Minutes of Regular Meeting

June 19, 2007

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Board President P. Lynn Oliva. In attendance were Trustees Timothy Connors, Jeane Garment, Howard Hawkins, Timothy James, Paul Schwarz, Julie Trelstad, Library Director Sandra Miranda, and Head of Internal Operations Kurt Hadeler. Absent with notice were Trustees D’Ambrosio and Furth, Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen, and Manager of Children’s Services Rosemary Rasmussen.

Board President Oliva commended Kurt Hadeler for his excellent service to the Library and noted that he will be missed as he leaves for his new position as Director of the Rye Free Reading Room. She thanked Library Director Miranda for doing a fine mentoring job, as reflected in the recent appointments of Cassie Guthrie and Kurt Hadeler as library directors. The Board extended congratulations to Mr. Hadeler and applauded.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 15, 2007

The minutes of the regular meeting of May 15, 2007 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Schwarz, seconded by Trustee Hawkins.

BUDGET

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed reports as of 5/31/07. Library Director Miranda reiterated her intent to offset increased expenses in some lines with savings elsewhere in the Library budget.

Board President Oliva asked Library Director Miranda to keep the Board apprised of the status of filling positions for Cassie Guthrie and Kurt Hadeler. Mrs. Miranda reported that she filed the paperwork for release of Cassie Guthrie’s position, but has not heard back, and will be filing for release for Mr. Hadeler’s position. Library Director Miranda also noted that the Librarian III Civil Service test will be given in January and could provide an opportunity for promotions and reorganization.

Bills 2006/07 Budget

Payment of bill vouchers #22 & #23 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Trelstad, seconded by Trustee Garment.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed administrative reports. Library Director Miranda reported that one of the LED lights in the CyberPool had malfunctioned and caused a small fire in The Trove, which was quickly extinguished by staff and the Fire Department. Mrs. Miranda estimated damages to be around $15,000 which would directly impact the Library’s budget, since the City is self-insured. Mrs. Miranda noted that all the LED lights are disconnected pending final determination of the cause and remedy.

Board President Oliva thanked Superintendent Connors for attending during this very busy time. Trustee Connors noted that Rosemary Rasmussen, Manager of Children Services, recently visited the schools to promote summer reading and did a fantastic job, as always. He reported that Mrs. Miranda and her staff work very well with the schools and expressed appreciation for the Library’s assistance.

Library Director Miranda reported that she has been asking the Children’s and Adult Librarians to think creatively about the library services of the future and how we can better serve our community. She challenged the Children’s Librarians to make program activities educational and literacy-based and get parents and caregivers more involved. Library Director Miranda reported that the Adult Librarians are divided into two work groups, one to focus on services we deliver onsite, and the other to focus on services we deliver remotely.

Library Director Miranda and Mr. Hadeler demonstrated the Library’s upgraded catalog and hope to have it running for the public next week. Among other benefits, the new catalog presentation gives the ability to refine searches and search across databases. The Board expressed appreciation for a job well done.

WLS

Trustee Furth was attending the WLS Board meeting this evening.

Advocacy

Mrs. Miranda will continue to send Board advocacy materials as received.

Friends

Board President Oliva reported the Friends next meeting will be in September. Mrs. Miranda reported that the Friends are sponsoring the Museum Gallery Exhibits and will be hosting the next opening reception for the next exhibit, "From the Heavens to the Earth," on June 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Foundation

Trustee Garment reported that she and Yuki Haynes, Co-Chairs for the Gala Committee, will also be attending the Museum Gallery Exhibit to promote the 10/27/07 Gala. She reported that at last week’s meeting, the Foundation Board adopted its 07/08 budget and renewed contracts for its auditor and development counsel. Trustee Garment reported that the Gala Committee also met last week with a good turnout and much enthusiasm about spreading the word, soliciting journal ads and silent auction items, and following up on letters sent to corporations and businesses . Trustee Garment reported that getting corporate gifts was more of a challenge this year, and asked Board members to contact her with any ideas, corporate contacts or other help.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Trelstad, seconded by Trustee Connors.

Paul Schwarz, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees