Minutes of Regular Meeting

July 17, 2007

Call to Order

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

Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 19, 2007

The minutes of the regular meeting of June 19, 2007 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee James.

BUDGET

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

Reports for 6/30/07 were not yet received. Library Director Miranda noted that the Library shifted funds as needed to offset increased expenses in various lines.

Bills 2006/07 Budget

Payment of bill vouchers #24 & #25 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee Furth.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed administrative reports. Library Director Miranda reported that John Lolis (IT) and Maria Gagliardi (Technical Services) were off to a good start in assuming new management duties, and that David Cambillo (IT) and Adult Services Librarian Tim Baird were also successfully assuming various new responsibilities. She noted that it was a pleasure to have such talented staff and that they and Kurt Hadeler worked especially hard and well before his departure to review and document many procedures. Mrs. Miranda noted that John Lolis will be reporting to her, and Maria Gagliardi will be reporting to Assistant Director Thorsen. Both Mr. Lolis and Ms. Gagliardi will prepare monthly reports for the Board that will be included in those of the Director and Assistant Director, respectively.

Mrs. Miranda reported that the Children's Department will be meeting with parents on 7/30 to hear their suggestions and get feedback on The Trove. She noted that the Library's policy prohibiting cell phone use needed to be updated in light of text messaging and Internet use on hand-held devices. Trustees Schwarz suggested posting signs requesting courtesy in addition to revising the policy. Trustee Trelstad suggested following Metro-North’s example, as it has worked well to train passengers to comply.

Library Director Miranda reported on various recent incidents, including two complaints arising out of inappropriate language (by the performer) at a Poetry Slam (brought on by a ringing cell phone), a smoke bomb in the Library Garage, and a building evacuation for a suspicious package in the Library Garage (homeless person's knapsack). Chief Bradley agreed that more policing would be done in the Garage.

WLS

Trustee Furth reported that at the last WLS Board meeting a proposal regarding WLS funding of book vending machines was voted down, but would be revisited at the next meeting after a trial of the machine at WLS. There was further discussion of free direct access and reimbursement plans. The Board saw a preview of the new WLS website under development.

Advocacy

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

Foundation

Trustee Garment reported that the Gala Committee met in June and July, and journal ads and silent auction items are coming in slowly. She asked for the Board’s help with solicitations and noted that success mostly comes from those you know. Library Director Miranda reported that the gala invitation will be ready in August and will be mailed out right after Labor Day.

FY 07/08 Adopted Library Fund Budget

The Board reviewed pertinent pages for the Library from the CWP 07/08 Summary Adopted Budget.

Approval for Personnel Added & Deleted from Payroll - 4/1/07 - 6/30/07

The Board approved Personnel Added & Deleted from Payroll, 4/1/07 - 6/30/07 on a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee Furth.

Authentication of Application for $14 Million Public Library Construction Grant Program

On a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee Garment, the Library's application for $14Million Public Library Construction Grant Program (Program Period: July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2010) was approved for submission. The application is targeted to the roof replacement project.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Furth, seconded by Trustee Garment.

Paul Schwarz, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees