Minutes of Regular Meeting

November 20, 2007

Call to Order

The regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by Board President P. Lynn Oliva. In attendance were Trustees Denise D’Ambrosio, Jeane Garment, Howard Hawkins, Timothy James, Paul Schwarz, Library Director Sandra Miranda, and Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen. Absent with notice were Trustees Connors, Furth and Trelstad.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 16, 2007

The minutes of the regular meeting of October 16, 2007 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee James.

BUDGET

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed report as of 10/31/07. Library Director Miranda reported that adjustments had been made in part-time scheduling to keep expenditures in line with budget. She was pleased to report that a librarian has been found to fill the position formerly held by Cassie Guthrie and her start date will be mid-December. She noted that resumes in hand are being reviewed for suitable candidates with technical knowledge for the IT/librarian position vacated by Kurt Hadeler. Trustee Oliva asked Mrs. Miranda about the status of the Board’s joining NYSALB, and Mrs. Miranda responded that the budget cannot accommodate it this year, so it will be planned for next year’s budget.

Bills 2007/08 Budget

Payment of bill vouchers #8 and #9 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee James, seconded by Trustee Schwarz.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed Administrative reports. Trustee James inquired about hacking attempts referred to in the Technology Report by John Lolis, and Mrs. Miranda responded that rather than try to explain, she would forward the Board the e-mail from Mr. Lolis with details.

Library Director Miranda asked to report on a personnel matter regarding an employee, and on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Hawkins, the Board entered into Executive session. On a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Garment, the Board ended the Executive session.

Mrs. Miranda reported that DPW has engaged a local architect for the capital project to renovate the public bathrooms, and she attended a meeting to review preliminary plans. The architect estimates that construction will take approximately 3 months, during which time alternate arrangements, such as renting (upscale) portable toilets, will need to be made for the public.

Trustee Reports & Business:

WLS

The Board received notification that the WLS Free Direct Assess Plan revised July 2007 became effective 11/1/07, at which time a majority of the WLS member library boards had ratified it.

Advocacy

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

Friends

Assistant Library Director Thorsen reported that the Friends did well with their children’s book sale which was held at the Library over the weekend.

Foundation

Board reviewed minutes of 9/19/07. Trustee Garment was pleased to report that the Gala was a financial success, exceeding its goal. Library Director Miranda said she would forward the Board a comparative report prepared by the Foundation Treasurer on our gala events. Mrs. Garment and Mrs. Miranda thanked Board members for their generosity and support. Mrs. Garment reported that the Foundation is again planning a family fundraiser, Trumble in the Trove, to be held in March. Mrs. Miranda reported that last year’s Trumble was a ticketed event, but this year will be free and open to the public, with many opportunities at the event to support the Foundation, and outreach to corporations for program support. Mrs. Garment reported that the Foundation is also contemplating a Spring event to honor its past presidents/officers. Mrs. Miranda reported that the Foundation’s annual appeal is being mailed out this week to approximately 2,000 donors and prospects.

Board Members with Terms Expiring

Board President Oliva reported that three board members have terms expiring in December 2007, Trustees D’Ambrosio, Hawkins, and Oliva. She provided those board members with contact information, noting that Common Council President Malmud asked that they either call or email her with their intentions, and she will follow up if she has not heard from them.

Capital Projects

The Board received the schedule of the CWP Capital Projects Board Review Meetings FY08-09. Library Director Miranda noted that the Library was scheduled on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room. She noted the project to create a Youth Area in the Library would be discussed, and said Board members were welcome.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Hawkins.

Paul Schwarz, Secretary

Library Board of Trustees