HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 12/04/1999MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - DECEMBER 4, 1999
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pitz; Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard Epstein; Joseph Flynn.
The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present.
Nancy convened the meeting at 8:10 a.m, in the Certuse Room of the Mansfield Public
Library.
Secretary's report. October minutes, prepared by Joe, were reviewed and accepted with
minor corrections. November minutes were accepted with minor corrections.
Treasurer's report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted.
Chris reported that she had spoken with Mike Bellody about the possibility of alternatives
to the Mansfield Coop account. Checks are available with the Merrill Lynch account, subject to a
$100 administrative fee which we already pay whether checks are used or not. A separate
account for Vivian Sweet's money may be established with an annual fee of $40-$45. Interest
would be substantially higher than Mansfield Co -Op; although it would fluctuate it would now be
5.375% (compared to Co-Op's 0.9%), thereby more than offsetting the incremental fees. Chris
recommended, and the Board unanimously voted, to transfer the Sweet funds, $4,500, to Merrill
Lynch and to initiate checking facilities there.
Correspondence. Recent correspondence was reviewed including a corrected notice
from Board of Library Commissioners announcing Mansfield's certification for $27,769.46 in
State Aid. (The correction was necessitated because of a $3 million increase in State Aid to Public
Libraries approved after the initial budget submission.) Mansfield's allotment represents an
increase of over $7,000 over last year's aid, Correspondence also included a notice from SEMLS
of MPL's entitlement to reimbursement of $588 based on being a net lender, a memo from Mike
Ahern (Building and Special Projects Manager) requesting identification of capital improvements
required, and noting the Department's recommendation that the front brick walkway be replaced
with stamped concrete; and the SEMLS newsletter.
Librarian's report. Leslie presented the monthly reports. She noted that during the
recent fine -free period returns (39 books) were only about half of previous periods. Janet
Campbell's report was reviewed. Leslie noted Janet's involvement in "PIPS" meetings (an
ongoing program promoting parents' participation in efforts to highlight the presence of and need
for math and science in children' lives).
OLD BUSINESS
Original library collection. Mary and Leslie have made numerous calls and circulated
lists of the materials in the original collection, looking for organizations that might wish to own
various items or portions. The Samuel B. Morse home (Poughkeepsie NY) has requested the
materials pertaining to Morse. Efforts will continue.
Personnel poliU. The final draft revision was reviewed and the Board unanimously
voted to adopt the revised Personnel Manual effective today.
ADA workstation. Leslie has identified several models, all in the $350 price range. The
Board authorized Leslie to consult with Joe and to make a final selection and initiate a purchase
to be paid from Vivian Sweet's fund.
Budget and revised salary schedule. The proposed budget was reviewed and approved
for presentation to the Town Manager. The Board reviewed a proposed new salary schedule
prepared by Leslie.
New Year, The Board voted (3-1) to close on January 2, 2000 in connection with
possible equipment problems. Leslie will send an announcement to the newspapers.
NEW BUSINESS
MEG wish list. Leslie requested approval to purchase cordura bags for Hockomock kits
($415) and a new UPS for the server ($300) to replace current equipment which has worn out.
Both requests were unanimously approved.
Fines for Hockomock kits. On the recommendation of Leslie and Janet Campbell, the
Board approved a 4 week loan period and late fines of $0.50 per day.
December programs. The Board approved a holiday concert by Ben Tousley who will
be allowed to sell copies of his recordings subject to a reasonable donation to the Friends.
Display case. Leslie is having difficulty.because of excessive demand for the display case.
The Board approved a modification to the policy limiting use to no more than once in any twelve
month period.
Next meeting. January 8, 2000.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Recording Secretary