SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SPECIAL MEETING - February 23, 2006
PRESENT: Bert Kaplan, Charmaine Glew, Carol Bingham, Babs Gardner and Gail Ryan. Susan Bullock, Director and Eileen Sickinger Recording Secretary. Kathy Miller, Friends. Dale Cutler, Architect, Lucian Dragulschi, Public Building Committee and Dave Blume, Simsbury Citizens for Library Renewal.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Charmaine Glew, Chair. Bert Kaplan moved that the minutes of the January 9, 2004 meeting be accepted with the following changes: the December meeting was held on December 19, 2005 and under Communications, the first sentence should read: The meeting date was changed from February 22 to February 23, 2006. Second: B. Gardner. So moved.
Carol Bingham moved that Agenda item #6, Building Project, follow Approval of Minutes. Second: G. Ryan. So moved.
Dale Cutler, architect, presented an update on the building expansion. He distributed two flyers on probable expansion costs as of January 18, 2006 and the suggested project budget as of December 2, 2005. Discussion followed on various aspects of the plans and cost of the expansion. The natural disasters over the past year have brought unavoidable increases. The replacement of 20-year-old wooden windows, the upgrading of the boilers and air conditioning units to accommodate the expanded building, and the expense of relocating during construction have all contributed to additional costs. Safety reasons prohibit keeping the building open to the public during construction. Any changes made to keep costs in line with the Board of Finance amount do not affect the overall scope of the project and will not affect the actual needs
of a library building.
Another issue discussed was the increase of parking spaces, and the entering and exiting on the roadway. The permit received in 2002 regarding the wetlands is still in order. This issue will be discussed further with the Zoning Commission. The roof will be a shingle roof with a slate appearance.
A tile wall is being considered by Friends as a fund raiser and its placement was briefly discussed. Any decisions on its placement will be made at a later date.
The costs of furnishings and technology will be high and an estimate of these costs are available from the Director.
Mr.Dragulschi addressed electrical and mechanical costs. The requirements of the American Disabilities Act can be expensive and Mr. Cutler will review these issues with the cost estimator.
COMMUNICATIONS: The Board reviewed the meeting dates of the commissions and Town Boards and who would be able to attend which meetings. Mrs. Glew thanked Anne Erickson, Secretary, and Kathy Miller for letters they have written regarding the expansion.
Kathy Miller received a letter regarding the proposed expansion in which the correspondent expressed her concern over the expansion. Mrs. Miller has replied in writing. Gail Ryan moved that Mrs. Glew also reply to the letter. Second: C. Bingham. So moved.
Members will contact members of the Board of Finance after their February 28 meeting. Each Board of Finance member will receive a copy of the letter Kathy Miller wrote regarding Friends’ pledge to match the State Grant, as well as a copy of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that was prepared by Mrs. Glew. The Board of Selectmen will also receive a copy of the FAQ. Mrs. Ryan suggested that the Zoning Board members be contacted individually and that they too receive a copy of the FAQ.
The letter from Mr. Henault about the Library’s operating budget will be answered by Richard Sawitzke.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mrs. Miller reported that Friends will be sponsoring an informational night on March 21 from 7 - 9 P.M. and a morning meeting on March 28 at 10:00 A.M.
Marian Grebow, ceramic tile artist, met with Friends to describe her tile walls.
A Night of a 1,000 Stars will be on April 27.
Dave Blume reported that the Renewal Team has formed teams covering different categories to spread the word of the expansion.
Most of the Building Project items were covered earlier in the meeting. The Frequently Asked Questions will be put on the Library’s website. The SCLR will establish a link from the website. The power point presentation will also be added to the website.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Mrs. Glew will be meeting with staff members and she will keep the Board informed of the dates.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Mrs. Bullock reviewed some activities planned for March and April. On March 15, Overdrive, an e-audio book service, will premiere. On April 8 a concert by local musicians Juliana Hall and David Sims will be held at Eno Hall. All proceeds will go to the building fund. A Night of a 1,000 Stars will be held on April 27.
Mrs. Glew will be e-mailing dates, time and places of Town meetings and would like to know which Board members can attend.
The 2005-2006 budget is on track and the proposed 2006-2007 budget was increased by $9,000 for materials in the Children and Adult Departments. The total proposed budget is $1,250,041.00.
At 9:50 P.M. Babs Gardner moved for adjournment. Second: C. Bingham. So moved.
Eileen Sickinger, Secretary Pro Tempore
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