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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.11.18 Trustees CML FB MinCARY MEMORIAL LIBRARY BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES 12:00 PM November 18, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Online Attendees: Trustees: Joe Pato, Jill Hai, Doug Lucente, Suzie Barry, Mark Sandeen, Rabbi Howard Jaffe, Rev. Claire Feingold Thoryn, Msgr. Paul Garrity, Rev. Reebee Girash, Deepika Sawhney, Scott Bokun, Eileen Jay, Sara Cuthbertson, Kathleen Lenihan Foundation: Mary Ellen Ringo, Innessa Manning Friends: Ethel Slate, Elizabeth Kloss, Diana Bishop, Mary Burnell Library Staff: Koren Stembridge, Emily Smith, Andrea Morrison, Susan Lusk, Cathy Ghorbani, Alissa Lauzon, Town Staff: Mike Cronin – Department of Public Facilities Call to Order Mr. Pato called the meeting to order at 12:02 PM Public Comment No public comment. The Chair asked attendees to introduce themselves. Secretary’s Minutes Msgr. Paul Garrity made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2020 meeting which was seconded by Ms. Barry. The motion passed unanimously. Foundation Updates Ms. Manning reported that this was a busy season as it is the annual appeal. Personalized letters went out along with emails/social media posts. Encouraged all to like/follow/post when possible as this is a challenging economic time. Also organizing a matching fund of up to $30,000 from five donors. Friends Updates Ms. Slate stated that the Friends lost two major fundraisers. Have three goals: 1) Maintain a presence 2) Successfully convert to virtual 3) Keep eight book sale workers volunteering safely Have raised about $11,000.00 and appreciate the community support and continued support from Koren and staff at Cary Library. Rev. Feingold Thoryn stated to Ms. Manning and Ms. Slate how impressed and grateful she is for their work. Financial Updates Ms. Stembridge echoed thanks to the Friends and the Foundation. Ms. Stembridge reported that the Library is about 33% expended for the municipal budget, under where we would expect to be in a normal year. The library received the first installment of State Aid and is well-positioned to get through the end of the year. Administrative Updates Staffing Updates Ms. Stembridge welcomed Susan Lusk as our new Office Manager for when Andrea Morrison leaves. There will be some overlap for training. Andrea has been a great source of wisdom and support in her time at Cary Library. Children’s Librarian India Winslow has also departed. Currently there are a few other openings that are in process to be filled. Website Ms. Smith gave an overview of the process for a new library website. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Update. There was a citizen’s article regarding becoming an antiracist community and many Town departments had signed on. Rev. Feingold Thoryn made a motion that the library affirm this language which was seconded by Rabbi Jaffe. Vote unanimous. Ms. Stembridge indicated that a group of staff would be working with a DEI Educational Consultant to develop a deeper knowledge of antiracist practices and to begin crafting a DEI Action Plan for the library. Building Updates Mr. Cronin, Director of Public Facilities, provided an overview of the library’s HVAC system. New Business Election of Executive Board/Officers (vote) Mark Sandeen, Chair of the Nominating Committee presented the slate for the Executive Board. This was an election for the remainder of the year, as the Annual Meeting had been cancelled due to COVID-19. Slate: Joe Pato, Chair, Rabbi Howard Jaffe, Vice Chair, Suzie Barry, Claire Feingold Thoryn and Eileen Jay, Executive Board members. The floor was opened for additional nominees, and there were none. Motion to elect the slate as presented was made by Mr. Lucente. Motion seconded by Mr. Garrity. Vote was unanimous. Extending Fine Free period through 3/21/20 Ms. Stembridge put forth to have discussion for fines to be waived through 3/21/20. The Board agreed to extend the fine free period. Adjournment Mr. Lucente made the motion to adjourn at 1:17 PM. This was seconded by Ms. Jay and approved unanimously.