HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.03.20 BLT-EC Cary Memorial Library
Board of Library Trustees
Executive Committee
March 20, 2012
Attendees: Norm Cohen, Helen Cohen, Deb Mauger and Mary Ann Stewart, Trustees;
Koren Stembridge, Library Director and Kathy Quinlan, Assistant Library Director
Call to Order: Norm Cohen called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM
Secretary's Minutes: Mary Ann Stewart made a motion to accept the Executive
Committee Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2012. Deb Mauger seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Update:
Koren reported on the Trustees and Municipal Income and Expenses
o We are meeting our budget on the Trustees side.
o Restricted Funds in the Endowment are slightly over$1 million.
o On the Municipal Report, we are just about three quarters into the fiscal year. Our
overall expenses are at 62.7% of the appropriation.
Proposed FY 13 Trustees Budget:
Koren is requesting an increase in the Trustees Budget for FY 13 from$90,000 to
$132,000. The budget presumes $90,000 of income and $36,000 in State Aid Revenue.
In order to make up the income deficit, Koren proposes using Trustee carry over funds of
$6,500. Koren detailed each budget category:
o An increase in Staff Development from $5,000 to $10,000 will allow more staff
to attend professional conferences.
o Contractual Services increase from$10,000 to $30,000 for funding for the library
to hire a consultant for the Strategic Planning Process which will begin in the fall.
o Furnishing expenditures will increase from $5,000 to $15,000 to keep up with the
necessary upholstering of chairs. This fiscal year we will be sending 8 to 10
chairs for upholstering.
o The materials budget will have a slight increase from$54,500 to $55,000.
o No increase in library materials refunds.
o Supplies will increase from$10,000 to $15,000. We anticipate an increase in
printing expenses when the new logo design is rolled out.
o Technology will increase from $2,000 to $4,000 to reflect expenditures.
o No increase in copier expense.
Helen asked if in Fiscal Year 14, we anticipate that the budget request will be less.
Koren stated that next year's request will be less since FY 13's projected expenses
include the cost of a consultant for the Strategic Planning Process and logo roll out.
Koren detailed her request to hire a consultant for the Strategic Planning Process. She
expects the fee to be in the range of$15,000 to $18,000. Koren will develop a formal
proposal to present to Trustees for the May Executive Committee Meeting. Koren will
confer with Jim McLaughlin, Town Procurement Officer, regarding any requirements on
quotes and bids.
Mary Ann asked about the last Strategic Plan. Koren reported that it expires in 2013.
Koren added that an important consideration is how the community center conversation
dovetails into our plan, specifically regarding the education piece. Mary Ann asked if the
library has been involved in the Standards Based Report Card with the School
Department. She suggested that Koren speak to Carol Pilarsky of the School
Superintendent's Office. Deb is looking forward to the outcome of the process.
Kathy reported that two staff members will be attending Computers in Library
Conference this week.
Building Updates: Kathy summarized ongoing projects:
o As a result of the Workflow Analysis prepared by architect, Richard Smith, we
have a set of drawings for the Technical Services Area. We are in the process of
reviewing the plans with staff and receiving feedback.
o The Archives Room Project will begin on April 1, 2012. We are finalizing
shelving plans. The storage room is cleaned out and ready for the construction.
o After several iterations of plans for the stairs, the Public Facilities Department has
determined that the south entry and main staircase will be refinished over the
Memorial Day Weekend. The work will begin after library closing at 5 PM on
Saturday and continue through the weekend. The south entry staircase will be
finished using an oil base product. A water base finish product will be used on
the central staircase. If the stairs seem to be tacky on Tuesday morning, we will
open up one of the fire stair cases as an alternative access.
Koren stated that the Public Facilities Department is confident that the solvent will dry in
time. They will circulate the air as much as possible over the weekend. Since this method
will cost under$10,000 is worth trying since just the cost of evaluating the work would
be as expensive.
Roof Access: Last month, three teens accessed the roof through a study room window.
All of the teens were issued trespass orders. Two of the three have been in contact with
Jen Forgit, the Teen Services Librarian. The students are performing community service
for the library. We have verified that the screens are bolted and that the study room is
safe for use by patrons.
Koren reported that we are working on a proposal to convert the mezzanine study room
into an office that can be used for the Web Master. We are working on costing out the
conversion of the Business Center to a Study Room. Norm asked to check if someone
donated funds for the Business Center. Koren will find out the details.
Meeting Room Policy
Kathy reported that she and Koren met with Bill Lahey, Town Counsel, regarding the
outstanding issue of groups who use our meeting spaces for activities that charge up front
fees for participation. One option discussed is a lottery that would assign a certain
number of available time slots. A second option is to characterize Scouts as Civic
Organizations in the same way as Lexington Community Education and the Recreation
Department.
Kathy referred to page 1, item# 3 of the Meeting Room Policy. "Non-profit
neighborhood and community based groups, civic groups (such as Scout organizations
and League of Women Voters), and non-profit and non-commercial organizations from
the Town or serving the needs of the Lexington community". Trustees discussed the
language changes and the impact on currently approved groups. After discussion, the
Trustees asked Kathy and Koren to come up with a plan on re-registering groups.
Mary Ann inquired if the library has a schedule for Policy Review. Koren stated that we
do not have a schedule but would like to develop one. Our next policy for review will be
the Rules of Behavior.
Deb Mauger made a motion to endorse the language changes and recommends that the
Board of Trustees approve the revised Meeting Room Policy effective July 1, 2012.
Mary Ann Stewart seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Minuteman E-book Policy: Koren has been working on a committee of Library
Directors on the Minuteman Collection Development Policy. So far no content has been
pulled since there is no basis to do so. She will keep Trustees updated.
Franklin De-certification. The Town of Franklin Library did not receive it accreditation
from the MA Board of Library Commissions. Franklin consolidated services, laid off
staff including a Children's Librarian and did not meet their annual materials
expenditure. These actions led to decertification since Franklin cut services below an
acceptable standard. We can choose to loan to Franklin residents or refuse services.
After a discussion, the consensus from Trustees is to continue to serve patrons of
Franklin.
Koren reported on a proposal from the Foundation to celebrate Lexington 300". The art
show and sale event will take place the last Saturday in March 2012 from 2—5 PM. A
percent of the proceeds will go to the library. Trustees expressed concern that the date is
close to Easter and may be disruptive to patrons. The consensus overall is positive.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting .The motion passed.