Larchmont Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting
January 9, 2019
The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees met on January 9, 2019, attended by Board Chair Pamela Dubitsky (PD), Board Trustees Barbara Flickinger (BF), John McGarr (JM) Jennifer Conley (JC) and Barbara Liptack (BL), Friends of the Library Liaison Sophia Bernstein (SB), Village of Larchmont Liaison Sarah Bauer and Town of Mamaroneck Liaison Jeffery King, and Library Director Laura Eckley (LE), Head of Reference Liam Hegarty, Reference Librarian Paul Doherty and Library Staff Assistant D.J. Brucciani. Trustees Linnet Tse and Lauren Gottfried were not in attendance.
Board Chair Dubitsky called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m.
Board Meeting Minutes
The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Minutes of the Board Meeting of December 11, 2018.
Friends of the Larchmont Public Library Liaison Report
SB reported on the events the Friends will be holding throughout the Spring, including the Mini Golf Fundraiser and annual Spelling Bee, and noted that the Friends are seeking new nominations for their board. PD thanked the Friends for their ongoing support of the Library and terrific programming and events.
Committee Reports
Schedule of Bills and Performance Report: The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Schedule of Bills dated 1/4/19 and 1/9/19. The Board reviewed and approved the Performance Report dated 1/7/19.
The Finance Committee presented to Board members and answered their questions regarding the preliminary draft of the FY19/20 Library Budget. LE reported that the Finance Committee will meet on 1/17/19 with Village of Larchmont Mayor Lorraine Walsh and Village Administrator Justin Datino for a preliminary review of the budget, and noted that the Library’s joint VOL/TOM Budget Meeting is scheduled for 2/4/19 at 6pm in Village Hall.
Building and Grounds
LE reported on an ongoing plumbing issue with the main floor restrooms and noted that, based on the recommendation of members of the DPW and Water Department, and plumber John Di Giacomo, the pipe to the main floor restrooms will be enlarged in order to increase water volume. The Board unanimously approved an estimate of $5,000 for the repair.
LE reported on the failure of a compressor for the Children’s Room and Tech Services Room, noting that the cost to replace the compressor is estimated at $10,000, as compared with replacing the entire condenser for $13,000. The Board unanimously approved an amount of up to $13,000, based upon the recommendation of engineer Werner Teitjen to repair or replace the unit.
Director’s Report
LE reported that Library Page Michael Harley will be celebrating 20 years of employment this month and the staff will be holding a small celebration in his honor. PD congratulated Michael and the Board thanked him for his hard work and dedication. LE reported that “A History of Larchmont Public Library,” written by former Reference Librarian Barbara Italie and edited by former Board Chair Bill Dentzer, has been printed and added to the Library collection. LE distributed copies of the book to the members of the Board.
Other
Librarian Paul Doherty presented a new Library Volunteer Policy, Volunteer Handbook and Volunteer Application Form to the Board. After discussion, the Board unanimously approved the policy and thanked Paul for his work on this important new program.
The Board unanimously approved an amendment to the Library Rules of Behavior to include the prohibition of using vapes and/or e-cigarettes on Library property.
Board Chair Dubitsky adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held on February 13, 2019.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Eckley
Library Director