Minutes of Meeting

Kent Memorial Library Commission

October 12, 2010

Lynne Cigal called the meeting to order at 7:10.

I Roll Call

Present: M. Alexopoulos, L. Cigal, J. Grimard (7:20), C. Rago, B. Rietberg, B. White and J. Wilson.

Absent: D. Battle, M. Chafetz, M. P. Coatti, C. Kawalec and J. Lobo.

Also Present: Library Director Jim McShane.

II Public Participation None

III Minutes

Initially, without a quorum, the Commission members bypassed this section. Joe Grimard’s arrival at 7:20 gave a quorum. Following the Director’s report, Bob White made the motion, seconded by Joe Grimard, to amend the agenda and return to the Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

Upon returning to the Minutes, Bob White made a motion, seconded by Joe Grimard, to amend the September 14, 2010 minutes as follows: 1) the 15,500 books referred to in the Public Participation section should be changed to $15,500 made; and 2) the book sale put on by the SOG should be changed to the book sale put on by the Friends of the Library. This motion passed unanimously.

IV Communication None

V Director’s Report

• The auditorium carpeting was replaced on September 15-16. To help keep it clean, the staff has put up a sign prohibiting food and drink.
• The Town ADA officer, Ted Flanders, reports work on the library roof is on hold.
• The Town received $200k grant from the State to help defray the costs of the roof replacement. Given the $250k the Town already had, it needs an additional $139k for the roof project to go forward. Tom Frenaye reported that the earliest work would begin on the roof would be July 1, 2011.
• The Director met with Tom Frenaye to discuss the ADA issues raised by Tom Flanders. Mr. Frenaye agreed to seek an opinion from the Town’s attorney on those issues. They also discussed the Library’s closing during the roof repair.
• The Director has asked the Friends of the Library to purchase a new bench for the atrium. The plate on the current bench, in honor of the Estees, would be placed on the new bench.
• The Director received written approval from Tom Flanders to repair and recondition the chairs in the auditorium. Two quotes for the work have been received from the Correctional Enterprises of CT, one for $4780 and another for $5360. Chris Rago made a motion, seconded by Joe Grimard, to select the $4780 bid. The motion passed unanimously.
• All the e-readers are now in the library.
• Representatives of Bibliomation visited the Library on September 20 to answer staff questions about the upcoming, new system.
• There has been no movement on the Chamber of Commerce proposal presented last month by John Smith.
• The staff holiday schedule for 2011 was discussed.

Bob White made the motion, seconded by Joe Grimard, to amend the agenda and return to the Minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

VI Standing Committees

Finance

Mike Alexopulos, Chair of the Finance Committee, procured a debit card with a $500 balance for the Director’s use.

The Finance Committee met with the Library’s Merrill Lynch representative last week to review its portfolio and accounts.

Community Relations

The Commission members discussed subjects for potential articles in the Suffield Observer. The Director will write one about the Kindle.

The Commission members discussed the role of the Community Relations committee.

Special Committee

Between $6000 and $7000 has been collected in the annual appeal.

VII Unfinished Business

The decision on the use of food and beverages in the auditorium was taken up by the Library staff who determined food and drink would not be permitted.

VIII New Business

Lynne Cigal asked Mike Alexopoulos to discuss the work of the Finance Committee at next month’s meeting.

IX Adjournment

Bruce Rietberg made the motion, seconded by Chris Rago, to adjourn at 8:38.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce M. Wilson

Secretary of the Commission

October 18, 2010