Jacob Sears Memorial Library

Minutes

Trustee/Advisory Board Meeting

Jacob Sears Memorial Library

September 20, 2007

Bill Regan, Trustee Chair, opened the meeting at 7:00 pm in the library.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on June 14, 2007 were approved.

Library Rejuvenation Projects

Sound and Electrical  -  Mr. Regan stated that the Friends of the JSML had donated $4K for purchase and installation of a sound system for the stage. The Trustees matched that amount. An electrically controlled screen for use in presentations, movies, etc was added. Projected installation of the systems revealed the need for new wiring and outlets as well as a new junction box in the basement to handle the increased electrical service load. Bringing the system up to Code cost just $5.8K because of breaks allowed by the contractor on labor and materials

Septic System  -  The new septic system has been installed behind the library. Owing to use of the library by large numbers of people during programs, it was necessary to install a "commercial-grade" system. PKM did the whole job at cost for only $13.2K!

Bylaw Change  -  The bylaw change legislation is in the final stages of approval in the Legislature, having passed its "third reading" in the House. It is now in the Senate Ethics and Rules Committee for a final approval before being sent to the Governor.

Operations  -  Mr. Regan and librarian Phil Inman noted that the summer had been very busy. July and August attendance alone totaled 64% of that for the entire year of 2006.

The casual reading room is ready for coffee; its provision is being quoted upon. It was decided that there will be no TV in that room.

Mary Kuhrtz commented on the program announcement sign outside the library. She feels its design is not in keeping with the historical nature of the library and the neighborhood. Carolyn Weiss, who had obtained the sign, said it was the best she could find that is portable.  A "built" sign would require town approvals. Mrs. Kuhrtz was later asked to see if she could to find something better.

Financial Update

Trustees Shawn Dahlstrom and Joe Masse presented a quarterly financial report for the previous fiscal year, July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 (Attachment C).

Town funding was level this year, as expected. Use of capital in rejuvenation projects was materially assisted by the Hastings family bequest. Items remaining to be done include adding water and electrical service outside the building and replacement (eventually) of all old wiring in the building.

The investment account ($511,722.19) is being transferred from BankNorth to CCCB. The same firm as before will do taxes.

Programs

Carolyn Weiss, chair of the Program Committee, provided a copy of the minutes of the recent (9/15) meeting of the committee (Attachment D). A discussion followed.

With respect to the art shows, at which artists may sell their work, it was agreed by the trustees that the library would ask for 20% of the selling price as a "donation" by the artist. It is hoped to have a new show every month, subject to the needs of other programs. A number of ideas were expressed regarding advertising of programs and some suggestions were made for new programs, such as a cooking class and a book club. Mrs. Kuhrtz is pursuing the latter. A need for additional chairs was noted.

Capital Campaign

Joe Masse suggested asking Chris Foley to work on fund-raising, noting that he had volunteered to become involved.

Rusty Van Loan displayed several fund-raising brochures that she and Connie Mooers have designed. All were impressed. She will continue to work on the estate-planning aspect of this program.

In answer to someone's question, Bill Regan said that our application for listing in the National Register will require at least two more years for approval.

The meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        T. G. Linxweiler