HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Library Board of Trustees - 03/14/2019
Minutes South Burlington Library Board of Trustees
Thursday, March 14, 2019 - 5:00 p.m. Location: Library meeting room
Members Present: Patrick Leduc, Jay Pasackow, MargaretAnn Cross, Linda Darlington, Lee Freeman, Stacey Pape, Penne Tompkins, Diane Bugbee
Members Absent: Bonnie Finnigan, Nancy Fawley, Mark Coel
Staff Members Present: Jennifer Murray
Friends of the Library rep present: Katherine McConnell
Guests: None
Chair Patrick Leduc called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m., and a quorum was established.
Emergency Exit Procedures
Jennifer Murray reviewed emergency evacuation procedures
Additions or deletions to the posted agenda:
None
Comments and questions from the public not related to items on the agenda
There were no comments from the public
Consent agenda. Approval of regular board minutes of February 21, 2019 and
the Director’s Report
Upon a motion made by Trustee Lee Freeman and seconded by Trustee Stacey Pape, the
Trustees voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda
Chair’s Report
Chair Leduc provided an update on current delays in permitting as well as a evolving situation with the City and School related to stormwater treatment costs and locations. All of which is creating pressures on the City and the School District. If delays are not resolved soon there will likely be impact to RMCS access at the beginning of the 19/20 school year as well as down stream impacts as to when the library can take occupancy, the later creating a serious challenge for the Library as our lease in the mall runs out in November 2020 and is not likely to be extended. Patrick also shared his intent to distribute an anonymous chair evaluation survey to trustee members, with reinforcement that he is welcoming constructive input. Finally, Patrick discuss the current stance on the strategic planning process and his outreach to Board members, their continuation as trustees, and their role on committees.
Friends of the Library report
Katherine McConnell encouraged trustees who have not yet renewed their Friends of the library membership to do so. She also shared the details of the upcoming Book Sale on April 6th, 2019
Committee Reports
Advocacy Committee Report No report
Governance & Nominating Committee Report No report
Finance Committee Report Finance Committee Report. Penne Tomkins reported on the status and current balance of the Blanchette Fund ($391,650.17) following the disbursement of $35,000. of Blanchette Funds to the South Burlington Public Library Foundation. Penne also confirm the intent of the finance committee to re-invest cash portions of the Blanchette fund back into ladder investments. The Trustees indicated their support for such a move.
SB City Design Committee Jennifer Murray reported on the architect’s and design committee’s progress toward final budgets and plans for the 180 Market Street building. As of this time, costs and plans are on budget and to be presented to the City council on Monday the 18th. She encouraged trustees to try and attend the City Council discussion. Director’s Report Jennifer Murray reported that a pay study in concert with the City is under consideration to ensure equitable pay for all library staff. Jennifer also shared that April 6th is the presentation of the Hen Art banner. There will be an event at the library with Hen appropriate snacks. The City Manager and the Director are examining procedures to ensure safety for all patrons. Jennifer then took questions from the Trustees in relationship to music performances in the library regarding seating and sound systems.
Adjourn
There being no other business, Chair Patrick Leduc adjourned the meeting at 5:36 p.m.
Next meeting: 4/11/19 at 5:00pm
Respectfully submitted by Lee Freeman
DIRECTOR’S REPORT March 2019
Budget:
- The City has requested Jennifer to create a proposed organizational chart for the new library to help with budgeting - Jennifer has been working with staff to account for individual budget lines prior to the end of the
year. Staffing: - New substitute, Skye Ellicock has gone through training and has started working. Long-term sub, Susan Wargo, is out for a month.
-All three staff who are part of the leadership team attended the training on “making the ask,” in
preparation for going out with Trustees. Marketing & Publicity: - Staff are making efforts to plan three months ahead so that all publicity can go out or be created in
good time.
-Staff are working towards continuity in posting events on the new website. Collections, Programs and Services: -The Programming Team is asking hard questions about what to keep, what to stop and what new to
add based on attendance and available staff time. For example, we will not be participating in the
next session of Humanities Council discussions and we will continue to focus kids’ programming on babies and toddlers. -Children’s planned a very successful passive programming week while school was out, kicked off by a visit from the Montshire Museum and continued with LEGO and other building materials as well as
self-serve crafts.
-Over 90 people attended the Pete’s Posse concert. -A permanent staff picks display is up across from the circ desk. -Staff and a loyal volunteer are handling an uptick in one-on-one computer or tablet assistance.
Administration:
-Jennifer and Nancy F. have plans to review the policies and update or add new ones. -Patrick and Jennifer are collecting public library pay level information to present to Stefanie towards the pay analysis. -100% budget for new building is being presented to Council on 3/18.
-Jennifer is serving on the City-wide Safety Committee. -Jennifer attended the first meeting of City employee who staff committees to exchange best practices and ideas. Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Murray