Hello everyone and welcome to the meeting of the board of the library trustees. I will be chairing the meeting very briefly as this is our reorganization meeting. So we will be electing the chair almost the very first thing and then they will take over the
meeting from there. But uh first we are we will I don't know where the flag is. There it is. We're going to do the pledge of belief. So I call call the meeting to order at 7:01 and we'll be the pledging to the flag first. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. So, we're going to move right into um voting and nominations for the chair of the board. So I have opening
the floor for nominations for chair. >> I make a nomination me uh acting chair person for uh longtime member Julie Cur. >> All right. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> All right. Second by also I think Charles is saying sorry Charles can you hear us? I can't hear him. Uh, lovely decaf person. We need to be able to hear our person on the screen. >> Charles, you're on mute.
>> Charles, you're not on mute, are you? >> Things are He's He's talking, but we can't hear him. And this We tested this earlier today. We'll say came to test this earlier today, so it did work earlier. >> Oh, wait. Oh, is this audio? Oh, that's for us, am I? Yeah, that's for us instead. Excuse us everybody while we
get this this sorted. All right, we're we're we're troubleshooting for the moment. So, we'll we'll hold on for the for the moment. >> Charles, if you can hear us, maybe just try turning your if you're unmuted, just try turning it off and back on again. Sometimes that will fix it.
>> There. Oh. I don't know if we we're hearing I don't know if we're hearing the other room or if we're hearing >> is talking to him on the phone. >> I know. All right. >> Could we put him on your phone and like >> I >> Yeah. Can we just have him call in to
>> to like We could we could do that too. Um we'll see if that works for him. Charles, is it possible for you to call my cell phone? Can you call him? >> Oh, I could call him, too. >> I don't know if he's using a phone or a computer right now.
>> It's right here. >> Can he know? >> I I think he can, but we are on a bit of a delay. >> Looks like he's on the phone. >> Oh, now it's gone to his >> Oh, it went to voicemail. >> It went to voicemail.
>> He declined your call, >> did he? He did. He doesn't know your number. >> I know. >> Charles, can you hear us at all? Can you give us a thumbs up or something if you can hear us? >> Michael, will you call? He knows your number. Will you call him?
>> All right, Charles, can you give us a thumbs up if you can hear us? >> Who's he talking to? >> Maybe it's us. See, we had it all set this afternoon and yet and yet there's always
something. We tested it and everything. >> Problem with electronics. >> When that works, it's great. >> Make sure Make sure your volume is up on your phone. >> Can you pick up your phone?
>> See if he's I think he must be on his phone. >> There's nothing on my end. >> It's nothing on this end. embarrassing. >> Yeah. No, >> right. Okay. All right. >> Well, is he on his phone? >> We've spoken, so I'm sure he sees it's me. >> But is he on his phone right now trying to
>> I think I think he's trying to zoom on his phone. >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. >> It's going to say like, "Can you can you >> just hang up?" >> Oh, can you hear me now? >> Y
>> Yeah. Okay. I'm I'm listening to everything. I don't have to see you, but I can hear everything clearly now. >> All right. Very good. Yay. Yay, everybody. Okay. >> All right. So, back to the business of the meeting. We had a nomination by Mike
Hagen for Julie Curtis as chair, seconded by Donna. Are there any other nominations? >> Yes. I would like to nominate Noah Levit for chair, please. >> All right, Noah. And that was by Corey. >> And I'll second that. >> And Ellen seconding. All right. Ellen
second. Excellent. Very good. >> I move nominations for chair be closed. >> Is there any other discussion that anybody wishes to have or we or do we move as Mike says? Yeah.
