HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-23 Board of Library Trustees Minutes` "ASS- Board of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting - November 23, 1998
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Present: Ms. Maria Silvaggi, chair; Mr. Stephen Conner; Ms. Cherrie Dubois; Ms. Donna
InDelicato; Mr. Richard Ogden; Dr. Christine Redford.
Also present: Mr. Peter Brown, Mr. Mike Debrigard, Mr. Arthur J. Reynolds Mr Tom
Stohlman. '
Ms. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of October 21 were accepted.
New business: 1) Entry re-design: Mr. Stohlman presented the design for the new entryway.
The existing Plexiglas and wood canopy has proven inadequate for many winters now. The
original intention was to redesign that structure, but since the Library can use more space, a
design was created that pushes the entrance out of the current building outline, making a mud
room outside. It will allow space for a new circulation desk with a better security system and
more modern equipment.
In Mr. Stohlman's design (see drawings), a shed roof on all sides of the entryway directs
weather (snow and rain) away from patrons. There is a double door on one side, and a single
door for strollers and handicapped access on the other (at the top of the ramp). The space will
not be heated.
The Historical Commission is concerned that the addition fit in with the style of the building,
yet be clearly a new addition by its appearance. Suggestions to differentiate it are to add a
second color to the whole structure or to the bottom part, or to make the top out of wood. The
Board discussed with Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Debrigard brick color, roof style, detailing,
handicapped-accessible doors, brick for the patio, the construction schedule, and the option to
bid pieces of the job separately. Consensus was to alternate yellow with terracotta brick, and
to use shingle to match the existing roof.
Some members of the Board will attend the. Historical Commission's meeting on December 1
to discuss the addition. Ms. Hanley recommends that a final design decision is made at the
January meetings of both boards. Specs could then be done in February, followed by going
out to bid.
2) Internet access: In late October, the Director was told by the Town Manager that the police
chief had concerns about the accessibility of pornography at the Library via the Internet. He
had asked the chief to contact her. She had a brief phone conversation with Detective
Patterson, which seemed to put the issue to rest. After the editor of the Advocate interviewed
her about the issue, Ms. Hanley called the chief herself. In the Advocate article, Chief
Marchand said he had received a stream of complaints. He has not relayed these complaints to
the Library. He assigned Detective Saunders to call the Attorney General's office on the issue.
Mr. Reynolds wrote a letter to the police chief questioning his action, and has received no
response. He also wrote letters to the editors of both local papers. There has been very little
response from the public. Mr. Reynolds is interested in involving the ACLU if Chief
' Marchand goes further.
Mr. Ogden cited the Library's policies, including the Bill of Rights and the disturbance
policy, and stated that the Board is on firm ground with its policy to provide full access to the
Internet.
There was concern about the way the chief handled the issue, by going directly to the press
without consulting his fellow department head first. Mrs. Silvaggi presumed that the Board of
Selectmen is handling this with their employee. Mr. Conner said that he would like
confirmation of that. Mr. Conner was authorized by the Board to talk to the Library's liaison,
Matt Nestor, to convey that the trustees have discussed the issue, have noted that there has
been little public response and no indication that the chief is going to take further action, and
that the Board will continue its current policy of unfiltered Internet access, but is strongly
opposed to the police chief's action.
The staff has dealt with about five complaints concerning offensive material on the Internet
since the Library has offered graphical Internet (a year and a half).
Financial report: Financial status is fine. State aid ($28,600) is coming in December.
Statistical report: September was a quiet month. Business picked up in October.
Report from the Chairman: The planning committee met for the first time; Mr. Ogden will
chair it. They expect to finish their work of developing a five-year plan in about a year.
Friends report: The newsletter is at the printer's. Mr. Brown thanked Ms. InDelicato for
contributing data entry and layout. Banners will go up to announce the membership campaign.
They are currently 400 family/individual members; the Friends hope to increase that by
twenty percent. The Country Store has been put up, with a broader selection of items than
usual. The co-presidents are working to raise the organization's visibility, and to add to its
financial stability by finding corporate sponsors for some of the Friends' programs. They plan
to go before the Chamber of Commerce to generate support for the concert series, the house
tour, and the newsletter. The Browns are following up on donations made earlier.
Continuing education: Ms. InDelicato, Mr. Brown, and Ms. Hanley attended the MLTA
conference. The workshops were a little flat and the keynote speaker was negative; however,
meeting with other trustees and friends was beneficial. Mr. Brown hopes to organize a local
meeting of the state-wide Friends early next year.
Director's report: New heating units have been installed on the main floor. RMLD will do
the main switchover of the electrical system tomorrow morning-power outages will not be a
threat anymore.
A memo was sent to the Personnel department outlining changes in job descriptions for the
ongoing pay and classification study. A letter needs to be written about the grade of the
Assistant Director's job.
The cafe closed on Friday by mutual agreement of the Library and the supplier, the Hot Spot.
The staff and the Friends are investigating vending machines as an interim service. Patrons
spent $8,000 at the cafe last year. The Director sees selling food as a value-added service; it
makes people happier with their library experience. Board members would like to see an
upscale vending machine.
New business: The evaluation of the Director was postponed to next month's meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Diane J. u g
Assistant Director