Library Trustee Minutes 02.03.16

Brown Memorial Library Trustees
DRAFT Meeting Minutes, Wednesday February 3, 2016

The Board Meeting for the Trustees of Brown Memorial Library was called to order at 6:05 p.m. In attendance were: Connie Scheffy, Nola Jordan, Garry Kalajian, Meg Fearnley, Peter Blank, Mary-Chris Duncan, Sandy Wadlington and Patty Furness.

1. The secretary’s report was presented from the January 6, 2016 meeting. A motion was made and passed to accept the minutes.
2. The treasurer’s report was presented for January. The library received donations in the total amount of : $215.25, $115.25 from the on-going book sale, and $100.00 in general donations. A motion was made and passed to accept the donations. The budget committee has met and approved the proposed library budget.   A motion was made and passed to accept the treasurer’s report.
3. The librarian’s report was presented.  According to January records, the year was off to a good start.
4. Under old business, a comparative analysis of librarian salaries in the state indicated that the Brown Memorial Library compensation for our librarian is still well below the state average for a library in a town of our size. New statistics will be available later in the year and will be considered again.
5.  With regard to the possible switch to LED lights for the library interior, a suggestion was made to replace one set of lights in an inconspicuous area first to determine if the light provided is appropriate. This possibility was discussed and Meg will investigate to see if another round of funding is available from the Municipal Smart Start Program to assist with the replacement of lighting. When the library is closer to making a  decision, the trustees will again consider initially replacing one set.
6.Under new business, a question was raised about what constitutes a quorum for trustee meetings. After consulting Robert’s Rules it was determined that the trustees would need at least four members present for a quorum.
7.Under new business the Investment Policy was reviewed and discussed. At this time the policy was approved and will be sent to the Attorney General’s office. Additionally, at the next meeting trustees will take a closer review of current assets to determine if it is possible to make investments more favorable to library finances.
8.Under other new business, it is time for the trustees to conduct an annual evaluation of our librarian. Patty will provide forms at the next meeting to enable us to begin this process.
9. Further new business consisted of initial planning for the summer reading program and the accompanying float for the annual Fourth of July parade. The theme of the reading program will be along the lines of “Food for Thought.” Preliminary planning has begun. More details will be provided as plans progress.
10. An employee filling a casual opening at the library has now become a permanent employee and as such is entitled to the benefits offered to permanent employees. This will be effective beginning in March.
11. Lastly, Friends of the Brown Memorial Library will be conducting a fundraiser at the library in the form of a full English Tea on March 6 at 2:30 pm to celebrate the final episode of Downton Abbey. Tickets will be available at the library. The cost will be $15.00. . Costumes reflecting the Downton Abbey era are encouraged. Tickets are going fast!
The next meeting of the trustees will be held on March 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Connie Scheffy, Secretary