HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-17 Board of Library Trustees Minutesf
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CLERK
Board of Library TrutAees -1G, M A 5 S ~Minutes of Meeting -March 14, 2003 4Jr
400
Present: Roberta McRae; Eugene Nigro; Dick Ogden, Chair; Stephen Connor; Maria
Silvaggi; Vicky Yablonsky; Kimberly Lynn, Library Director; Elizabeth Dickinson,
Assistant Director.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Ogden at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Lynn opened the meeting by explaining to the Board that she was misquoted in the
publicity being put out by Reading Pride. Her original statement was as follows: "The
Library is open fewer hours now than it has been in its entire recorded history". Reading
Pride however deleted the word " recorded" when it reprinted this statement in its flyers and
on its website. ("The Library is open fewer hours now than it has been in its entire history".)
Ms. Lynn felt that the difference was significant and that Board members should be aware of
the fact that she had been misquoted.
The meeting was then adjourned briefly in order to pay tribute to Mrs. Silvaggi and Mr.
Nigro, both of whom are retiring from the Board this month. Mrs. Silvaggi'sfamily,
including her husband, daughters, and grandchildren were able to join us for cake, coffee,
and best wishes. Mr. Ogden spoke for all when he remarked that " Never in his experience
has the Town lost so much talent in one night." The Board and the library staff expressed
their thanks to both retiring Board members for the exceptional wisdom and experience they
have brought to their service as Board members.
When the meeting resumed, there was a question as to the candidates currently running for
the seats which will be open due to the retirement of Mrs. Silvaggi and Mr. Nigro.
Ms Lynn listed the candidates:
Susan Hopkins Axelson of 300 Charles Street
John E. Brzezenski of 60 Terrace Park
Karyn A. Storti. of 31 Green Street
Ms. Lynn offered each of the candidates the opportunity to meet with her regarding the
Library and upcoming issues. She met personally with Ms. Axelson and Mr. Brzezenski, and
.spoke by phone with Ms. Storti.
It was moved by Mr. Nigro and seconded by Mrs. Silvaggi that the minutes of the meetings
of February 6 be accepted. It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the meeting of
February 18 be amended to show that Mrs. McRae attended the meeting. It was moved and
seconded that the minutes of the meeting for February 24 also be accepted. All of these
motions passed unanimously.
Financial Report
The Library has been required to cut $23,000 in its 03 budget because of the financial crisis
that the Town is facing. Ms. Lynn explained that it will be possible to meet this requirement
without laying off any current employees. There is a projected surplus of approximately
$17,000 in personnel funds. This surplus has been accumulated because of significant
vacancies which occurred throughout the year. In addition, the position previously held by
Reference Librarian, Sally McDonald will not be filled, and there will be a decrease in page
hours. The total savings from all of these items is expected to be sufficient to cover the
$23,000 amount that the Town is requiring the Library to cut.
Mr. Connor asked about the status of the second installment of State Aid due to the Library.
Ms. Lynn replied that she has not had any news on this. Since she has not heard to the
contrary, she is still expecting to receive this installment, in the amount of $13,000. In
response to another question regarding certification, Ms. Lynn stated that it is likely that
there will be an increase in the number of waivers available to libraries this year, due to the
financial situation facing the cities and towns of the Commonwealth. There has also been
some discussion of modifying the certification requirements, especially the formula for
determining the necessary municipal appropriation. According to Ms. Lynn, it is not clear at
this time exactly what steps the Mass Board of Library Commissioners will take.
Mr. Ogden moved that the Board of Trustees recommend a budget of $869,000 for the
Reading Public Library for fiscal year 04, with the understanding that this would allow the
Library to maintain its current schedule of being open 56 hours per week, and would also
allow the Library to meet the materials requirements mandated by the Massachusetts Board
of Library Commissions to satisfy certification requirements. The Board of Trustees
supports the efforts of the Board of Selectmen in procuring additional funding through an
override vote so that this amount can be achieved. This motion was seconded by Mr. Connor
and passed unanimously.
