Library Trustees
BEDFORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 17, 2006
Meeting called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Present: Trustees R. Dorer, R. Dyer, L. O’Connor, M. Pulizzi, and M. Ross. Director R. Callaghan and Assistant Director V. Abraham were also present.
Secretary’s Report:
R. Dorer made a motion to accept the 12/13/05 minutes as amended. Seconded by L. O’Connor. Vote: 5-0
Director’s Report:
The Director reported on activities in the Children’s Room, the good publicity about upcoming programs from the Bedford Minuteman and the excellent turnout for both the Chinese Youth Ensemble Concert and the World War I lecture. Both programs were at or near capacity for the meeting room and were very well received by those in attendance. The Director met with Teri Morrow from the Finance Committee to discuss the FY07 budget. The Director also has been in contact with Linda Vanaria, Chair of the High School Building Committee to discuss the upcoming renovations. The changing of the fiber optic line between the two buildings will cause minimal disruption.
L. O’Connor made a motion to accept the Director’s Report. M. Ross seconded. Vote: 5-0
Finance Committee Meeting - The Director and Trustee Chair R. Dyer reported on the meeting with the Finance Committee on Thursday, January 12. The Director emphasized the need to meet State Aid regulations and the consequences of not meeting those regulations. The Library emphasized the benefit the Town receives from meeting State Aid (including grant funds and 33,000 ILLs). The Director explained the differences between energy use predictions of the Finance Committee and the Facilities Department and the effect on the library. The Finance Committee asked questions about State Aid and the amount needed to meet the requirements. The Finance Committee also asked about the budget contingencies the Library submitted for books, custodial supplies, and capital outlay. The Director explained the need for each contingencies increase. R. Dorer asked if a percent change and percent expended could be added to the budget sheet. The Director will ask Janel Ranney, who prepares the current year budget if the additions are possible.
FY07 Budget - The Board discussed the FY07 budget and the implications of high energy costs on the Library’s request for next year. R. Dorer suggested changing the oil item to natural gas in the budget to reflect the type of fuel used by the Library. The Director explained the capital outlay line item (as it was explained to him by Teri Morrow) and that the line item was mainly used for computer replacement but had previously been part of the capital request. The Director commented that the budget was lean due to the impact of the high energy costs.
R. Dorer made a motion to accept the FY07 budget as presented. M. Ross seconded. Vote: 5-0.
Town Caucus - Trustee Chair Dyer reported on the January 10 caucus. The Library had multiple candidates for the three open positions. M. Pulizzi and R. Ross are running for reelection for the two three years terms; Howard Cohen and Abby Hafer are running for the one-year term.
The Library has chosen 1776 by David McCullough for the One Book, One Bedford program in April. 1776 takes place immediately after the Battles at Lexington and Concord and chronicles the perilous journey of George Washington and the colonial army right through the crossing of the Delaware. After two years of fiction, the Library wanted to chose a non-fiction title and with Bedford’s history, 1776 was a good tie-in. Sing Hanson will again design the postcard, which will be mailed by the middle of February. There will be an article on 1776 in the February 2 issue of the Bedford Minuteman.
Building Superintendent Ray Barry met with a representative from NSTAR about a program that encourages municipal buildings to use energy saving light bulb. The program would pay for light fixtures and bulbs for the library. The fixtures would be installed above the circulation area. The Director also noted that thanks to Bob Dorer, the outside lights are once again running properly. Bob noticed that the lights were turning off and on at the wrong times and Ray Barry got the timer replaced to fix the problem.
The Director reminded the Trustees that the Town election will be on Saturday, March 11 and the Town meeting will begin on Monday, March 27 at 7:30.
There was a short discussion on the vacation transfer policy for new employees and the Library’s control of personnel policy.
Appointments and step raises
L. O’Connor made a motion to approve proposed appointments and step raises. Seconded by M. Pulizzi. Vote: 5-0
V. Abraham noted that page Mike Poe resigned due to other commitments.
Motion to Adjourn: 9:00
R. Dorer motioned to adjourn and M. Ross seconded. Vote: 5-0