HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-18 Board of Library Trustees Minutesi r, DV
Reading Public Library Board of Trustees
Minutes
October 18, 2010
7:00 p.m. E A 10. ul ~l
Attending: David Hutchinson, Chair; Dick Curtis; Jeffrey Doucette; Cherrie Dubois;
Karyn Storti; Vicki Yablonsky; Ruth Urell, Director; Nancy Aberman, library staff; Joe
Huggins, Facilities; high school students Caitlin Menzie & Dennis Smith; Bill Hecht,
Foundation Chair; Sharlene Reynolds-Santo, Historical Commission; Peter Byerly &
Richard Smith, architects.
Minutes: Approved minutes of Sept. 27 meeting (Curtis/Dubois).
Building Program
Peter Byerly referred to his experience with the MBLC and his past successes with
libraries in Falmouth, Leominster and Georgetown. He commented that when
reviewing grant applications, the MBLC will be looking seriously at libraries that
have the greatest potential for completion. He reviewed the proposed schedule and
indicated that conceptual design alternatives will be available for a meeting on Oct.
26. Once a preferred approach is approved, an initial planning design will be
prepared for a meeting in November. The final schematic design will be ready for
review in mid-January. The MBLC grant application is due by Jan. 27, 2011.
Richard Smith reported on their building site review to date. About 75% of the
current space is reusable but there is a need for an additional 8,000 square feet,
which can be incorporated into a two-story addition of 4,000 square feet per floor.
He mentioned that the children's room could remain on the 2nd floor but the
meeting room should have greater accessibility by moving it to the 1St or ground
floor. He saw three areas for expansion.
1. Rear of building, but it would require rearranging parking.
2. Front of building, may face historical concerns and may be more difficult to
get by existing library services in center of current main floor and second
floor.
3. School Street side will involve rearranging exit for cars.
Cherrie Dubois questioned use of the attic space, which Smith said would not be
practical.
Dick Curtis asked about a separate addition on School Street side with a connecting
walkway. Smith gave several reasons why this would not be practical.
David Hutchinson mentioned the importance of reinforcing the floor loads. He also
questioned how new technologies would fit into a 20-year projection. Ruth Urell
remarked that we will plan for smaller nonfiction collections as we rely more on the
growth of electronic information sources.
Tentative schedule for future meetings with architects:
Oct. 26, Nov. 9, Nov. 16, Dec.14, Dec. 30.
Other business
The selection of a library building committee has been set.
A monthly statistical report template has been prepared by Dorota that can be
modified in the future for selected statistical analysis.
Ruth reported that the Munis system for preparing financial reports will require
some staff members to obtain additional training. She also indicated that all town
departments have been asked to prepare two budget scenarios for Fiscal Year 12:
one level funded and one showing a 5% reduction in next year's budget. She will
have suggestions at a November meeting.
Ruth attended the New England Library Association Conference and listened to a
discussion on unions. It was suggested that some staff members might wish to talk
with the Town Manager about establishing a review process for salaries.
There is a joint meeting of the Mass. Friends of Libraries and Mass. Library Trustees'
Association in Worcester on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Vicki Yablonsky reported on the Municipal Building Committee. A final report is
being prepared. There may be a desire to bundle all municipal projects with a
request for debt exclusion.
Ruth reported that the MBLC received 35 letters of intent for building programs, but
there are sufficient funds for only 9 or 10 grants.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. (Karyn/Vicki).
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