Board of Trustees of the
Minutes of the Meeting of
January 9, 2008
The
regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5:05 p.m.
Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter,
A
motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed.
The minutes of the meeting of December 12 were approved.
Library Director’s Report.
Jennifer distributed the monthly
newsletter which debuted this month and reported that the redesigned website is
“live” and will replace the prior format after final adjustments.
The new site will include three blogs for staff and user input.
Adult Programming.
Staff
and the Friends have developed the schedule of Wednesday evening adult programs.
The subjects met with the enthusiastic approval of the trustees.
Already this week was a computer training session; tonight the first book
club.
Response to storm last
week.
The library was closed at 2 p.m. Friday after power went out, which
required propping open the electric front door, allowing wind and water in.
The trustees agreed that these decisions are within the discretion of the
library director. The installation
of a generator during the construction phase of the remodel is being explored.
RFP for remodel.
The RFP
for the architectural work was released on schedule and interest has already
been expressed by two firms.
Trustees will review submissions in February.
Staff salary schedules.
Jennifer
is beginning to assess the current complicated (and probably outdated) set of
scales and steps, eligibility for and amount of raises, status of regular
permanent full time vs. “casual” part time employees, eligibility for benefits,
apparent absence of the “extra help” category utilized by many libraries, etc.
Trustees urged her to analyze and report back, with a goal of
establishing a rational system which will promote flexibility in hiring and
promoting.
SNAP loan period issues.
Staff is
documenting irregularities, but the situation has improved if not resolved.
Jennifer will report back after the SNAP meeting February 1.
Maintenance report.
A “bat
catching kit” is being acquired in anticipation of another episode like the one
on December 31 (the visitor was captured and released unharmed.)
Napa Electric was at work in the parking lot today, replacing bad
ballasts.
Letter to Governor to save
funding.
Pursuant to last month’s
motion, Dr. Darter drafted a letter urging preservation of PLF & TBR funding,
which was signed by all trustees.
Jennifer will forward it to recipients identified by the CLA and consider others
who should be asked to assist in this effort.
Budget preparation.
Jennifer
reported that her “budget instruction” has been valuable, for example in
understanding the history and structure of the TBR reserve.
A preliminary budget will be presented to trustees at an upcoming
meeting.
Professional Conferences.
Lynda
inquired about staff/trustee attendance at the
Friends of the Library.
Miriam
reported 47 new members (including 12 new life members) for a total of 342.
Disbursements approved: $2500 adult programming, $250 e-mail newsletter,
$5000 summer children’s program.
The December 13 holiday party was a happy full house.
Wine Library Association.
Julie
reported that the association’s board will conduct a full-day strategy session
January 19, which will include appointment of a “collection chair” to coordinate
book selection with Bobbie and confirm acquisition expenditures paid with the
new debit card.
Historical Society.
Gwen
announced an oral history workshop and that auction items are being sought for
the annual Antique Show and Silent Auction February 23.
St, Helena Public Library
Foundation.
Jennifer reported that the final draft of bylaws went to attorney Frank
Toller for his review January 7.
The next steps may proceed more quickly, and Bonnie, Lynda, and Jennifer will
meet with Frank to schedule establishment of the foundation as soon as possible.
The meeting adjourned at
6:10 p.m.