HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-14 Board of Library Trustees Minutes~LE U- E I V E 0
Minutes of the Board of Library Tr
e~ S
UGH t T, t .
January 14, 2008
Ms. Storti called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. '2000 FEB IS A 10= 21
Attending: Karyn Storti, Chair; Suzy Axelson; Dick Curtis, Cherrie Dubois, David Hutchinson,
Vicki Yablonsky.
Also attending: Ruth Urell, Director
For the Building Discussion: Peter Hechenbleikner, Reading Town Manager, and Ben Tafoya,
Selectman Liaison to the Library Board of Trustees
Minutes
Minutes of the December 18th meeting were approved.
Financial Report
Ms. Urell reported nothing out of the ordinary. The Office Supplies line item has overspent
already at 122%, and Ms. Urell noted it was because, in part, due to the heavy use of printer
cartridges and paper used by the public (the proceeds collected for this public service does not
flow directly back into the library's budget, instead it goes into the town's general fund).
Statistical Report
Ms. Urell noted the statistics have remained very even from year to year.
Friends of the Reading Public Library Report: Ms. Axelson
The Friends did not meet in the month of December.
Ms. Axelson reviewed the Piano issue. Ms. Dickinson had taken the lead role on this issue,
and since her extended medical leave, not much has transpired in the last month. In
summary, the baby grand piano was purchased through private donations 25 years ago,
through the effort of Rusty Palumbo for her very successful concert series. The piano
now needs the soundboard repaired, and many different options have been discussed
including using the Bennett Street School or even renting a piano when it is needed
instead of doing the repair.
Tickets are going on sale for "A Girls Night Out" on February 28th at 7 p.m. featuring the
very entertaining Bill Graham, a Floral and Accessory designer.
The Friends group is forming a new subcommittee to examine Membership and how to boost
it. Membership fees now constitute about one half of their annual income.
Foundation Report: Mr. Curtis
Mr. Curtis noted there remains confusion between the two fund-raising groups at the Library.
Unfortunately, the return envelope that went out with the annual fundraising letter has the
Salem State College address on it.
Director's Report: Ms. Urell
With the imminent arrival of Mr. Hechenbleikner and Mr. Tafoya, Ms. Urell referred to her
written monthly report as her Director's Report.
The trustees expressed concern over Ms. Dickinson's health, and Ms. Urell reported that she
had spoken to her recently. Thankfully, her recovery is on track and her progress is,
normal. She hopes to return to work by early February.
Building Discussion
with Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner
and Selectman Ben Tafoya
Ms. Urell has contacted several architects recommended to her by Patience Jackson, Library
Building Consultant of the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners in order to set up a one or two
day structural assessment of the building and use of space. Ms. Urell is in the process of getting
quotes of the cost of such an assessment.
Mr. Hechenbleikner briefly discussed the 2009 budget. Our budget, as prepared by Ms. Urell,
represented a 3.31 % increase from last year. This increase represents Step increases and 2%
COLA. The final budget did not include any additional Sunday hours or program funding. Mr.
Hechenbleikner cautioned us, saying it appeared we would need to cut back an additional .31 %
from the already lean 3.31
Mr. Hechenbleikner and Mr. Tafoya then proposed the idea of a instituting another Town-wide
committee called the Municipal Building Committee. The purpose of this committee would be to
take a forward look at Reading's municipal building needs, not only the repair and maintenance,
but specifically identifying Reading's needs and possible new construction. The committee
would consider all municipal buildings (Town Hall, Library, etc) and discuss the possibility of
new buildings such as an Art Center, Youth Center, or Early Childhood Center. Mr.
Hechenbleikner and Mr. Tafoya were looking for the Trustee's immediate response to this idea.
The general feeling expressed by individual trustees was that the Library's own building issues
need to be addressed sooner than later, and we may not be able to wait for such a committee to
form, get up to speed and act. Ms. Storti replied that she would discuss it with the trustees and
get back to Mr. Hechenbleikner at a later date.
Trustee Items: Volunteer Recognition event has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 16'h at
7:30. Also, the Trustees will appear before the Board of Selectman to discuss the 2009 Budget on
Saturday, January 26, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
After a motion was made and seconded, Ms. Storti adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Next Trustee Meeting, February 11'' at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Suzy Axelson