SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Minutes of the May 13, 2002 meeting.
These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes please contact the Town Clerk's office.
PRESENT: Bert Kaplan, Anne Erickson, Babs Gardner, Carol Bingham and Gail Ryan. STAFF: Susan Bullock, Director; Eileen Sickinger, Recording Secretary. Friends Representative: Martha Mitterling.
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 P.M. by Chair, Gail Ryan. The minutes of the April 15, 2002 meeting were accepted as presented. There were no additional agenda items and no public audience.
COMMUNICATIONS: Mrs. Bullock received letters from State Sen. Tom Herlihy and State Rep. Bob Heagney regarding ICONN.org. She also had articles published in the Simsbury News and Valley News related to the Library. Board members were invited to join the staff at Simsbury's Relay for Life in June. She received a letter from a patron praising a staff member on assistance in using the Library.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Martha Mitterling reported for Friends that their annual meeting was also an author luncheon. On May 20th Friends will host a reception for their sustainers and special Friends. There were no other committee reports.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: The Town recently honored employees for their years of service. The Library had staff recognized for 30 years, 15 years and 5 years of service.
A report by the cost estimator was attached to the written report. The new estimated cost is $4,062,000 for renovation and construction. Mrs. Bullock listed the dates of the meetings with the Town Boards and Commissions when the building project will be discussed. The total project cost is estimated at $6,200,000.
Eva Hausman, History teacher at Simsbury High School, has presented the Library with a plaque honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. A special dedication will take place in February 2003, Black History Month.
Space re-arrangements are taking place and Mrs. Bingham suggested posting signs at each entrance informing the public of this.
New, faster computers have been installed. They will make the search of the various databases much easier. Upgrading is continuing for memory and network cards, and replacing hubs with switches. Liz Keppel will be the new liaison from Friends. The volunteer luncheon was a success thanks to the hard work of the staff.
At the recent Town Meeting it became apparent that the Town's proposed budget can be reduced, but not increased. This did not happen but supporters of the budget are urged to attend these meetings. Everyone was reminded of the Town Referendum vote on May 21.
BY-LAWS AND POLICY REVIEW: Mrs. Bullock distributed copies of the by-laws and vision statement. They will be reviewed by the Board and updated as needed. Since there will be no quorum on June 17th it was decided to reschedule the June meeting to Wednesday, June 19 at 7:15 P.M. The Hometown Heroes ceremony was being held this evening at Town Hall. Catherine Sherman, a longtime Library volunteer was being honored, as was Ellen Mandell, another volunteer at the Library and other civic organizations.
Bert Kaplan moved for adjournment at 7:40 P.M. so members could attend the ceremony. Second: Babs Gardner. So moved.
Anne Erickson, Secretary
| 
