Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library

Trustee Meeting Minutes

December 20, 2018

The meeting was called to order at 5:25 pm by President Lynn Skolnick. Other trustees present were Marcia Raponi, Sari Rosenheck, Christine Cavello, Connie Keller and Marvin Rappaport, as well as Mary Paige Lang-Clouse, Director. Absent was Steve Sharoff.

Approval of the minutes of November 29 passed unanimously after Marvin moved and Connie seconded.

There was one item of correspondence. Denise Rappaport recommended that the Board Meetings be moved to not conflict with the Thursday night programs. Resolution to move Board Meetings to 4:30 pm going forward was adopted on motion by Marvin, seconded by Connie.

Christine moved that vouchers be approved and Marcia seconded. Passed unanimously. Christine moved to pay all bills, Marcia seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Motion to transfer the amount due from the capital account to the operating account as specified on financials once Mary Paige reviews accountant’s recording of expenses posted as such. Marvin moved; seconded by Marcia, then passed.

Committee Reports

Program Committee has confirmed excellent programming for January, February and March, including Astronomy, Tribute to Leonard Bernstein, Hospice program, local success story Lori Leshner presents her dance program, all about air plants and a personal story about overcoming illiteracy.

Policy Committee still working on policies for Outdoor Space, Emergency/Disaster Plan, Displays/Exhibits and Challenging Library Material.

Youth Services Report was presented in writing by Cheryl Jones.

IT Report was presented in writing by Jonathan Sager, IT director. Among other things, Jonathan has reformatted the library website to make it more user friendly and created special links for information for staff and the board, respectively. In addition, Jonathan uploaded the Borscht Belt interviews Marvin and Alan Barrish have done to the Story Corps section of the Library of Congress website where they will be part of their permanent archives preserving the history of the Catskills unique culture. These interviews can still be found on the EBCPL website.

Friends of the Library met recently attended by Marcia. Thank you to FOL for contributing major portion of the cost of new storage shed. FOL has applied for tax exempt status. FOL planning for a Winter Fun Day on Feb. 2, a visit to Liberty Science Museum on April 28, and overnight to Lily Dale NY Psychic Center on July 13. Also making plans for Adult Summer Reading Program incentives.

Director’s Report was presented by Mary-Paige (see separate written report).

Building Committee oversaw the installation of the storage shed which was placed at rear of parking lot. It is very solid and looks beautiful. Marcia has been in touch with Bill Drasher of BOCES about custom building a garbage/recyclables shed. The committee is still following up on fixing continuing leaks on Broadway side of building.

Monthly Statistics report was provided separately. Patronage up about 6% for the calendar year.

Old Business

Landscape Project and Stage Proposal. Thank you to Schacht family for agreeing to make a generous donation ($10K?) to the Friends of the Library for the piers for the stage. Donation not yet received.

DASNY Punch List and unfinished items continue to get attention. Work and analysis is still being done on leaks and painting posts outside the main/side entrance.

Wired CO2 Detectors were installed. Will be tested January 3rd for functionality.

New Business

Budget transfers motion was made by Marvin and seconded by Marcia, then adopted.

Public Library Treasurer and Finance Officer – still working out the details on this hire. CH Bank allows a 5th signer (to add public library treasurer once hired) on account.

Library Advocacy Day in Albany is Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

RCLS Advocacy Training program is scheduled to take place at our library on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

RCLS Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2019 at The Sullivan in Rock Hill.

Motion to adjourn at 6:35 pm made by Marvin seconded by Marcia and adopted.

Respectfully submitted by Marvin Rappaport.

Meeting dates for 2019 are: 1/17, 2/21, 3/21, 4/18, 5/16, 6/20, 7/18, 8/15, 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, and 12/19.