Minutes of Regular Meeting

December 18, 2002

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Board President, Hope Furth. On a MOTION by Trustee Geeslin, seconded by Trustee Cox-Burns, Trustee Elmiger was appointed Secretary Pro-Tem. In attendance were Trustees Toni Cox-Burns, Janet Elmiger, Campbell Geeslin, P. Lynn Oliva, Nancy Smith, Library Director Sandra Miranda, Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen, and Head of Internal Operations, Kurt Hadeler. Absent with notice were Trustees Tim Connors, Fernando Martinez, and Don Simmons.

Board President Hope Furth announced that Trustee Cox-Burns has decided for good and exciting reasons not to request another term as trustee. At the request of Mrs. Furth, Library Director Miranda read Mrs. Burns’ beautiful resignation letter to the Board. Mrs. Furth noted it would be difficult for anyone to contribute as Trustee Cox-Burns has done over the last 14 years.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of Library Board of Trustees

The minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 2002 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Elmiger, seconded by Trustee Geeslin.

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed FY 01/02 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and City Revenue & Expenditure Budget reports for November 2002. Noting the balance in reserve, Trustee Smith asked how many positions were currently vacant. Mrs. Miranda responded that there are 9 vacancies out of 44 positions, but that she was pleased and relieved that the Personnel Committee (Mayor’s Office, Budget and Personnel) had just reaffirmed approval to fill two positions that had previously been released. Mrs. Thorsen reported that she and Mr. Hadeler have identified two excellent librarian candidates, and three possibilities for Electronic Services Specialist. Mrs. Miranda stated that final selection would be expedited, and that some funding would be moved into the part-time line for support staff in Circulation and Technical Processing. Library Director Miranda requested rescheduling the February Board meeting so that the Library’s budget request for FY 03/04 could be approved in time for submission on February 14. The Board agreed to reschedule its regular meeting to Tuesday, February 11 at 7pm. This will also be the Annual Meeting of the Board.

Bills: 2002/03 Budget #9 & #10

The payment of bill vouchers #9 & #10 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Smith, seconded by Trustee Geeslin.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed department reports. Mrs. Miranda reported that the Library recently received a federal e-rate check to offset expenses for telephone service. Assistant Library Director Thorsen reported that staff comfort level is high since arrival of the security officers, and some patrons have expressed approval that the Library now has security. Mrs. Thorsen noted the officers are for the most part dealing with problems effectively. Mrs Miranda gave an example of an incident that had not been handled well, an accident involving a patron. She emphasized that additional training for the officers would be requested as needed to ensure performance that meets our requirements and best expectations for service.

Trustee Reports and Business

WLS

Board President Hope Furth reported that WLS is facing a budget crisis that will affect various services. She reported it was very difficult on WLS operations and morale, as they had to lay off seven staff members. Trustee Furth noted that WLS may have to take action with regard to the Briarcliff Manor Library, which does not meet state standards.

Friends

Trustee Elmiger reported there was no December meeting and that the Staff Luncheon on January 7 will be sponsored by the Friends. Mrs. Miranda was pleased to report that Mary Leslie, Board member and past president of the Friends, was inducted into the Westchester Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, thanks to a nomination by Rae Faith Robinson, President.

Foundation

Library Director Miranda reported that the Foundation’s annual appeal is in progress and doing well thus far. Mrs. Miranda mentioned that the Foundation sponsored the George Washington event on December 8 and will fund another on January 11 in conjunction with the exhibit currently on display in the Gallery.

Advocacy

Library Director Miranda encouraged the Trustees to advocate for library funding to county and state officials.

Board Terms Expiring

Library Director Miranda reported that Trustee Smith’s current term is also expiring at the end of the month, and both she and President Furth encouraged Mrs. Smith to request reappointment.

Capital Projects Board Recommendation

The Board reviewed notes of the Capital Projects Board meeting of 12/9/02, and Trustee Furth commended Mrs. Miranda for an excellent job presenting the Library’s needs. Trustee Oliva asked for clarification regarding revisions to amounts and dates, and Mrs. Miranda said she would send a copy of the revised chart to all the Trustees.

Contract renewal - Museum Gallery Director

Board President Furth commended Harriet Weissman for the spectacular job she has done for 28 years on the Museum Gallery exhibitions. On a MOTION by Trustee Geeslin, seconded by Trustee Oliva, the Board approved the Museum Gallery Agreement for 2002-03 with a change to #1 to read ........will arrange for "up to" four exhibitions per year.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Geeslin, seconded by Trustee Smith.

Don Simmons, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees