HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-10 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - January 10, 2000
Present: IVlaria''Ilvaggi, chair; Stephen Conner, Cherrie Dubois, Donna InDelicato.
Also present: Matt Cummings, selectman liaison; Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's
Services and Peter Brown, Co-President of the Friends of the Library.
Ms. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes: Ms. Silvaggi corrected the minutes to say that she called the meeting to order
instead of Mr. Conner. The minutes of December 13 were accepted as amended.
Chairman's Report: Ms. Silvaggi announced the Foundations's intention to donate a
first installment of $4000 for use in collection development. She also distributed the
summary of the Director's evaluation for the Board's final perusal.
Director's Report: Ms. Brennan presented the new agenda design and reminded the
group that she'd be attending the ALA Midwinter Conference in San Antonio 1/13-17.
She reported that the Town Department Heads will meet with the Town Manager to
discuss building management. An expression of appreciation was discussed for Helen
Nigro and her recent gift to the Foundation. Gene Nigro has taken out papers to run for
Trustee. On behalf of herself and the staff, Ms. Brennan expressed great thanks to Ms.
Dubois for her years of service on the Board.
Children's Services Division Report: Corinne Fisher, Head of Children's Services
presented the highlights of the year including the 21 % increase in Reference questions, a
new carpet, increased cooperation with the schools and an increase in summer attendance
at programs (58%). Staffing levels are a problem on Saturdays. The situation is made
worse by signups in the Meeting Room; this is when the staff has started to come in extra
to cover. She commended and thanked the great Children's Room Staff: Brenda
Wettergreen, Rachel Baumgartner and Mary McIntire for their tremendous efforts,
creativity and flexibility.
FY 2001 Budget: Issues and Strategies: Referring to Russ Dean's Dec. 17th memo to
the Fin Com, Ms. Brennan announced that the library budget will be level funded for
FY'01. If there's an override some additional items may be added back but Mr.
Cummings warned the Board that until the School Committee turns in their budget on
Jan. 18th, nothing can be done. Conversations will need to take place about possible cuts
if an override doesn't pass. Mr. Cummings suggested looking at cuts in units of
magnitude. The Town Manager's cuts to the library budget were discussed Neither the
differential or materials request were included. The issue of the override was discussed.
Friends' Vending Machine Proposal: Peter Brown presented the results of the Friends'
research. They propose a self-service Green Mountain Coffee vending machine and a
snack/beverage machine from a local company CJM. High quality, ease of use, minimal
impact on staff and CJM maintenance were factors in selection. Ms. Dubois moved and
Ms. InDelicato seconded the motion to accept the Friends proposal. Approval was
unanimous. Ms. Silvaggi thanked the Mr. Brown and the Friends for their hard work in
resolving this issue.
Update on Planning Process and Staff Day: Ms. Brennan displayed the results of staff
input on the 6 selected service responses and expressed delight at the "incredible
consensus of ideas" on Staff Day. Note was made of the excellent staff contributions.
She next plans to distill the ideas and prioritize them at the next staff meeting January
21 st. That document would be presented to the Planning Committee. It was concluded
that the planning process is progressing quite well.
Ms. Dubois moved and it was unanimously voted that the meeting be adjourned. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Corinne A. Fisher
Head of Children's Services