Library Trustees
Bedford Free Public Library
Minutes, January 19, 2005
Chairman Dyer called the meeting to order at 8:20 pm.
Present: Trustees Dorer, Dyer, O’Connor, and Ross, and Director McCulloch, Assistant Director Abraham and Finance Committee Liaison Tom Busa
The Secretary’s Report of December 14th was presented. Moved and seconded to accept the minutes as presented: Dorer/O’Connor Passed unanimously.
The Director’s Report was presented. In addition to the written Director’s report of January 19th, 2005, Director McCulloch informed the Trustees of a new web page for the library site that will be rolled out in the near future. She also noted a Bedford High School student had inquired about using the library for a tsunami relief fundraiser with a magic card game theme. After a brief discussion, the stipulation was made that the event would be approved condition that a charity be named in advance and that adults be present. Moved and seconded to accept the Director’s report as presented: O’Connor/Dorer. Approved unanimously.
Next on the agenda was discussion of the budget request for the FY06 library budget. An extensive discussion ensued, detailing various options for consideration of the Trustees. Previous budget requests and approvals and rates of growth in certain budget categories were reviewed. The challenge of maintaining adequate computer replacements during a period of very tight budgets, and the strain on capital budget needs was also discussed.
It was moved and seconded to present a budget of $959,134 to the Finance Committee to meet the guideline, funding the operating capital budget at $7,800 and incorporating closing the Library on Wednesdays from 1pm to 9pm: O’Connor/Ross, approved unanimously.
The recruitment plan for the Director’s position was then discussed. Director McCulloch presented a draft advertisement for the position. The Trustees acknowledged the generous offer of the Town Administrator to assist in the recruitment and interview process for the Director, but the Trustees felt it was their responsibility to conduct this recruitment effort directly. It was moved and seconded to place the ad with minor date amendments: Ross/O’Connor. Approved unanimously.
Director McCulloch then reviewed a grant application on a World War I Film Series to the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. It was moved and seconded to endorse the submitting of this grant application: Dorer/ O’Connor: Approved unanimously.
The revolving fund for library fines that is passed each year at town meeting was then reviewed. As circulation has increased the amount generated each year has grown. It was moved and seconded to raise the maximum that can go to the library after an initial sum is delivered directly to the town’s general accounts from $18,000 to $25,000: O’Connor/Ross. Approved unanimously.
Step Raises and Appointments were then reviewed.
Moved and seconded to approve the step raises and appointments as presented. Ross/ O’Connor Approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 pm.
Respective fully submitted
Robert M Dorer
Secretary Pro Tem