BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015
MASHPEE LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: Carlo D’Este, John Kowalski, Mark Wright, Kate Milde, Chip Bishop, and Mary LeClair.
Absent: Hugh Ahearn
Also Present: Kathy Mahoney – Library Director
Mike Richardson – Board of Selectmen
Audience: Ryan Bray – Mashpee Enterprise
Carlo D’Este, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. and mentioned that due to weather the Trustees were unable to hold any meeting in February.
Approval of Minutes
Mark Wright motioned to accept the Regular Meeting minutes of January 13, 2015 as written.
Motion was seconded by John Kowalski; and the motion passed, with Mary LeClair abstaining.
Friends of the Mashpee Public Library
Kate Milde reported that at the February meeting the Friends noted they had $1,000 in member fees; and they had an additional $625 for the Tech fund, which is now at about $11,000. There will be no meeting in March.
Reports
Kathy Mahoney’s Library Director’s Report for February/March period was reviewed and discussed at length.
- Chip Bishop congratulated Kathy Mahoney for doing such a great job at the Legislative Breakfast. Kathy read the statistics she mentioned at this event—namely, increase in circulation=84%; library card holders had 61.3% increase; 15% increase at children’s programs; meeting room usage went from 10 to 1,713 meetings within 5 years—an overwhelming percent increase of 1292. Library patron computers went from 2 to 26 and soon there will be 10 new iPads. These Library growth statistics cover the approximate five-year period since the new Library building was opened.
- Kathy said they will have a “birthday cake” at the Library on April 21, 2015 in celebration of the 5th anniversary of the opening of this new library building. Kathy said the Friends will be holding a celebration of the Library’s 5th anniversary in June at New Seabury.
- Kathy asked if the Trustees would like her to mention the 2 Board of Library Trustee vacancies in the Mashpee Enterprise Library column…The Trustees felt that would be helpful.
Town Policy re Closings due to Weather
There were several weather-related closings that occurred recently that raised concerns over Town policies affecting Library employees—namely:
- During the winter storm closings on January 27 and 28th the Library part-time staff scheduled to work would not be paid unless they made up the hours during the same 2-week pay period; and
- On March 5th, during another winter storm the Library Trustees authorized closing the Library 2 hours earlier at 5 p.m., rather than 7 p.m., as weather and driving conditions continued to worsen throughout the afternoon and into the evening the storm was unrelenting. The Town Manager indicated if Trustees wanted to authorize closing the building early they could do so but employees would not be paid for their scheduled hours until 7 p.m. Employees would need to use Personal or Vacation time if they wanted to receive pay for those 2 hours, or take it as unpaid time.
Town Policy re Closings due to Weather (continued)
The Trustees were very disappointed and concerned and felt the following points should be addressed to the Town Manager:
- Town weather closing policy was last updated 12/3/96. A clear, updated policy should address contingencies such as Library is open different hours from other Town buildings—that is, open several nights until 7 p.m. and open on Saturday.
- Reconcile when building closed by Trustees then Library employees should be paid.
MOTION: Chip Bishop motioned a letter or email should be addressed to Town Manager expressing Trustee disappointment in how the Library employees were the victims of this situation where there was not a clear policy and the Trustees would like clarification of that and possibly even reconsideration.
Motion was seconded by John Kowalski.
VOTE: Yes-6.
Roll Call Vote: Chip Bishop, yes Kate Milde, yes
Mark Wright, yes Mary LeClair, yes
John Kowalski, yes Carlo D’Este, yes
Carlo said he will draft the letter or email to the Town Manager.
Communications
Mike Richardson reported:
- Budget looks good…anticipating no problems.
- 16 students received awards at the High School…great event.
- 2 more Habitat for Humanity homes approved.
- Save the spit dredging—positive step.
- Town Manager Screening Committee moving along—Hired search firm.
- Mashpee TV—rolling out “Something about Mashpee”. Going to do waterways and several boating segments.
- Public Service Announcements—Chip Bishop said this may be good program for Library’s 5th anniversary.
Kiwanis looking for “Unsung Hero”—someone doing things for children and Town.
John’s Pond—several places now for children in good weather.
Waste Management Committee—moving along.
Cape Cod Water Collaborative—Talk about water problems.
- Mashpee Cares—Meeting March 24th at 10 a.m.
Corresponding Secretary Report…Jack Kowalski said there is nothing to report.
Advocacy Subcommittee…Chip Bishop said Kathy did a great job at the Legislative Breakfast forum to tell the world about the nice job the Library is doing. He said use as a core for Library article/public service announcements on MTV to present here’s what happened the past 5 years.
Discussion
Carlo D’Este asked the Trustees whether or not they feel the Trustees should provide any input to the Town Manager Screening Committee about what qualities Trustees feel the new Town Manager should have. The consensus of the Trustees was that the Screening Committee should definitely be given input to inform them that the Town Manager to be hired should be sensitive to the fact the Library is the cultural center of the Town that has an elected Board of Library Trustees who have authority to manage the library, and that those responsibilities and obligations should be clarified and aligned with Town officials, particularly the new Town Manager. When Mashpee reaches 15,000 population, then that would trigger some State requirements, such as additional hours Library to be open. Town Manager candidates
should be asked things such as: How do you see the Library in the community?
Next Meeting …4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in Library Conference Room.
Adjournment
Mary LeClair motioned the meeting be adjourned; Mark Wright seconded the motion; and it was unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Giliberti
Recording Secretary
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