Library Board of Trustees

Simsbury Public Library - Board of Trustees
TOWN OF SIMSBURY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, October 16, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.
Simsbury Public Library - Program Room 2
725 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut

PRESENT: Chairwoman Marianne O’Neil, Vice Chairwoman Anne Erickson, David Blume, Linda Johnson, Lauren Miller, Mark Orenstein, Polly Gardow Rice, Gail Ryan and Library Director Lisa Karim.

ABSENT: Vinod Gadhia, Charmaine Glew

1.    Call to Order - Establish Quorum
Chairwoman O’Neil called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

2. Pledge of Allegiance
All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

MOTION: Ms. O’Neil asked for a motion to add Lower Level Improvement Project to the Agenda.  Ms. Miller made the motion.  Ms. Ryan seconded it.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

3. Approval of Minutes - September 18, 2017

MOTION: Ms. Ryan, Ms. Rice second, to approve the September 18, 2017 Minutes; unanimously approved.

4. Public Audience
None

5. Communications
Chairwoman O’Neil passed around several newspaper articles about Library activities and Director Karim noted two very complimentary emails she received regarding Library services and recent tours provided by Susan Ray and Stephanie Prato.

6. Friends’ Report
Ms. O’Neil noted the Friends have sent out their membership renewal letter.  Ms. Karim indicated that the Investor Angels Annual Reception will be Wednesday evening, October 25th, at the home of Julie and Duncan Mackay.

7. Chair’s Report
Ms. O’Neil said if anyone wants to go to the Investor Angels Reception, being held next Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 P.M., let her know.

8. Director’s Report
Highlights from the distributed September Director’s Report included that Kathy Dublanica, Head of Circulation, returned to work today on a limited schedule for the next three weeks.  She also noted the addition of Volunteer Hours on the Statistics Report.  The Brainard Library in Haddam is using the Simsbury Library’s Strategic Plan as a guide as they begin their first-ever strategic plan.  Given the state of the budget, the Town has asked the Library to hold off on any non-critical spending.  Therefore, the Library is currently not purchasing material for the circulating collection, with the exception of collections supported by the Friends of the Library.  Board Discretionary funds will be used to pay for Stephanie Prato, Head of Children’s Services and Chair of the Association for Services for Children Committee at ALA, to attend the ALA Meeting in January.  Ms. Karim will be attending the New York Library Association Conference, November 8th-11th, the registration for which has already been paid in August and, as in the past, she will pay for her own travel, food and lodging.  Finally, Ms. Karim referenced the September Finance Report, noting it is early in the year and there haven’t been any serious building issues so far, which is good.

9. Budget
The Board discussed the state of the Town Budget and the Library Budget.

10. National Friends of Libraries Week - Recognition of Friends of the Simsbury Public Library
Ms. Karim recognized the Friends for their valuable contributions, including not just financial, but also volunteer service and programs.

11. Acceptance of Friends of Simsbury Public Library FY17 Financial Support

MOTION:  Chairwoman O’Neil asked for a motion to accept the gift of $115,802.19 from the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library for FY17 financial support.  Vice Chair Erickson so moved, Mr. Blume seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

12. Route 10 Crosswalk
There was discussion about visibility being the issue preventing having a crosswalk in front of the Library.  It will be located at Jim Gallagher Way.

13. Maker Faire 2018
The Maker Faire will take place Saturday, May 5th, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.  A $10,000 gift has been secured through the Investor Angels to offset the cost.

14. Lower Level Improvement Project
Ms. Karim reported she received an email from the State Library stating the Library’s grant application received twelve points, which is over and above what is needed to be considered for a State grant.  She noted the program narrative, written by Board member Lauren Miller, was the portion of the grant receiving the extra points.  The State Librarian will make his recommendation for funding grants on November 27th, however, it is dependent on approval of a State Budget containing Additional State Library Construction Funds before November 6th.  She noted she had also reached out to the Hartford Foundation and discussed grant possibilities for this project. The Hartford Foundation’s grant would be a maximum of $300,000, and more likely less than that, which is less than the $408,000, (matching the Town contribution), amount being asked for from the State.  While the Hartford Foundation’s grant would be much less than the State’s and would be given out over a period of time, it would still help offset the cost.  She noted they are moving forward with the design phase of the project.  The architects will be attending the Library Building Committee Meeting on October 31st at 1:00 P.M. in Program Room 2.

15. Executive Session
None

MOTION: Ms. Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 P.M.  Ms. Ryan seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Haberlin
Commission Clerk