[music] [music] This is the February 12th, 2026 meeting of the Kushnet Public Library Board of Trustees. We are being audio taped and videotaped and we do have a quorum. First item on the agenda today are the secretar's report from January 9th. Does
anyone have any clarifications or questions to those minutes? No. Then we need a motion. >> Make a motion to accept the minutes. >> I second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I All right. Thank you.
Next on the agenda, we have the budget. So for FY26, we are a little bit past halfway. Um with our salaries, we are in good standing. um with the library
technicians as you know um I'm still waiting on whether or not technicians will receive retro in their colas from the beginning of this fiscal year. So um even though there's a little
bit of wiggle room there, I am not um scheduling additional extra shifts for anyone. Uh so for example today I have to stay till uh 7:45 because um we have a call out a sickness. So I'm not going to ask for an
extra shift because I wanted to make sure I have enough money there in the event of retro or um colas from what they are owed. Um but [clears throat] the bottom line is that we are a little
bit below. We're at 59.6% 6% which is um if you go by the director and the patient supervisor's uh percent we should that is exactly 61.2 that's where we should be in this fiscal year. So we're very close so it's really really
tight and um I'm being very cautious about uh extra things. Um the operating lines are energy I haven't received a bill for December or January yet. The last bill I received was
November. Um, that's why that hasn't that's remained flat for the past two months. Um, everything else uh is the same materials. Um, we are really close to um
fulfilling that entire line. We're at 87.6% spent. Um, that's due to the co one of two things. One, the cost of books have gone up. um even though we get a discount, it it's gone up. It's definitely gone up. Um so we're seeing
that and then I've been putting more money towards uh the e- resources such as Hoopla and Overdrive. Um so that line will be spent out and when that is spent out I will use state aid to cover the material um expenditures um because you
do know I do need to spend 16% of our budget on materials. Um and then so I did I did talk about we're in in total um we're at 61.4% which is really in line with that 61.2%
of uh director salary. So the whole picture here is we are in decent condition um just pending um salaries for for the technicians. Um I did want to mention two things. one, I
use state aid. So, that's not on this report, but I did use state aid. So, every three years, libraries um get to uh are they have a decision to make if they want to renew the licensing for swank, which allows us to um show movies
in the library. So, we all voted for another three years. So, I spent $774 for the movie licensing. Um, and and also with state aid, I paid for our
website's renewal, which was $275.88. What? >> How much? >> Uh, $2007 uh two 275.88, I think. Um and then in the library gift fund
which was voted upon um using it to pay for dry zone I paid the 70% of the uh the invoice for the installation and the removal of our dehumidifiers and that was um $3,326.33.
And then the other item I paid um was the electrician for um I I received one invoice. I'm I I'm expecting another invoice. I've reached out a few times. It just might be a delay. Um so for the
electrician it was $475 and that was taken out of the library gift fund. Um and that's where we are with our budget for this year. Uh, any questions about the budget?
I don't have any questions. Anybody? >> We have a motion budget. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Thank you. Next is the update on the strategic plan. Okay. So, as you know,
uh I've been working diligently on the strategic plan. Um I had to do a environmental scan um before our first meeting. Our first meeting was planned for uh January 28th, but unfortunately I had to cancel it because we didn't have
heat in the building. So, we met last Wednesday on the 4th and um I presented my report and environmental scan. We had seven other committee members in here who participated in the sore exercise.
Uh Katherine from Massachusetts Library System who's a consultant was here. She led the exercise. We received wonderful feedback, lots of fresh ideas. Um it went really well. It was it felt like a
weight was taken off because I was very worried about this. And I just want to say a um a sent u she sent an email after the meeting just saying um the progress. So she's going to compile all the data that happened that meeting and
submit a report today. Um and I will be meeting with with her at the end of this month. So she said um what struck me is the most uh about most of the comments were about improving what the library is already doing rather than radically changing course. you and your staff are
doing great work in the community. >> Oh, awesome. >> Yes. So, I was very pleased with that. Um, in addition to um the sore exercise uh inhouse, we have our feedback doors. Uh I haven't count them yet, but we're
receiving feedback. Uh one, what you love about the library, what you wish for. So, go ahead and read those answers. They're they're wonderful. And then um I have the online survey still on live. Uh, so far I've received 36
responses. The paper surveys that were sent in in the census that was mailed out through the town, I received 240 of them um back. So, I went ahead. Yes. >> Yes. [laughter] >> So, I went ahead and um manually put
those into a Google form so that way it's easier for us to take all that data. Um, but I will check these were in our mailbox. So, I'll go check our mailbox to see if others have been sent. But yes, I was really impressed with with that number and we've received some
feedback on that and we'll take that into consideration. Um, and yeah, that's that's where we stand. Um, basically now I'm just going to take all the data that I received, the reports, and compile the strategic plan.
