|
|
|
| Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors Actions |
REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 9, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Mohan Tracy, President; Mary Pugh, Vice President; Stan Siegel, Secretary; Grace Vetter, Mary Mann, Charles McMullen, Jannie Williams, and Lori Torrano (7:25 p.m.)
STAFF: Les Kozerowitz, Library Director, Frank Ferro, David Hepworth
RECORDING SECRETARY: Sharon L. Soltes, Telesco Secretarial Services
CALL TO ORDER
President Tracy called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and announced there was a quorum.
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 2006
The following corrections were noted: Page 2, paragraph 4, line 2: please change the name of the accounting firm from "Whelan, Rolleria and DePietro, LLC" to "Whelan, Rolleri and DePietro, LLC"
** Mr. McMullen moved to APPROVE the minutes as amended.
** Mr. Siegel SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
a - Appointment of Lori Torrano
President Tracy announced that Mayor Moccia had appointed Lori Torrano to the Library Board to complete the term vacated by Geraldine D'Amato..
b - Reappointment of Lee Levey
President Tracy announced that Mayor Moccia had re-appointed Lee Levey to the Library Board.
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
President Tracy said that she had been in contact with Mrs. D'Amato and that Mr. D'Amato is still very ill. She was deeply appreciative of the brick that the Board had contributed to the project in her honor.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Mr. Kozerowitz reported that he had spoken with Mr. Hamilton about the proposed budget and that he felt the Finance Director was fair about the items up for approval. He indicated that there is still a gap of $50,000 between the request and the staffing needs, particularly as the South Norwalk Branch will be reopening in the late spring or early summer. Staff longevity is very good, but vacation time, sick time and other leaves of absence take a toll on the staffing. The library has lost eight full time positions and now only has a staff of 31.
A - Staff Development Policy
The Board discussed the proposed Staff Development Policy. Ms. Pugh expressed concern regarding the repayment policy, which states that if a staff member takes advantage of an opportunity and leaves the Library shortly thereafter, the staff member will be required to repay the Library the cost of the course. Mr. Siegel felt that the policy had a very corporate tone. Ms. Torrano suggested that if there has been no prior abuse of the policy in terms of staff resignations, it might be better not to have such a policy in place as it might be discouraging to a potential staff member. Mr. Kozerowitz pointed out that there are people who would not be able to pay the fee for a course in advance, but he also stated that the Board has the discretion to waive that prepayment for individual cases. The Staff Development Fund Committee can recommend a waiver in appropriate cases. Several instances such as illness or jury duty could prevent someone from legitimately completing a course.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to add the rider which states that the course must be completed or the tuition must be returned to the fund, adjust the language of the proposed staff development policy for Staff development Committee review with the intention of representing it to the Board at the next meeting.
There was some further discussion about the language of the policy. Ms. Vetter pointed out that there was no Staff Development Committee in the Bylaws. Mr. Siegel stated that the President has the authority to create such a committee.
President Tracy requested that the minutes reflect the appointment of a Staff Development Committee consisting of the Board Vice President, the Board Treasurer and the Library Director. The Committee will review the issues discussed by the Board and comment on the policy next month.
NEW BUSINESS
a - National Library Workers Day (April 4, 2006)
Governor Rell has announced that April will be "Friends of the Library" month. Andrea Light, of the friends of the Norwalk Public Library, has arranged for Mayor Moccia to unveil the proclamation, at the Main Library, on April 3rd at 7:00 pm.
b - National Library Week
** Ms. Pugh MOVED for a small Committee to develop a plan with some ideas for the Library staff with a budget not to exceed $300.00.