>> I don't know how. Do we have discussion after we close nominations? >> We we will. So what we do is we we can have discussion after we close nominations. Yes. >> Has anybody seconded my nomination? Close nominations. >> All right. So yeah, there's a So there's
a motion on the floor to close the nominations. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Second. All right. >> Yep. Hold on. >> All right. So, hold on. I'm just making sure. So, we do have to do roll call votes because we do
have someone that is remote. So, um I'm going to start with our remote person. So, the it is a vote to close nominations for chair. Uh Charles, is that yes or no? >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. >> Corey, >> yes.
>> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. Jessica, >> yes. >> Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> yep. Yes. >> And Ellen, >> yes. >> All right, the motion has passed. The
nominations are closed. Is there any uh discussion? >> We don't have to have any. Just putting it out there. We need >> Well, do do you want to speak first since you were nominated first? I don't >> Thank you. I just I want to talk about, you know,
the things that I've been able to accomplish as the recording secretary as well as a trustee. Um, in fact, one of the the very first thing I did when I was first elected
was I was able to convince the trustees as well as the director to take one of the two bins that were up on the front and put it down and therefore people can drive up and
put their books there. Um and the reason I did that was uh people had said to me that between being an older person of being in the car with children, it was in the winter it was cold. Um they wanted a way that they
could do it without getting out of their car. And so the I was very proud of the fact that I was able to initiate that and get that to happen. Um, I have been on several committees.
One of the first ones we did was we did a gayla. We did two gaylas for the library. They were fundraisers. Um, and I was on both of those committees and we did extensive fundraising. We, you know, reached out
to the patrons. We reached out to the uh trustees. Uh we reached out to the public uh businesses. We reached out to foundations. Uh we got the Essex uh Bank Foundation
as well as the Rotary um as well as others and then about two years later we did the same thing. um they were very successful and one of the reasons they were so successful is that we held them right in the library and we
were able to showcase the library. Um another committee that I was on was their earn restoration and that was when somebody unfortunately hijacked our urn and tried to sell it
believe it or not. But anyways, in order to restore it, um, a committee was formed and I was on that committee and again we solicited donations. Um, and that I was very proud to be able
to do that. Um, I also have had several accomplishments. Um, I was the with the support well I'm sorry that that's the bins. Um, I sur served on the committee that installed the surveillance cameras.
Um, as well as the employees wearing the panic buttons. Um, I served on the committee uh the last two searches for directors. Um, I served on the committee that
updated the trustee bylaws and I also served on the uh original committee that updated the tuition re uh reimbursement scholarship policy. I have a good relationship
with the friends of the library. Most of them know me by name. Um, I've attended practically all of their things. They have a holiday party. They have an open house. You know, I attend all of those.
Um, I have a good relationship with them. I have a good relationship with the employees. And if any of you saw the presentation this year before the selectman and the finance committee, one of the pictures
they had was me dressed up um as a witch. Um but because we had a um Halloween trunkatron and we in fact were up at the um
what's the what's the place >> Texas Roadhouse >> and we were handing out candy and we and I was very pleased to you know be asked to do that. I've also sat on several tables when they've had functions, you
know, the when they put their books up, you know, I've helped with those. I've sat on the table on more than one album helping. Um I am a very true believer in the library. The library was my savior when
I I decided to go back to school at 35. And it was the library that hosted me. And when I was elected, I first said, "I'm running to give back to the library what they gave back to me." And I feel that I have done that. I have been the
recording secretary most of the time. One term I actually served as vice chair. Um I just feel that you know I've you know know the library and I feel that I will be a good share
person and um because of my extension I also um the state rep in the state senator we have a lobby day at the state house and I practically every time have gone into
the state house to lobby for the uh library for the funding of the library. I've also have a good relationship with both of them and I've been able to one- on-one talk to them about how essential it is for the library to be funded. And