So, um hopefully um as the months go on, I will receive a little bit more data from this the census because I know that takes a bit. Um but the doors will be taken down at the end of this month. The the the not the the pole
>> door not the door. >> Take the door down. >> Um and then I'll shut the online survey. So, um so it's going along. It's going along and um I'm I'm happy that it it's not going where it's going smooth. So um
any questions about the strategic plan? >> No, it sounds like everything's going wonderful. >> Yes, a lot of responses. >> It is absolutely. I'm I'm beyond thrilled because I was worried about not receiving anything and and the feedback
that happened during the sore exercise or the meeting was phenomenal. Um I can't wait to share the results um of that. So >> good looking forward to it. >> It was a good meeting. >> It was and the consultant was very
informative. Um and I I was concerned of who to have to u moderate this meeting. And when they were like no we do it and it's free. I was like what [laughter] you can't go wrong. So it it's it's working well. She was good. She was very patient. say something and then if
nobody responded she just waited. I would have been in a panic and she time. >> Excellent. Excellent. >> Anybody have any questions or comments, thoughts, anything? >> All right, we're going to move on to the
FY27 budget. >> Okay. Um, so one of two things. One, we received a memo from uh the town administrator and the assistant accountant of how to proceed with FY27
budget. Um, I will I will state that there is a line in the memo saying that the library director should confer with the finance and town administrator to determine the commonwealth requirement for a certification prior to preparing the
budget. So, I have reached out to set an appointment. Um, we're waiting I'm waiting on availability from one person right now. I haven't heard back yet, but what they're looking for is two budgets. Um the first budget should be a bottom
level funded budget. So uh all mandated and required increases should be reflected in the budget as long as corresponding decreases to balance the budget. So as you know I have to meet MAR I can't have the same um
bottom I can't have the same budget as last year. So, um I understand that they they are aware of that. So, I'm still I'm not I I'm looking at the budget. I don't know
where to move. Um the other thing uh the second version is a level funded budget except for mandated or contractual mandated increase. This is what's worrisome is department shall only include colas in step raises for
negotiated or previously settled contract contracts. Um vacant funded position shall be included in FY27 view um but highlighted for further review. So the negotiated and previously settled
contracts. So for the library technicians, they have a contract that was approved at town meeting, but it's still being held up. So as I do the budget, I'm looking at FY25's
numbers now. So I'm going backwards. It's extremely confusing to me because of this sentence. I'm leaning to believe that there might not be raises for anyone. I'm reading in between the lines. I'm not sure
>> department heads >> I think I think they don't want you to assume. So I think they want you to put what what is already and then as things are negotiated they will then put those raises in. Do you know what I mean? So
because they don't want you to assume oh hey well we think it will be 2%. So then you put 2% in there. Now if it only ends up being 1% we get to go. You know what I mean? They're not getting a true picture of what it actually is. That's my my understanding.
>> So, for example, I did FY20 when I did FY26, it was with that whatever increase it was. >> Mhm. >> But this is saying negotiated, but it's not negotiated or settled that contract, >> right? So, it would be whatever
negotiated or settled contract they currently have, >> which is the FY25. >> Then that's what you put in there. [clears throat] So that would be your base number. >> That would be the base number. And then when they settle it, if they settle, like if you're doing your budget today and at the end of the month they settle it and now it's something different,
then now you'll go and change those numbers to reflect what it is now currently because now you will have a new negotiated amount. But for right now, you have to put what it is right now, >> which is FY25. >> Correct. Because assuming because until
they negotiate something else, nothing's going to change. It's it's going to be what it was in 2025. >> Okay. And that also it it does and that also does reflect department uh mine and the uh patient services supervisor's contract. Our contract is is expiring at
the end of this fiscal year. >> So So >> I'm going to use the number from this year. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, but so I am reading in between which shouldn't um is that >> there isn't well there isn't a raise until there is a raise.