There was then a discussion of the override vote, and its likelihood of passage. Ms. Lynn
described the efforts of the town's Department Heads to provide information to the public
prior to the vote. On Monday, March 24, the town's Department Heads will hold a forum on
RCTV. Each Department Head will speak on the upcoming vote and its consequences. Ms.
Lynn has prepared a Powerpoint presentation for this program which she distributed to the
Board. Ms. Lynn also informed the Board that the Friends of the Library are preparing a
mailing which will go out to all households prior to the vote.
Director Report
Ms. Lynn outlined the activities which are planned for the Library's second annual Open
House which is scheduled for Saturday, March 22. Special activities include programs for
children and adults, live music, prize giveaways, and refreshments. The Library is
appreciative of the generosity of the Friends of the Reading Public Library in underwriting
the cost of this event.
Ms. Lynn provided an overview of current legislative activity relevant to library funding.
She and Corinne Fisher attended Ways and MCans Day at the State Hutise in Bostu on
February 12. Meetings were also held at the Library with Representative Carol Donovan, and
with Senator Tisei and Representative Jones. Ms. Lynn, Ms. Dickinson, and Mr. Conner
attended the NMRLS Legislative Breakfast in Methuen on February 28.
Other announcements:
Reading Public Library has been selected as one of 35 libraries in Massachusetts to
participate in a special MBLC public relations campaign.
Children's Librarian, Rachel Baumgartner has been selected to participate in the second
YSLead Institute to be held at Endicott College this summer. It is an honor for Rachel to
be chosen, as one of the future leaders of our profession. She will receive training in both
leadership and mentoring skills.
Elder Services Librarian Sally McDonald retired on March 6, and is greatly missed by
both staff and the public.
Department Heads will be appearing on a special two hour RCTV program, "Ask the
Town Manager" on Monday March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Annual Friends of the Library House Tour will be held on Sunday, May 18`h
MLA Conference will be held in Springfield, April 30-May 2. Lorraine Barry and
Allison DaSilva have participated in the planning of this event by serving on the
Conference Committee. Esme Green and Mary Ellen Downey will be guest speakers at
the conference.
Verizon is still interested in using the Library for a cell tower, Ms. Lynn and Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner will be meeting with Vernon officials next week to try to workout a
deal. Estimated income from a lease arrangement would be in the range of $20,000430,000
per year. Mr. Ogden asked if this would need to be cleared with the Historical Commission.
Ms. Lynn replied that the approval of the Historical Commission was necessary and that she
would be meeting with them.
Peter Hechenbleikner has approved the replacement of the flooring in both second floor
bathrooms. The current flooring is old, and is coming up and is torn in spots. The new
flooring has arrived and will be installed shortly.
Building maintenance, however, continues to be a cause for concern. Ms. Lynn listed a
number of other projects which have been neglected because of lack of funding. These
include interior and exterior painting, recarpeting the stairs and lower level, and repairing
water damage. Mr. Conner suggested that the next Board meeting include a tour of the
Library which would highlight the need for repairs.
Library Hours Discussion
Ms. Lynn provided a handout to the Board which showed several different scenarios for
revised operating hours. These scenarios were developed by library staff, and each reflected
the a cut in the number of hours that the Library would be open from 56 to 50.
At tc discussion, Mr. Nigro moved that the Board endorse Scenario # 2 which provided for
the reduction by having the Library open one hour later each day.
as follows:
Monday-Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: open at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday: open at 2:00
Closing times will remain the same as they are currently.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Conner and passed unanimously.
It was announced that the next meeting of the Board will be on Monday, April 14.
Mr. Ogden closed the meeting by again our expressing feelings of loss and gratitude on the
retirement of Mrs. Silvaggi and Mr. Nigro, both of whom has contributed many years of
outstanding service to this community.
A motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Silvaggi, seconded by Mrs. McRae and passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Elizabeth Dickinson
Assistant Director