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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 06/05/1999MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY = c BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - JUNE 5,1909 � ' .. ' G ': , 10 r l- O S Attendance, Nancy Breef-Pitz; Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard, Epstein;and Vivian Sweet. Joseph Flynn was absent because of a family illness. The �iF°r_;> esi,>ss�fis was also present. Nancy convened the meeting at 8:20 a.m. in the Certuse Room of the Mansfield Public Library. Secretary's report, Chris read the minutes of the May, 1999 meeting. Leonard had finalized and signed the March minutes which Leslie will now file. '1}reasurees report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted. Correspondence. Recent correspondence was reviewed including a letter from Susan Jacobs (06/01/99) to the Town Manager confirming the decision to dismiss the Town's complaint to determine dischargeability now pending in Bankruptcy Court against PCLogistics, Inc. The decision appears to make sense in light of the relatively small amount of money in controversy (approximately $5,000), the unlikely prospect of success, and the cost of continuing with what would undoubtedly be protracted litigation. Librarian's report. Leslie presented the librarian's reports and noted in particular improvements in childrens' services. OLD BUSINESS Reyiew,of personnel policy. The Town's new personnel policy was discussed, noting that it had been decided at the last Trustees' meeting to review the library's personnel policy and voted to create a committee with two trustees and two staff representatives. Leslie reported that Barbara Sheffield and Colleen Gallagher have been selected represent the library's full time and part time employees respectively. Leonard offered to participate as one of the Board's representatives and it was agreed that Joe would be asked to serve as the other. (Vivian also offered to participate but noted that she would be moving to Cape Cod on August 22.) Pay equity. At the Board's request, Leslie had further investigated the issue of library salaries and had prepared an analysis of various other cities and towns. She has discussed the issue with Scott Leite, the union steward, and recommended to the Board that her salary be increased to the top of the range ($46,000), with the intention of then seeking an increase in the range. Both John D'Agostino and Scott apparently think that the appropriate place to begin to address the issue is in the budgeting process. The term of the current union contract is June 1997 to July 2000 (three years) so any change will have to start with the Library's presentation of its budget in November. It was decided that the committee reviewing the personnel policy will also consider salary structure for non union employees. Ten year anniversary. The Council on Aging held an anniversary reception on May 14, 1999. The Board discussed whether to also commemorate the milestone. The possibility of an open house was considered and Vivian suggested a program featuring Mansfield authors, The board requested Leslie to plan a program for October 16 or 23 and to incorporate local authors if possible. Leslie suggested asking the Friends to host a reception. Director's performance evaluation. Leslie reviewed the Board's performance appraisal and selected comments were discussed. Leslie discussed her desire to continue improving her skills including watching for workshops and seminars pertinent to her duties. Goals for next year were discussed and Nancy explained the Board's thinking in eliminating the newcomer's center as a specific goal. Leslie is concerned about the forthcoming computer system upgrade (planned for June) as well as unforseen Y2K issues, and wants to make sure that ample time is available for the demands those issues will require. The Board discussed the goal and priority of better serving young adults in our community. At the Board's request, Leslie will develop specific objectives designed to implement the goals. Building maintenance issues were discussed with respect to the transition of responsibility to DPW. Leslie and Gail will be meeting with the Town Manager to ensure that all issues are clarified and that written procedures are in place by July 1, 1999 (i.e. when the transition takes place at the beginning of the new fiscal year). Labor Day weekend. Funds are budgeted. Normally the library would have been closed but this year the library will be open on Saturday, The Board directed Leslie to close the library on Saturday, September 4, in light of the fact that schools will not be opening until after Labor Day. (Monday morning hours will commence on July 12.) Purchase of PCs for PACs. Leslie feels that PCSc are the best solution for PAC terminals. Various quotes were reviewed and Leslie recommended buying four systems now, participating in a "group buy" being coordinated by SAILS, The Board authorized purchase of four systems @$980 each. The library needs several printers, especially the serial printer at the front desk and Leslie will investigate pricing. fts One gift was noted and acknowledged. NEW BUSINESS Programs. Leslie presented several program proposals which were approved, including two forthcoming proposals which have not yet been finalized (copies of which will be left in the Trustees' folder). Neat meeting. September 11, 1999. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.