>> Right. >> Okay. >> Right. That's how you have to look at it. So So if you I mean until there is one which >> what if they don't settle one until 2028 then you're still going to be paid the same amount of money. Right? So they're that's what they're doing. But then they
can calculate to say oh okay now this is what was negotiated. This is this. And then they'll go and okay, now we can >> update the numbers. >> But they want to get like what's the picture right now with what we need because that's what you really need >> as of right this minute.
>> So I think that's I think that's really what they're trying to get. I mean >> unless you already have a contractual like your salary, >> right? Her >> does your contract run out next year? >> This year June 30th >> of 26. >> So I'm going to put in what I'm getting for 27th. >> Right. They're contractually obligated
to pay that. Anything past that is hasn't been negotiated yet. >> Correct. Yes. So when she's working on 27, she has to put her 26 numbers in because they [clears throat] don't have it negotiated. >> And for the text and everybody else, they only have one from 25. So they're
putting 25s in for 27 because they don't have one yet. >> They've been without contract since last July. >> Yes. >> Since July. July. >> But it was right. [laughter] But that it's extremely yeah I'm not a numbers person so it's extremely when
I'm going backwards now for the the us for me it's very simple because it's one thing but for the tax now I'm going back to >> right >> FY25 depending on what step they are >> y >> um you know when I did FY26 I was doing
I think it was 2% uh increases so now I got to go backwards But that being said, that's that. But I still need to meet Mark. So that >> yes, >> money that's going to look less now in the salaries lines compared to my the
previous um document I showed you guys at last meeting. Um I still need to meet Mars. So whatever I'm below needs to go somewhere, >> correct? >> Which would most likely be materials because at this point everything's really expensive,
>> right? to meet Mar. >> Yes. >> So I I know it's not in my my control, but it's very unsettling to me. Well, and I think I mean it will it will get better as those contracts are negotiated, things will become more uh
definite and then they'll be able to solidify those numbers and then it will so while they're doing while you guys are working on your budgets, they're working on the contracts and hopefully everything will come together and then here we go for FY27. >> Okay, >> that's I mean that's the hope anyway.
[clears throat] So I think if you just look at >> the 25 numbers, >> see what the difference is when you did the do the total salaries. >> Yes. >> And see what that does when you reduce
the total budget by that number. >> How close are you to the mark? But would I look at FY26 because or FY27 numbers because FY26 is the new contract like
>> Yeah. >> No, you're going to do just what just what you just said. >> Use your 25 numbers. >> For you, you're doing this is easy. >> For the text, you're doing >> 25. Look at the difference in the amount. >> Okay.
>> Let's say you had 100 and now it's 80. The difference is >> $20. >> So you want to see how that affects subtract that from what we have for a total right there. >> Okay. >> And see how close that is to the we had
a little wiggle room. We didn't have a whole >> We didn't have much. >> We might still be okay though just with you doing that. >> You you're going to have to go back Yeah. and look at the numbers. But so if you just compare those two rather than
worrying about redoing the whole budget, okay, just concentrate on what the salary piece just does. >> Even though some of the positions um they're there, >> do you want to just
>> Yeah, absolutely. >> Let me see what what I do and then I'll reach out. >> Yeah. Or what I discover. you know, both of us could come in for an hour and sit with you and help you work through this. >> It's the reflection of you.
>> And then, you know, I do hope that when I do meet with them that I have a better understanding of, >> you know, they understand that I need to meet Mar and where they're going to work with. >> Yeah. And it it even in the first uh part that you talked about the concept
of there's an understanding that, you know, we have to meet certain we have to meet bars. So everybody, you've done a great job educating people on that. >> So if that's a that's becoming a starting point >> and people if people understand [clears throat] that that the problem
that you have is because of >> you know uh public organizations you've got to uh look at where you the snapshot is where you are right now >> and and not and then figure it out later on. Okay.
