Minutes of the Meeting
Fitzwilliam Town Library Board of Trustees
2 May, 2022
Present: Trustees Robin Marra, Beth Lorenz, Richard Marshall, Carole Beckwith, Pam Troccia and Kate Thomas, Library Director; Alternate Trustee Brian Doerpholz. Residents Charley Kennison and Dick Goettle (via zoom) were also in attendance.
Robin Marra called the meeting to order at 5:45 in the Quick Meeting Room of the Library.
The minutes of the April 4, 2022 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Pam Troccia and seconded by Beth Lorenz. The motion was approved by all Trustees.
The manifest was reviewed and signed by all Trustees present.
Charley Kennison presented an update on the status of the fence. The fencing itself is ready to be put back up but there is some additional work that needs to be completed before that can happen. The granite posts will need to be enclosed and caps will need to be constructed, wrought iron hardware to hang the fencing needs to be acquired and flowers/bushes will need to be moved and/or removed. The Trustees also need to confirm who will be painting the fence. Part of the funds being used for this project consists of the CIP request of $1,000.00 for work on the fence, approved at the Town meeting.
Dick Goettle, a Trustee of the Trust, discussed the transfer of monies to the Library from the funds in the Trust. Requests for transfer is made by the Trustees of the Library twice a year, 5/31 and 11/30, after calculation of available funds by the Trustees of the Trust. The Treasurer, Richard Marshall, will be working with Dick going forward on the requests for funding and availability of fund income for budgeting purposes.
Kate reviewed the Library Directors report and Expenses to Date. Circulation for March was up 5%, at a total of 1,554. There were thirteen adult programs and eight children’s programs presented, with a total attendance of 143. One of the library computers is not working. Kate is overseeing the work being done by Rich Macomber on that issue and the updating of the software systems as needed.
Under Old Business, Kate reported that she has started the work on the booklet explaining the origins of the Locke Collection, with brief descriptions of the items in the collection. The Trustees reviewed the revisions of the current Investment Policy. The Treasurer, Richard Marshall, discussed the changes being proposed and stressed this Policy is designed for current and future financial planning. After discussion, Carole Beckwith made a motion to approve the Investment Policy as revised. That motion was seconded by Pam Troccia. The motion was passed with three Trustees in favor, with Carole Beckwith and Beth Lorenz abstaining. The Trustees also determined that the selection of investment manager(s) will be taken up by the Director, Treasurer and one Board member.
The Trustees reviewed the revisions presented for the Gift Policy. Robin Mara made a motion to accept the revised Policy, with amendments, at this time. Beth Lorenz seconded and the motion was approved by all Trustees.
Kate presented correspondence from Rita Nirenberg’s granddaughter regarding the language the family would like on the plaque the Library will be acquiring to honor Rita for her many years of service. Kate will be working on ordering the plaque and will let the Trustees know the cost and where the appropriate place to hang it will be.
Under New Business, Carole Beckwith brought the Trustees information on her research to try to draw new patrons to the Library. The Fermata Arts Foundation is working with libraries throughout the state to promote and encourage true intercultural dialogue between countries, through which the representatives of different countries can discover shared values and spiritual commonality. There is no cost to join the Foundation and the artwork is delivered through the interlibrary system. Carole will be contacting the Foundation to add the Fitzwilliam Library as a member. A discussion was had on ways to use the second-floor space, including the possibility of acquiring a 3D printer.
Kate will be asking the Friends of the Library for the interest in participating in the Long-Range Planning Committee.
It was determined that the Chair will continue to provide a Zoom link for the Trustees meetings.
As no other business or announcements were brought forth for discussion, the next Trustee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 6th, 2022 at 5:45, with Zoom access available.
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. was made by Carole Beckwith and seconded by Beth Lorenz. The motion was approved by all Trustees.
Respectfully submitted.
Pam Troccia
Secretary