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Minutes
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Grafton
Public Library Trustees Meeting Minutes
May
19, 2016, 6:00 pm
Attending: Bob Donald, Andrea Dunmire, Lucia Corwin,
Deborah Toomey, and David Whittall.
Guest
Speaker: Barbara Freidman and her associate Guitier Wallaert
Public
Comment: No public in attendance
Bob
Donald brought the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and introduced Barbara to the
Board. Two members had not previously met her: Andrea and David. Barbara introduced her colleague Guitier
Wallaert who works with the TIAA-CREF office in Hanover, NH.
Barbara
launched into her presentation indicating that she was cautiously optimistic
regarding our funds under her management. Inflation is low, but starting to
increase. Wages are rising with the move to higher minimum wages in large
corporations like Wal-Mart and Target. The commodity market is starting to rise
as well. Barbara indicated that she thinks that the U.S. market is the best
globally at a 2-3% increase, but it could be higher. The increase to American’s
pay due to the mild winter with low cost heating and the reduction in the cost
of gasoline has been good for the economy, and folks are not spending all the
monies they have gained this way. They are increasing savings which is good.
She then reviewed her report on the endowment and the Jerry Stevens Fund page
by page.
Barbara
completed her report by 6:35 and the Board thanked her. She and her colleague
left.
Bob
Donald then began the regular Board meeting. The minutes of April 21, 2016 were
approved.
Librarian’s Report
Automation
was discussed. Deborah has had experience automating a library and explained
the involved process of handling each book, labeling it appropriately, adding
the bibliographic information to the Library World On-line database, and if
deciding to weed the book, reversing the process by withdrawing it from the
collection and the database.
Discussion
ensued on the Library signs and it was decided that Jason Ballard should be
approached and asked to repaint. The Board examined the sign honoring Jean
Tillbrook and agreed that it was no longer legible. It’s made of aluminum.
Deborah offered to see if the pitting could be removed with steel wool without
damaging it, but the Board expressed concern regarding the depth of the engraving.
Replacing the sign with brass or trying to remove the pitting and then coating
it with a sealant should be discussed next meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Funds have been transferred from the Endowment
and the Jerry Stevens Funds to meet our expenses for the final few months of
this fiscal year. As the Board was reviewing the expenses for tree removal,
painting, lawn filling, and the cost of insurance for the Library as a
municipal building, the Board felt that the Select Board should be approached
next year for additional tax support. The monies currently received from the
town do not cover the cost of the insurance on the building.
Building and Grounds
Lucia has purchased flowers for the urns, but
will not plant them until after the urns are painted. She expressed concern
about the depth of the urns. David offered the gravel he has on hand to fill
them and provide support for the flowers. Andrea and Lucia thought that it
might be better to fill them with perlite. Lucia indicated that she planned on
having the flowers planted after they were painted, but prior to the Memorial
Day ceremonies.
Andrea met with Don Dougal regarding planting
trees on the Kidder Hill Road side of the Library lawn. He had not heard yet
regarding the Grafton Improvement Association grant, but was fairly certain
that it would be received. He planned on having three elm trees planted. Lucia
expressed concern that three elms would grow very large and eventually would be
very crowded. Perhaps one tree could be planted across the road in the newly
created park area? David supported Lucia’s concerns. The Board also discussed
the unknown location of the subterranean canals Christopher Schemm indicated lie
under the lawn and the impact they may have on the tree planting. Andrea asked
if the Board had considered plantings under the new trees. The consensus was
that since we were unable to adequately maintain the plantings we currently
have, it was not wise at this time to consider additional ones.
Other Business
The Board reviewed and selected tasks for the
Volunteer Brunch. The Confidentiality
Policy that Michelle sent was also discussed, but tabled until the following
meeting so we can be sure that all appropriate changes are made. The Security
Policy also needs review and updating.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. The next
meeting of the Board will be June 16, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Toomey
Secretary