HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-01-20 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of the Meeting -January 20, 1987
Conference Room - Reading Public Library - 8:00 p.m.
/ Present: Dr. Christine Redford, Vice Chairman; Mrs. Carol Beckwith, Mrs. Elia
Dangelmaier, Ms Cherrie Dubois; Mr. Robert Fields.
Absent: Mr. William Diamond.
Dr. Redford called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
Minutes: Mrs. Dangelmaier moved to accept the minutes of the previous meeting as
written; Ms Dubois seconded . Motion passed.
Financial Report:
All accounts are fine, with the exception of Water & Sewer which is overdrawn.
Statistical Report:
December statistics were presented; a gain of 4,092 was shown over the previous
December. This gain helps to offset the losses of the previous months.
Director's Report:
Personnel: Mr. Joseph Ruderman has been hired as a temporary part-time custodian
to fill in until a full time custodian is hired. His hours will be 7-11 a.m. and
he will be responsible for opening the library, general cleaning and upkeep and
snow-shoveling
Services/Programs: The Children's Librarian visited 2nd grade classes and offered
a,\library tour for 3rd graders. She also conducted a session in the library for
a local nursery school. A 5th grade art class visited the library, in addition,
and created drawings from their tour.
Building Maintenance: Plumbing repairs took place on fixtures in the second floc,,
rest rooms
Communications: 1) Notice was made of a monetary gift for books from Mr. & Mrs.
Richard Allen in memory of Ruth L. Packer and Donna Lander. 2) Dr. Redford
read the town policy that public funds shall not be used for gifts, food,
flowers for any retiring or resigning employee. 3) A communication was read from
Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, regarding the portable building on library
property. The letter stated that the building will be adequately secured, but
it is not to be moved at present. The Trustees directed the Director to write
a letter to the Town Manager from the Board requesting removal of the building.
4) A packet of information from Massachusetts Library Association regarding
the salary issue for librarians was noted. Ms. Flannery asked that Trustees
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read the information at their leisure which suggests successful strategies
for increasing the salaries of personnel.
Unfinished Business:
The matter of the handrail for the handicapped access ramp was discussed. The
bidding procedure is in`process. Mr. Fletcher, Superintendent of Public Works,
would like to come to the next Board meeting and can discuss awarding of the
contract.
Valves for'the HVAC units will be installed on a case-by-case basis as problems
with individual units arise.
The FY88 Budget, in its new format, was presented and discussed. Two new programs
were attached: purchase of the Boston Globe on microfilm and its index, and an
upgrading of a Children's Room Assistant to permanent part-time to allow for a
comprehensive program of classroom visits. The Board asked the,Director to
clarify the budget procedure with the Town Manager. Mr. Fields moved to accept
the FY88 budget as submitted. Mrs. Beckwith seconded. The motion passed.
New Business:
The Director reported on the need to establish a gift policy for donated
furnishings, art work, etc. The Trustees agreed that the Director and Assistant
Director should present a draft of such a policy at the next Board meeting.
Also presented was the need for a microcomputer for administrative and staff
use only. Ms. Flannery presented possible uses of such equipment, and its time-
saving aspects. The Board asked the Director to investigate possibilities and
to report on possibilities at the next meeting. If the opportunity to purchase
equipment arises before the next meeting, the Trustees directed Ms. Flannery to
proceed.
A letter has been sent to Mr. William Warde from the Chairman regarding over-
due library materials.
Mrs. Dangelmaier moved to adjourn; Mrs. Beckwith seconded. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:35 p.m. The next meeting will be held February 23 at 8:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy S. Aberman
Assistant Director and
Clerk to the Board