I always use the example of the fact is I went to school during the day at 3530. Um, and if it wasn't for me being able to use the library, I wouldn't have been able to do it. So, because of all of
that, I am asking that your support of my candidacy for chairperson and thank you so much. >> Thank you, Julie. >> Thank you. Um, so, um, I would also, um, humbly request your support for my
candidacy candidacy for chair. Um, I'm comparatively newer, uh, on the board. I've only been on for a year. Um, but I think that I would bring a fresh perspective um, and really be proactive in the role of chair. I think I've spent the last year learning a lot about the
library, how it works, how the trustees work, um, what's working well, what are areas of focus and improvement going forward. Um, and I really would appreciate the opportunity to be again be proactive as chair and focus on some of those areas. Um
I have again I'm you know I've only been in town a few years but I'm a town meeting member. Um I served on the charter review committee um last year which was a really uh good introduction to just sort of managing large comp a large complex municipal initiative. Um you know since I've been on the board
here I've um enjoyed working on the new mission statement for the trust working on the scholarship committee um really dabbling in a lot of areas. Um, I think something that's really important is I know one thing we've talked about has been um, potentially being more proactive with using the fund or using
the trust. Um, and also working with the friends in fundraising and that really is my professional experience in marketing and development. I've worked on many capital campaigns. I've worked on um, complex fundraising projects. So, I think I would bring a lot of expertise there um, towards those projects. Um,
I'm also really experienced in advocacy, so I think I can be a really good partner with Noel. um and advocating for the library both at the town level but also at the state level. Um and just you know really I'm passionate about the library and I um think this is a really I view this as a really good opportunity
to make a difference in institution that I personally love and I think is really vital to the town of Danvers. So thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Uh any more discussion from the other trustees? >> No. All right. So then we will move to
the vote. Um I've actually just suddenly realized like I'm not sure since we've I've not had to have to like procedurally whether we just if you cast your vote for a specific person or if we go through each person separately. Do you each person separately Mike? Yeah. Okay. Thank you. All right. So um we
will go through again. It'll be a roll call vote. So uh we will do since Julie was nominated first we'll do her first. So um as I go call your name please say Oh, you're gonna do yes or no, not just like who? Yes. >> Yes. Sorry. >> Yeah, we'll do yes or no in December.
>> Yeah, that's absolutely. Um All right. Uh Charles, yes or no for the nomination of Julie Curtis for chair? >> Yes. >> Uh Corey, >> no. >> Donna, >> no.
>> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> no. Noah. >> Uh, no. >> Ken, >> yes. >> Ellen, >> no. >> All right. And now we do
for Levit. So, um, Charles, yes or no for no Levit? >> No. >> Corey, >> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> no. >> Julie, >> no.
>> Jessica, >> yes. Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> no. >> And Ellen, >> yes. >> All right. So, uh, congratulations, Noah. You have earned the votes for >> Thank you.
>> Yep. So, so from here on out, this means you get to run the rest of the meeting. >> Excellent. >> So, um, No. Yep. He's No, I'm okay. He's all right. So, the now you're just going to basically do the exact same thing for the vice chair position. I'll I'll keep track of the Oh, you keep track. So, yeah. Okay. Um,
>> since I have the little chart, >> thank you. I like the handy little chart. >> Yes. >> Um, >> thank you. Thank you to the town clerk. >> So, uh, next will be the election of the vice chair. Um, are there any motions to nominate someone for the position of vice chair? >> I'd like to nominate Jessica Cargle for
vice chair. >> I'll second that. >> Julie, we have a nomination for Jessica. Any other >> and Julie, you seconded, right? Any other motions for nominations for vice chair? >> Move nominations for vice chair be
closed. Mr. Chair, >> I second. >> Okay. >> All right. >> And that was Ellen. You just second it, right? >> Yep. >> So, we'll do a roll call vote on the motion to close nominations for the position of vice chair. Do you want me to call them out or would you call?
>> You can I can do it if you want if it's easier. >> Yeah, if you want to do it because you have the Yeah, I suppose that makes it easier. Um, all right. So, so this is to vote to close nominations for vice chair. Uh Charles, >> yes. >> Corey, >> yes.
>> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> this is for Jessica. >> Just close enough. >> Yes. >> Uh Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> yes. >> Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> yep. Yes. >> And Ellen, >> yes.
>> Okay, so now >> let's do it again. Um any any discussion? Uh Jessica? >> You don't have to. >> I don't have it. >> I think I think we all know um the impact you've had over the past few
years. So um >> I just love doing the taxes a lot. So >> that is unique quality and we should embrace that. >> Yes. Yes, we should. >> Um so we'll do the roll call vote for the election of vice chair for Jessica. >> Yes. Okay. So, this is for the voting
for vice chair for Jessica Cargyle. Uh, Charles, >> yes. >> Corey, >> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> yes. >> Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> yes.
>> Ellen, >> yes. >> All right, congratulations. >> Congratulations, Jessica. >> Um, so next we will have uh the position of treasurer. So just opening for nom anyone any motions for nominations for the position of treasurer.
>> Um I nominate Ken >> for treasurer >> jumped right in front of me. >> Move to close nominations. >> Second >> keep up with this >> recording secretary. >> We have to do the roll. We have to do a
roll call to close the nominations. Yep. All right. Roll call to close nominations for treasurer for Ken Lee. Charles, >> yes. >> Corey, >> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica,
>> yes. >> Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> yes. >> Ellen, >> yes. >> All right, nominations are closed. >> Any discussion? Ken >> like don't >> on a heavy heavy crowd.
>> I think you can handle it. >> Um so we'll do the roll call for uh the position of treasurer for Ken. >> All right. So this is for the voting for the treasurer position for Ken Lee. Charles, how do you vote? >> Yes. >> Corey,
>> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> yes. Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> yes. >> And Ellen, >> yes. I >> was already writing a Y before we got there, but okay. I shouldn't have been doing that. All right, next.
>> Moving along. Next is recording secretary. I'll open the floor for nominations. >> I nominate Corey for secretary. >> Oh, I'll second. >> Um, I would like to nominate Julie Curtis.
You don't want to do it. You told me last year you wanted to do it. >> I do want to do it. >> Well, then do >> I so admire the way you've done the role, Julie. >> Well, >> and if you would prefer to do it again, then I'm open to that.
>> I just concerned because you outright told me last year you wanted to do it. >> No reason to be concerned. I do want to do it. >> Okay. >> I just No, I'll do it. Well, I I have a lot I I have plenty going on. And if you are really
enthusiastic and would prefer to stay in the role rather than have somebody new take over, then I would be happy to have you continue on as recording secretary. >> Fine. Um, yes. >> So, is that a nomination, Corey? >> Yeah, >> that is a nomination. >> I will second it.
>> All right. So, all right. Hold on. >> So, I can I retract my Yeah. I don't know if we can return to vote on it on both. >> I would assume they have to go. >> You have to go forward. >> Sorry.
>> No, it's saying what if someone doesn't >> Mr. Chair has a question. >> Charles Smith, >> I have technical problem. I have one >> Oh, we lost him. >> We lost him. That's a That's a That's a
Well, that was a technical problem. Um, it is okay. I mean, we have a quorum, so it is okay to continue without him. Um, at this point, but yeah, since we have the two nominations already in, I think we do have to vote for both for both of
them and then it is the choice of the person who wins the vote if they want to refuse. That is their >> So, we had a motion to close the nominations. Do we have a second for that? >> Second. 10 seconded. >> All right. So, wait, what do we Oh, to
close down nominations. Was like going like, wait, what did we just do? Hold on. Let me go right. So, who who said to close nominations? >> Mike and Ken second. >> I seconded it. >> Mike and Ken. All right. Thank you. So, do we still should do a roll call vote regardless since we've been doing it
and in case Charles comes back. Um, so closing nominations for voting for secretary. Um, Charles is not with us. So Corey, >> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie,
>> yes. >> Jessica, >> yes. >> Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> yes. >> And Ellen, >> yes. >> All right. So, now we have almost had exactly the right number of little lines, but now I have to draw a new one.
