HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary trustees 03/07/1998MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD of TRUSTEES MEETING - MARCH 7, 1998
Attendance: Nancy Breef-Pitz; Chris Cornier Hayes; Leonard -Epstein; Vivian Sweet;
The Director, Leslie Pasch, was also present. Joseph Flynn was absent -because bT busme'sso
travel.
Nancy convened the meeting at 8:10 a.m. in the Certuse Room of the MarisfieldPubtic
Library. The minutes of the February 14, 1998 meeting were read and approved subject to
correction of minor syntactical errors.
Treasurer's Report. Chris presented the Treasurer's Report which was approved.
Leslie reported that she had spoken with the Town Treasurer concerning the Vivian
Sweet's restrictions on her gift to the library. The treasurer has suggested a letter from Mrs.
Sweet to the trustees, with copies to the accountant and treasurer, setting forth those restrictions.
A motion was made by Leonard, seconded by Vivian, and unanimously approved: (1) to
renew the Trustees' Account certificate of deposit for an additional 90 days; (2) to transfer
$7,000 from the operating (NOW) account to the CD; (3) and to complete the Board's review of
investment plans within the next three months (i.e, prior to the next renewals) and hopefully to
accumulate sufficient data for appropriate decisions by the April meeting.
Correspondence. Correspondence was reviewed including a letter from the Board of
Library Commissioners concerning state aid. A March 1, 1998 Boston Globe article about
Mansfield was also discussed.
Librarian's report. The Librarian's report was presented by Leslie.
OLD BUSINESS
PCLogistics. Leslie reported on the return of three computer systems to PCLogistics and
the board reviewed her exchange of correspondence with Richard Bowman. No refund check
has been received and the board asked Leslie to write a follow up note, with Leonard to assist in
additional discussion or correspondence with PCLogistics if necessary.
Replacement computers Leslie has obtained bids to replace the systems returned to
PCLogistics and she pointed out that prices have fallen since the PCLogistics purchase. The
board reviewed the latest bids and discussed Andrews' history of satisfactory service to the
library. Leonard moved to accept Andrews' bid and to order three systems for delivery as
promptly as possible. Chris seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Vivian commented on Gateway's favorable reputation, particularly among other libraries
which have reported very satisfactory results to her.
Charter review. Nancy reported that John Dunn declined the board's request for a
meeting and suggested a letter to the Commission which Nancy sent on March 3, 1998.
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Book reviews. Leslie has examined samples of the Boston Phoenix' literary supplement
and reported that is well done. She will initiate a request for copies to be made available to
library patrons.
NEW BUSINESS
Easter holiday closRing. The library's Sunday openings have made it necessary to
consider the issue of Easter which has not been listed as a paid holiday. After discussion the
board concluded that, for personnel purposes, Easter is not to be treated as a holiday since it is
simply not on the library's work schedule. The board discussed thank you gifts for the staffs'
cooperation in implementing Sunday openings.
Fine free period. Leslie recommended and the board approved April 13-26 as a fine free
period. Donations in lieu of fines will be accepted for the West Side Benevolent Association.
Programs. Programs for March and early April (viz, priorto the next meeting) were
reviewed including:
03/09/98 Judy Berenstein, "Hail to the Ladies; A Tribute to America's First
Ladies." $200
03/30/98, Peter Hotton, Boston Globe Handyman on Call, "Hazards and Hilarities
of Fixing Up an Old House." $200
04/02/98, C.L. Fornari, "Getting Back in the Garden." $25 contribution to Master
Gardeners of Massachusetts.
The board also discussed the possibility of a March 24 creative writing workshop for
grades 5 and older to be presented by Margo Lemeiux The Friends of the Library had been
asked to pay the program's $200 cost but had evidenced some reluctance. It was noted that one
of the library's stated goals is to schedule programs for teens and the board agreed to approve
and fund Ms. Lemeiux' workshop.
Chris moved to approve and fund the proposed programs. The motion was seconded by
Vivian and unanimously approved.
Gifts. Recent gifts were reviewed.
Next meeting_ Saturday, April 4, 8:00 a.m.
The meeting was
[Corrected 05/04/98; mpAminutesk980307.04]
MANSFIELD LIBRARY, TRUSTEES' MEETING, MARCH 7,1998 - PAGE 2