Library Board of Trustees

TENAFLY PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING May 9, 2022 The Board of Trustees of the Tenafly Public Library met on May 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Library for its regular Board meeting. Board Members Present: President Kathleen Cook, Vice President Soon Juhng, Secretary/Treasurer Martin Gilbert, Teresa Austin, Nicole Motz and Elizabeth Warms who attended remotely. Absent: David DiGregorio, Meena Krishnamsetty and Patrick Rouse. Staff Present: Library Director Julie Marallo and Administrative Assistant Ann Marie Connolly. The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. Julie Marallo reported that notices of the meeting had been posted and sent to the media. Minutes Board members approved the Minutes of the regular Board meeting of April 11, 2022. Moved by: Teresa Austin. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Treasurer’s Report Martin Gilbert reviewed with the Board the Library’s financial statements of April 2022. He noted that he had examined and approved the statements and reported that they were current and accurate. A motion was made to approve the financial reports. Moved by: Kathleen Cook. Seconded by: Soon Juhng. Unanimously approved. The Board discussed the renewal of the Helen Miller Gould Mitchell Fund at Valley National Bank which matures on June 16, 2022. After discussion the Board decided to renew the account for the best interest rate for the shortest amount of time. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Nicole Motz. Unanimously approved. The Board discussed the renewal of the Endowment Fund at Valley National Bank which matures on August 10, 2022. After discussion the Board decided to renew the account for the best interest rate for the shortest amount of time. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Correspondence Jen Maxfield of Tenafly, who is doing a book signing in September, would like to make a monetary contribution to the Children’s Room. The Children’s and Young Adult librarians are establishing a wish list for consideration that includes a STEM Center with microscopes or a Solar System area with iPads. Ms. Maxfield will be at the library to discuss her new book More After the Break on Sunday, September 18. Director’s Report Ms. Marallo discussed the proposal (a copy of which was emailed to the Board) that Borough Administrator Jimmy Homsi sent to her, to Michele Hausch – Director of the Senior Center and to Jamie Cannon – Director of the Recreation Department. He requested input on a possible new building containing the Library, Senior Center, Youth Center and McCandless Room. After discussion with the Board, Ms. Marallo will send a 13 question response to Jimmy Homsi. His answers will be discussed at the June 13, 2022 Board meeting. It was noted that this plan is all hypothetical because there are no details as to the location of the site, square footage, height, parking spaces, deliveries or patron access. President’s Report The Library Board is very grateful to the Friends for choosing Griffin Park for their second Little Free Library location. This library will contain only children’s books. The Friends also hosted a breakfast for the staff on National Library Workers day and funded passes to the Morris Museum. Old Business Architect Walk-Through – Anthony Iovino of Arcari + Iovino Architects examined the condition of the library on May 2. He noted that the HVAC ducts were very dirty, there was considerable evidence of water damage throughout the building, and improper location of wires that were tripping hazards. 2021 Audit – The Director presented the Library’s favorable audit from Garbarini & Co., P.C. – Certified Public Accountants which had been reviewed by Library Board President Kathleen Cook, Vice President Soon Juhng and Secretary/Treasurer Martin Gilbert. Martin Gilbert thanked Library Director Julie Marallo and Bookkeeper Ann Marie Connolly for their excellent work throughout the year. After discussion the Board approved the following resolution: BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees of the Free Public Library of the Borough of Tenafly approves of the Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 by Garbarini & Co., P.C. – Certified Public Accountants as presented by the Library Director. Moved by: Martin Gilbert Seconded by: Soon Juhng Voting as follows: Teresa Austin - Aye Soon Juhng - Aye Kathleen Cook - Aye Nicole Motz - Aye Martin Gilbert - Aye Elizabeth Warms - Aye New Business Sally Ruback, who is on the Board of the Senior Center and Tenafly Library Friends, attended the Borough Council Meeting of April 26, 2022 and asked about the library roof. She was told by Mayor Zinna that there was money set aside in the budget for the roof, but she was not given a dollar amount. She will update the Building Committee when more information is available. Report from Mayor’s Alternate Nicole Motz told the Board that she would speak with Mayor Zinna about the questions raised at the meeting and inform the Board of any answers she received. Report from the Superintendent’s Alternate None Citizen’s Portion of the Meeting None Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Soon Juhng. Unanimously accepted. Respectfully submitted, Martin Gilbert Secretary/ Treasurer The next regular meeting of the Library Board of trustees will be on Monday, June 13, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Approved: June 13, 2022