HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Trustees 12/05/1998MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING -DECEMBER 5, 1998
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz; Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard Epstein; Joseph Flyiid SETTS
Vivian Sweet. 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, Minutes of the November 7, 1998 were read with minor corrections
noted.
Treasurer's report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was accepted. Chris
then reported on Mike Bellody's resignation from Prudential and his association with Merrill
Lynch, noting that the library's investments have remained exactly the same. Vivian moved to
transfer the investment account from Prudential to Merrill Lynch and to retain Mike as our
investment advisor. Leonard seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
A deposit of $250 (reimbursement from Arts Lottery Council) was inadvertently
deposited to the MPL's town account when the Mansfield Cooperative Bank inadvertently
supplied the Town's account number instead of the Library's. The error was promptly corrected.
Correspondence, Recent correspondence was reviewed including a November 9 letter
from Susan Jacobs explaining that PC Logistics had filed Chapter 7 on October 23, 1998 and
opining that Richard Bowman will likely initiate personal bankruptcy case as well and a
November 13,'1998 memo to Joan Gormley, Payroll Dept., concerning employee pay changes
approved at the November 7, 1998 Trustees' meeting.
Joe also reported on changes at the Phoenix' book list and noted that the Library will
again receive the publication starting in January.
Librarian's report, Leslie presented the monthly reports were which discussed in detail
(copies attached). In connection with Leslie's appointment to the Town Report Committee
Nancy expressed concern that Leslie might be becoming overextended. 'Leslie reported that she
has no plans to take on any additional outside responsibilities at this time. Joe asked about
progress on additional shelving for the childrens' room. Leslie will follow up to make sure the
project remains on schedule.
ALD BUSINESS
Computer quotes. Bids were reviewed for the new computer. Leonard moved to accept
Andrews' bid noting that overall costs should be lower given Andrews' responsibility for the
proxy server. The motion was seconded by Vivian and unanimously approved.
Charter revision. Nancy reported on her attendance at a chairpersons' meeting with Bill
Madan, at which objections to the proposed Charter revisions were forthcoming from several
boards. Mr. Madden requested letters from the various boards which have specific objections.
A motion to write the Board of Selectmen was unanimously approved.
Budget FY 2000, The Director's draft budget was reviewed, noting that the overall
increase is only 0.55%. Personnel costs are less than last year because the year will be 52 weeks
whereas FY 1999 had 53 weeks. The draft has been submitted to the Town Manager with initial
positive reaction.
NEw BUSINESS
Goals and objectives• mid year report. The Director's mid -year report was reviewed.
Staff Christmas g!ft& Leslie has asked the staff and found a consensus for a group
breakfast which was found to be preferable to lunch because the entire staff would be together.
The Board voted to fund a breakfast on Monday, January 25, 1999, in conjunction with the
monthly staff meeting.
December prop -rams. A pair of Victorian Christmas programs was approved for
December 30, "Victorian Sisters," $200.00. (American Girl program.)
Dedication plaques removed from Memorial Hall (19881. Leslie showed the Board two
plaques which were in the Library's former location, The Board voted to place the "Peg Bradner
Reference Room" plaque somewhere in the reference area. Mary Colpas' plaque will be
relocated to the silent study room, Each will be accompanied, by a brass plate noting the original
placement in Memorial Hall. The issue arose when Mary Colpas' son recently visited the library
and inquired about her plaque. Leslie will write to him and inform him that it will be re -hung.
Gifts. Gifts were reviewed.
Roof. Joe inquired about the stained ceiling tiles in the Certuse Boom. Leslie will
arrange for replacement.
Neat meeting. January 9, 1999.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m.
Leonard Epstein, Recordinga retary