Minutes of Regular Meeting

December 18, 2007

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, Jeane Garment, Julie Trelstad, Library Director Sandra Miranda, and Assistant Library Director Patricia Thorsen. Absent with notice were Trustees Connors, Hawkins, James and Schwarz. Trustee Trelstad was appointed Secretary Pro-tem on a MOTION by Trustee Garment, seconded by Trustee Furth.

Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 20, 2007

The minutes of the regular meeting of November 20, 2007 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee Trelstad, seconded by Trustee D’Ambrosio.

BUDGET

City Revenue & Expenditure Budget Reports

The Board reviewed report as of 11/30/07. Library Director Miranda reported that this year there is a good chance that WPPL will receive direct use funds from WLS.

Bills 2007/08 Budget

Payment of bill vouchers #10 and #11 were approved on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Garment.

Report of Library Administration

The Board reviewed Administrative reports. Mrs. Miranda shared sample flyer templates with the Board, and explained that the final designs would be used to produce flyers with a consistent look for various programs/areas and types of sponsorship. She noted that the template styles/color palettes chosen could also be incorporated into website and space design for the corresponding services. Mrs. Miranda further reported that from late January through February the Library is planning to display a statue of Prince Shotoku from the founder’s collection of Shinnyo-en. The 4' 4" bronze statue weighing 220 lbs. will be on loan to the City of White Plains. Prince Shotoku, a scholar, regent and politician during Japan’s Asuka period, introduced Buddhism into Japanese society. The Board recognized the historical value of the statue, and there were no objections. Finally, Mrs. Miranda reported that InTown Westchester magazine sent a plaque naming The Trove as one of its 101 Favorite Things in Westchester for 2007, and she was pleased to present to Mayor Delfino for display at City Hall.

Trustee Reports & Business:

WLS

The Board received notification that the African-American Writers & Readers Literary Tea will be held on Monday, January 21, 2008 at Abigail Kirsch’s Tappan Hill from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The Board discussed a 12/18/07 Journal News article on WLS and lost Library revenue in Greenburgh. Trustee Furth noted that WLS did not meet in December.

Advocacy

Mrs. Miranda will continue to send Board advocacy materials, and noted she would be forwarding information on the state budget she had just received.

Friends

Library Director Miranda reported that she and Assistant Director Thorsen were pleased to attend the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame luncheon where Friends President Rae Faith Robinson received special honors. Board members expressed their congratulations and appreciation to Ms. Robinson. Mrs. Miranda noted that the Friends will sponsor its annual staff appreciation luncheon in January, date TBD, and that they did not meet in December.

Foundation

The Board received the Financial Status Report for the Fall Fund Raising Event as of 11/9/07 prepared by the Foundation Treasurer. Mrs. Miranda noted that the report showed a steady upward trend in gala revenue. Trustee Garment reported that Mrs. Miranda, Foundation board members, volunteers, and fund-raising counsel had met yesterday with a consultant to evaluate the Foundation’s use of special events. She noted that the meeting solidified for her that what the Foundation is currently doing makes sense. Mrs. Garment reported that the Finance Committee just had its quarterly investment review with Wachovia and noted that the account has only been with them since May. Board President Oliva expressed how proud she and the Board was of Trustee Garment for the great job done on the gala, and the Board applauded.

Board Members with Terms Expiring

Board President Oliva reported that Trustee Hawkins, one of the three board members with terms expiring in December 2007, will not be requesting reappointment due to work commitments. Board members expressed regret and appreciation for his service. Trustee Oliva noted that Common Council President Malmud indicated to her that board appointments would probably be on the Council agenda in January or February.

Nominating Committee

Board President Oliva reported that she and Secretary Schwarz have served the limit of three consecutive years stipulated in the by-laws for officer terms. She asked for volunteers, and appointed Trustees Garment and Furth to serve with her as nominating committee to develop a new slate of officers to present at the January meeting and elect at the annual meeting in February.

Annual Meeting

Board President Oliva noted that the annual meeting was tentatively scheduled for February 19 and asked Mrs. Miranda if it should be rescheduled to a date earlier in February, so the Board can approve a budget proposal. The Board discussed Wednesday, February 13^th, as a possible alternate date. Mrs. Miranda said she would check on this year’s deadline for the budget submission and confirm a new meeting date with the Board.

Adjournment

There being no more business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. on a MOTION by Trustee D’Ambrosio, seconded by Trustee Garment.

Julie Trelstad, Secretary Pro-tem

Library Board of Trustees