HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-22-BLT-min Cary Memorial Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 22, 2014
Learning Center
Present: Norman Cohen, Mary Ann Stewart, Kate Ekrem,Joe Pato, Peter Kelley, Brent Maracle,
Margaret Coppe, Howard Jaffe, Helen Cohen, Trustee; Koren Stembridge, Cynthia Johnson,
Phyllis Brooks, Friends; Jeanne Krieger,Jeri Zeder Foundation.
Call to Order Norman called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM
Secretary's Minutes of October 16, 2013. MaryAnn Stewart corrected the spelling of a name in
the minutes. She made a motion to accept the minutes with a correction. The motion was
seconded by Kate Ekrem. The motion passed.
Foundation Report
Jeanne Krieger reported the Foundation fundraising is slightly ahead of last year at midyear.
She added that at the Foundation Board meeting this evening, we will transfer a check of
$70,000. to the library
Friends Report
Phyllis Brooks of the Friends reported they will be hosting a Staff Appreciation Tea on February
27 from 3 —5 PM in the Large Meeting Room. She invited Trustees to stop by for tea and
goodies. The Friends will be having a contest spreading the Cary Memorial book bags around
the world. Bring the bag around the world and take a "selfie".
Administration Update
Koren highlighted the Municipal Financial Report. At the halfway point in the year, we are 50%
expended. There was an increase in the personnel services expenditures due to retro payments
from the contract settlement. On the Trustees side, we are on pace with income and expenses.
State Aid has been drawn down due to the construction of the Large Meeting Room.
Kate Leppanen is currently acting Head of Technology. We advertised for the position and
received many qualified applicants. We have indentified two candidates to interview. One of
the first tasks of the new Head of Technology will be working on a wireless upgrade.
Building Update
Koren reported that we continue to work with the Facilities Department on mitigating heating
issues building wide. Facilities are working on a plan to install radiant heaters in the study
rooms which currently have no heat.There are still a few remaining technology issues with the
Large Meeting Room which we are working out.
Project Updates
2014 will be Year of Discovery
Koren reported that one of the outcomes from at the strategic planning process is the
community's desire to learn from each other.The idea was pitched by a community member,
Jagesh Shah who is acting as moderator of the programs. Some highlights of Year of Discovery
are:
• Co creating programming with Nova, one of only a handful of libraries selected
nationwide.
• In December we invited community members to brainstorm on ideas for the Year of
Discovery. We came up with 200 suggestions for Science and Technology
programming. Meagan Parker, Outreach and Programming Librarian is sorting through
the ideas.
• Lexington Reads will be the kickoff for the Year of Discovery. This year's Lexington
Reads book is "Smarter than you think" by Clive Thompson. He will be speaking at
Cary Hall on March 9th.
• The topic for Lexington Reads 2014 is "Digital Me"
• The Children's Room will have a compliment of programs related to Science and
Technology.
• Retro Fair will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Koren asked if Trustees have
any leads on old technology, please be in contact with Jen Forgit.
Trustees discussed the Nova program. Koren added that this is a first for the library to co-
create programming. We will evaluate at the end of the year.
New Business
Nominating Committee
Norman accepted nominations for the Board of Trustees Nominating Committee. Helen Cohen,
from the clergy, Margaret Coppe, School Committee and Joe Pato, Selectman. Howard made a
motion to accept the nominating committee. Brent Maracale seconded.The motion passed.
Committee to establish tuition reimbursement policy
Koren explained how the library contract provides for tuition reimbursement however there is
no funding in the Municipal budget. The staff contract currently states that tuition
reimbursement will be 75% of the cost of the class. Two staff members submitted requests for
reimbursement this year.Trustees allocated $10,000 for Staff Development in their budget.
The budget covers membership dues for library professionals, local conferences, three in house
staff development days per year and out of the area conference attendance. The Executive
Committee suggested that a group be formed to develop tuition reimbursement guidelines.
Mary Ann Stewart, Kate Ekrem and Jeri Zeder volunteered.
Motion to Adjourn
Mary Ann Stewart made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Helen Cohen seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM