Minutes of Regular Meeting

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by Board President, P. Lynn Oliva. In attendance were Trustees Denise D’Ambrosio, Hope Furth, Paul Schwarz, Julie Trelstad, Library Director Sandra Miranda, Head of Internal Operations Kurt Hadeler, and Manager of Children’s Services Rosemary Rasmussen. Absent with notice were Trustees Connors, Garment, Hawkins, James, and Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen.

The minutes of the regular meeting of March 21, 2006 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Schwarz. Library Director Miranda thanked the Board for honoring her with a beautiful plaque at the 3/29/06 gathering of the Library, Foundation and Friends’ boards. The plaque was presented to Library Director Miranda in appreciation of her vision, drive and determination in opening The Trove, and is hung near its entrance.

The Board reviewed reports as of 3/31/06. Library Director Miranda was pleased to report that in April the Common Council adopted ordinances to 1) establish a capital project for the Library’s roof replacement and 2) amend the 2005/06 Library Fund Budget to cover merit increases. She referred the Board to copies of same.

The payment of bill vouchers #18 & #19 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee D’Ambrosio.

The Board reviewed written administrative reports. Library Director Miranda shared an article featuring The Trove in the April issue of American Libraries. She reported she and staff met with the Library’s ebook vendor, OverDrive, about ways to promote the service, some of which have already been implemented. The vendor has promised to loan the Library a machine for 7 months that patrons can use to download ebooks to their electronic devices. Trustee Oliva asked about Libramation, the vendor for The Trove’s self-service stations, and Mrs. Miranda reported progress with problem resolution, but not with development of requested features. She noted that the Foundation was withholding final payment, information was being gathered about a software alternative, and that the hardware was excellent and could be reused if a new vendor was ultimately chosen.

Trustee Furth asked about the status of integrating the new Westlynx system with White Plains. Library Director Miranda reported on her discussions with WLS Director, Siobhan Reardon, and Westlynx manager, Wayne Hay. She has been given to understand that the proposed contract with Sirsi addresses this issue, but questions remain about the best technical way to achieve this type of integration using SIRSI’s software. This will be discussed further with SIRSI and at PLDA. Mrs. Miranda noted that as directed she would prepare a letter to WLS from the Board expressing the desire to take advantage of the opportunity to integrate the Westlynx and White Plains’ systems during the impending WLS migration to SIRSI. Trustee Furth agreed to take the letter to the next WLS Board meeting.

Mrs. Miranda was pleased to report that the State budget just passed included increases in State Aid for library programs, such as aid to library systems and grants for public library construction. She reported that the Library could potentially apply for a construction grant based on the significant increases to that program.

Trustee Oliva suggested that the Board could promote awareness of Library services as advocates in the community by reaching out to each of the neighborhood associations over the coming year with information about the Library. Board members expressed willingness to participate. Trustee Trelstad suggested preparing an article about the Library and submitting to the associations for inclusion in their newsletters.

Board President Oliva shared the Friends’ Winter 2006 newsletter and meeting minutes of March 20 with the Board and noted that Kurt Hadeler was the recipient of a Friends Staff Enrichment award to attend a national conference.

The Board reviewed minutes of annual and regular meetings of 3/1/06. Board President Oliva noted that there will be a silent auction and treasure hunt at the Foundation’s October 21, 2006 event honoring Mayor Delfino in recognition of his contributions to serve the youth of our City. As liaison to the Foundation Board, she was asked to convey a request to the Library Trustees for their help in securing gifts, preferably by June 15^th, for the silent auction/treasure hunt, such as gifts certificates for dinner at local restaurants or tickets to a museum, ball game, performance etc. She reported the date of the next Benefit Committee meeting, 9:30 a.m. April 26^th in the Board Room, and encouraged all to participate. Library Director Miranda was pleased to report a new member had been appointed to the Foundation Board, Carmela Curran.

Library Director Miranda reviewed the 2006/07 Proposed Budget with the Board.

On a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee Schwarz, the Board approved Personnel Added & Deleted from Payroll 1/1/06 - 3/31/06.

On a MOTION by Trustee Schwarz, seconded by Trustee D’Ambrosio, the Board approved the Proposed Library Closing Schedule - 2006/07 as presented.

In a discussion of a recent application from a local organization, the Board discussed and affirmed current policy for meeting room use.

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Trelstad.