>> Plus remember when we did the budget, >> we had everything pretty much level funded. >> Yes. Everything >> and the things that changed were sales which we don't have control which is contractual. >> No. >> So those things are
>> there's no increase except for for that for the salaries. That was the only item that we were >> and I don't have any big ask or anything. So it's pretty you're in good shape. >> Yeah. Yep. If you need us, we can just sit. >> I will reach out. I will reach out. I'm
going to do this once this is over. I'm going to see what this looks like. >> And like Alan said, the fact that there's a sentence in there about you meeting with them about because of my they're already saying, hey, asterisk like everyone's doing this. However, library you have to,
>> you know, do other things. That's great. At this point, I think the expectation would be because you you've sent the message out that they have a at least a conceptual understanding of what MAR is >> and and how that >> how that influence is, >> right?
>> And >> which is a very good thing. >> Yes. Yes. And I mean I have prepared the same document um when I do meet um the schedule tenative would be March 4th when I present in front of the finance
committee. Um I do have that again. Um a little slightly changed but um but yes even you were at the the store um the strategic plan meeting you know I even mentioned Mark there. So I'm always talking about it and the importance of it
>> and um >> well your message is getting across. That's the [laughter] great thing about it. It really is. >> Okay. I feel a little bit better now. Any any other updates on the FY27? No, that was that was it. >> That was it. That was it. >> Anybody have any questions or additional
thoughts or anything? >> All right. >> Moving on to new business. The libraryies annual report. So, in front of you, you have the annual report that gets submitted uh into the annual report
that you receive at town meetings. Um, basically it's the same format as all the others. It's just updating um things that have happened during the year. So the first paragraph talks about staff. The second one I condense all the
building things. Um I think people who have been extremely helpful um with figuring out um issues with the building. Um the second the third part is circulation. Um and the rest just
highlights items that happen over the year. So the friends and the fundraising they do or summer concert series are um programs that happen outside of the summer. And then the last two pages are
just information on uh the library um offerings um oper hours of operation. That hasn't changed. Everything's the same. The only thing that does change the names of of staff members um and the
board members. And then the par last paragraph is uh last section is about uh certification and uh our network that we belong to. Um and then the last page is the statistic report from January to
December of last year. Um any questions about the report? So, uh, if this gets approved, I will submit it to, um, the the secretary for the board of selectman town administrator. Um, so that way it can be included in the but, um, the
annual report >> and it was a lot of a lot of reading. >> A lot of work. >> It was a lot of work. It was great. It was it was it was great. I just had a couple of Yes. of of minor edits that I saw. >> Um, I don't We should probably talk
about them now. No, we can we can do it after. >> Well, we have to vote on it. >> Oh, sorry. >> So, the second uh the second paragraph right after uh four lines from the bottom um the lastly the Boy Scouts of Troop 11, it would be take out the word
who. >> Okay. And then um the third paragraph, I'm not sure what this last sentence, physical item circulation remains consistent, but could improve more and while
programming attendance rises, especially during the summer, but I don't know. I think I feel like that was in the middle of a thought. um >> or >> I mean I I think what I was getting at is
our circulation numbers haven't been as they haven't been increasing. They're kind of stale or they're on a decline depending on what type of item we're talking about. Um meanwhile our attendance is rising in the building. So why like got it disconnect? I mean I can
rewrite that. So maybe physical item circulation remains consistent but could improve. Meanwhile, >> programming attendance >> rises especially during the summer. >> Okay. Okay. >> How's that?
>> That sounded better. >> So take out more and and replace it with meanwhile. Well, I was reading it and I was like, wait a minute. Okay. And then the next paragraph down. So you have um the accusition public library continues to enforce its mission statement too and then there's the the quote and then it
says through its materials and programs such as regular story times crafting programs and specialized children's programming but >> it I feel like it's not >> right. So you have the quote, right? It continues to enforce its
mission statement to inspire lifelong learning and strengthen the entire community through its materials, programs, and services in a welcoming space that's open to all. Period. And then but then you have the next sentence which isn't >> it's not a
>> really sentence. So it's like a it should have sounded it sounds like you should have continued. Well, yeah. >> I can straight that out, >> right? This is accomplished. >> Okay. >> Open quote. >> Okay.
>> Accomplish. >> This is accomplished through its materials and programs such as does that make sense? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then the last uh the last line right
here, we had over 287 participants. It should be from ages three >> four to adult. >> That one [laughter] from Okay. >> Yep. >> Four ages. >> And then hoopla should have a lowercase H, right? Because that's a lower case.
