Library Board of Trustees

TENAFLY PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING October 16, 2023 The Board of Trustees of the Tenafly Public Library met on October 16, 2023 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 11, 2023. Moved by: Teresa Austin. Seconded by: Elizabeth Warms. Unanimously approved. Treasurer’s Report Martin Gilbert reviewed with the Board the Library’s financial statements of September 2023. 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. Correspondence None Director’s Report Ms. Marallo informed the Board that there have been additional staff changes at Borough Hall. The Head of Maintenance, Joseph Rossi has retired and the Borough Administrator, Jimmy Homsi, is leaving as of October 20, 2023. The concert season will start on Sunday, October 22. On Saturday, October 21, the library will present Royal Stories sponsored by Tenafly Pride. President’s Report Kathleen Cook was very pleased that the Friends and library staff did such a great job in presenting the 2023 Manhattan Short program. She also reminded Board members that the Friends Cider Social is November 5 and urged them to attend to support the Friends in their work for the Library. Old Business The roof work has started. Ms. Marallo was informed on October 9 - the Columbus Day holiday - that the work would start on October 11. We were told that Bob Culvert of Collier’s Engineering is in charge and all questions go through him. There should be only one day when people have to be re-routed from the front entrance to the McCandless Room entrance. The job should be completed by November 3. The Board discussed the substantial financial contribution it is making to the library roof replacement project without any information as to what materials are being used. It was decided that an inspector be hired to regulate the details of the work and the project. The Board has requested copies of the plans and specifications for the project from the Borough. When they are received, the Board will review them to determine if the work and materials are acceptable. The Board also discussed having the inspector check the condition of the flat roof over the picture book room that was not included in the library roof replacement project. After discussion a motion was made to hire an inspector. Moved by Martin Gilbert. Seconded by Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. The Art Committee (Teresa Austin, Kathleen Cook & Elizabeth Warms) will be reviewing the Art Exhibit Policy in the near future. New Business The 2024 Holiday Schedule was discussed. After discussion a motion was made to approve the schedule as presented. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Soon Juhng. Unanimously approved. The Board discussed two policies presented by the Policy Committee (Teresa Austin, Martin Gilbert & Nicole Motz). Policy 1 – Soliciting and Fundraising Activities on Library Property Policy – After discussion a motion was made to approve the policy. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by Teresa Austin. Unanimously approved. Policy 2 – Program Development Policy – After discussion a motion was made to approve the policy. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Report from the Mayor’s Alternate Nicole Motz will discuss with Mayor Zinna the concerns of the Board. Report from the Superintendent’s Alternate None Citizen’s Portion of Meeting None Any Other Business None Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Moved by: Martin Gilbert. Seconded by Soon Juhng. Unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted, Martin Gilbert Secretary/Treasurer The next regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees will be on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Approved: November 13, 2023