Town of Mashpee, MA - Library Board Of Trustees Minutes 07/21/2009

Carlo D’Este motioned to accept the minutes of the Meeting of June 9, 2009 as written; John Kowalski seconded this motion; and the motion was approved, with David Burton and Patricia Gamache abstaining.

Helene DeFoe reported in detail the topics listed in her monthly reports for June. Her June report, the CLAMS circulation statistics report for June, and the downloadable audio checkout listing through June 30^th are attached to the printed set of these minutes. Also attached is Janet Burke’s monthly report for June, which was also reviewed and discussed. In addition to the reports, the following matters were also discussed.

· Helene advised that the RFP did go out on the book security system and one bid from 3M was received. The price was good, but they were very high on the maintenance price so Rick Pomroy is questioning them as to why the maintenance is so high.

· Nancy Soderberg mentioned that she happened to stop in the Falmouth Library and she heard that they were looking into getting a security system because a high number of DVDs had been taken. Helene said she understands they are putting in the same 3M system we’re going to have. In addition, Helene said we’re also having video cameras that they don’t have.

· Helene said when she went to the SEMLS workshop mentioned in her June report, she had her husband, Ed’s, camera to use at the workshop. Helene said you can get good photographs with the simple digital camera and she will look into pricing of the simple digital camera for the Library’s use. The consensus of the Trustees was that the Library should have this equipment.

· In discussing Janet Burke’s report Helene informed the Board of the tremendous effort Janet Burke expended to have the grant continue to support the Toddle Time program provided by Rosemary Modic, the Early Childhood Specialist from the Upper Cape Family Network. Janet’s efforts were successful in that the Mashpee Partnership Council has agreed to fund Rosemary’s programs beginning in September. The Trustees asked Helene to express their gratitude to Janet Burke for her successful efforts in getting the state to retain Rosemary Modic’s program.

· Helene reported that the Moon Rocks showings were very interesting and very well received. She said there were four different showings and Saturday was the last showing and then the Moon Rocks had to go back to NASA. Helene said this was first year that NASA included libraries in this program; they’ve always only made the Moon Rocks available to schools.

Jane Dolan said she attended the July 2nd Planning and Construction Meeting. Jane said the biggest thing was the delay of construction because of all the rain we’ve had. Helene added that with the break in the weather they did get work done and it looks as though they’ve made up some of the lost time.

Helene reported that the furniture has been pretty much selected but for the chairs upstairs Helene recommended upholstered rather than all-wood chairs because patrons sit at the upstairs tables for a long length of time and upholstered chairs would be more comfortable for this use. In addition, since many seniors using these chairs, they are lighter in weight to move, rather than all-wood chairs.

Time Capsule…Jane Dolan reported that the Mashpee Enterprise press release ran in the July 6^th edition. Two people have commented. She suggested that a small container be placed in the Library to accept recommendations. At the end of August, Jane will re-run the press release.

Jane suggested a Committee be formed after we obtain ideas and suggestions about the Time Capsule. The Committee could review and decide what should go into the Time Capsule; what the pedestal base would be; and select a piece of art. Nancy Soderberg commented that maybe we could include something from the Wampanoag in the motif.

Jane asked for some suggestions as to who might serve on that Committee. Helene suggested that maybe consider someone from the Historic Commission. The thought was that the timing for creating the Committee would be sometime in the Fall.

Appreciation Wall…Helene reported that the Subcommittee and Barbara Notarius, President of the Friends, met and agreed the Appreciation Wall would be black slate tiles as a backing on the wall with the stars. Helene said a gentleman from the company will sketch an arrangement to show how the stars will appear. The Friends can add stars as time moves along.

Jack Kowalski mentioned that some of the Friends Board Members were concerned how lighting would be done so they are going to make an effort to be sure that lighting will be attractive and print on the stars is readable.

Jack Kowalski distributed a copy of an updated balance sheet of the Friends. Jack said that at the last Friends’ meeting he brought up the Time Capsule and one of the members asked: Who is paying for this? If it is necessary, the Friends might be willing to help out.

Jack reminded everyone of the murder mystery dinner event to the held July 24^th. The Artisan’s Fair will be held on August 15^th. Jack said one of Carlo D’Este’s books will be sold at the Fair, and 2 will be sold at the dinner.

Warrant Article…The Trustees had previously discussed resubmitting the Article for the October Town Meeting, if it was removed from the May Warrant. David Burton contacted Helene to ask that she revise and resubmit the Article for staffing by the July deadline. Helene reported that she submitted the library staffing Warrant Article for October Town Meeting. Helene will e-mail a copy of the Warrant Article to the Trustees…a copy of the Warrant Article is attached to the printed set of these minutes. In discussing the Warrant Article it was the consensus of the Trustees that Chairman David Burton should send a note to Don Myers, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, asking him for his support of the Warrant Article for the library staffing.

Trustee Monthly Meetings…David Burton asked the Board whether or not the start time for Trustee monthly meetings should be changed to 6 p.m. While it appeared the Board did favor the earlier start time, it was agreed to table a decision until all Trustees were present to vote on this.

Possible Uses of the New Library…Carlo D’Este addressed the Board and said it is not too early to think of potential uses of the new Library. Carlo provided everyone with a drafted list with some ideas he put together. A copy of the list is attached to the printed set of these minutes. Helene said that a woman spoke with her today and said that when the library is done she would like to do a free program on resume writing.