BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011
MASHPEE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: John Kowalski, Patricia Gamache, Sue McGarry, Carlo D’Este, David Burton, Jane Dolan, and Sandra Lahart.
Also Present: Kathy Mahoney, Library Director
Mike Richardson – Board of Selectmen
Audience: Elsa Partan – Mashpee Enterprise
Jack Kowalski, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
David Burton motioned to approve the Regular Session minutes of October 11, 2011 as written.
Motion was seconded by Sandra Lahart.
VOTE: Yes-6; Abstain-1. Motion passed.
Roll Call Vote: John Kowalski, yes Patricia Gamache, yes
Carlo D’Este, yes Sandra Lahart, yes
Sue McGarry, yes Jane Dolan, abstain.
David Burton, yes
Reports
Library Director’s Reports
Kathy Mahoney distributed copies of her monthly report and Janet Burke’s monthly report for the month of October. Kathy said that the CLAMS report was not available so she did not have circulation statistics for this monthly report. Copies of the reports provided are attached to the printed set of these minutes. The reports were reviewed and discussed. Some of the points mentioned included the following:
- Jane Dolan suggested one Trustee should attend the budget meeting with town officials, along with Kathy.
- David Burton suggested even though budget is requested to be level funded Kathy should look at what further things Library might need—Jane said for instance should anyone of part-time staff need to be bumped up to full-time? Kathy assured everyone that she would definitely look at what is needed.
- Kathy said in getting prepared for onslaught of patrons that will probably be coming into the Library at the holidays to find out how to use Kindle technology, Kathy proposing to add 2 Kindles to the Library and Kathy may put together a session to show patrons use of Kindle.
- Sandi Lahart suggested Paula Manzi be considered for placement on the Strategic Planning Committee to represent the community. Sandi said Paula would be interested in serving on that committee.
- Kathy said regarding landscaping needed on Route 151 side, Catherine Laurent will speak with Mashpee Commons because Mashpee Commons said they would do some “peripheral” landscaping, that would include that area.
- Kathy mentioned that people have been happy with the availability of rooms; they love the meeting rooms and the Friends very generously allowed groups to use their large coffee urn.
Friends of the Mashpee Public Library…Pat Gamache had e-mailed her Friends Liaison Report to the Trustees and briefly went through the update.
Communications
Selectmen Mike Richardson…Mike Richardson said it is budget season and every department except one has been given “level budget” request. Mike said Tom Mayo is doing a wonderful job as Assistant Town Manager.
Unfinished Business
Teen Room
Plaque has been ordered and once we know when plaque is to be received, then we can set date for presentation/reception. David Burton volunteered to handle arrangements. David will inform everyone when date is fixed for the event. He said he will be certain to include Mashpee Enterprise to cover the event.
February Dinner Dance Fundraiser
Jack Kowalski provided update:
- Event will be held Friday, February 24, 2012.
- Amber Crowley will entertain from 5-7 p.m.
- Barbara Notarius gifted 3 Guys and a Tux; that’s now going to be 5 Guys and a Tux.
- Caterer is Jimmy’Z—it will be Italian fare.
- Full-service dinner; tablecloths; glassware.
- Friends may be considering using their 501c3 to get permit to hold a 50-50 raffle…that has not been finalized yet.
- Mike Richardson generously offered to be MC of the event.
- Rotary will handle cloak room.
- Kathy Mahoney and 3 Library Staff will be greeters.
- Already had number of commitments for tables of 8.
- Jack showed sample tickets and poster.
- Pat Gamache will be handling tickets and disbursements.
Discussion
Jack said the Trustees have taken a major step forward in agreeing in principle to have a vehicle such as a 501c3. Jack said Kathy Mahoney just found out through Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) that we can take money out of the M.E.G. Account to pay for legal counsel for advice on how to establish a foundation. Kathy said she will e-mail the information she received yesterday from ALA to the Trustees.
Jack suggested that we need to determine:
- Does it make sense to go with Friends of the Library?
- How do we do it?
- How legal is it?
- How do we separate into separate corporation with the foundation?
Discussion (continued)
Jack said he discussed these issues informally with the Dunning & Kirrane law firm. Jack said we need to involve a law firm independent of his law firm to assist. Does it make sense to partner with an established 501c3 (the Friends); or set up an independent Foundation? Logic dictates not reinventing something that is already in place within the Library Family; we look to Dunning and Kirrane law firm to advise how it can and should be done. Jack cautioned that if not done correctly, then you won’t qualify. Jack said this is important because we need to have a Foundation before we can solicit funds and to provide a vehicle for receiving funds that may arrive from other sources such as legacies.
Motion: Jane Dolan motioned that we engage a law firm to pursue the advisability of establishing a foundation through an existing 501c3.
Motion was seconded by Patricia Gamachi.
VOTE: Yes-7. Motion passed unanimously.
Roll Call Vote: John Kowalski, yes Patricia Gamache, yes
Carlo D’Este, yes Sandra Lahart, yes
Sue McGarry, yes Jane Dolan, yes
David Burton, yes
New Business
Legislative Breakfast
Kathy said last year Mashpee hosted this event here at the Library and they asked if Library could hold it here again this year. Last year was the first time ever they held the event on the Cape. Kathy said this is an opportunity for Trustees, Friends, and Staff to talk with legislators and others as to needs of the library and also Trustees and others can network. Date has not been set yet but it will be January or February.
Time Capsule
Jane Dolan showed everyone the capsule and said following the meeting it would be locked in the pedestal cabinet in the library to be opened in year 2050.
Jane said the contents in the time capsule are: 4 front page photos from the Mashpee Enterprise Newspaper; a letter from Mashpee Enterprise Managing Editor Brian Kehrl; Menus from local restaurants; Student essays from Mashpee children; a photo of all the founding members of Mashpee Children’s museum; a toy called "silly bands"; a poster from the 2009 Mashpee Wampanoag pow wow and a t-shirt from pow wow; a U.S. Census card from 2010 translated into Wampanoag language; a t-shirt from the "Walk to Read" event; information about the artist Milton Teichman of Brewster, who created the bronze statue “We Are All One,” which sits atop the time capsule cabinet; an annual report from the town, and a copy of a town warrant from 2010; a program from the dedication of the new
library building from 2010; a copy of politician Jeff Perry’s book; and a copy of the Mashpee Enterprise article about the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for lifetime achievement, recently award to Trustee Carlo D'Este.
Next Meeting…5 p.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in the Library Conference Room.
Adjournment…David Burton motioned to adjourn the meeting; Sandra Lahart seconded the motion; and it was unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Giliberti, Recording Secretary
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