Library Board of Trustees

TENAFLY PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING October 17, 2022 The Board of Trustees of the Tenafly Public Library met on October 17, 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, Julie Lev, Nicole Motz and Elizabeth Warms. Absent: David DiGregorio. Staff Present: Library Director Julie Marallo and Administrative Assistant Ann Marie Connolly. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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 September 12, 2022. Moved by: Teresa Austin. Seconded by: Soon Juhng. Unanimously approved. Treasurer’s Report Martin Gilbert reviewed with the Board the Library’s financial statements of September 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: Soon Juhng. Seconded by: Elizabeth Warms. Unanimously approved. The John Wilcox Fund at Valley National Bank was renewed at 2.60% for 18 months, maturing on March 15, 2024. Correspondence None Director’s Report For three weeks in November, the Tenafly Library will be the temporary home for the Bergenfield Library while the rugs are replaced throughout the library. We do not anticipate a huge burden on the staff. Director Allison Ballo and Circulation Supervisor Lois Alexander will visit with staff members to answer any questions or concerns of our staff. There have been several unpleasant issues for our staff performing Notary Service. Ms. Marallo investigated the notary policies of several libraries offering the service. Possible solutions are being considered. The Friends had a wonderful presence at Tenafly Community Night. There was much friendly interaction with the public and many great handouts for children and adults. The Friends once again sponsored the Manhattan Short Film Festival, and it was very well received and attended. There was much discussion about the 10 entries and anticipation for the presentations for next year. After the Mel Nusbaum Concert on October 16th, the Friends held the Apple Cider Social to kick off their annual membership drive. President’s Report Mrs. Cook reminded the Board that the Tenafly Library Friends were on the agenda of the Council meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2022. At the last meeting on October 6, the question of “remaining operational” was addressed with the engineer Andy Hipolit. Old Business Building Condition Ms. Motz had three conversations over the last five days with the Mayor. This is a serious issue and the Board is concerned about the danger to staff and the public and damage to books and computers. The Mayor had conversations with Colliers, and they are working on two remedies. One is a plastic seal poured over the roof to seal it. They should have information on this on Thursday. The other is a tarp, which no engineer will get behind or sign off on. New Business Holiday Schedule 2023 The Board reviewed the 2023 Holiday schedule as presented by Ms. Marallo. After review and discussion the schedule was approved. Moved by: Kathleen Cook. Seconded by: Martin Gilbert. Donor Plaques The library’s Gifts and Bequests Policy and donor plaques were discussed. The Board will investigate changes to the policy and is examining a more comprehensive and modern approach to displaying the names of past and future donors and establishing more defined criteria for categorizing financial gifts. Board members and staff will work together to accomplish this goal. Report from Mayor’s Alternate Ms. Motz will continue her discussions with Mayor Zinna addressing the many concerns of the Library Board. Report from the Superintendent’s Alternate None Citizen’s Portion of the Meeting None Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Moved by: Kathleen Cook. Seconded by: Elizabeth Warms. Unanimously accepted. Respectfully submitted, Martin Gilbert Secretary/ Treasurer The next regular meeting of the Library Board of trustees will be on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Approved: November 14, 2022