MINUTES
CHILMARK LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETING
March 2, 2018
Present: Trustees Jane Kaplan (Chair) and Janet Weidner; Library Director Ebba Hierta
Absent: Trustee Candy Shweder and Assistant Library Director Rizwan Malik
Meeting called to order at 10:10 AM at the Chilmark Library. Minutes for the November 15, 2017 meeting were approved as submitted.
Director’s Report: There was a frost heave in early January. The foundation of the Chilmark Library shifted in several places. There is a need to patch some widened cracks in the older floors. The Library may need to be closed a day to allow these repairs to be performed.
Old Business: The handicapped-accessible doors have been installed, thanks to a donation from the Lunbeck family in memory of their mother, Barbara, who had been President of the Friends of the Chilmark Library in the 1990s. We were able to use the existing doors with some modifications; thus, the final cost of the project will be less than anticipated, probably about $7500. Since the Lunbeck family donated $20,000, there is a significant amount of money remaining. The Lunbeck’s have asked to approve additional projects which will be pursued with this money.
New Business: New LED lighting has been installed in the ceilings of the Chilmark Library. This should result in a savings to the electric bill.
There has been some moving of library materials this winter. The parenting collection has been moved to make room for the Maker Space. The reference section (e.g. encyclopedias) has been culled, and remaining materials have been incorporated into the main section of the Library.
Finally, there is a re-design of the Youth Area to include new shelving and seating.
We discussed the timing of implementing the fourth benefitted position, if approved at the April Annual Town Meeting. The fiscal year does not begin until July 1st but the busier summer hours will begin June 1st. It would make sense to hire for that position to begin on June 1st. One possible approach is to use state grant money to cover the additional hours and benefits for that month. The Trustees voted to approve this approach. It would need to be presented to the Selectmen for their approval after the Annual Town Meeting.
Ebba discussed her concern with a posting on Instagram by the Chair of the Chilmark Financial Committee, related to the FY19’s budget hearings that appeared to be contrary to section B of the town Social Media Policy which states: “As all town employees and appointees are representatives of the town to the community in professional, personal and social media interaction, they are to refrain from conversation of Town affairs. Violations
may result in discipline in accordance with the Human Resources Board bylaws and procedures manual.” Ebba had raised her concerns with the Chair of the Chilmark Human Resources Board.
Meeting adjourned at 10:56 AM. Next meeting will be March 21st at 10:00 AM.
Documents:
Agenda for Trustees’ Meeting, March 2, 2018
Chilmark Library Director’s Report, dated March 2, 2018
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