Minutes of the Bedford Public Library Trustees

December 14, 2004

Bedford Free Public Library

Bedford, Massachusetts

 

Rosemary Dyer, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 8:03 P.M.  Those present were Trustees Doris Crowell, Robert Dorer, Rosemary Dyer, Donna Hoffman, Lynne O’Connor, Michele Ross, and Peter Russo.  Others present: Director Meredith McCulloch; Assistant Director Vanessa Abraham.

 

VOTED (Unanimously): To accept the Minutes of the October 19, 2004 meeting.  (Russo/Ross)

 

The Director reported that additional information regarding Corporation investments had been received regarding basis points and management fees from the Town Treasurer.  The Trustees asked Meredith to seek additional clarification regarding the calculation of fees.  She also noted that the elevator had malfunctioned a second time, following a repair, with a passenger aboard.

 

VOTED (Unanimously): To adopt the Long Range Plan Needs Statement (as amended) to be submitted to the MLC by the Director.  (Dorer/Russo)

 

Meredith reported that the Fiscal Coordinating Committee recently met with department heads in an effort to achieve consensus prior to the town meeting on the next fiscal year’s budget.  She expressed grave concern about the ability to maintain library services in the face of further budget cuts following last year’s cut of $24,000, which resulted in staffing reductions.  She also reminded the Trustees that a certain level of Town funding is required to obtain state aid.

 

There was substantial discussion about the financial and service impact of reducing the number of hours the library is open to the public.  Some staffing would be needed even when the library was not open to the public to handle “behind the scenes” library services.  The Trustees asked Meredith to prepare cost figures.  Meredith asked the Trustees to attend the next Committee meeting on December 16, 7 P.M., at John Glenn Middle School.

 

The Trustees reviewed a draft agreement for Facilities Department support that had been reviewed by the manager, Richard Jones.  Rick Reed, Town Administrator, will review it, and Meredith will find out who the appropriate signatories should be.

 

There was discussion regarding the hazardous absence of adequate lighting near the rear exit door, and about the possibility of seeking financial support from the Friends of the Library for special projects including beautification efforts.

 

VOTED (Unanimously): To accept the Maintenance Agreement as printed and to send a cover letter stating that the agreement will be reviewed in one year.  (Dorer/Ross)

 

VOTED (Unanimously): To approve the use of state aid funds in the amount of $1,300 to send seven staff members to national and local conferences sponsored by the Public Library Association and American Library Association. (O’Connor/Dorer)  

 

VOTED (Unanimously): To approve the Gift Brochure (with minor editorial amendments) and place it in a conspicuous place in the library.  (Intent: that the gift brochure also be distributed as the need arises.)  (O’Connor/Crowell).

 

. The Trustees decided to hold a full discussion of fundraising and sponsorship opportunities at a later date.

 

Rosemary reported that a letter had been received from the Selectmen indicating that the Selectmen will not grant a liquor permit unless the responsible Board has first given its approval.  It was agreed to postpone further discussion of a liquor policy to a later date.

 

VOTED (Unanimously):  To confirm the appointment of Jane Paulson as part-time reference librarian.

 

Lynne asked about the status of the proposed film program that had engendered some public concern in advance of being fully formulated.  Meredith advised that plans for a film program have been put on hold pending further discussion with the staff.

 

The Trustees changed the date of the next meeting to January 19, 2005, at 8 PM to accommodate the Town Caucus meeting.

 

VOTED (Unanimously): To adjourn at 10:10 PM.  (Dorer/Ross)

 

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Hoffman

Secretary