Okay. So on the >> under library, mission and offerings. >> Yes. >> On the second paragraph, >> third line. >> Yep. Which I it probably auto corrects to be a capital H. >> But I was like, wait a minute. You know,
so Oh, there was just those were just a couple of just >> really quick as I was reading it. Um, does anybody else have anything? >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Can we um
get a motion to accept with corrections? >> Motion to accept with amendments and corrections. >> All in favor? >> I I Great job. Great job. It was really It's always nice to read to read back
and see like hey what did we do this year? Yeah. >> I I remember that. Yeah, we did. >> The only thing that's difficult which is minor is we keep statistics fiscally. So I have to go ahead and go back to each fiscal year. It's so minor but it's just
>> but it's annual. >> Yes. So you get two different numbers depending but it's um it's just very very minor. >> All right. >> So moving on to the building's heating situation.
>> Ah my favorite topic building. So on where's my on January 27th um the building was without heat. It started um partially without
heat. Let me rephrase it. So in the children's room the heaters were not working in the main area. the units on the wall. So the the mini splits were not working. The room the study rooms also have mini splits. Those were great.
So I tried everything that I could. I rebooted the system three times. Went outside, looked at the the units. I'm like, they look fine to me. I don't know what's going on. So it was it was
fine in the building because the staff area has heat and other areas like the ba one of the bathrooms was fine. So it was just it was half of the building that wasn't working. So throughout the day it wasn't too bad. And then um
towards when the sun sets it was you could definitely feel the cold. So I went and called Jen to see if we could close the building because it was getting it was it was you could feel it. >> So 52 in the back. >> Yes. So it was [laughter] 52 in the children's room.
>> So in the things were starting to go down down down. But um we [snorts] prior to that I called dry basement uh not dry basement. I called uh ear masters uh who are in charge of the units and the computer software that we use for the
the units. Um I called them put a request to have someone come out. No one showed up. was because the time was right at the end of the business day. Um, and we were able to close at 6:00 that day. >> So, the following day,
um, we we cons I consulted with Jen and the town administrator and some and the selectmen and we decided it was best to close completely. Um, I was in the building. Luckily, my office had heat. Um, so I was in the building. I was
waiting for Masters to come in. So, they came in, they were here from uh 10:30 to 2:30 um fixing the heat. So, long story short, uh the wall units, the the issue
was that was that there was ice in the bottom. So, it was it it wasn't even ice at that point. It was we just had that snowstorm, so it was snow. So, it just needed to be cleared. He made a path. He explained to me what needs to be done. And ever since then um I notified Rick.
I've notified the um the maintenance foreman who has been plowing and shoveling our um our property. So they're aware of that that when we do get a really big snow that that needs to be cleaned. Um so that was an easy fix. That was taken care of.
The units he did say once in a while will go to standby. not to worry. So that what was happening that time that the the light on the units were on standby. Um but it was just the fan wasn't able to to pull air.
The other one the one in the children's room is the problem child so to say. So the units in the children's room are in the ceiling. So those are completely different than the ones on the wall. The unit that controls that one has an
small leak. I looked I should have brought it with me, but I didn't. I looked at the meeting minutes from May 2023. So, right before I started, that was the last time air masters were here.
They It's a known leak that the unit has. Um, they were here for AC purposes. So, it's different than than the heating situation. So the leak is leaking um and I say freon but it's not freon. Um it it
was it's leaking the the freon that is needed to control the heat. So what was discovered is that there was none in the unit. So they went ahead filled it um and then ice was also the issue. So, [snorts]
the problem that we're still having, not today cuz it's melted in the unit. You can look at it. The fan is in at the bottom and then there's a solid block of ice. So, all week I've Monday, we we
were without heat in the children's room, but the building is fine. It It was 62 in there. So, we I had a sign. I apologize. patrons were fine with it. Sometimes they're in and out, but the rest of the building was nice and
toasty. So, it wasn't worth me closing uh, you know, reaching out to Air Masters because I'm aware of what's going on. I know what's the issue. It's the block of ice. So, the block of ice. So, I'm able to I shouldn't say it's on camera, but I'm able to stick something
in there and turn the fan. Um, and then it get like if the ice is there, like it it's the ice. So, I'm trying to think of all these ways to can I pour a kettle over it? No, cuz you need gallons of hot water to do that.
