HomeMy WebLinkAboutVolunteer Advisory Sub Comm. 01/31/2022Volunteer Advisory Sub -Committee
Meeting Minutes for January 31, 2022
Present: Frank DelVecchio and Jess Aptowitz were in attendance virtually thrlep6-�?Webinar.
Guests: Nancy Breef-Pitz, Chair of Board of Library Trustees and Ms. CatherinelCuyfK"rector
were also present virtually via GoToWebinar.
7022 APR 13 P 4: 38
• Open the Meeting
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Mr. Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 4:3313M. Mr. Aptowitz asked Ms 6�ryr«e diic(_'rVls. Breef-Pitz
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to introduce themselves.
Interview Nancy Durkin for Board of Library Trustees (4:30PM)
Ms. Coyne began the interview asking Ms. Durkin a series of questions. Ms. Durkin responded that she
is a user of the library, but has not taken full advantage of all the resources offered. Ms. Coyne
continued by asking her what the library could do better and Ms. Durkin answered that there was
nothing specific, but she loves reading the monthly newsletter and believes that Mansfield is really in
touch with providing community-based events like the movie nights. Ms. Breef-Pitz went through the
responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and asked Ms. Durkin her availability. Ms. Durkin stated that
she worked close by and would be available. Ms. Coyne then asked about her strengths and talents
that she could bring to the Board and answered that she is a social worker and has been a director of a
non-profit organization. Mr. DelVecchio thanked Ms. Durkin for participating in todays interview and
Mr. Aptowitz thanked her for stepping up and that it is difficult in this situation we have three
candidates for two openings and positions open up all the time and apply again should she not be
appointed this time.
Interview Kimberly Usselman for Board of Library Trustees (S:OOPM)
Ms. Kimberly Usselman was present virtually and Mr. Aptowitz introduced those present on the
webinar to her and explained that there are two positions and three openings. Ms. Breef-Pitz then
provided the summary of responsibilities of the Board of Library Trustees and Ms. Coyne then asked
Ms. Durkin what her involvement is at the library and what other things could attract her to the library.
Ms. Usselman responded that she moved to Mansfield last year the library was her second stop even
before signing her lease. She stated that she has used the computers and she hopes to be in Mansfield
for several years and wants to get involved in the community. She also works at the library in the Town
of Holbrook and this will give her a new perspective. Ms. Coyne then asked Ms. Usselman about her
skills and strengths that she could contribute and Ms. Usselman shared that she has worked in library
services for over fifteen years and President of the New England Library Association. Mr. Aptowitz
encouraged Ms. Usselman to stay active in the community even if she is not appointed to the Trustees.
• Approve Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2021
Motion: To approve the meeting minutes of December 9, 2021. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio)
Roll Call Vote:
F. DelVecchio—Yes J. Aptowitz—Yes
Passes 2:0
• Interview Debbie Gordy for Board of Library Trustees (5:30PM)
Mr. Aptowitz thanked Ms. Debbie Gordy for being present and introduced her to those present on the
webinar. Ms. Breef-Pitz then explained the responsibilities of the Board of Library Trustees and asked
Ms. Gordy to introduce herself and share about herself. Ms. Gordy stated that she spent many years
volunteering in the schools and have been a resident of Mansfield her whole life. She applied for this
because she wanted to give back and volunteer now that she is retired. She stated that she worked in
human resources and she may be helpful to Ms. Coyne and considers herself a great communicator.
Volunteer Advisory Sub -Committee
Meeting Minutes for January 31, 2022
Ms. Coyne asked Ms. Gordy how she uses the library and what other things could the library offer to
attract her to use the library more. Ms. Gordy responded saying that she has always used it for
borrowing books and has taken advantage of Overdrive during COVID and took her kids and
granddaughter to story time. Ms. Coyne then asked her what is her vision for the future of the library
and Ms. Gordy responded that the library is a wonderful resource and she would like to see it utilized
more either through social media or advertise and educate about what the library offers. Ms. Coyne
then asked her about her strengths and Ms. Gordy responded that she is detailed orientated, strong
communication skills and energy and enthusiasm and commitment to volunteering. Mr. Aptowitz
thanked her for volunteering and explained that there are three candidates and only two spots but
encouraged her to apply again should she not be appointed and explained the next steps.
Mr. Aptowitz, Mr. DelVecchio, Ms. Coyne and Ms. Breef-Pitz discussed the candidates. Mr. DelVecchio
believed all three to be strong candidates. Ms. Breef-Pitz believed all three would be an asset and have
valuable experience to the Board and Ms. Coyne agreed. Mr. Aptowitz also understood that Ms. Coyne
as an employee may not want to give an opinion one way or another and could not go wrong with any
of the candidates. Mr. DelVecchio stated the Select Board usually likes a recommendation but in this
situation it may require the entire Boards input and discussion.
• Other items not known 48 hours in advance of the meeting
There were no other items.
• Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the Volunteer Advisory Sub -Committee meeting at 5:50PM. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz)
Roll Call Vote:
F. DelVecchio—Yes J. Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 2:0
Signature Date
Prepared by Carrie Champagne