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Minutes

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Grafton Public Library Trustees Meeting Minutes

May 19, 2016, 6:00 pm

 

Attending:  Bob Donald, Andrea Dunmire, Lucia Corwin, Deborah Toomey, and David Whittall.

Guest Speaker: Barbara Freidman and her associate Guitier Wallaert

Public Comment: No public in attendance

Bob Donald brought the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and introduced Barbara to the Board. Two members had not previously met her: Andrea and David.  Barbara introduced her colleague Guitier Wallaert who works with the TIAA-CREF office in Hanover, NH.

Barbara launched into her presentation indicating that she was cautiously optimistic regarding our funds under her management. Inflation is low, but starting to increase. Wages are rising with the move to higher minimum wages in large corporations like Wal-Mart and Target. The commodity market is starting to rise as well. Barbara indicated that she thinks that the U.S. market is the best globally at a 2-3% increase, but it could be higher. The increase to American’s pay due to the mild winter with low cost heating and the reduction in the cost of gasoline has been good for the economy, and folks are not spending all the monies they have gained this way. They are increasing savings which is good. She then reviewed her report on the endowment and the Jerry Stevens Fund page by page.

Barbara completed her report by 6:35 and the Board thanked her. She and her colleague left.

Bob Donald then began the regular Board meeting. The minutes of April 21, 2016 were approved.

Librarian’s Report

Automation was discussed. Deborah has had experience automating a library and explained the involved process of handling each book, labeling it appropriately, adding the bibliographic information to the Library World On-line database, and if deciding to weed the book, reversing the process by withdrawing it from the collection and the database.

Discussion ensued on the Library signs and it was decided that Jason Ballard should be approached and asked to repaint. The Board examined the sign honoring Jean Tillbrook and agreed that it was no longer legible. It’s made of aluminum. Deborah offered to see if the pitting could be removed with steel wool without damaging it, but the Board expressed concern regarding the depth of the engraving. Replacing the sign with brass or trying to remove the pitting and then coating it with a sealant should be discussed next meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Funds have been transferred from the Endowment and the Jerry Stevens Funds to meet our expenses for the final few months of this fiscal year. As the Board was reviewing the expenses for tree removal, painting, lawn filling, and the cost of insurance for the Library as a municipal building, the Board felt that the Select Board should be approached next year for additional tax support. The monies currently received from the town do not cover the cost of the insurance on the building.

 

Building and Grounds

Lucia has purchased flowers for the urns, but will not plant them until after the urns are painted. She expressed concern about the depth of the urns. David offered the gravel he has on hand to fill them and provide support for the flowers. Andrea and Lucia thought that it might be better to fill them with perlite. Lucia indicated that she planned on having the flowers planted after they were painted, but prior to the Memorial Day ceremonies.

 

Andrea met with Don Dougal regarding planting trees on the Kidder Hill Road side of the Library lawn. He had not heard yet regarding the Grafton Improvement Association grant, but was fairly certain that it would be received. He planned on having three elm trees planted. Lucia expressed concern that three elms would grow very large and eventually would be very crowded. Perhaps one tree could be planted across the road in the newly created park area? David supported Lucia’s concerns. The Board also discussed the unknown location of the subterranean canals Christopher Schemm indicated lie under the lawn and the impact they may have on the tree planting. Andrea asked if the Board had considered plantings under the new trees. The consensus was that since we were unable to adequately maintain the plantings we currently have, it was not wise at this time to consider additional ones.

 

Other Business

 

The Board reviewed and selected tasks for the Volunteer Brunch.  The Confidentiality Policy that Michelle sent was also discussed, but tabled until the following meeting so we can be sure that all appropriate changes are made. The Security Policy also needs review and updating.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. The next meeting of the Board will be June 16, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Deborah Toomey

Secretary