So, I reached out to the maintenance foreman and he was looking into purchasing um [snorts] it's like a propane heater type thing that you could put like a a cloth over something and then blast heat so it
would melt. Um but he I don't think he was able to secure that. So, the next following day I came in, everything's working fine. So, um it's just dependent on the ice of or the temperature of the
day. Um but I have been going because now things are melting. I have been going there scraping the ice that's on the outside of the machine of the area, scooping what I can so that way the water can melt. Um that that's my hair
dry. >> I thought of that. I was like I will bring my hair dryer. [laughter] Why can't EMS's give you a better solution than that? Doesn't that seem a little weird? >> I They're expensive. So, >> can they fix it? >> Well, they the leak. So, they said we
will be back in the spring to figure out the leak because the pipes are covered right now. >> Whatever is leaking is freezing. Is Is that what the freezing is coming from? So whatever is leaking, so the area where the leak is um is leaking the
solution to take away the ice in the machine. >> Does that make sense? >> Like the preventative um solution. >> Yes. How that works, I have no clue. Cuz some of the machines, they have ice, but they're fine. The ice isn't pooling at the bottom. This is pull. It's a solid
block of ice. >> Is this in the in the uh above the ceiling? >> No, this is in the machines outside. >> Okay. Outside. We're talking about the outside. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. So outside we have four I don't know the correct term four
HVAC units. So the one the second one in the north is the one that gives us the issue. So that one has >> that's the one for the children. >> Correct. So that controls the children's room. Um so the leak >> um the the chemical that was in there
was depleted. So it wasn't allowing the machine to kick on the This is beyond me how how the the properly correct. >> So the the
>> the units on the wall were flashing error messages. Um and then the machine itself is not able to melt >> or keep up with >> Okay. So is it and and this may be uh
beyond um perception at this point is what's freezing the liquid that's leaking or is it just >> it's water the and this is the other thing above >> okay [laughter] >> it keeps going >> no >> above
so we have an overhang the gutter >> water drips >> water's dripping it's it's bad there so it's pulling there we go it's pulling it's freezing have a cover on it. Can a cover >> I thought about what if I just put but then I'm like that would just pull the
water. So I'm like I could put a t but >> how about the ice? >> I thought about that too but I even thought but I didn't do it cuz I mean that was that would be really bad if I put salt in there. [laughter] >> Yeah, I know that's not >> No, I didn't do it. >> I'm telling I can't see you out there
with a haird dry. >> I know. I'm tell if I get a hback like see you later. That's where the money is. So the [laughter] so um uh Matt even went downstairs to see if we had a hot water source in the
basement so he could run a hose to the unit. We don't. Um so that idea was moot. Um but thankfully these few days it's warmer, it's been melting. Um
I I know what's wrong with it. So yesterday the top fan was working, the bottom one wasn't working. So I went in the computer to the the program and rebooted it by triggering it to shut off everything at a certain time. So
everything shut off and then I put it back on and everything worked. So I know how to beat the system. >> So it sounds like it's a two-fold problem. We get the leaking from above which creates the water. >> You can't do anything right. There's also a leak uh within the system
>> within somewhere in the system. They don't know where along the pipe and to be honest with you, I don't know >> where those pipes go. I know they go in the basement and then um I >> they go between here and >> the plumbing. I know, right? >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. They go between here and there.
They do. They operate properly. >> My concern is when they are able to come in is how much this issue is going to cost. Like You're not going to I won't I won't. So, but I also when they were here I'm like, "If there's a leak, am I
going to call you next week because there's no no longer any chemicals in the in the in the unit?" He's like, "No, it's a slow leak." >> Okay. >> Okay. So, it's like dripping versus pouring out. >> Yeah. There's no You go look at the unit, you >> Well, if you think about it, too, if the
last time they were here was in 2023 >> Yes. and you didn't have a problem until early 2026, then then they're correct. >> We actually have a winter. We haven't had a winter like this in almost 11 years. >> This says the coldest things are behind
us. I love [laughter] >> So, it's um you know, as long as if we do get snow, I know that has to be cleaned in that area. And then if there's just a way or an idea of how we could melt the it's just the bottom is just a block of ice
but it's been melting and you know it drip drips drips and then it freezes overnight. I was just repeating the cycle, you know. >> So, it's a what? A dog. [laughter] >> You know, you've had an abnormal winter. >> Exactly.
