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Minutes
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Grafton Public Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2014
Attending: Bob
Donald, Lucia Corwin, Christopher Schemm, Michelle Dufort, Deborah Toomey
Bob Donald brought the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
Public comment from a Grafton Inn guest who borrowed
materials from the library during their visit, returned them and expressed
their appreciation to the library was read.
The minutes from the September 18th meeting were
approved provided the date is changed from Sept. 16 to the correct one, Sept. 18. Minutes were approved.
Librarian’s Report
Fund Status
1.
The library has received a check from Jim
Paulson for $2,000 for children’s programming in the coming year. The board expressed their gratitude for the continued
support from the Paulson’s.
2.
Jerry Stevens and Bill Watson had talked about
establishing the Lucy Daniels Memorial Fund which was not to be a directed
fund, but could be used for new technology. The Hayes Family Fund is a directed
fund for e-books. Michelle talked to
Bill about the Daniels Fund and Bill indicated his willingness to have the money
used for any library need since the Hayes fund was presently meeting our
technology needs.
3.
The Jean Whitnack fund is a restricted and
directed fund that has $500 to be spent this fiscal year. Tanya Morgan Evans
who established this fund, has indicated a willingness to discuss other
possible uses for this. Michelle will talk with her.
Budget
Bob handed out the proposed budget from August which has
been reviewed and recommended that the Hayes Fund will be added. He will have
it finished and completed for approval at the next board meeting.
No major adjustments need to be made at this time.
The endowment report was distributed and a copy will be
attached to the minutes.
Automation
The automation of the library’s collection is almost
complete and the technology specialist component of the Windham Foundation
Grant has been fully used. The individual performing this task has expressed a
willingness to continue on as a volunteer. This was discussed in depth by the
board.
Building and Grounds
The repair to the handicapped entrance door is in progress.
Unfortunately, the local contractor who is working on it has had some family
health issues that have delayed completion of the work, but has assured the
librarian that it will be completed soon.
The screens need to be changed out and the gutter over the
handicapped entrance needs to be cleaned of leaves. Bob indicated that he will
take care of the screens, and Deborah volunteered her husband to clean the
gutters as soon as all the leaves are down.
Other Business
Bob Donald met with Rachel Williams, the town administrator,
and was impressed with her openness and willingness to work with the library
board. She is willing to have the town handle the payroll for library
employees. The town health care is open to the library board to use for
employees and discussion centered on which plan to use, whether the town plan,
which was the platinum plan was required and whether the library board was
required to follow the same payment options that the town provides other town employees:
the town pays 95% and the employee pays 5%.
This amount would consume the entire disbursement from the Jerald L.
Stevens Fund. The librarian suggested that the Library Board provide a less
costly plan. No decision was made until requirements were clarified with Ms.
Williams and the Board then made aware of the possibilities.
Christopher mentioned that the library personnel policies
must be amended when the health care decision is finalized.
The annual donation letter was reviewed. Board members recommended
that it be made to fit on one page. Deborah expressed concern regarding the
Jerald L. Stevens Memorial Fund and that without an explanation, donations
might be effected. A regular visitor to Grafton has offered to assist the board
with the fundraising letter and while no vote was taken, the Board expressed
approval of contacting this individual and requesting assistance. Deborah
indicated that she would do so.
Michelle presented a proposal to hire an assistant in the
library. This position was previously eliminated, but with many of the library
volunteers unable to work as scheduled due to health issues, an assistant would
be very much appreciated. The Board was open to the possibility, but funding
will need to be available to achieve it. Depending upon how much of the Stevens
Memorial is used for providing health care, funds may be available to do so.
However, no firm decision was made.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Toomey,