a success • Assisted patron with special needs; and worked out plan for community service for graffiti offender • New Circulation Technician started today, Rebecca Freed • Recruiting for a student page for Circulation Department (10 hours/wk) • Dorota is the staff liaison to the RPL Friends • Working to disseminate flu and H1N1 information; hand sanitizers installed - - • LSTA Teen and `Tweens grant is ending • Starting October 56' the Library will be open Sundays • Suggestion box comments distributed, including letter of thanks from patron Gifts and Naming Opportunities • Currently there is no town or library policy in place re: naming rooms • Recommendation to commission a sub-committee to develop a policy • Trustee representative: C. Dubois • Ruth will explore additional members Building Committee Follow-up • Trustees will present architect's building assessment and possible options for the current building to the Selectmen October 27, as per the Selectmen's request • Trustees will identify Library planning; express interest to be represented on the ad hoc building committee to move forward on library goals; request funding of a feasibility study for the library Adjourn The motion to adjourn was made 9:15pm (Curds/Dubois) Next meeting: October 19, 2009, Conference Room, Reading Public Library Respectfully submitted, 'Allison Sloan DaSilva, Senior Library Associate Recording Secretary