49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866-3271
(518) 584-7860 • Fax: (518) 584-7866 • www.sspl.org
Library Board of Trustees
Board Meeting
Monday, June 14, 2021
PRESENT:
Frank Brady, Kathleen Capelli, Heather Crocker, Janet Lindner, Minita Sanghvi, Issac (Ike) Pulver, Eric Blackman, Tara Chhabra, Laura Clark, Jennifer Ferris, Don Flinton, Jennifer Ogrodowski, Ric Taras, Sue Pettit, Denise Feltes
ABSENT:
Kristen Dart, Terence Diggory
Meeting Called to Order at 5:05 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: After a question regarding Senior Account Clerk start date noted by Frank Brady, motion made by Katie Capelli and second by Minita Sanghvi to approve the May 10, 2021 meeting minutes, the June 2nd special meeting minutes, and June 2, 2021 executive session minutes. All in favor. Motion carries.
APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES: Motion made by Minita Sanghvi and second by Janet Lindner to approve the May Pre-Paid Checks #68903-68904, totaling $563.08 and the May Warrants/Checks #68907-68988, totaling $121,539.91. All in favor. Motion carries.
APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL REPORTS: After a discussion regarding possible reallocation of professional services for next month's budget, motion made by Katie Capelli and second by Minita Sanghvi to approve all financial reports. All in favor. Motion carries.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: None
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATION: Phone message to Katie Capelli from Susie, who lives in Scotia, on how much she enjoys our library and to share her sentiments with staff and board.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Reopening status has gone from Phase 5 to Phase 6 of the 8 phase reopening plan. For now, the following policies/guidelines are in place, based on CDC guidance:
- All library staff, contractors, and volunteers are required to wear masks while working in public and shared spaces inside the library, regardless of their vaccine status.
- Library staff, contractors and volunteers may opt not to wear masks while working outside.
- Library visitors who are unvaccinated must wear masks while inside the library. This is on the honor system.
- Children attending outdoor programs may go maskless.
- When library programs are presented in partnership with a hosting agency, that agency’s policies regarding masks prevail.
- When the library hosts partner agencies, library policies regarding masks prevail.
A restoration to full operating hours is being planned for after Labor Day provided staffing needs can be met.
The Strategic Planning Committee will be reconvening following the approval of a high-level strategic plan at the June 5 special board meeting.
USE STATISTICS AND SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT: No questions.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Possible changes to the presentation of Department Reports in the new fiscal year due to new priorities set in the new strategic plan. Department reports were discussed.
As of July 1, 2021, Circulation will launch a new digital collection called Hoopla. SSCSD residents, ex-Libris patrons, outreach, staff, board members, and volunteers will have access to new movies, music, books, audiobooks, and comic book streaming service.
Tara Chhabra's Report: Formal request to appoint Thomas Clark as a P/T Building Maintenance Worker. Motion made by Frank Brady and second by Heather Crocker to appoint Thomas Clark as a P/T Building Maintenance worker effective June 15, 2021. All in favor. Motion carries.
About a half dozen interested candidates from the eligibility list for the Youth Service Department Head have been identified and now working on internal candidates before setting up interviews.
SPECIAL/COMMITTEE REPORTS: Proposal, by Tara and her fellow managers, to consider a prorated holiday benefit for our valued part-time associates. Second proposal by Ike to consider changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day. Discussion followed. Motion made by Frank Brady and second by Katie Capelli to change Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day. All in favor. Motion carries.
OLD BUSINESS: Previously discussed in Ike's report.
NEW BUSINESS: Motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and the library to work together to improve the lighting and wifi in the library parking lot made by Katie Capelli and second by Heather Crocker. All in favor. Motion carries.
Executive Session: Cancelled
Meeting Adjourned at 5:53 pm