MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
FEBRUARY 6, 2002
Present: Steven Goldman President
Mary Chamberlain Vice President
Mary Gannon Treasurer
Dr. Robert Lipp Trustee
Joseph Nuzzo Trustee
Roman Sohor Trustee
Barbara Cannon Mayor
Louisa Colon Mayor's Alternate
Arthur Freihon Superintendent of School's Alternate
Margery Cyr Director
Maria Nowak Executive Assistant
Absent: Rita Peterson Secretary
The President called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and announced that the meeting had been advertised and would be conducted in accordance with the Sunshine Law. The Vice President called the roll in the absence of the Secretary.
Mr. Goldman suspended the regular agenda to make a presentation to Library Volunteers Robert and Audrey Landsnes.
Mr. Goldman presented plagues to Robert and Audrey Landsnes, on behalf of the Library, in appreciation for their many years of volunteer service to the Old Bridge Public Library. They assisted the reference department by reading through the local newspapers and clipping out articles of interest to the local history of our community. The Library now has a complete file of the events of significance in our community. Mr. Goldman thanked them very much for their service.
Wendi Smolowitz, head of the reference department, expressed her personal thanks and those of the entire reference staff to Mr. And Mrs. Landsnes for their service. Ms. Smolowitz said because of their work, the Library is able to service the patrons better.
Ms. Sacs presented Robert and Audrey Landsnes with a gift from the Library staff.
Mr. Sohor said his greatest use of the library has been the news clipping file and it is a pleasure to meet the people who put the file together.
Mr. Goldman presented Dr. Robert Lipp with a plaque in recognition for his dedication and outstanding service to the Old Bridge Public Library as President of the Library Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2001.
Dr. Lipp expressed his thanks.
Minutes
The Board tabled approving minutes from the January 9, 2002 meeting until March in order to obtain clarification about proper format of minutes from Attorney, Scott Smith.
FINANCE
Motion: made by Mary Gannon, seconded by Arthur Freihon, to approve the bill listing in the amount of $117,420.00 as presented. Unanimously approved.
Auditor for FY 01/02
The Board discussed the need to find a new accountant to perform the Library's annual audit for the end of the fiscal year. Our current auditor, Hulsart & Company, has audited the Library's books for a few years; the Board discussed whether or not it would be prudent to rotate auditors every few years for safety's sake. It was agreed that this would be wise.
Mr. Goldman asked the Ms. Cyr to research other auditors. If needed, the finance committee can set up a workshop to interview auditors and come back to the Board with a recommendation.
Budget FY 01/02
Motion: made by Roman Sohor, seconded by Arthur Freihon, to approve the Library's FY 01/02 Operating Budget in the amount of $1,620,792.00. Unanimously approved.
Budget FY 02/03
Ms. Cyr informed the Board a proposed budget must be submitted to the Township by March 15.
Ms. Cyr said she has submitted a capital budget request in the amount of $22,000 to fund new PC's and printers. The request has been included under the Township's Data Processing capital request.
Statistics
Mr. Goldman said statistics show the Library is holding its own.
Statistics were placed on file.
Annual Report
Ms. Cyr informed the Board the Library has not put out an annual report in quite some time and is hoping to do that within the next month or so. Resolution for Monies from the Sale of South Old Bridge Branch
Motion: made by Roman Sohor, seconded by Joseph Nuzzo, to approve the following resolution:
The special account established, and into which the proceeds from the sale of the South Old Bridge Branch Library building were deposited, will be designated for Library services to South Old Bridge only; and held until they are used for that purpose.
Unanimously approved.
Correspondence
The Board was pleased with the very nice compliment received from patron Maureen Martin.
The Board reviewed and accepted all correspondence.
Workshop Reports
The Board reviewed and accepted all workshop reports.
Board Committees
Mr. Goldman made the following committee appointments:
Finance: Mary Gannon, Chair Personnel: Mary Chamberlain, Chair
Dr. Robert Lipp Arthur Freihon
Roman Sohor Rita Peterson
Mary Gannon
Dr. Robert Lipp
Building/ Joseph Nuzzo, Chair Policy: Mary Gannon, Chair
Maintenance: Mary Chamberlain Louisa Colon
Roman Sohor Mary Chamberlain
Mayor Barbara Cannon Roman Sohor
Mayor Barbara Cannon
Technology: Rita Peterson, Chair Schools: Arthur Freihon, Chair
Mary Gannon Rita Peterson
Dr. Robert Lipp Louisa Colon
Joseph Nuzzo
Trustee Training
Ms. Cyr asked the Board if any of the trustees would be interested in receiving Trustee training here at the Library. The training would involve description and discussion of the duties as trustee, the Trustee's role is in the community and New Jersey State's expectation of Trustees.
