HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary trustees 04/04/1998MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY <<s CEi'l-ED
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - APRIL 4,118 + + ' - �'ry i
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Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pilz; Chris Cormier Hayes; Leonard Epst : A, easy(ya � lr nn.
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Vivian Sweet was absent. The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present. A, S,WISE i TS
Nancy convened the meeting at 8:15 a.m. in the Certuse Room of the Mansfield Public
Library. The minutes of the March 7, 1998 meeting were read and approved with minor
corrections.
Treasurer's Report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was approved.
$7,000 has been transferred from the operating account to the investment (certificate of deposit)
account as planned.
Correspondence. Correspondence was reviewed including a follow up letter from M.
Lemieux noting that a monograph on creating writing has been sent to all of the students who
attended her recent workshop and a memorandum from M. Ahern, Mansfield Highway Dept., to
the Town Manager concerning the failure of the library's HVAC system on Wednesday, April 1,
which resulted in a substantial water leak directly over the computer room flooding the building.
Leslie reported that DPW had responded exceedingly well to the crisis, with Mr. Ahem having
sent four or five personnel who were able to abate the damagesufficiently for the library to ,open
at 1:00 p.m. Leslie recommended that Bill Morgan (HVAC, Rehoboth) increase maintenance of
the system to four times each year which would cost an additional $200. Leslie also reported
that Mr. Morgan would be providing a price quote for a safety device to shut down system
whenever there is a drop in water, pressure. She also noted that there had been no book or
computer damage, other than possibly one monitor. L. Andrews has recommended letting the
monitor dry longer but indicated that a fuse may have tripped in which case the monitor would
not be repairable. Drying the carpet is expected to cost $3,500.
Chris and Leslie attended seminar on conflict of interest and made available a package of
information distributed.
Librarian's report. The Librarian's report was presented by Leslie who discussed her
recent attendance at the Public Library Association Convention. She noted in particular a
seminar describing a San Mateo, CA program focused on encouraging reading by young people
and utilizing community volunteers. Leslie reported that she receives many offers from potential
volunteers who are interested in doing story time. The board discussed the possibility of
implementing such a program.
OLD BUSINESS
Michael Bellody, a representative of Prudential Securities, visited the Board and
discussed various investment options for the library's funds. He answered questions and agreed
to prepare a proposal which he will forward to Chris.
PCLo isgi tics. Leslie reported that she wrote the company on March 22 but received no
refund check and accordingly initiated a request for legal services which was forwarded to the
Town Manager. The replacement computers supplied by Andrews are working perfectly as is
the proxy server.
Circulation PolicyThe policy committee (Nancy, Chris, and Leslie) recommended the
following concerning electronic media:
videos seven days circulation with one renewal; decrease fines from $1 per day to
$0.50 per day;
cd roms - no renewal; increase fine from $0.05 to $0.50 per day.
Joe moved to adopt recommendations; Leonard seconded the motion which was unanimously
approved. The committee will meet again on April 16 and may have additional
recommendations.
Charter review. Nancy reported that the Mansfield Charter Review Commission has
found no compelling reason to exempt the library from possible changes and have declined our
request for a meeting.
Book reviews: Phoenix litgrary supplement. The consensus is that the PLS is well done
and will be continued. The library will also be receiving best seller posters from the Washington
Post and New York Times. The Boston Book Review will allow 100 copies at $0.30 each.
NEW BUSINESS
Meeting with Council on Aging The board discussed plans and discussion topics for the
semi-annual joint meeting including the need for a new sign given the deterioration of the
existing sign. It was agreed that Nancy will invite the C OA to the May meeting which was
scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, ;1998 at 4:00 p.m.
Friends `wish list." The board discussed the current "wish list" which is the same as
previous years: summer reading program $700; youth programs $500; Science Museum pass
$700; Capron Park Zoo pass $30; Aquarium pass $515; Plimoth Plantation pass $425; Valueline
$570; Magazines $200. Chris moved to present the list to the Friends; the motion was seconded
by Joe and unanimously approved. Leslie noted that the Mansfield Women of Today are
considering donating a pass to the Computer Museum ($500).
Programming. ;On a motion by Joe, seconded by Chris, the following programming was
unanimously approved: 04/21/98 Steve Rudolph, magic show ($185); 04/27/98 Lyn Schwartz,
Registered Dietician, "Heart Healthy Eating" ($150); 04/30/98 Pat Schuster, American Girls,
"Felicity" ($100).
Next meeting: Tuesday, May 4, 4;00 p.m. Thqueeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
//1 LednardoOsteih, Recor ing Secretary