Library Trustees

BEDFORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Minutes

December 13, 2005

 

 

Meeting called to order at 8:00 p.m.

 

Present: Trustees D. Crowell, R. Dorer, R. Dyer, L. O’Connor, M. Pulizzi, M. Ross, and P. Russo. Director R. Callaghan, Assistant Director V. Abraham were also present and Selectman S. Moll.

 

Secretary’s Report:

P. Russo made motion to accept the 11/08/05 minutes. Seconded by M. Pulizzi. Vote: 7-0

 

Director’s Report:

Director Callaghan reported on many activities: including the Friends of the Library Annual Meeting, the preparation for the World War I lectures in January and the new “About Food” art exhibit. The Director also reported that the lighting behind the circulation desk had been adjusted for better illumination, the Facilities Department had repaired the sink and faucets in the staff bathroom, and that DVD’s and videos were once again requestable from other libraries. In addition, thanks to the organizational efforts of Vanessa Abraham and Janel Ranney, the December 1st Staff Training on customer service had very good attendance and was well received.

 

Unfinished Business

 

*  The Board discussed the delayed awarding of merit increases for the professional staff. The Trustees agreed that this delay is inappropriate and that a letter would be sent to the Selectmen noting the Board’s concern for timelier awarding of the merit increases in the future.

 

*  The Board discussed the FY07 budget and the implications of high energy costs on the Library’s request for next year.  The Director reported that the Library received notice from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners that Bedford had been approved for State Aid for FY06.

 

M. Pulizzi made motion to accept the Director’s Report. M. Ross seconded. Vote: 7-0

 

New Business

 

Effect of High School Renovation

Director Callaghan reported that after speaking with Facilities Director Richard Jones the renovations would have the following impact:

 

*  temporarily shut down fiber optic lines to the library but that alternative systems would

assure no disruption in operations or services.

*  result in net parking increase once the construction is completed.

*  require a staging area for the equipment and materials and the library will have to

work around any temporary redirection of parking and traffic flow.

 

 

Election 2006

Bob Dorer and Michele Ross each stated that they would not be running for reelection as Library Trustees in the spring. The Library will therefore have three open positions with Trustee Michael Pulizzi running for one of the openings. A reminder will be sent to The Minuteman of these openings. The caucus will be held on January 10th at 7:00 pm at the John Glenn Middle School.

 

Other Business

 

January Meeting Date  - Due the town caucus being held on January 10th, the next meeting of the Trustees will need to be rescheduled.

 

R. Dorer made the motion to change the January trustee meeting from the 10th to the 17th to not conflict with the caucus. M. Ross seconded. Vote: 7-0

 

Selectmen’s Holiday Reception  - A reminder to the Board that the holiday reception will be held on December 14th  from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Renaissance Hotel.

 

Capital Committee Meeting - The Director will be attending a capital committee meeting on the 14th at 7:30 to discuss the Library’s request for FY07.

 

Holiday Décor - Trustee O'Connor mentioned some patrons had approached her regarding the absence of any holiday decorations at the Library and asked the Director and other Trustees for input on the matter. Director Callaghan responded that he understood that the Library typically had not displayed winter holiday decorations in the past but that no policy existed preventing the Library from doing so. It was noted that the Bedford Library appeared to be the only public building in the town center area without a wreath or lights and that some nearby libraries did display some type of holiday decoration. After discussing various views and alternatives, the Board generally agreed that an outside wreath could be considered next year as a universal welcoming sign of the holiday season.

 

Motion to Adjourn: 9:10

R. Dorer motioned to adjourn and P. Russo seconded. Vote: 7-0