Minutes of Regular Meeting

October 18, 2005

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Board President, P. Lynn Oliva. In attendance were Trustees Denise D’Ambrosio, Hope Furth, Jeane Garment, Timothy James, Paul Schwarz, Julie Trelstad, Library Director Sandra Miranda, Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen, and Head of Internal Operations Kurt Hadeler. Absent with notice were Trustees Connors & Hawkins and Manager of Children’s Services Rosemary Rasmussen

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees

The minutes of the regular meeting of September 20, 2005 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee James.

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed reports as of 7/31/05 and 8/31/05. Library Director Miranda reported that she was notified by Finance Commissioner that the Library’s general fund contribution will be increased by $17,000; however, she was advised that $25,000 in encumbrances and $59,000 for NYS pension payment will come out of the Library’s fund balance.

On a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee Trelstad, the Board asked Library Director to communicate with Finance Commissioner and request increase of general fund contribution for full amount of coverages to balance year-end revenues and expenses as the library budget allowed, and that letter be sent by Board President on behalf of the Board to the Finance Commissioner requesting same.

Bills 2005/06 Budget #7 & #8

The payment of bill vouchers #7 & #8 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Garment.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed written administrative reports. Library Director Miranda expressed her gratitude to all the Library staff and maintenance crew who have been working above and beyond to help prepare for the opening of The Trove. Assistant Director Thorsen expressed appreciation to Library staff for their work and support in keeping the Library running smoothly during this very busy time. On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Oliva noted how proud she was of the wonderful work done by Library Director Miranda, Assistant Director Thorsen, Kurt Hadeler, Rosemary Rasmussen and their staff and extended a hearty congratulations to all! Trustee D’Ambrosio expressed appreciation to the Circulation Staff for their patience and finesse in handling the sometimes difficult patrons.

Library Director Miranda noted the new TV screen over the Circulation desk would have programming about library services and have the capability of broadcasting events. Trustee James asked for more detail about the wonderful work the Library does in the New Americans Resource Center. Assistant Director Thorsen noted NARC has spring, summer and fall sessions, and the Library provides the space and support and WCC provides the teachers.

Trustee Reports & Business:

WLS

Trustee Furth reported the first meeting was held with the new WLS director, Siobhan Reardon, who will be changing the accounting and budgeting formats. She noted that Mount Vernon Library was still closed, and Mr. Lee commended Mary Ellen Forte for the fantastic job she has been doing, and Ms. Reardon, WLS and its member libraries and directors for their help in making a seamless transition for Mt. Vernon patrons to use the library. Mrs. Furth reported that Ms. Reardon has been visiting member libraries. Library Director Miranda added that Ms. Reardon already visited WPPL, and was taken on a tour of The Trove. She encouraged Board members to attended the WLS 46^th Annual meeting at Yonkers Library on November 2 and said she would forward the details to everyone.

Advocacy

No report.

Friends

No report.

Foundation

Library Director Miranda was pleased to report the Foundation met its goal, and this would be announced at the Preview Party on October 22. Mrs. Miranda noted that over 200 guests were expected to attend the celebration.

OLD BUSINESS

Approval for Use of Gift Fund

To clarify an approved use of the Gift Fund, on a MOTION by Trustee Trelstad, seconded by Trustee Garment, the Board authorized the use of Gift Fund to pay architectural fees for theatrical design services of approximately $23,000.

NEW BUSINESS:

On a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee Garment, the Board approved Personnel Added & Deleted from Payroll, 7/1/05 - 9/30/05.

Capital Program 06/07 (preliminary)

Library Director Miranda reported that the proposal as distributed at the Board meeting was preliminary and that she would be meeting with Bud Nicoletti, DPW to finalize. She expressed gratitude to Eileen Bradley for her assistance in working on the submission. Library Director Miranda noted that after her meeting with DPW, the Library’s capital projects would go before the Capital Projects Board for approval and then the Common Council for approval. On a MOTION by Trustee Schwarz, seconded by Trustee Furth, the Board approved submission of the Preliminary Capital Improvement Program 2006/07 as presented with final adjustments, if any, to be made by Library Director based on final input from DPW. Mrs. Miranda said she would send the revised final proposal to the Library Board.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Connors, seconded by Trustee James.

Paul Schwarz, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees