Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

Library Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Tuesday, October 11, 2022

PRESENT:
Frank Brady, Kathleen Capelli, Heather Crocker, Terence Diggory, Issac (Ike) Pulver, Eric Blackman, Catherine Brenner, Jennifer Ferriss, Trevor Oakley, Jennifer Ogrodowski, Ric Taras, Denise Feltes with Jean Fei and Nancy Luther by Zoom

ABSENT:
Carol Daggs, Don Flinton, Kelly McCombs

Meeting Called to Order at 5:06 PM

Approval of September Regular Meeting and Executive Session Minutes: Terry made a motion to approve the September Regular Meeting and Executive Session Minutes. Heather seconded. All in favor. Motion approved.

Approval of Expenditures: Terry made a motion to approve the September Pre-Paid Check #70350 to 70351, totaling $388.11 and the October Warrants Checks #70450 to 70530, totaling $179,277.89. Heather seconded. All in favor. Motion approved.

Approval of Financial Reports: Discussion regarding capital projects, salaries, and vacation payouts. CCAP on the Income Report was defined as Climate Change Action Plan. Frank made a motion to approve the September Pre-Paids and October Warrant Summary Sheet, the Budget Report, and the Income Report. Terry seconded. All in favor. Motion approved.

President’s Report: Katie received an email from an English Teacher who volunteered her help in order to be involved in the wonderful work the Library does. Katie also received positive feedback regarding the board meetings on Zoom. Ike stated continued use of Zoom requires an investment in equipment that is being investigated.

Public Comment: None

Correspondence and Communication: Two thank you notes were received from Janet Lindner and Chris Alexander regarding their retirement citations and time spent at the Library.

Director’s Report

Director’s Written Report: Ike highlighted the Friends Annual Meeting being held on October 12, 2022 in the H. Dutcher Community Room at 5:00 PM, the many programs that will be happening during the 2nd Annual Saratoga Book Festival starting Friday, October 21 – Sunday, October 23, and the NYLA Conference which will be held in Saratoga on Wednesday, November 2 – Saturday, November 5.

Department Reports: Jen F. highlighted the Sustainable Funding for eContent Task Force. Prices are up, demand is up, and money is drying up. The task force is re-assessing how to keep electronic content moving forward. Member libraries may be asked to contribute more toward the consortial budget of eContent (OverDrive/Libby). Katie enjoyed the “TED Talks” at Staff Day. Trevor reported that outreach services have been streamlined with hopes of further expansion. Literacy services are being promoted by Mary Ann via hand delivered fliers. Early dismissal and no after school activities of Saratoga Springs schools on Wednesdays has seen an increase in activity during that time. Catherine is pleased that Kate and Caitlyn, our 2 newest Librarians, are a “good fit” for the Children’s Room. With an increase with in-person programming events and colder weather on the way, Ric and his staff have been scrambling to keep up with the demand. Adult services is fully staffed and working toward completing the transition process. Katie misses the book suggestions by staff.

Special / Committee Reports: The Land Acknowledgement Committee, consisting of Jean, Nancy, Carol, & Katie, has reached out to the community and will have more to share at next month’s board meeting.

Old Business: None

New Business: Policy Update – sweep of policies to replace “Circulation & Technical Services” with “Access & Outreach Services” primarily in the Handbook. Frank motioned to replace the name of “Circulation & Technical Services” with the new name “Access & Outreach Services” in all documents. Heather seconded. All in favor. Motion passed.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 5:56 PM to Executive Session to discuss particular personnel matters.

Respectfully submitted by:
Denise Feltes, Senior Account Clerk

Reconvening: The Board came out of Executive Session and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 6:35 PM.

Additional New Business: Katie Capelli made a motion to authorize adjustment in Don Flinton’s salary in recognition of additional duties attaching to his position as Computer Services Manager. Heather Crocker seconded. All in favor. Motion approved.

Adjournment of Regular Meeting at 6:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted by:

Terence Diggory, Board Secretary

Meeting Adjourned at 6:37 pm