HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-03-26 Board of Library Trustees Minutes"1
L
OWN CLERK
RE.ADINIG, MASS.
Board of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - March 26, 2001
Present: Richard O n, Maria Silvaggi, Eugene Nigro, Christine Redford, and Kimberly Lynn.
2001 APR -R I -
Mr. Ogden called the meeting to order at 7:10pm.
Trustee Recognition: Mr. Ogden recognized and thanked Dr. Christine Redford for her 15
years of service on the Board of Library Trustees. Ms. Silvaggi wrote and read the following
tribute:
Dr. Christine Redford
Quiet people often go uncredited for their achievements - but those of us who
have served on this Board with Dr. Christine Redford can't make that mistake.
In the 15 years she has served as library trustee, Christine has provided us
consistent guidance and proved herself a library benefactor.
Mother, educator, volunteer, Christine is always gracious under fire and highly
professional.
She has chaired this board - in fact served as chair when Dee Hanley was hired.
Whether in that capacity or as secretary of the trustees, or in a liaison position,
Christine has represented the Trustees and the Library with honesty, integrity
and greet ,:gn; y.
During my tenure here I have always sought her opinion, looked to Christine for
balance. She has the gift of understanding many perspectives, of being able to
help others focus on major issues, and she offers creative suggestions.
When I became chair - especially in the beginning - when I would feel insecure I
turned to Christine. I sought her input because I respected her and knew that if I
was missing some points, she would not, and that she would be honest with me.
When I sought her support, she offered that and I knew that her word was her
bond.
More important, of course, is the gift she has been to the RPL. Modest,
unassuming and succinct in thought and speech, Dr. Redford has used her
intellectual gifts and social skills on behalf of this institution. And when we've had
our public stands, she never compromised the needs of this service - even when
it might have caused repercussions for her in her professional life in the school
system. Dr. Christine Redford has been an exemplary Library Trustee, and we
will miss her steady hand.
Ms. Lynn extended sincere thanks to Dr. Redford from the staff.
Minutes: The minutes of the February 12 meeting were accepted.
lz, Statistical Report: Circulation was up for the month; the increase is mostly in Children's.
Director's Report: Improving the safety of the staff and public continues to be a priority. Ms.
Lynn went over suggestions made by Officer lapicca and Lieutenant Robbins during a site visit
and subsequent meeting with the staff. One customer has been particularly combative over the
past year. Ms. Lynn will consult with the police to see if they feel he is a threat. In the
meantime, incidents are being documented. Mr. Ogden suggested panic buttons that
designate emergency type: fire; medical; police. Mr. Nigro suggested we look into CPR/First
Aid training for the staff.
A new team of cleaners is doing a much better job than the previous group. John Davis is
monitoring their work.
The building had several leaks during the period of heavy rain this month. The entrance and
turret in Technical Services were flooded and there was seepage in other areas in the
basement.
Two of our employees have been granted permission to work more than 20 hours a week
through May.
There will be a "Neighborhood Meeting" on Thursday, May 10th at 7pm. Pete Hechenbleikner
and Ted McIntire will be present.
We have been asked to speak at the New England Library Association's annual conference this
fall in Burlington, VT regarding our Reference On Call service.
FY02 Budget and Proposed Cuts: Ms. Lynn presented a list of hours to be cut in both override
and non-override scenarios. After some discussion Ms. Silvaggi made the motion, "the
Trustees are devastated to close services that have been so painstakingly gained over the
course of many years, however, we must cut hours whether or not the override is successful.
Since this is the case I move that we reluctantly approve the cuts as recommended by the
director." Mr. Nigrc :^econd c' we rooticn. 1 he vote was unai!inious. Ho-urs on tll'e table
include in the override scenario: Fridays at 2pm in the summer, Saturdays in the summer, and
Fridays and Saturdays at 5pm for the remainder of the year; in a non-override scenario add:
Sundays and 2 additional Saturdays.
Policy Review: A new posting policy, allowing the posting of "for profit" items, was presented.
Mr. Nigro moved that the Board approve the policy. Dr. Redford seconded the motion. The
vote was unanimous.
Regional Update: Ms. Lynn stated that the Regional Reference Services Committee is
scheduled to meet next month and is looking at innovative and unusual ways to improve this
service. NMRLS and the committee developed surveys to collect information about member
library clientele, specifically non-resident users, and how and why customers use libraries.
Keith Fiels asked for the Trustees input regarding the re-negotiation of the supplemental
reference services contract with the Memorial Hall Library in Andover. Mr. Ogden stated that
the contract should have a "sunset" clause to indicate that the contract has a termination date
and is not renewable. The Board directed that a letter be sent to Mr. Fiels stating this and
thanking him for asking for input. The Board decided that a meeting with the MBLC is not
necessary at this time.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45pm.
J
Kimberly S. Lynn
Director