HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary trustees 01/09/1999MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - JANUARY 99 1999
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Attendance. Nancy Breef-Pitz, Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard'Bpstein; Joseph Flynn,
The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present. Vivian Sweet was absent because of a furnace
problem. Joe had to depart early for a meeting in Westford.
Nancy convened the meeting at 8:10 a.m. in the Certuse Room of the Mansfield Public
Library.
Secretary's report, Nancy read the minutes of the December 5, 1998 meeting which
were accepted subject to minor corrections.
Treasurer's report, Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted.
Chris discussed with the Board various anomalies of Prudential's investment statements
which have made it somewhat difficult to track actual earnings of the portfolio. Since the
account will be transferred to Merrill Lynch (to stay with Mr, Bellody) the Board felt that no
action was necessary to obtain additional reports from Prudential. Transfer documents have
been received to move the account to Merrill Lynch and will be executed by Nancy and Chris.
Correspondence, Correspondence was reviewed including a memo concerning a
meeting to discuss the proposed Charter Review, 01/27/99, at 8:00 p.m. The Finance
Commission budget presentation to be 01/28/99 at 9:00 p.m,
Leslie discussed a memo from theTown Manager to the Police and hire Departments, and
the Library concerning a request to eliminate telephone lines. Leslie noted that, although we are
not yet overdrawn on telephone expense, we will eventually be so. She responded to John that
the dedicated fax line could be eliminated (with the fax switched to 261-7382 which is the least
utilized voice line) and pointing out that costs for our data processing line will actually be in a
surplus position.
Leslie presented a Note from Pat Counoyer, 01/02/99, requesting payment for an
additional week of vacation pay. Leslie stated that all unused vacation time was paid but will
review the records and provide Nancy with details in order to respond to Pat. Leslie feels
confident that her vacation calculation was accurate, noting that Leslie kept her on the payroll
for an additional 3 weeks in order to make sure that Pat qualified for longevity credit. Leslie
paid the vacation in three weekly increments. Leslie will double check records and Nancy will
respond.
Joe reported that he has not quite completed a draft of the Board's letter to the Charter
Review Commission. Joe sent a followup email to the Phoenix, reminding the paper to resume
sending its books newsletter.
Librarian's Report. The mother board on the library's LAN server PC has failed. the
computer is 4-5 years old and a replacement board is not available. Another computer has been
configured to function as a server which appears to be an adequate solution. The cost will be
about $500 which is much less expensive than purchasing a new server. Fran O'Buchon, the
new Head of Technical Services, is doing very well according to Leslie. Although lacking in
library experience, her technical skills are quite good.
Leslie reported that the library's web site is up and running. She is maintaining the site
which is not difficult, although time consuming. Leslie discussed email traffic which has been
ongoing for some time anyway. She reported that all email inquiries have been legitimate (i.e.
no crank letters). Leslie will investigate asking the pages to help with maintenance which is very
time consuming.
Budget, Minor adjustments were made.
OLD BusINEss
,Meg account Wish List, The Meg account presently has $29,970. Leslie talked about
the prospect of ABLE switching to web based access sometime in the next year. PCs will
eventually be required, replacing "dumb" terminals. The terminals are obsolete anyway, with
several having been discarded in the past year with no repair parts available. Leslie is thinking
of using older PCs to function as pacs. $6,000 of the account will be used for shelving which
should be arriving end January or early February. Janet may need large book bags which will
cost a few hundred dollars.
January Rroerams. Pumpernickel Puppets, January 16. A Saturday program. Approved.
The popularity of Saturday childrens' programs was noted.
Gifts. Recent gifts were noted, including the decoration of the Library's Christmas Tree
by Brownie Troop #6$0.
Reorganization of the Board (election of officers). Although the library's board is
usually reorganized during the first meeting, this year it was postponed to the next meeting to
allow for Vivian's participation.
Next meeting, Saturday, February 13, 1999.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
ZIZ Leonard Epstein, Recording Se