** Mr. SIEGEL seconded.
** The motion PASSED unanimously.
c - Library "Leaders" Concept Proposal
Mr. Siegel presented the proposal to the Board for developing a group of influential library patrons in order to keep the library in the public's awareness through outreach and publicity. He stated that the group would be working under the aegis of the Board. Ms. Vetter was concerned that this might turn into a fund raising effort and wished to wait until the South Norwalk Branch was reopened. Ms. Torrano commented that the Board had the authority to limit access to the library facility, therefore the group would be under the auspices of the Board. Ms. Pugh stated that the Library should be funded by the City and that the South Norwalk Branch fundraising is a one time effort. She also felt that the group would have to answer to the Marketing Committee. President Tracy commented that she felt the concept is good, but that fundraising needs to be kept out of it and the focus will be on doing outreach. Ms. Vetter felt it was important to do more research.
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to approve that the Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors creates an adjunct group -- under the Marketing Committee direction -- to be called "Library Leaders" for the purpose of enhancing the prestige and needs of the Library.
And that, upon approval, a manifesto will be developed to provide, cause, purpose, direction, makeup, and organization of this group.
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
** The motion PASSED with five in favor (Mann, Pugh, Williams, Siegel, Torrano) and two OPPOSED (Vetter, McMullen).
OLD BUSINESS
a - Coretta Scott King celebration
Ms. Williams reported that the event had been well attended with anywhere from between a hundred to a hundred thirty people at the program. Ms. Mann stated that the auditorium needed a new P.A. system and that she was disappointed with the poor coverage from The Hour and The Advocate.
b - Finance Committee Report - No report.
c - Friends Board Meeting Report
Mr. Siegel stated that he and Frank Ferro had attended the recent Friends of the Library meeting. The Friends are excited about the upcoming Book Sale and are planning to have a special Children's Book Sale, which will only have children's books available with adults admitted only if accompanied by a child. Mr. Siegel also reported that a donation of seven boxes of books had been donated for the sale by someone who had moved out of town.
d - 21st Century Fund Report
Mr. Siegel informed the Board that apparently the Architect had miscalculated the original estimate of 600 bricks for the "SoNo Library Book Walk - Pathway to the Future" was incorrect. After adjusting for the error, the area will allow for a total of approximately 900 bricks. Mr. Siegel contacted Devine Brothers, who would provide the additional bricks to the Library at cost. Mr. Siegel also suggested selling "Bricks" at the Friends' Book Sale. Mr. Siegel also reminded the Board that he will be speaking to a luncheon meeting of the Norwalk Woman's Club on March 15.
e - "Books2Eat" Proposal
Mr. Siegel reviewed an international "Books2Eat" event and suggested that perhaps the Library could sponsor such a program when the South Norwalk Branch Library reopens. Traditionally, this kind of event is done on April 1st, but Mr. Siegel contacted the coordinator and explained the timing of the Library reopening. The originator of the "Books2Eat" concept was in agreement about holding such an event on a date best suited to the Library's needs. Mr. Siegel will continue to work on developing the program for the opening of the South Norwalk Branch Library.
f - Graphic Standards
Mr. Siegel announced that between 50%-60% of the Main Level signage has now been updated. He also described the 4 ft. x 8 ft. white board that was installed in the stairwell to the second floor for the purpose of providing directional and event information.
g - Retiree Acknowledgment
A plan for appropriately honoring retirees was discussed and agreed to in manner and form.
h - Circulation Desks / "Unveiling"
Mr. Siegel reported that former Mayor Knopp indicated he would like to remain involved with the library events as they occur and that he had discussed his involvement with Mayor Moccia who was in agreement. It was suggested that perhaps having an "unveiling" with both the former and present Mayor, during the daytime, would be appropriate. Ms. Torrano offered to help with this opportunity..
I - Festival of Words
President Tracy reported that the Festival of Words program, scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2006 at Norwalk Community College, is moving ahead quickly. She distributed copies of the announcement posters to the Board.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Williams and Ms. Mann offered a thank you letter to Mr. Rodriquez who had displayed his collection of rare African American books and memorabilia in the foyer of the library during February.
8. ADJOURNMENT
** Mr. Siegel MOVED to adjourn the meeting.
** Ms. Pugh SECONDED.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, subject to Board approval:
Stanley M. Siegel, Secretary, Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors
 |
 |