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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 02/13/1999MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - FEBRUARY 139 1999 Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz; Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard Epstein; Joseph Flynn; Vivian Sweet. The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present. Nancy convened the meeting at 8:15 a.m. in the Certuse Room of the Mansfield Public Library. Secretpry's report. Secretary's Report. Nancy read the minutes of the January 9, 1999 meeting which was accepted subject to minor corrections. Treasurer's report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted. Vivian Sweet presented the library with a check for $1,000 to be added to the Sweet Account. Chris reported that Mike Bellody has asked whether the Library has a trust instrument and the board discussed history of the trustee's account. The fund came about as the result of a fund raiser for the library/COA the mid 1980's. The library's portion was to be used as a fund to provide a new level of programming for the community. Leonard suggested that it might be a good idea to review and restate source and purpose of the trustee's account. He volunteered to work on a draft of such a policy statement. Correspondence. Recent correspondence was reviewed by Leslie, noting that several specific items are on the meeting's agenda. Librarian's report. Leslie presented the Librarian's Report and Youth Librarian's Report. The new shelving in the childrens' room was noted. Leslie estimates that it will provide adequate space for another seven years. OLD BUSINESS Charter Review. Nancy and Leslie reported on their attendance at a recent meeting with members of the Review Commission. Joe had written a letter reiterating the Board's opposition to the proposed changes that would affect the operation of the library. The Town Manager attended and participated in a full and frank discussion of the issues of concern to the Board. Pat Cournoyer, additional vacation request Leslie had discovered an error in that one day of accrued vacation had not been paid. Nancy read another letter from Ms. Cournoyer, written on January 26, 1999 in response to a note from Nancy informing Pat of the one day error. Pat continues to maintain that, when she left, she was entitled to four weeks vacation plus longevity pay. Leslie had reviewed her vacation accrual with Pat in July, and had indeed made an error in showing that there were only three weeks. It was an error but at the time Pat had not realized that she had passed her tenth anniversary and was thus entitled to four weeks. The question turned on her effective longevity date; she commenced as a part time employee in 1987 but did not become full time until 1989. Leslie reported that she has investigated the policy problem with Joan Gormley and Jerry Sherman: Sherman recommended adopting the town's policy which is to credit a part time person with one half of the equivalent of a full time accrual, in which case Pat's ten year anniversary would have been November 1998, the month in which she left, and would arguably be entitled to the fourth week of vacation she is claiming. Leslie will request a memo from Jerry Shermayto confirm his advice based on the town's policy, and incorporate the policy into a letter to Pat (for Nancy's signature) telling her that she will receive the additional vacation pay due. MEG account wish list. Leslie presented a MEG "wish list" for purchases over the next six months, which would require funding of approximately $5,524. The MEG fund balance is approximately $22,900. Leslie's proposals include conversion of three older PACs into PCS which will be necessary in connection with the forthcoming merger of SAILS and ABLE. Leslie has investigated the cost of conversion which Andrews has estimated at about $150 each. Joe raised the issue of a WEB filter, having stumbled on many sites which were distasteful and inappropriate for library patrons, especially young people. Leslie has previously investigated filters found the drawbacks to outweigh the benefits. She reported that to date there have been three incidents where young people have been into inappropriate sites. Joe recommended looking into DIRECTSEARCH and FREEZONE. FREEZONE is a children' site including a monitored chat room. Leslie will revisit this issue and will ask Janet if she might want to attend a board meeting to give us her views directly. It was unanimously voted to authorize Leslie to purchase specific items on the wish list: Multi -tech Software and external modem to allow Janet access to the Internet ($419); Discovering History database ($130); payment of John Spinney's invoice for creating the library's web page ($200); and a new book cart ($200). Budget 2000/Reorganization of DPW Leslie reported on forthcoming changes in building maintenance affecting both the library and CON After a meeting with the Town Manager it was determined that various budget items associated with Donald will be off the library's budget. All maintenance calls will be made to Mike Ahern. Leslie is optimistic about the changes because, if successful, it will eliminate many hours her time which have historically been required for building related issues. NEw BusuvEss February Programs. Programs were reviewed and approved. Friends fund raiser, Leslie showed a sample of a book bag which the Friends will be selling as a fund raising device. Board reorganization. Nancy passed the gavel to Leslie. After discussion Vivian moved to retain the present slate of officers for the coming year. Chris seconded the motion which was unanimously approved: Nancy Breef-Pilz - Chair Vivian Sweet - Vice Chair Chris Cormier Hayes - Treasurer Joseph Flynn - Corresponding Secretary Leonard Epstein - Recording Secretary Next meeting, March 6, 1999.