Minutes of the Meeting
Fitzwilliam Town Library Board of Trustees
10 September 2018
Present: Susan Curtin (alternate), Dick Goettle, Barbara Green, Richard Mays, Ann McEntee, Nick Noyes, and Library Director Kate Thomas
Nick Noyes called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM in the Quick Meeting Room of the Library.
The Trustees reviewed and signed the Library Manifest and the Library Expenses Spreadsheet.
The minutes of the August 6th, 2018 Trustee meeting were reviewed; Richard Mays put forth a motion, seconded by Nick, that the minutes be approved. Motion carried.
Kate Thomas presented the Library Director’s report. August saw 1904 guests, while 198 people attended 13 programs. Circulation of materials was up 1.4% (compared to the month of August 2017). Kate stated that she has found a part-time groundskeeper, Dale Harkins, who may also help with “honey-do handyman” tasks. She also reported router difficulties, which were resolved relatively quickly. Due to the outdated management system, Drupal, the website will now be managed by WordPress. Kate will solicit bids for logo and branding development from several marketing firms. She encouraged the Trustees to attend this month’s programs.
The Trustees reviewed and approved the library’s internet use policy.
Richard reported that he spoke with Laurie Hayward, Land Use Administrative Assistant (as directed by the Historic District Commission), regarding the replacement of the library’s warped front door. It is his understanding that while wood is the preferred material, a steel door and hardware that replicate the historically accurate door will be acceptable.
Dick Goettle presented the first draft of the library’s 2019 budget for preliminary review. The second draft will be presented at the October meeting for final review and approval before submission to the Fitzwilliam Budget Committee.
Dick also presented his findings with respect to money market accounts from Fidelity Investments. The library can open a commercial money market account with an 1.84% return. Richard put forth a motion, seconded by Nick, to approve the transfer of the matured Massin Memorial Fund certificate of deposit. Motion carried. Dick will open the account.
Richard reported that the cost of the post and hardware needed to hang the new library sign will be approximately $100. Fabrication of the sign should be completed within the next two weeks. Richard anticipates hanging the sign by mid-October.
The Locke collection appraisal was discussed briefly.
Nick discussed the CIP proposals, which are due to the Budget Committee in early October. Susan Curtin and Ann McEntee provided additional names of landscape contractors for the repair of the brick sidewalk; Richard and Dick suggested alternative materials. Nick presented the supporting materials for the fence repair proposal; they were readily approved. Ann and Nick presented their progress with respect to soliciting bids for the second-floor insulation.
A brief discussion about Kate, Ann and Loree’s review of the library’s five-year, long-range plan transpired.
Ann reported that the Friends of the Library Sale earned $2,300. The Trustees thank the friends Board and all of the volunteers who helped sort, transport books from Jaffrey (a generous donation), set up and break down the sale.
The next Trustee meeting was set for Monday, October 1, 2018 at 5:30 PM.
Nick adjourned the meeting at 6:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann McEntee