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Minutes
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Grafton Public Library Board
November 21, 2019
Present: Patrick Spurlock, Michelle Dufort, Lucia
Corwin, Deborah Toomey, David Whittall, Mary Beth Culver
Called to order 6:37
Public comments: None
Minutes of 10/24 approved
Treasurer’s Report:
·
Patrick
reports that $5000 was transferred to the library checking account from the
main TIAA fund.
·
We
recently replaced the copier. We may
look to replace the staff computer/lap top as it is getting dated and not
always operating smoothly. We may also
want to consider replacing the projector.
The projector is not compatible with many newer computers. We may also want to purchasing wireless
speakers to complete the package. The
Grafton Improvement Association may be willing to purchase it for the library
since it will then be available for community use. Michelle will make an inquiry. If the GIA doesn’t make the purchase it is
recommended that we explore surplus and used projectors that may be available
at a lower cost than a new projector.
Librarian’s Report:
·
The
Foundation took care of the fall grounds clean-up. Their support is greatly appreciated.
·
David
Ross weather stripped the front door.
·
We
have 7 Gingerbread Houses registered for the Gingerbread House Extravaganza. We will likely have a few more. The promotional information was published in
all of the local/regional papers.
·
Michelle
met with the Grafton Historical Society to begin plans for a community wide
celebration of passage of the 19th Amendment for August 2020.
Old Business:
·
The
Building and Grounds Policy was approved.
·
Annual
appeal letter has been printed. Each
board member is asked to prepare and mail out the letter as soon as possible.
New Business:
·
Michelle
and Deborah attended a select board meeting and asked the select board for an
additional $500 in tax support. Michelle
had a subsequent conversation with Bill Kearns.
Bill stated that he felt the Grafton Public Library’s municipal status
is unclear. Michelle was able to provide
documentation verifying our status as a municipal library including a letter
from Bill Dakin dated 1992, indicating our status as a municipal library as
well as a letter written by former library chair Bob Donald dated December 2013 and a response from former
administrative assistant Jackie LaBlanc, writing on behalf of the selectboard,
dated January 2014 that confirmed the status as a municipal library, as well as
the Grafton Select Board Minutes of November 2013 that also affirm the status
as a municipal library. She asked that
the town make copies of the documentation and file them as appropriate. Michelle also spoke with Fred Duplessis, the
state auditor, who also validated the municipal status. Bill indicated that he was going to place a
call to the town’s attorney for clarification about the municipal status. Michelle has not heard back from Bill. Michelle and Deborah plan to attend the next
select board meeting to monitor the status of our tax request. They will also review the information provided
by Barbara Friedman, our TIAA trust manager, to develop a letter to the select
board explaining the endowment and how it is managed to maintain an endowment
in perpetuity. They will share what they develop with Patrick, for his review. Michelle will send Barbara a copy of our
fiscal policy. We will also plan to
invite the select board to the next meeting we have with Barbara.
Next Meeting: January 23, 2020
Meeting adjourned: 7:36
Respectfully Submitted:
Mary Beth Culver