Um, hold on. All right. >> And so, first we'll have the uh vote for since I think Corey is nominated first. So, we will vote for Corey for recording secretary. >> Yes. All right. Charles is not there.
Okay. So, Corey. >> Um, I'll vote yes for myself. >> Very, very good. Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> I hope no. >> Julie, >> no. >> Jessica,
>> no. >> After you nominated her, Noah, >> no. >> Ken, >> no. >> And Ellen, >> no. >> All right. >> Thanks, guys. >> So, >> now we will do the votes for
>> Julie. Julie Curtis. All right. Charles not there. So Corey, >> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> yes. >> Noah, >> yes.
>> Ken, >> yes. >> And Ellen, >> yes. >> All right. Congratulations, Julie. You got to be secretary again >> for the 20th year, huh? >> Or something like that. All right. So, that will conclude the voting. I will um make sure you get this to put in the
minutes. >> It's gonna be a long one. >> And uh you know, you get to take minutes now. Ready for you? >> Um so next we have public comment and we have some folks here. Are you planning
on speaking? Would you like to share a public comment? No. Okay. Well, it's just nice to have an audience for once. >> Hey, thanks for coming. Thanks for coming. Ask >> there. Can you before you leave, can you identify yourself so I can put it in the minutes as you being guest? >> Sure.
>> Amy Velasquez. >> I know that. >> We can write it down for you. >> No, I've got it. I know. >> Amy Velasquez. >> Mike Velasquez. >> Micah. >> Micah. >> Micah. Oh, Micah. Excuse me. >> And what's your last name?
>> Velasquez. Sound familiar? Huh? >> And I bet you >> I bet you're the husband. >> What's your first name? >> Luis. >> Luis. >> L. >> Y u L L U I S. Luis
>> and last name. >> Easy peasy. >> Well, thank you. Um, so next we will vote to approve the minutes of the April 8th meeting. Um, I've watched the recap, but I wasn't there. So, I'm just letting folks know that I'm going to abstain from that. Um, but can we get a motion
to approve the minutes of the April 8th meeting? >> I'll bring that motion. >> Ken, do you have a second? >> Second. >> So, do we need to roll call for this one, too? Did you just say all? >> Um, well, we since we're doing roll call anyway and just in case Charles
reappears, let's let's just continue with roll call just for for safety sake. I can I'll keep track of the roll call for you if you want me to, Julie, since I'm already doing it. >> What are we doing? >> We're giving roll call vote to approve the minutes. >> Because we've had a someone online,
we're required to do roll call if there's somebody online. I know he's disappeared, but we want to we should stay consistent through the meeting just and just in case he comes back too. So, we don't want to we don't want to go off track now. Um, all right. So, roll call vote to approve the minutes of the April
meeting. So, Charles is not present at the moment. Corey, >> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. >> Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> I have to sustain because I wasn't here. >> Carain
here. Oh, abstain. >> Abstain. >> Noah. >> Oh, abstain. >> Ken. >> No. I'm sorry. What did you do? >> I'm abstaining. >> Yeah. Both of us weren't here. >> Ken. >> Yes. >> And Ellen, >> I think I have to abstain as well.
>> That's right. You weren't here either. Well, you were, but you weren't. >> I was, but I not official. >> Um, just a quick You were You were sworn in, correct? >> I I absolutely was. >> No, I just I I forgot to ask that before we voted. >> Oh, no. Well, made sure. Okay. >> Oh, yeah. Oh, yes. I am thorough.
>> All right. So, that has passed. >> Thank you. Um, so now we'll move on to the trustees report and I believe Corey will be giving her last treasur. Sorry. Yes. Yes. >> The treasurer's report. This will be your last one. >> Will you make sure I get that? >> Of course. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Um, for the period ending April 30th, our balance, beginning balance was $896,737.13, $0 in deposits, $1,88.94 in income, $0 in withdrawals.
