Library Board of Trustees

TENAFLY PUBLIC LIBRARY MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING March 11, 2024 The Board of Trustees of the Tenafly Public Library met on March 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Library for its regular Board meeting. Board Members Present: President Martin Gilbert, Vice President Kathleen Cook, Secretary/Treasurer Soon Juhng, Teresa Austin, Julie Lev, Yelena Meytes (Zoom), Nicole Motz (Zoom), 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 7:05 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 January 8, 2024. Moved by: Teresa Austin. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Board members approved the Minutes of the regular Board meeting of February 12, 2024. Moved by: Soon Juhng. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Treasurer’s Report Board President Martin Gilbert reviewed with the Board the Library’s Financial Statements of February 2024. 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 Board discussed the renewal of the John Wilcox Fund at Valley Bank which matures on March 15, 2024. Secretary/Treasurer Soon Juhng will renew the account for the best interest rate being offered under 24 months. Correspondence None Director’s Report The need to restructure the use of space in the Library is critical. Attendance at all large event programs has increased dramatically. Many of the children’s programs have been moved to the open art gallery to accommodate the number of children and adults attending each session. The current plan is to move ahead with renovating the children and teen sections. Upgrades will be needed in all areas including wiring, furniture, flooring and noise reduction. The repairs by Grayson to the new roof are taking place and the Board discussed the need for better communication between the Borough Council, Colliers and the library as to the extent of the repairs and the materials being used. Julie Marallo will discuss the Board’s concerns with Mike Cassidy at the DPW and Nicole Motz will confer with Mayor Zinna. President’s Report Board President Martin Gilbert agreed with Julie Marallo that it is imperative for the library to begin using capital funds for the improvements needed in the library. Old Business None New Business Teresa Austin and Board members thanked Library Director Julie Marallo for the excellent, well- prepared presentation she gave at the budget meeting on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Elizabeth Warms mentioned that the Tenafly Library Friends are adding an additional program on Sunday, May 19 featuring Nelson Riveros. Report from the Mayor’s Alternate Nicole Motz will discuss with Mayor Zinna appointing an alternate Council liaison for the library to attend Board meetings when the regular liaison is not available. She will also discuss with the Mayor the list of questions compiled at the Library Board meeting regarding repairs to the new roof. Report from the Superintendent’s Alternate None Citizens’ Portion of the Meeting None Any Other Business None Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Moved by: Elizabeth Warms. Seconded by: Kathleen Cook. Unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted, Soon Juhng Secretary/Treasurer The next regular meeting of the Library Board of Trustees will be on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Approved: April 8, 2024