HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-19 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees Meeting
September 19, 2005 F
Attending
Vicki Yablonsky, chair; Bill Anthony, Suzy Axelson Karen Brown; David Hutchit~~ Stgai.
Ruth Urell, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Director. lU~~ 3 0 `
The meeting was called to order by Ms.Yablonsky at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes of the meeting of August 15, 2005 were approved as amended.
Financial Report
Ms. Urell pointed out that the expenditure of the personnel budget is on target, at 14.34%. Although
the report shows a balance of $11,165 in the Library's LSTA grant funding, this money has been
encumbered and will be spent before the grant expires in October.
Statistical Report
Overall circulation is up, compared to the same month, previous fiscal year. It was noted that the
Library has been less busy on summer Saturdays than was expected. Because the Library has been
closed on Saturdays in the summer for the past few years, many people in the community may not yet
be aware that these hours have been reinstated.
Patron Rights and Responsibilities
The Trustees provided an opportunity for a public hearing of the new "Patron Rights and
Responsibilities" policy. Ms. Yablonsky distributed the revised version of the policy.
Changes which had been requested, in the first draft of the new policy were discussed and
approved, and a final vote taken. The policy was unanimously approved and it was agreed
that the new policy would supercede previous policy on this subject.
Director's Report/ New Business
• Ms.Urell informed the Trustees that the Library is purchasing a bench which will be located on the
front lawn in front of the porte-cochere. This bench is a memorial gift from the Chappell family,
in memory of their mother.
• The Friends of the Library will purchase three cherry trees to be planted along the driveway, in
memory of Bruce Hitchcock.
Ms. Urell reported on her discussions with Nextel regarding the possibility of locating a cell phone
tower at the Library. The Trustees raised several questions regarding how this would impact the
public's use of the Library, as well as the impact on employees, and neighboring residents. Ms.
Brown requested more details about the financial arrangement between Nextel and the Town, and
expressed concern about how this might affect the Library's budget. Ms. Yablonsky suggested
that the Trustees invite Town Manager,Peter Hechenbleikner, to the next meeting to provide more
information.
• The continuing problem with the air conditioning system was discussed. Problems with the
chillers have again shut down the system, and replacements have been ordered. Ms. Urell
informed the Trustees that John Thiffault, the Town's Facilities Manager, has resigned
compounding communication problems. Ms. Urell has requested a written report on the air
conditioning issue and will meet with town officials.
• Mr. "Anthony reported on his attendance at the Reading Public Library Foundation's September
meeting.
• A very preliminary draft of the Library budget for fiscal year 07 was discussed.
• Ms. Urell also reported to the Trustees on steps that had been taken to manage the behavior of two
patrons who have created problems for the staff.
Trustee Items
• The Trustees expressed enthusiasm for the streamlined and easier to read reports designed by Ms.
Urell. It was also noted that they appreciate receiving their "packets" by email as this allows more
time for them to prepare for their meeting.
• Ms.Yablonsky reminded Board members that Ms. Urell's six month evaluation should take place
in October. A sub-committee was formed to take input from the Town Manager, Library Division
Heads, and other Board members. The members of the sub-committee are Vicki Yablonsky,
Karen Brown, and Suzy Axelson.
• A sub-committee was also established to review the bylaws of the Board of Trustees. The
members of this group are David Hutchinson, Bill Anthony, and Karyn Storti.
• In response to a question about the frequency of the bill roll, Ms. Urell informed members of the
Board that the bill roll is prepared semi-monthly. Trustees can sign the first bill roll of the month
at their regular meeting, but will need to make a special trip to the Library to sign the second.
Nancy Smethurst will notify Trustees by email when the bill roll is ready for signatures. It will be
available in the circulation office before noon on Friday until the following Tuesday. Trustees
agreed to inform Ms. Smethurst if they will not be available to sign the bill roll.
• Mr. Hutchinson provided copies of an article about libraries' conflict with the government over
certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act. The article appeared in the August, 2005 edition of
The American Bar Association Journal.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. The next meeting will be held on October 17, 2005 at 7:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted
`34Elizabeth S. Dickinson
Assistant Director