Palmyra Community Library
Monthly Board of Trustees Meeting
November 21, 2019, 6:30 p.m.
Present: Debbie Nagle, Sandy Goehle, Mike Braell, Shawn Williams D’Angio, Ian Priestley, Chris Ossont, Patricia Baynes-Director, Sheryl LaDelfa-Treasurer
Excused: Sharon Sweeney The oath of office was administered to Chris Ossont and Sandy Goehle. Sharon Sweeney was sworn in earlier.
Reports:
Meeting Minutes:
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the amended meeting minutes of October 17, 2019 were unanimously approved.
Director's Report:
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Director's report for October 2019 was unanimously approved.
Treasurer's Report:
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the October 2019 Treasurer’s Report was unanimously approved, including Abstract #11, vouchers 2019-209 – 2019-232. Sheryl noted the payment of the annual Retirement Fund this month.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
Committees:
Grants:
1.Patricia reported that the remaining 10% of the 2019 state approved construction grant money to be used toward the cost of the 2nd floor AC unit has been received.
Building and Grounds:
1.Patricia reported that Marcia Booth of Down to Earth Landscaping and crew worked 2 days on weeding the creek bed. Suggestions for plantings of ground cover, to prevent erosion of the banks, will be forthcoming in the spring.
2.Patricia noted that the placement of the boulders purchased from Wayside for the Pic Shade Memorial Garden was delayed due to weather, but should be in place soon. At this time, the memorial plaque has not yet been received.
3. It was noted that the installation of the front parking lot lighting has been completed. Thank you to Gary Laberge and Jay Harding.
Policy committee: Updated/amended versions of the Sexual Harassment Policy, the Selection Policy and Internet Policy were presented and approved unanimously by the Board. After discussion, the Board unanimously approved and signed the Whistleblower Policy.
Finance Committee: At the November 20 meeting, Sheryl LaDelfa was present as the committee continued to gather information on PCL financial procedures, as suggested by the full Audit. The committee will meet with Patricia and Sheryl on Dec. 4, 2019 to help with the creation of the 2020 budget.
Items for Discussion/Resolution:
After clarification and discussion, the Board will continue to offer disability insurance to the PCL staff. Patricia will make all aware of this benefit.
Mike shared the results of the recently completed Trustee Self Evaluations. We will revisit this at the December meeting for use in setting our 2020 goals.
Patricia shared the completed Community Resource Guide, which will be available in paper copy as well as on the website. Thank you and well done, Lydia.
As budget prep time nears, a committee of Shawn, Debbie, Mike, Sandy, Patricia and Sheryl was formed to begin work on this task.
In lieu of a Christmas party for staff, it was decided to send thank you/holiday greeting cards to staff at this time, with a “staff appreciation” event to be held in the spring, possibly around Valentine’s Day.
Patricia reported that Lydia would be leaving the PCL staff as of 12/31/19. She has been a great asset at our Library and will be missed.
Upcoming Events at PCL: Please refer to the winter/December newsletter, PCL website or call the Library to check out all that’s going on.
Strategic Plan 2018-2022:
Completed- installation of energy efficient AC for 1st floor-2018
Completed-set-up of a suggestion box on the PCL website to collect patron feedback.(July 2018)
Completed - back steps repair/improvement project.(Oct. 2018)
Completed- external audit of PCL finances (Dec. 2018)
Completed-Send Library news through monthly digital newsletters and e mail to increase public access to Library info (Dec. 2018)
Completed- Creation of a Community Resource Guide with current information about local services and organizations, in print and digital formats.(Oct. 2019)
On deck for 2019 completion:
1.Install interior signage as guides to the Library collection and all various areas of the building.
2.Complete the front parking area, including, paving, lighting, landscaping and adding a drive –up book return. (All is completed in this project except the final coat of paving, scheduled for first thing in spring 2020.)
A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to adjourn.
Next meeting-Thursday, December 19, 2019, 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Goehle