Board of Public Library Trustees

Draft of Minutes of Board of Library Trustees Meeting of February 13, 2020 Salem, Massachusetts February 13, 2020 A meeting of the Board of Trustees was held this date at 4:10pm at the Library with Trustees Buckley, Merry, Morin, Mayor Driscoll present and presiding. Miss Mansfield was present. Trustees Rourke and Yale were absent. Approval of draft minutes from November 21, 2019 UNANIMOUS Current Library Use and Financial reports were distributed. Miss Mansfield reported that circulation of physical items was fifth highest in NOBLE during November, December, and January. Overdrive circulation was third highest during the last three months. Miss Mansfield noted that NOBLE distributed a quarterly check for online payments in the amount of $2,074.14. Mayor Driscoll noted that the Salem Library Staff Association contract had been signed and Miss Mansfield shared her appreciation of the efforts of Vickie Caldwell and the City’s negotiation team. Trustee Morin reported that letters of support for the fountain restoration project had been received from HSI and the Historic Commission. Trustee Morin noted he has been researching green options for the fountain, and noted that new pumps are much more efficient and cost around $2,000. The option of restoring the fountain to its original babbling brook flow was presented. This would require a less powerful pump and would save even more electricity. Trustee Morin reported that he had found a company that specializes in restoring fountains and plans to invite Daedalus Conservators to inspect the fountain. Trustee Morin reminded the Board that support would be needed at the CPA meeting when the fountain is considered. Mayor Driscoll suggested asking the Public Art Commission for a letter of support. Michael Lutrzykowski reported that the HVAC project was wrapping up and testing of the three air conditioning units would take place in May. Mr. Lutrzykowski recommended that a retainage of $1,000 be held until the testing was completed. Mr. Lutrzykowski noted that BLW would be on site on February 18th to look at the ongoing issues of disruptive air flow, banging in the radiators, and shaking and shuddering in the break room. Miss Mansfield noted that the FY21 budget was not yet available and could not be presented at this time. Thank you letters for the grants received from Eastern Bank, the Institution for Savings, and Salem Five were distributed for the Trustees to sign. Meeting adjourned at 4:46pm.