>> Minor things become a major thing, especially with a handless. Yes. >> Yeah. Not really raised. It'll just >> So, you know, even in this corner, it's leaking. You know, the the the gutter, but now we can't go up there and see what what's in there, but it's just >> you have ice.
>> So, like in Yes. a staff member, her house is like almost flooded because of these ice >> caves. So, you get the snow melting on the roof and it freezes at the end of the day and starts the cycle all over again. So, >> but in a building of this age and renovation, the insulation won't have
had time really to settle as much. >> You're going to get ice stamps more in the older [clears throat] buildings when you get settling with the insulation and that that creates the problems. If the insulation's good >> Yes. and the heat in the house isn't escaping that way, then the water's just
going to go off run off the house. >> And that's what I I had this closed uh up until yesterday because it was just it it's was a sheet of ice, >> the paltt. Now I just I really overdid it with the salt, but um but things are
melting, so I know it's not freezing while I'm here. >> Yeah. >> Um >> but it this is back and forth back and forth depending. But, you know, if if the heat isn't working in the children's room, I understand why. I know. Um I
don't think right now it's an emergency to because we we we hand our hands are tied. We can't fix the leaf because of the weather. >> And really, this isn't the time of year to address a leaf that's that slow, >> right? >> Yes. >> I mean, you've got figured out that, you know, springtime is going to be the time
to address that. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Um, and I will I I will send the report if you guys wanted to read to read what the the report that's on the invoice of what was found because some of it is. >> Yes. [laughter] >> More than you've already told us.
>> No, no, I'm just talking about the actual terms for the items outside of, you know, like I'm calling it a unit and I'm calling it chemicals. >> There's nothing wrong with calling [laughter] >> at first. >> [clears throat] >> It's just, you know, they talk about uh
the temperatures and all the things. So >> anyway, um after all that, everything's been how it is. Uh the invoice for air masters coming out here to to fix the problem um is $1,424.90.
And that's why I didn't want to call them on Tuesday uh Tuesday. I'm like, I will figure it out. We're fine. Children, go run around. Warm up. >> No. No. Obviously, if it was an emergency, if it wasn't, you know, if it wasn't safe, I would close. I'm I'm I'm
joking. It just >> The whole building was nice and toasty. It's just 62. >> Yeah, that's right there. >> That's not bad. >> So, um I have to pay this. I haven't paid it um
because it's above, you know, thousand. And then um last time they were here it was taken into the stock gift fund. Um I can either do the stock gift fund or the library um gift fund.
I don't know why it was taken out of the stock gift fund in May of of the other time. Um but I can do the library gift fund if that. That's fine. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, I think that's it for uh
>> you you just may be the first library director that has a an HVAC license. >> Plumbing age. I don't judge electricity cuz it >> Oh, never say never. >> I know. I don't want to say [laughter] that. Now I'm going to jinx ourselves.
Jinx myself. Everything is >> So, um, >> do we need an emotion to pay bill? >> Uh, no. She should be fine. Yeah. Um, we are anything else on the I do on the
heat or do >> Oh, not on the heat, but I do have a director for >> No, I do have one additional business. >> Okay. One for the first time. >> One additional business item. >> One and it's really good. Um, does it um so this happened yesterday? Um so at the
friends meeting um two meetings ago during the friends meeting they were presented with $200 um uh made to the friends group in memory of Everett Hardy by his son who is named the the room the plaque over there.
>> Oh yes. So it's in relation to the to the community room. So the you the funds were to be used in the community room. So brainstorming, thinking of what to to do, new projector, looked into that. Um, and then what happened was I went to a
department head meeting at the counseling on aging and they have this beautiful TV in there. I was like, wait a minute, that would be perfect here. So long story short, the friends yesterday approved up to $750.
So they will put whatever the rest is of the two whatever I purchase to purchase a TV that will go mounted there. Um it will have a fully movable mount. Um we will keep the projector and the screen there. Um the TV will just basically
take place of that and then um it will directly you just plug in TVs now. HDMI port um so people can just plug in their laptops. When we play movies the quality would be better. the sound will be better in the future. Um, we can even
purchase a soundbar. Um, if you want to be like, [laughter] so it's just an updated technology. Um, and then we don't have to worry about the blinds shutting the blinds and the projectors on because you will be able to see it. So, I am looking to I am
looking to purchase a 75 in TV. >> Yes. >> So, that's great. So, I just wanted to I don't think it has to be built because I'm not modifying anything in the building. >> No. And the money was given to the friends. >> Correct.
