C. H. Booth Library Minutes
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting
November 12, 2013
Present: Dan Cruson, Tom D’Agostino, Carolyn Faxon, Colleen Honan, Bill McCarthy, Jennifer Reilly, Martha Robilotti, Michelle Rosenthal, Peter Stern, Michael Talluto, John Trentacosta, and Beryl Harrison. Also, Trustee Emeritus: Mary Thomas and Board Member awaiting appointment: Robert Geckle
Absent:, Mary Kelley, Ted Meehan and Mark Principi
Meeting called to order after a fire alarm delay at 7:20 by Martha Robilotti, president
Consideration of Minutes:
John Trentacosta moved to accept the minutes from the October meeting. Peter Stern seconded, and the motion was unanimously accepted.
Public Participation:
None
President’s Announcements: Martha Robilotti, President, welcomed Bob Geckle to the Board pending his official appointment by the Board of Selectmen.
There will be a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on December 3 to approve the budget by the town deadline of December 6.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill McCarthy, Treasurer presented 2 documents;
1. Statement of income and Expense: Variances were explained.
2. Funds provided by the Friends.
A suggestion was made for a prior year comparison for the next meeting for the purpose of comparing budgets year over year.
Mr. McCarthy will send the budget by email when it is completed so the trustees can review it prior to the meeting.
Report of the Library Director: The Director's report was sent by email.
Beryl Harrison, Assistant Director, explained the new initiative idea for a Makerspace in the Story Hour Room. The annual report will be completed on Thursday.
Committee Reports:
Policies and Personnel: No report.
Search Process Committee: A report was distributed and explained by Michael Talluto. The Board discussed and will explore the idea of hiring a consultant to evaluate the Library's needs.
Fund Raising: Carolyn Faxon announced that the fundraising letter has been sent.
Bob Geckle showed some examples of other fundraising appeals with photos and other information. The idea of sending a mid-winter newsletter/follow-up appeal was discussed.
Mrs. Faxon passed a signup sheet seeking volunteers for the Turkey Trot.
Jennifer Reilly updated the Board on registrations and sponsorships for the road race. Michael Talluto has secured a donation of water from PepsiCo.
Building, Grounds, and Interior: Tom D'Agostino reported on the heating pumps. He is also pursuing purchasing of light bulbs through the town to save money.
Long Range Planning: No report.
Friends of the Library Liaison: Pete Stern reported that the book drop at the town dump is successful so far.
Art Liaison: No report.
Historical Liaison: Dan Cruson reported that Historical Society-owned books from the Tercentennial celebration that were stored in the Library's attic have been moved, some to the front porch. Beryl Harrison, Dan Cruson and the Historical Society will work to find an agreeable solution.
Nominating Committee: Colleen Honan reported that Moira Rodgers resigned from her position on the Board. We now have 3 vacancies. The nominating committee will meet to review some resumes. It was noted that a person with marketing experience would be valuable.
Old Business: The town is working to organize a Freedom of Information Act educational session. Board members are strongly urged to attend.
New Business:
Tom D'Agostino showed the banner proof for the Turkey Trot. The banner is being donated by ABC signs.
Dan Cruson moved to enter executive session. Colleen Honan seconded. Bob Geckle and Beryl Harrison were invited to stay.
8:51 Entered Executive Session
9:00 Exited Executive Session
Peter Stern made the following motion: "As a member of the Search Process Committee, I move that Beryl Harrison assume the title, 'Acting Director' until a new Director is named." Michael Talluto seconded. The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Reilly
Secretary
CH Booth Library Board of Trustees
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