Library Board of Trustees

WESTWOOD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES MEETING DATE: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 CALLED TO ORDER: at 7:07 p.m. by Vince Fitzpatrick. PRESENT: Martha Urbiel (MU), Vince Fitzpatrick (VF), Mike Violano (MV), Frank Zimmerman (FZ) Bev Karch (BK), Suzanne Gorham (SG), Felicia Brockner (FB), Beth Dell (BD), and Dennis Farrell (DF). SUNSHINE LAW: Read by VF. PUBLIC FORUM: No members of the public were present. MINUTES: A motion to accept the minutes of the October 24th meeting was made by SG; seconded by FZ. The motion carried. TREASURER'S REPORT: The treasurer's report and cash management fund was presented by VF. A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by BK and seconded by FB. The motion carried. The current bills list (5902-5928) was distributed. BD asked about the lock for the adult bathroom (check 5923); MU explained the bathroom is now locked and the key is kept at the front desk. BK asked if a report of budget versus actual expenses is available. MU responded that the report is included in the treasurers report but not in each director’s packet. The page was circulated to board members present. VF asked about the PSE&G bill (check 5922). MU replied that the bill from the third party electric service had not yet been received. A motion to accept the bills list was made by BK and seconded by FZ. The motion carried. VF asked if the ESL financial statement of the bills for October was missing. MU answered that there were no October bills per the statement. COMMITTEE REPORTS: MU reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee met on November 21 and reviewed the capital projects list. BD stated that the HVAC project by the borough has been rescheduled for the spring. Replacement of the Library’s HVAC system is scheduled to be part of the borough’s project and bid. BD also stated that the community center has solicited three bids to replace the roof on the building. CORRESPONDENCE: None. Westwood Library Board Minutes November 28, 2017 Page 1 DIRECTOR'S REPORT: MU described the programming highlights including a small business event and Thanksgiving and Halloween programs. New computers have been installed. The Westwood for All Ages resource area had an official opening dedicating the space. MV stated that there was an encouraging meeting at Town Hall with Durene Ayer regarding the 2018 Library budget. The third of a mil allocation for the Library will be a higher amount for 2018 compared to 2017. If the Library receives $50K above the third of a mil, as it has in previous years, it would enable the Library to fully implement the budget objectives as submitted. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: None. OLD BUSINESS: MU stated that the phones need to be adjusted for proper working of the alarm system. She is also looking into a panic button to alert the police in an emergency situation. VF asked if the fire alarm happens through the phone system. BK suggested that someone from the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department inspect the Library fire alarm system. MU will contact Darren Blankenbush at the Fire Department for information and advice. NEW BUSINESS: A Library Advocacy Program was attended by BK and SG. BK reported that the program was “New York-centric” although there was information provided on marketing, CPR clinics and other programs that would suit all libraries. SG talked about ideas and ways to reach out to town officials and the importance of “marketing yourself as an essential service for the community” Bk remarked that one idea from the presentation was that staff should wear name tags; MU responded that is a good idea. SG asked about the use of social media by the Library to engage patrons. There was a brief discussion including the use of social media to drive library card registration. MU reminded all that Home for the Holidays is December 2nd; there is a complete program at the Library with choral singing, a book reading by Mrs. Clause and the junior friends will be helping at the event. The 100th Birthday of the Library will be in 2019. MU suggested a goal for the year is to get 100% of Westwood residents registered for library cards. SG volunteered to be the chair of the committee to plan 100th Birthday programs and events. MEETING ADJOURNED: A motion to adjourn was made by FB; seconded by VF. The meeting was adjourned by DF at 8:22 p.m. Westwood Library Board Minutes November 28, 2017 Page 2