DUXBURY FREE LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 8, 2004
Members Present: Theodore Flynn (Chair), John Hill, Lynne Walsh, Carl Meier, Margaret
Lougee and Nancy Delano
Staff Present: Elaine Winquist (Director), David Murphy (Assistant Director), Nancy
Denman (Assistant Director), Deborah Killory (Administrative Assistant)
Also Present: Sally Redmond (Co-President, Friends of the Duxbury Free Library)
The meeting was convened at 7:45 am in the Setter Room at the Duxbury Free Library and was voted into executive session at 7:46 am. The meeting was roll called out of executive session at 8:02 am and the regular session was called to order at 8:03 am.
Minutes of previous meeting
The minutes of the December 11, 2003 meeting were presented. Two corrections were made.
Moved by Ms. Lougee, seconded by Mr. Hill, to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2003 meeting as amended.
Vote: 6 – 0 in favor
Director’s Report
Ms. Winquist asked whether there were questions concerning her written report. Mr. Flynn commented that he was glad that anti-spyware had been added to the library computers. It was reported that the thefts of DVDs have slowed since they were moved closer to the circulation desk. Ms. Winquist has submitted a warrant article for the March special town meeting requesting a transfer of $14,000 from expenses to payroll in the FY04 budget.
Friends Report
Ms. Redmond reported that the annual holiday brunch for library personnel had gone well. The membership drive has been very productive. There is currently a display in the library of “Best Friend” books, honoring those who chose the $100 membership; she noted that Ms. Hickey has made great selections for these books.
Customer Service Policy
Ms. Winquist presented a customer service policy to the Trustees; the policy was a product of the library’s customer service grant and was developed with input from the library staff. A few changes were made to the policy, which will be voted on at the next meeting.
Long Range Plan
A new long range plan must be submitted in October, 2005; an action plan for FY05 has been submitted and reviewed.
FY05 Budget
In December, the Town Manager submitted his revised budget to department heads, cutting 4.5-5% from FY04 budgets. Because the 4.5% cut to the library budget was made before adjustments were made in the personnel budget to reflect the newly approved contract, the cut in the library’s budget amounted to 7% of the actual budget for the current year, or $69,000. Ms. Winquist feels that no more can be cut from expenses. She proposes to not fund one administrative position for FY05, reduce hours from the circulation department and technical services and cut the sub/overtime budget in half for FY05. The library will go from a seven day to a Tuesday through Saturday schedule, but open one half hour earlier each day in order to meet state requirements. Ms.
Winquist said that it is her opinion that any donations should be used to fund capital projects, not operating expenses. Mr. Hill said that it is important that the community support the library through the town structure.
Mr. Flynn asked about the impact in terms of jobs. The technology and technical services assistant director position will not be funded. Reggie Bannerman in technical service will be retiring and no new staff member will be hired; adjustments will be made to hours within existing positions.
Moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Ms. Lougee, to accept the Library Director’s budget recommendations for FY05 with the understanding that any outside gifts will be used for non-operating expenses.
Vote: 6 – 0 in favor
Moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Ms. Walsh, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 am.
Vote: 6 – 0 in favor
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