Nesmith Library Board Trustee Minutes

December 9, 2003

Present: Mary Lee Underhill, Chair, Shirley Beaulieu, Vice Chair, Sharon Scannell, Treasurer, J. Gross, Assistant Treasurer, Pat Skinner, Secretary, Dr. Murray Levin, member, and Acting Co-Directors: Lois Freeston and Diane Mayr. Excused: Willie Day, member.

Mary Lee called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm, and asked the members to accept the evening agenda.

Guest: Mary Lee introduced Lori A. Morse, the candidate for Youth Services Librarian recommended by the search committee. Lori has been the Assistant Children’s Librarian at the Medford Public Library in Massachusetts for three years. She has a MLS from Simmons College and is a New Hampshire resident.

When Lori departed and Lois was excused,

MOTION: was made by Pat Skinner and seconded

That the Board approves Lori Morse as the new Head of Youth Services.

The motion passed unanimously.

Minutes: The minutes of the November 18, 2003 public meeting were accepted as written, as were the minutes of the Non-public session. Willie Day had asked that the minutes of the November 4 Non-public session be revisited.

MOTION: was made by J Gross and seconded

That the vote on the motion to invite Beth Strauss to return to the Library in her previous position be recorded as “passed with one abstention by Willie Day,” and that the vote on the motion to hire former staff as needed at their former hourly rates be recorded as “passed with one negative vote by Willie Day.”

REPORTS:

Financial: Sharon Scannell reported that 88.3% of the budget was spent through November (91.7% of the year), and the Board reviewed the monthly financial statements.

MOTION: was made by Sharon Scannell and seconded

That payment of $3,334.48 for the CD Display Case be withdrawn from the Capital II and Capital III accounts.

The motion passed unanimously.

Acting Co-Directors: Diane Mayr presented the report which included maintenance issues, a new business database, Christmas crafts by F.L.O.W., and a list of upcoming programs and events. She expressed appreciation to the Town Recreation Committee for decorating the outside of the Library. Library statistics show that 9,184 items were circulated in November, there were 8,102 registered patrons, 6,363 people visited the library, 185 used the Internet and volunteers contribute 75 hours.

MOTION: was made by J Gross and seconded

That the Board authorize up to $3,500 for various repairs as itemized in Jerry Croteau’s estimate.

The motion passed unanimously.

The Board agreed that additional estimates were needed for the purchase and installation of a new humidifier.

COMMITTEES:

Finance: J and Sharon explained the cuts made in the preliminary budget.

MOTION: was made by Shirley Beaulieu and seconded

That the Board accepts the budget as presented this evening.

The motion passed unanimously.

The Board thanked the budget committee for all their hours and efforts preparing the budget.

Search: Mary Lee reported on the progress of the committee and the expenses incurred for advertising. The Search Committee for a new Director will meet December 18 when the deadline for applications has passed.

Needs Assessment: J will reply to Richard Smith’s e-mail, and Mary Lee will call Marjorie Judd regarding the completion of her report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

By-Laws: The Board examined the differences in the two versions on hand.

MOTION: was made by J Gross and seconded

That the Board accepts the By-Laws as amended.

The motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

A letter opposed to opening the Library on Sundays will be filed with material being collected on the study.

There was discussion of the Roles of the Board, Director and Staff. Handouts received at NHLTA meetings will be reviewed next time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Programs for Adults This Winter include:

“Holiday Dessert Potluck” Monday, December 15 at 2 pm and

“Music for the Holidays” (English Hand-Bell Choir) Tuesday, December 16 at 7 pm.

Kudos to Beth Strauss and Diana Greenleaf for the Windham Center School’s book drive for the Wilson School in Manchester!

The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on January 13, 2004 at 7 pm.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

MOTION: was made by Pat Skinner and seconded

That the Board enters a Non-public in accordance with RSA 91-A-3.

Mary Lee polled the Board: all were in favor.

MOTION: was made by Sharon Scannell and seconded

That the Board exits the Non-public session.

Mary Lee polled the Board: all were in favor.

The Board will meet with the Search Committee for the Director on November 18 at 9 am.

The meeting adjourned at 9:33 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Lee Underhill

Draft subject to approval