Expenses um amounted to 1,7376. So total change in value was up 30 or 38,75614 for an ending balance of 4 and 734 8 74.
>> It's one of those days, isn't it? >> Good thing Ken's taking over. >> I've never fumbled so badly and it's my very last one. $734,845.15. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Um any questions or discussion around
the treasures report? >> Yeah. Can I just I I want to personally thank you. Um you did an excellent job as treasurer. It's not an easy job. Um, but I think that everybody on the board,
if if you don't agree, just don't say anything. But I think that everyone agrees that you did a great job. >> Thank you. I truly did my best. >> You You said a high thing for Ken. >> Oh, boy. >> It will take him no time at all to learn
everything I learned this year. >> Thank you, Corey. >> You're welcome. >> So, we will vote to approve the treasures report. Do we have a motion to >> motion? >> Second. >> So, Donna and Ellen. >> Donna and Ellen. >> And we'll do another roll call vote to
approve the treasures report. >> So busy. >> All right. So, Charles is still absent. >> I'm sorry. So, it's Donna. >> Donna and Ellen. >> I'm sorry. I was laughing and I should have. >> All right. Um, Charles is not present. So, Corey,
>> yes. >> Donna, >> yes. >> Mike, >> yes. Julie, >> yes. >> Jessica, >> yes. >> Noah, >> yes. >> Ken, >> yes. >> Ellen, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> One thing I just want to add is that our taxes are officially in and closed for
>> Excellent. >> 2025. >> All right. >> Thank you. Good work. >> Good job. >> Um, so next we have the Friends of the Library update. I know I was not at the last meeting, but I know you were. So, would you want to give that update? >> Yes. >> Yes. Um, so they just did have their
annual meeting last week. I'm like, when was that? Last week. Um, so they are the biggest news about them right now, of course. So they they had a very successful year. Um, so they they did well. So they did change did their their
also reorg of their board uh as well. So um, Ellen is going Ellen Clarkson is going to become president. uh Marsha Kugan who was president for many years and stepped back in recent years will be vice president again uh and I think most of
the rest of the board is saying the same. So that that was you know main purpose of course of the business meeting that they had. Uh and then you know they've had a they've had a good year. They've had you know really successful programming. Um they've added some museum passes. Museum pass use has
been good and steady. They're still looking you know for suggestions and you know of programming and museum passes. So, you know, if anybody has has things, send them my way to pass on uh as well. And then, of course, the big thing that's coming up is the book sale. So,
the book sale is is is the where they make most of the money um the year. Uh so, the book sale will be taking donations June 1st through the 6th. And so, you can just bring the donations and that's books, CDs, vinyl records, DVDs,
anything in good condition. Um we do not want crappy things. they're just going to get tossed in the recycling. So, don't bring those. But, um, the Gordon room on the ground floor is where the donations will be collected. You can come anytime the library hours are open
and they will just take them in and sort them as they go. And then Monday, the following week, which right, is that the eth putting my head? So, the the eth is a setup day for them. Then the evening of the 9th, if you are a member of the friends, you get a preview
inside the sale first. So you get the preview sales from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the Tuesday the 9th. And then the sale will be most of the hours that were open there basically 10 to 4, no 10 to 8, 10 to 8 on the Wednesday and Thursday, 10 to 4 on the Friday, and then 10 to 2 I
believe on the Saturday. Um, so the 9th through the 13th is when the sale will be. Um they'll also have a raffle basket um as well. So that's their big gear up right now is the sale. As I said, that is where they make most of their money. Um they do fund all of our museum pass
program um and also provide us support in other areas as well. They in the past year um they gave $3,000 directly to um our different departments to put on programming. Um it's kind of a new way that we're doing that as well. And then they al also put on programming
themselves all year. And then if we have any special things that we want money for, like we want to have a purchase or something, they always try to chip in for that as well. So they're a great organization. If you don't belong, only starts at $20 to join. You can still join. Um, and that Yeah, that's and
that's probably most of the report is, but it was a it was a very nice week. >> Yeah. >> Any further discussion around the friends of the library? >> Okay, you can segue right into your director's report, Noel. >> All right. for my director's support. Um, so first I just ask if anybody has
