HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-21 Board of Library Trustees MinutesBoard of Library Trustees
Minutes of Meeting -October 21, 1998
Present:Ms. Maria Silvaggi, chair; Mr. Stephen Conner; Ms. Cherrie Dubois; Ms. Donna
InDelicato; Mr. Richard Ogden; Dr. Christine Redford; Library Director Deidre Hanley;
and Friends Co-President Karen Brown.
Ms. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes: The minutes of the September 29 meeting were accepted.
Financial Report: Mr. Ogden questioned why so much of the office supply portion of
the budget is used this early in the fiscal year. It was concluded that the budget is not
adequate. Therefore, Ms. Hanley requested $1000 extra for FY 2000. Ms. Silvaggi
suggested that the spending be tracked carefully. In addition, Ms. Hanley added that book
money is spent early in the fiscal year. The NOBLE shortfall will need to be taken out of
some other account.
Statistical Report: September was a quieter month than usual. This is similar to other
surrounding libraries.
Chairperson Report:Three trustees attended the Budget Council Meeting.
HVAC was not discussed. It will be put in the Capital Plan. Phase I needs to happen in the
Spring 1999. A transfer of funds will be needed. The Planning Committee will meet on
November 23 prior to the next Trustees meeting.
Director's Report: The Renovation Plans for the Entry and, Circulation Desk were
discussed. Plans need to be presented to the Historical Commission. Mr. Stohlman will be
invited to attend the November 23 Trustees meeting to discuss the plans in greater detail.
The pros and cons of exterior wood verses brick were discussed. Plans need to be made
for an alternative entrance during construction.
Report from the Friends: Karen Brown, president of the Friends presented a positive
plan for the year ahead. There will be an aggressive, creative membership drive.
Newsletters will be forthcoming. Members will be mailed notification of events. A Spring
House Tour is in the plans. There are still vacancies on the Friends Board. The Friends are
looking into improving the cafe so that it meets the needs of patrons as well as make it
worthwhile for the Friends. The Friends want the business and the library to win. In
addition, the Friends want to improve the Fran McSheehey Music Area, and get a
company to underwrite the Concert Series. Trustees are asked to think about Trustee
Goals which will be discussed in November along with the Evaluation of the Director.
There were no Trustee Liason reports.
Unfinished business: The Director reported that she met with the Town Manager to
discuss the proposed budget for FY 2000 and the ten-year capital project request.
New business: The Board reviewed Trustee goals. The goals have not been updated since
1997. It was agreed that the existing goals are more of a job description for the board
members, rather than a list of annual goals. The contact with the Director is not in place.
The Board was asked to think about goals for 1999 to discuss at the next meeting, in
conjunction with the Director's evaluation.
The Director presented the results of a prioritization exercise done by the staff at the
at the last staff meeting, regarding goals suggested at the Staff Development Day in
September. The Trustees will undertake a similar exercise.
The Board asked for copies of the personnel evaluation form, Director's goals and last
year's evaluation by the Division Heads, in preparation for next month's meeting. These
materials will be sent out before the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Christine B. Redford
Secretary, Library Trustee