Larchmont Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting
April 5, 2017
The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees met on April 5, 2017 at 6:45 p.m., attended by Board Chair Pamela Dubitsky (PD), Trustees Jennifer Conley (JC), Lauren Gottfried (LG), Maureen LeBlanc (ML), Barbara Liptack (BL), John McGarr (JM) and Linnet Tse (LT), and Friends Liaison Sandy Bernstein (SB), Library Director Laura Eckley (LE) and Library Staff
Assistant Ryan Madonna (RM). Village of Larchmont Liaison Carol Miller and Town of Mamaroneck Liaison Ernie Odierna were absent.
Board Chair PD called the meeting to order at 6:49 p.m.
The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Minutes of the Board Meeting of March 8, 2017.
Friends of the Larchmont Public Library Liaison Report
SB reported that The Friends’ Annual Spelling Bee was a huge success, with 21 adult teams participating. SB also reported that The Friends approved a $5,900 contribution to the library for the purchase of items including a new book drop at the self-check, a bench for the Burchell Children’s Room lobby and exterior signage. PD thanked the Friends for their generosity and support of the Library.
Committee Reports
Schedule of Bills and Performance Report: The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Schedule of Bills dated 4/1/17 and 4/7/17. The Board approved the Performance Report dated 4/1/17. JM made a motion, seconded by LT, to approve the following resolution, which the Board then passed unanimously:
Resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Larchmont Public Library hereby directs Village Treasurer Denis Brucciani to transfer $8,000 from the Library Fund Balance to the Library Transformation Fund in order to pay invoices related to the Transformation Project, with such invoices ultimately to be funded through New York State grants once they are received.
LE reported that the Library received a generous bequest from the estate of longtime Larchmont resident and library supporter Hayden Smith. PD expressed gratitude for Mr. Smith’s support of the Library’s Transformation Project and noted that he was the first major donor to the project.
LE reported that the Brown Family held a successful fundraiser for Ryder’s Garden that resulted in $4,700 in donations to the Library for the maintenance and enhancement of the garden. ML made a motion, seconded by JM, to approve the following resolution, which the Board then passed unanimously:
Resolved that the Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees directs the Treasurer of the Village of Larchmont Denis Brucciani (1) to open a bank account and a corresponding trust fund for the particular purpose of recurring donations to the Ryder Brown Children’s Garden and expenses incurred for such and (2) transfer $4,700 from the Board Restricted Trust to the Ryder Brown Trust Account.
Building and Grounds
LE reported that interior signage and donor plaques have been installed, with positive feedback from patrons and staff, and that collection signage is now being developed. In addition, LE reported on the progress of punch list work by Library Interiors and MVM Construction. Finally, LE reported that architects Lothrop & Associates have been working to resolve problems with the newly installed toilets and have recommended that the plumber install a volumizer; the Board unanimously approved an expenditure of up to $5,000 to remedy the problem. LE presented a proposal of $5,600 from Library Interiors for furniture for the staff room, which the Board approved unanimously.
Director’s Report
At the recommendation of LE, the Board unanimously approved the hire of part time Children’s Librarian Frances Riley, effective 3/23, at a rate of $28 per hour, and part time Reference Librarian Jim Leftwich, effective 4/1, at a rate of $30. LE reported on the success of Teen Librarian Kim Larsen’s “Escape the Library” program, and noted that Reference Librarian Alexandra Gaete will hold a similar program for adults in the Fall. LE presented the Annual NYS Report for FY15/16, which the Board unanimously approved at her recommendation.
Board Chair Dubitsky adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held on May 10, 2017.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ryan Madonna
Staff Assistant