Library Development Solutions, a consulting firm in Princeton, has submitted a proposal for trustee training. The cost for the training would be $500 - $750 depending on the number of sessions. On Thursday, April 11 at the New Jersey Library Conference at 7:30 p.m. a trustees' program will be held called "The Ten Commandments of Being a Good Public Library Trustee Advocate." The state also does an annual training at different locations.
Mr. Goldman asked the Director Ms. Cyr to look further into trustee training and get back to him.
PERSONNEL
Ms. Cyr informed the Board Fran Harold was not able to attend the Board meeting as she had another commitment.
Mr. Goldman asked the Ms. Cyr to extend the Board's appreciation to Mrs. Harold for her twenty-six years of service to the Library with a gift.
Resignation
Motion: made by Roman Sohor, seconded by Arthur Freihon, to accept the resignation of part-time custodian, Ted Michalowski, effective February 9, 2002. Vote: 7 yes; Dr. Lipp: abstain.
New Appointment
Motion: made by Dr. Robert Lipp, seconded by Roman Sohor, to approve the hiring of part-time Reference Librarian, Hannah Levy, effective January 27, 2002 at an hourly salary of $19.85. Unanimously approved.
LIBRARY SERVICE
Passport Service
The Board discussed the possibility of the Library taking passport pictures.
The Board asked the Ms. Cyr to look into the cost of a camera and come back to them in March with a report.
Notary Service
After a discussion, on whether the Passport Clerks should provide notary service, the Board decided it was not up to them who should provide the service as long as the service is provided.
Virtual Reference Service
Ms. Cyr said this is a new reference service that is funded by federal and state grants. It is live interaction over the Internet between librarians and the public. Ms. Cyr said the Old Bridge Library will be joining this program.
The Board all agreed it will be beneficial to our public.
LIBRARY BUILDING
Gas Retrofit Project
Ms Cyr reported the project went very smoothly. With about 85% of the building heated, the Library was reopened on Friday, January 28.
Ms. Cyr said there is no further information about the insurance claim filed by the Township for the damaged gas pipes. Mr. Ruggierio has informed her that should the insurance claim be paid prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year, the claim money will be used to fund the cost of the repair or to repay the library if library funds have been used to pay the contractor.
Knogo/3M Security System
There was discussion about the 3M Security System and the Maintenance Contract which is due for renewal on March 1, 2002. The System has not been operating effectively. The 3M Company had made recommendations that the equipment in use should be upgraded in order to have an adequately functioning system. The Board expressed their opinion that if there was a Maintenance Contract, the equipment should function effectively or 3M should fix it. Ms. Cyr will contact 3M for further discussion of this problem.
Lighting
Mr. Nuzzo made a lengthy report about his observations of the lighting in the Library.
Mr. Goldman reminded the Board a meeting with Mr. Mario Barone to discuss the needs of the new lighting design is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Lifts
Maria Nowak reported to the Board the following three quotes she received on the Upright lift model UL 32 AC:
Atlantic Rental & Equipment $6,725 plus $500 shipping - total: $7,225
Jersey Lift & Battery Service $7,500 plus $500 shipping - total: $8,000
United Rentals $7,250 plus $500 shipping - total: $7,750
Motion: made by Dr. Robert Lipp, seconded by Joseph Nuzzo, to purchase the Upright Lift from the lowest bidder, Atlantic Rental & Equipment; monies to be taken from the Library's Emergency Fund. Unanimously approved.
LMxAC
Ms. Cyr reported LMxAC is still working with their consultant and hopes to have a decision soon about replacing or upgrading the automated circulation system.
Coffee Café Open
Ms. Cyr informed the Board she would like to schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Board asked Ms. Cyr to inform them when a date is set.
Department Reports
The Board reviewed and accepted all department reports.
The Board went into executive session at 10:07 p.m.
The Board went back into public session at 10:16 p.m. and announced a matter of personnel was discussed and no action was taken.
Adjournment
Motion: made by Dr. Robert Lipp, seconded by Mary Gannon, to adjourn the meeting at 10:18 p.m. Unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Chamberlain, Vice President
Library Board of Trustees
Date Approved: March 20, 2002
|