Minutes of Regular Meeting

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 Jeane Garment, Howard Hawkins, Timothy James, Paul Schwarz, Julie Trelstad, Library Director Sandra Miranda, and Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen. Absent with notice were Trustees Connors, D’Ambrosio, and Furth.

The minutes of the regular meeting of September 18, 2007 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee James.

The Board reviewed reports as of 8/31/07.

Payment of bill vouchers #6 and #7 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Hawkins, seconded by Trustee Schwarz.

Library Director Miranda reported that as a result of a staff complaint to the Union, the Library was notified and required to come into compliance with a provision in the contract regarding equitable administration of overtime and weekly posting of overtime hours worked. Mrs. Miranda said that with the Law Department advising as to what would constitute acceptable compliance, new procedures were established and announced to staff. She noted that she was not certain at this time if the budget will be impacted.

Library Director Miranda reported that she and Mrs. Thorsen interviewed three candidates for Librarian I and was pleased to report that a suitable candidate had been identified to fill the position vacated by Cassie Guthrie. She stated that she is working towards a start date before the end of December.

Trustee Hawkins asked for feedback on the Teen411 advisory group invitation, and Mrs. Miranda reported that several responses were received. She and Mrs. Thorsen will meet with Librarian Mariel Perez to discuss how to proceed.

Trustee Oliva was pleased to note that the Library was recommended to receive $65,000 NYS Library Construction grant for the roof. Library Director Miranda extended thanks to the Finance Commissioner her successful efforts to satisfy the State’s certification requirements, on which the grant hinged.

Library Director Miranda reviewed 10/12/07 email from Siobhan Reardon, WLS, on its new bookmobile service, now in the planning stages, and asked whether the Board felt that this would be of interest in White Plains, assuming no downsides or obstacles. The Board indicated that it sounded promising, and Mrs. Miranda said she would find out more information and keep our options open. Mrs. Miranda reported that she and John Lolis met with WLS Director Siobhan Reardon and WLS IT Manager Wayne Hay to discuss compilation of statistics for this year’s direct use reimbursement. She also noted that the WLS 48^th Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the new Ossining Public Library.

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

Library Director Miranda reported that the Friends are continuing their support of Gallery exhibits, and the next exhibit, featuring Michael Remington Patterson, is going up next week.

Trustee Garment reported that the Foundation can now accept credit/debit card donations online via PayPal.

She reported that the Foundation Board approved renewal of contract with tutor.com. Mrs. Garment noted that the Board approved signing of contract required by the NYS Dormitory Authority in order to receive an Assembly grant, and had authorized procurement of services to secure required letter of counsel. Mrs. Miranda reported that she applied to the Pro Bono Partnership for the Foundation to receive free services for this.

Trustee Garment was pleased to report that financially the Gala is doing well, with 65 items for the Silent Auction/Treasure Hunt, magnificent displays in the Library and wonderful decorations in the works. She reported that thanks to Ms. Candela-Katz, the goal for corporate support had been reached. She thanked Foundation Director Diane Tabakman for undertaking regular donor cultivation by phoning recent donors to thank them for their support and reported that Carmela Curran and Niamh Thurman would co-chair the upcoming March Trumble in Trove event. She noted that an appeal letter would be sent out to prospects/donors in November and that the Foundation Board was pleased that the teen area concept was submitted as a Foundation project with the Library’s capital project request. She thanked the Library Board for its support, and encouraged Board members to take invitations to send to family/friends. Library Director Miranda was pleased to report that Jimmy Fink, noted DJ from 107.1, will emcee the Gala and has been announcing it on the radio. Assistant Director Thorsen thanked Jeane Garment and Yuki Haynes for being such wonderful co-chairs and maintaining their calm demeanor during this very hectic time in preparing for the Gala.

The Board approved Personnel Added & Deleted from Payroll, 7/1/07 - 9/30/07, on a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee Trelstad.

Library Director Miranda and the Board reviewed the 10/4/07 Journal News article, "State Libraries set own ID policies" and reviewed current procedure at White Plains to require two current pieces of ID. Assistant Director Thorsen added that one piece must be a photo ID and the other must simply show name and address. She noted that patrons are initially classed as temporary and limited to checkout 3 items until they bring back letter that Library mails out to the address provided, or if the letter is not returned to the Library within 3 weeks after mailing. If the letter is returned undeliverable by the post office, the patron is blocked until a valid address is confirmed. Library Director Miranda noted that she would try to get a copy of the actual ruling from the State, as it was of critical interest in that it supports the Board’s right to require ID before conferring privileges.

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee Hawkins, seconded by Trustee Trelstad.