Larchmont Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting
December 11, 2018
The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees met on December 11, 2018, attended by Board Chair Pamela Dubitsky (PD), Board Trustees Barbara Flickinger (BF), Lauren Gottfried (LG), (BL), John McGarr (JM) and Linnet Tse (LT) and Library Director Laura Eckley (LE). Board Trustees Jennifer Conley and Barbara Liptack, Friends of the Library Liaison Sophia Bernstein, Village of Larchmont Liaison Sarah Bauer and Town of Mamaroneck Liaison Jeffery King were absent.
Board Chair Dubitsky called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m.
PD presented the Annual Summary for 2018, which highlights the many significant accomplishments in 2018 of the Library Board, Staff and Friends. PD thanked all parties for their hard work in 2018 and for their commitment to public service and the Larchmont Public Library.
Board Meeting Minutes
The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Minutes of the Board Meeting of November 14, 2018.
Friends of the Larchmont Public Library Liaison Report
LE reported that the Friends’ annual fundraising appeal was mailed in late November. LE announced that the Friends would hold the final program of 2018, their annual cocktail reception, on 12/16/18 in the Village Center at 4pm.
Committee Reports
Schedule of Bills and Performance Report: The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Schedule of Bills dated 12/7/18 and 12/11/18. The Board reviewed and approved the Performance Report dated 12/7/18.
LE reported that the Finance Committee will meet on 1/17/19 with Village of Larchmont Mayor Lorraine Walsh and Village Administrator Justin Datino to review a draft of the FY19/20 Library budget.
Building and Grounds
PD and LE reported that, upon the recommendation of TOM Supervisor Nancy Seligson, they met with Ron Kamen of Sustainable Westchester to review the Library’s upcoming plans to update the HVAC system and discuss energy performance contracts. PD noted that Mr. Kamen was impressed with how energy efficient the Library building is, praising LE and the Board, and did not feel an energy efficiency contract is needed.
LE presented a proposal from KONE, the Library’s elevator service company, to replace the door sensor for the main elevator. After some discussion, the proposed improvement was placed on the Library’s long-term projects list for possible completion in 2019.
LE presented a request from Children’s Librarian Rebecca Teglas for a new Early Literacy AWE station to replace a station that broke earlier this year. The Board unanimously approved the expenditure of $2,619.
LE reported that a repair to the main roof is complete and was covered by warranty. LE also noted that the roof drains and gutters were professionally cleaned and that annual cleaning of the drains and gutters has been added to the building maintenance schedule.
Director’s Report
LE reported on a number of matters, including that the building has been decorated for the holidays with mantle decor, plants, wreaths and exterior lights and that the annual Staff and Trustee Holiday Party will be held at Vintage 1891 on 12/12/18. PD thanked The Garden Club of Larchmont for the donation of holiday wreaths. LE noted that landscape designer Catherine Wachs has donated spring bulbs for the garden; the Board thanked Ms. Wachs for her generosity. Finally, LE noted that Publicist Geoff Colquitt has redesigned and streamlined the Library’s e-newsletters.
Other
LE presented a new draft Volunteer Policy and accompanying documents, prepared by Librarian Paul Doherty. The Trustees expressed their appreciation for his thorough work and, after suggesting some minor edits, agreed to approve the revised policy at the January 2019 Board Meeting.
Board Chair Dubitsky adjourned the meeting at 3:15 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held on January 9, 2019.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Eckley
Library Director