>> So, the 200 was given to the friends. The friends are footing the rest of them. >> So, the I just wanted to throw that say that cuz that happened yesterday and that's why it's not on the agenda. >> Um I just wanted to say that I really really I'm thrilled about that and the friends group and the support that
they've given the library. Um, and um, hopefully next meeting we'll have a TV. >> All right, that's great. Well, thank you to the friends for doing that and for the family of Mr. Hardy, >> who who provided the $200 to the community room. Correct. >> Correct. Correct. >> Correct. Correct.
>> Yes. >> Yeah. Thank you very much. >> All right. Um, director's report. Oh, boy. I I don't even That's important now. I feel like I've said everything. So, uh, just very quickly, Lori did go to the first
graders to present their, uh, new library cards. Um, she read a few stories to them. So, each class, two and two different classes there. And then I will say last week we had a student who was so excited to come to the library and they were hunting their parent to take them to the library to use their
new library card. So, that was really, really nice to see. Um, finance, um, Yeah, I think that's it for the I mean I I I talked a lot today. So that's it for
the director's report. Um other building things were very minor. Uh a key broke. I don't know how key break, but I had I had additional copies made of the bathroom keys as opposed to just having one backup because I mean why not? It's
And out of all the keys you need made, it would be the bathroom just additional >> the most to use. Exactly. So, um before I um and I just wanted to say that next week is uh winter vacation. Um last year
during winter vacation, this place was popping. So, this year we we planned accordingly in hopes that it is as busy as it was last year. So, uh, next Tuesday on the 17th, we have Lego Club at 1. And then we have a special winter
story time with Miss Apple Peach Jr. on Wednesday at 11:00. That's the 18th. And then we are showing uh, Wicked for Good. So, that's the second Wicked in the Wicked series. Um, and that's at 2. Maybe we'll have a new TV in here. I
don't know. [laughter] >> Stay tuned. >> I know. Um and then we have a program called wildlife out your window. And this is a presenter who will um talk about uh animals that you commonly see looking out your window and present facts about
them. So it was re it was recommended to us um and they will be they also do have a book. So they will be uh presenting their book and if you're interested you can purchase a copy. Um and then Friday the first this is the first time we're taking this out. We have a button
making. So, it's very informal. So, you can maybe bring in a picture. Um, our buttons are small though, so it's only an inch big. So, but we will have materials provided if you want to come in and get crafty. And that will be at Friday at 2 and that's the 20th. And
then on Saturday the 21st, Lori will be doing a basics of knitting workshop. So, that is registration only. Um, there are 10 spots. I think eight are taken right now. >> Whoa. >> Um, yes. So, you come very very informal
and basically oneon-one learn how to start knitting. Um I don't know if it'll be a series, but um we'll see. Um it's uh we're trying something new. So, we have a busy week next week and I hope uh
patrons are coming in to enjoy their time off. Um, and >> it was a great idea to send out a separate newsletter for that. >> Yes. >> Um, >> I did I did notice that and I I made a note to mention it. It was a great idea
to highlight that >> as a special school vacation. >> You know, the newsletter gets sent in the beginning of the month and by the time the at the middle of the month, I don't know if you remember what you saw in your emails. >> I [laughter] said that last night, too. It was in Texas. >> It was It was great. And it just
highlighted that one week to be like, hey, look, especially now where >> and I wanted to can't do too much outside. >> No, no. I wanted to make it as short as possible and you know, the email and that way you have it there. The events are all posted if you use social media. The events are all posted in Facebook so
you can set your reminder, you know, if you're interested in something. >> Um, but yeah, lot lots have happened this compared to last meeting where it was really fast. Lots have happened this month. So, any questions about um the
director's support that I kind of didn't talk much about? >> Thank you. Anybody have any other questions or thoughts or anything? No. All right. So, um we have the next meeting date is
Friday, March 13th at 11:30. And if we have no other business, >> motion to close. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> This February 12th, 2026 meeting of the
Kushnet Public Library Board of Trustees is officially adjourned. It is 11:57. Thank you. >> [music] >> Heat.