Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

Library Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Monday, January 9, 2023

PRESENT:
Frank Brady, Kathleen Capelli, Heather Crocker, Carol Daggs, Terence Diggory, Jean Fei, Issac (Ike) Pulver, Jennifer Ferriss, Eric Blackman, Catherine Brenner, Don Flinton, Kelly McCombs, Trevor Oakley, Jennifer Ogrodowski, Ric Taras

ABSENT:
Nancy Luther, Denise Feltes

Meeting Called to Order at 5:01 PM

I. Call to Order at 5:01 PM

II. Approval of December Regular Meeting and Executive Session Minutes – Editorial correction noted in last sentence of VII.B: continues to rise. Frank moved to approve both sets of minutes as corrected; Heather seconded. All in favor. Minutes approved.

III. Approval of Expenditures – Heather moved to approve the December Pre-Paid Checks 70711-70712 totaling $388.11 and the January Warrants/Checks 70713 – 70791 totaling $139,816.12. Frank seconded. All in favor. Expenditures approved.

IV. Approval of Financial Reports – Jean moved to approve the December Pre-Paids and January Warrant Summary Sheet, the Budget Report, the Income Report, and receipt of gifts ($5,000 from Nan Alderson in memory of Edgar “Ted” Alderson; $100 from Joan Dickens). Carol seconded. All in favor. Financial Reports approved.

V. President’s Report – None

VI. Public Comment – None

VII. Correspondence and Communication

A. Letter from Nan Alderson accompanying gift (see IV above). Ike has responded.

B. Letter from Michael C. Devine questioning removal of certain Dr. Seuss books. Catherine has responded.

VIII. Director’s Report

A. Director’s Written Report – Ike welcomed Kelly on her return from leave. Written report details current status of staffing/hiring. Jen O’s departure creates a new opening. The City Council’s creation of the new Poet Laureate position is a welcome further step toward making Saratoga Springs a literary destination; Ike will convene a group to consider a request from the chair of the Poet Laureate Committee for the library to take over sponsorship of this program. A special “Three for Me” library card for minors is the main new feature in ongoing draft update of Circulation Policy (included FYI in today’s Board packet). Date for budget vote and trustee election has been set for April 20, between National Library Week and school break week. Katie is in the process of deciding whether she will run for another term on the Board. Terry said he was sorry to see Jen O. leave her position at the library and wished her good luck with the next steps in her career.

B. Department Reports – Don displayed one of the new computer units recently purchased to provide ease of use and access for laptops. Carol asked about options for recycling tech equipment; this service is available from vendors, usually for a modest fee. Trevor highlighted the GreenDisk service that the library is using to recycle CDs and DVDs. Terry recommended that the library share information about such services with the public, perhaps through the library newsletter. In Youth Services, Catherine reported they have been very busy compared to last year; over 150 attended a program with Ron Cain the magician. Jen O commended staff for sharing their skills to enhance programming. Ric reviewed the power outage incident detailed in his written report. Labor costs have been lower since there has been little need for snow clearing; salt usage has been heavy due to ice. All light bulbs are now being recycled.

IX. Special / Committee Reports - None

X. Unfinished Business – Trustee Education Policy

Terry and Frank have each offered suggestions on email for writing this requirement into library policy. Trustees will review these suggestions prior to next Board meeting and act to adopt policy at that meeting.

XI. New Business

A. Budget Vote and Trustee Election Calendar (Exhibit VII) - See Director’s Report (VIII.A) above. Katie noted the need to schedule a budget workshop; Trustees will confer by email.

B. First Draft Proposed Circulation Policy Update (Exhibit VIII) - See Director’s Report (VIII.A) above.

XII. Executive Session to Discuss Particular Personnel Matters – Adjourned to Executive Session at 5:56 PM.

XIII. Reconvening: The Board came out of Executive Session and the Regular Meeting reconvened at 6:04 PM.

XIV. Additional New Business

Katie moved to approve a bonus of $1000.00 for Denise Feltes in recognition of the extra duties she performed during Kelly McCombs’s recent leave and the previous leave of Carmen Vasquez as Senior Account Clerk. Carol seconded. All in favor. Motion approved.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:05 pm

Respectfully submitted by:
Terence Diggory, Board Secretary