HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-21-BLT-min CARY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Attendees: Norman Cohen, Howard Jaffe, Margaret Coppe, Joe Pato, Peter Kelley,
Jessie Steigerwald, Brent Maracle, Suzie Barry, Claire Feingold,Judy Crocker, Paul
Garrity,Trustees; Jeanne Krieger and Jeri Zeder, Mollie Garber, Foundation, Phyllis
Brooks, Friends and Koren Stembridge, Library Director, Emily Smith, Assistant Library
Director.
Call to Order: Norman called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM
Secretary's Minutes Vote: Norman made a motion to approve the Minutes of the
March 19, 2015 meeting. Suzie seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Norman commended the Friends for National Library week and all the amazing things
they do for the library.
Financial Update
Koren detailed the municipal stream of funding verses the private funding; donations
from the Friends, Foundation and Trustee fines and fees. We are 24.8% expended on
the Municipal side, where we expect to be at this time. Koren detailed each line item of
the Trustee report. She explained the Endowment; "restricted" funds for specific
purposes and "unrestricted" which have no specifics on spending.
Staff Updates
Koren noted that we have several new staff due to retirements.
For the benefit of new trustees, Norman explained the makeup of the Board of Library
Trustees and the Executive Committee. The trustees are made up of the Selectman,
School Committee and settled clergy meeting three to four times per year. From that
group, 5 members form the Executive Committee which meets monthly.
Friends Update
Phyllis reported the following:
• We are currently sponsoring a lecture series called "Art Matters"
• Our bi-annual Book Sale will be November 13 — 15. Please stop in and buy some
books.
• We will elect a new president Laurel Cooley at our upcoming Annual Meeting. All
are invited to attend.
• Our everyday book sale is netting $1,000 per month.
• Will will vote on our contribution towards the construction project at our annual
meeting.
Foundation Update
Jeri reported the Annual Appeal will be sent out shortly. To date we have raised
approximately $475,000 in pledges toward the Transformation Spaces Project. The goal
is $750,000. Jeanne encouraged to give and do so generously and to advocate and talk
about the project.
Building Update
Koren and Emily provided an overview of the Internal Reconfiguration Project. Koren
detailed renovation plans for the main floor including a World Language area, an Idea
Wall, a space that will have the flexibility of transforming into a 200 seating venue,
additional study rooms, a Library of"Things" and a community programming office.
Emily reviewed the lower level plans which includes moving the fiction collection to the
main level and create a teen space on the lower level.
Trustees asked for details on funding. It is estimated that the cost will be about
$800,000, funded privately with approximately$50,000 from building envelope fund
through the Department of Public Facilities. Koren explained that we will be borrowing
funds from the Endowment unrestricted funds which will be paid back. She reviewed
the overall timeline for the project which will be managed by Department of Public
Facilities.
Brent inquired how we will deal with the noise during construction. We will cancel
study room reservations during the noisy construction phase. Trustees discussed noise
mitigation options.
Jessie commented that she loved the flexibility of the space.
Norman reported at a special town meeting, a vote was approved to replace the
sidewalks around the library.
Joe made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Margaret. The motion passed unanimously.