HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-18 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees CLERK
Minutes of Meeting-April 18, 2001
RE-A MASS.
Present: Stephen Conner, chair; Donna InDelicato; Roberta McRae; Eugene Ni r rd
g T s A s: 3~
Ogden; Maria Silvaggi.
Mr. Conner called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
FY01 personnel budget: Ms. Lynn gave revised salary projections for the rest of the year,
including reductions in hours that make a transfer of funds to the personnel budget
unnecessary. Mrs. Silvaggi remarked that the Library's need for more personnel, as requested
in the last few budgets, is starting to show. Board members expressed their dislike of unpaid
vacation time for the Director and Assistant Director, but were assured that it was voluntary.
The Director has determined that using appropriate trust funds and state aid to subsidize
salaries is acceptable. Mr. Ogden suggested setting aside $2,00043,000 in state aid and
$1,000 in the Morang trust fund as a fallback, and to make it optional for the Director and
Assistant Director to take unpaid vacation. The transfer could be voted on at the June meeting.
The Board requested that a budget status report be sent to them after every payroll for the rest
of the fiscal year.
Ms. Lynn's memo also outlined cuts in services due to the cuts in staff hours that are being
made now, and next fiscal year (see attached). Many staff members have gotten into the habit
of doing work for free, and that has to stop. It is a challenge to cut back programs to what is
manageable with the staff hours provided for in the budget. On the other hand, less pressure to
produce may be a relief.
Staff morale is low due to budget cuts and other external and personal factors. Continuing to
support professional development strongly is a way to boost morale. Ms. InDelicato will work
on a document for the public detailing the cuts in hours and services. Ms. McRae suggested
that the Library publicize ways that services have been funded creatively.
Town Meeting: The chairperson will give a report at Town Meeting, addressing the Library's
pride, successes, and concerns.
Diane J. Young
Assistant Director