Larchmont Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting
May 10, 2017
The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees met on May 10, 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), Village of Larchmont Liaison Carol Miller (CM), Friends Liaison Sandy Bernstein (SB), Library Director Laura Eckley (LE) and Library Staff Assistant Ryan Madonna (RM). Town of Mamaroneck Liaison Ernie Odierna was absent.
Board Chair PD called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes
The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Minutes of the Board Meeting of April 5, 2017.
Teen Presentation
Teen Librarian Kim Larsen and members of the Library’s recently formed Teen Advisory Board gave a brief presentation to the Board regarding their mission and their suggestions for improving The Loft, the teen programs and the Teen Summer Reading Game. The Board thanked Ms. Larsen and the teens for their wonderful presentation and their commitment to the library.
Friends of the Larchmont Public Library Liaison Report
SB reported that The Friends had elected five new members to the Board of Directors at the May annual meeting. SB also reported that the Friends approved a $3,000 donation to cover the costs of soft seating for the Children’s Room, a museum pass for the Hudson River Museum and a new tree in front of the Library. SB noted that a program featuring author Michael Kimmelman had a large turnout and announced an upcoming program by best-selling author David Grann. PD thanked the Friends for their continued support and generosity as well as their superb programming.
Committee Reports
Schedule of Bills and Performance Report: The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Schedule of Bills dated 5/5/17 and 5/10/17. The Board approved the Performance Report dated 5/5/17.
Finance Committee
Board Chair Dubitsky and Trustee McGarr presented to the Board a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the purpose of which is to clarify the procedure by which the Village of Larchmont will manage the Library’s funds under the Village’s new accounting software system. PD noted that she, LE and members of the Library Finance Committee had met with Village Mayor Walsh, Treasurer Brucciani and Village Administrator Datino regarding these matters, and that all parties had agreed to the terms of the MOU. After some discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the MOU and authorized JM to sign it on behalf of the Board. PD emphasized the importance of getting the MOU executed by the end of the fiscal year, i.e., May 31, 2017.
Building and Grounds
LE reported that (1) water pressure issues in the new bathrooms were solved by installation of a larger valve to regulate the water flow, (2) painting touchups were completed on the Library balustrade and (3) upon approval by the Brown family, the Library will purchase a new trash can and sun umbrella for Ryder’s Garden and will obtain an estimate for a garden water fountain.
Director’s Report
Upon the recommendation of Director Eckley, the Board unanimously approved the hire of seasonal Library Clerks Veronica Berger, Christian Brunsen, Julia Eckley and Nick Vanderpool. In addition, Director Eckley reported that (1) Teen Librarian Kim Larsen’s Reading Buddies program was a great success and the Teen Cupcake Wars program drew more than 25 participants, (2) Librarian Alex Gaete’s has implemented promotional ideas to increase circulation in Fiction and New Books, (3) the Library has received final NY State Construction Grant payments for the Library Transformation, and (4) a library patron had voiced concern about the privacy of holds in the new holds area, whereupon LE reviewed the steps taken by staff to ensure patron privacy and noted that patrons with additional concerns may request that holds be held behind the circulation desk.
Additional Business – Library Management of the Village Center
Board Chair Dubitsky noted that she and Director Eckley have had ongoing discussions with officials from the Village of Larchmont (VOL) (including Mayor Walsh) and Town of Mamaroneck (TOM) (including Supervisor Seligson) as to whether and on what terms the Library will take over from VOL the management of the Village Center (located in the Library building). She noted that Supervisor Seligson had asked them to attend a TOM work session later in the month to answer questions regarding this matter. She presented to the Board a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Library, VOL and TOM regarding the management of the Village Center; after some discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the MOU and authorized PD to sign the MOU on behalf of the Board.
Salary Increases for FY 2017-2018
The Board voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues at 8:07p.m. The Board voted unanimously to exit Executive Session at 8:35p.m.
The Board voted unanimously to approve, for Fiscal Year 2017-18, (1) management staff salaries and (2) salary increases for part-time staff.
Board Chair Dubitsky adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held on June 14, 2017.
Respectfully Submitted
Ryan Madonna
Staff Assistant