LARCHMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING
MARCH 10, 2016
The Larchmont Public Library Board of Trustees met on March 10, 2016 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 Iven Taub (IT), Village Liaison Marlene Kolbert (MK), Town of Mamaroneck Liaison Ernie Odierna (EO), Friends of the Larchmont Public Library Liaison Sophia Bernstein (SB), Library Director Laura Eckley (LE) and Assistant Library Director June Hesler (JH).
Board Chair PD called the meeting to order at 6:48 p.m.
PD welcomed Ernie Odierna as the new liaison for the Town of Mamaroneck.
The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Minutes of the Board Meeting of February 10, 2016 and the Special Board Meetings of February 25, 2016 and March 3, 2016.
Friends of the Larchmont Public Library Liaison Report
SB reported that the Friends are sponsoring a Boys in the Boat program on April 8 at the Larchmont Yacht Club, and also noted that the Spelling Bee needs more teams. In addition, she reported that Richard Levy has been proposed as the incoming President and that the Friends have rewritten their mission statement to read as follows: To bring people together through cultural, literary, and educational events and to raise funds to support our public library’s goal to remain a vital community resource.
Committee Reports
Finance and Budget Committee
Schedule of Bills and Performance Report: The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Schedule of Bills dated 3/4/16 and 3/10/16. The Board received the Performance Report dated 3/3/16.
Building and Grounds
Transformation: LE reported that most of the major demolition has been completed, that rough plumbing and electrical work is being done, and that most of the electrical closet has been moved. Following discussion, ML made a motion, seconded by LG, to approve the following resolution, which the Board then passed unanimously: Resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Larchmont Public Library hereby approves proposed change orders to the Transformation Project contract between the Larchmont Public Library and MVM Construction LLC, dated March 10, 2016, for 1) installation of a structural beam to provide support due to the removal of a wall, at a cost of $5,870, and 2) structural work to allow for interior windows on the upper level as well as to increase and alter the shape of the interior windows, at a cost of $10,339.
Fence: LE presented proposals from fence companies to repair the fence behind the Library building. Following discussion, BL made a motion, seconded by IT, to approve the following resolution, which the Board then passed unanimously: Resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Larchmont Public Library hereby approves a proposal from Future Fence and Painting Inc. for an expenditure of up to $4,000 for the purchase and installation of a new fence along the back of the Library building.
Director’s Report
LE reported on recent library activities, noting that the Children’s Room has a new dollhouse, and also reported that she and Children’s Librarian Rebecca Teglas met with the Brown Family to discuss programs and activities related to Ryder’s Garden for the spring, including a quarterly e-newsletter for the garden. In addition, LE reported on the upcoming events in April for One Book, One Community, focusing on The Boys in the Boat. LE also reported that JH’s job duties have been redistributed in anticipation of her retirement at the end of March. PD made the following statement:
The Board wishes to express great appreciation to June Hesler for her many years of invaluable service to the library patrons of the Larchmont/Mamaroneck community. June has worked at the Library for over forty years, starting in 1973 when she served as a seasonal clerk while attending college. Throughout the years, she has helped innumerable patrons with her skills as a reference librarian, her knowledge of the community and the Library, and her management of staff and administrative matters. In 2011-12, she served as interim library director and the Board relied on her during that time for her experience and good judgment. As a beloved staff member and librarian, we thank June for greatly enhancing the Larchmont Public Library with her superb skills, her pleasant and professional manner and her great dedication to public service.
Additional Information
PD noted that MK will not be seeking reelection as a VOL Trustee and thus will be stepping down as Liaison to the Library Board. PD made the following statement:
The Board wishes to express tremendous gratitude to Marlene Kolbert for her many years of volunteer service to the community, and especially for her ongoing commitment to the Larchmont Public Library. Marlene has served as the liaison to the Library from the Village Board for over 10 years, and has always been very supportive of the Board, the Library directors and the staff. She and her husband Gerry are both avid readers and active users of our Library; as such, Marlene understands the essential role this Library plays in our community. We are very thankful for all she has done over the years to promote and support the Larchmont Public Library. Thank you, Marlene.
Executive Session
The Board voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters at 7:40 p.m. The Board voted unanimously to exit the Executive Session at 7:52 p.m.
Board Chair Dubitsky adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be held on April 13, 2016.
Respectfully submitted,
June Hesler
Assistant Director