any questions about anything I wrote. I was trying to keep things brief. I know we try to have this be a quicker meeting um with the reorg if anybody has anything they want to ask me before I launch into anything extra. >> So I just I saw the note about um the state budget. Is just wondering are
there any specific actions we should be taking from an advocacy perspective or is are things looking strong in terms of the funding level that >> for the library is at the moment. Yes. So the state budget right now um the good news has so the good news there
is that you know the the governor did ask for like a 2% increase um it has been basically matched by the the senate and the house have kind of agreed to it. So even though the state does want more than that I mean or rather the libraries the mass board of library commissioners
would of course want more for that asked for more than that um that there is an increase is still very good news. Um, you know, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, uh, monies that were cut initially, at least for a while, by
the federal government have been returned. So, a lot of things that were put on hold or sort of canceled by the state, like different databases and things that we had access to, grants, um, are now being brought back for the most part. Uh, the grant program is not
fully back. They've only awarded a small number of those um, right now. And I think part of it is just making sure that the money will still be there um for them to continue that work. Um the uh but yeah, so things look steady from
the you know viewpoint of looking at the state right now which is a good thing. Um you know the state aid will be funded fully. uh the the bad news piece that I'll just bring up not from a money standpoint point but from um across the state as we know like budgets are
getting more difficult in many towns and cities. So there is sort of very large amount of uh towns that are looking at overrides um and looking at you know substantial cuts to libraries. uh Marblehead being one of the ones that is
looking at a 50% cut to their budget, the library budget. Um and in which if that happens, they will become, you know, uncertified by the descertified by the the state. Um and they will no longer be able to use other neighboring libraries um if that happens. But we'll
we'll see that their override comes up in June. So we'll we'll see if that how their override vote goes. Um but that is just a concern is that that is where the trend is right now is that budgets are decreasing across the state. Um and that libraries are often one of the first
things that kind of gets picked on um as something to cut. So just something for us to keep our eyes on um as far as advocacy goes. um as well like we want to make sure um if somebody does ask for the story of the library and like make sure you say about all the great things
the library does um with you know very small we are like I think it's 1.4% 4% of the budget is what we are in town and that is very typical that libraries about one to between usually less than 2% of the whatever the municipal budget is is what the library is funded and we do a lot with very little money. So um
it is just very important that we are able to keep our funding as much as possible you know considering other demands on the budget um as well but uh so so that but the um and the other but yeah we'll we'll see what happens with Marblehead. Um if Marblehead does have
their budget cut we will we will as a board uh vote to uphold the policy that we already approved to not serve a descertified library. And so they they they do ask um the consortium does ask that we individually vote as boards
about the specific descertified community um if we get to that point. But just putting it on our radar as something that will I'll be really happy if it doesn't happen. I'll be really happy if it doesn't happen. But I I feel very badly for that community right now.
>> Any other uh questions or commentary before I don't really have much else to add. So which is good which is which is good. Good. It's good, but I don't have much to add. Um, but anything else? No. No. Mike, you almost looked like you were going to say something >> on this. Um, Mr. Chairman, but what
about name on the fridge? Remember the fridge? Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. We were actually just I was just saying like I haven't um the HIC hasn't communicated again with me for the food fridge yet. So, I'll I'm going to reach out like they're meeting this week. So, I'm going to reach out to them after this week and see where that
stands. Um, and the the thing that is super cute that I will just mention that's new is so and I mentioned in for in a previous report, but the um Girl Scouts put in a little pollinator garden. So, super cute. So, it's uh
right. So, on the if you're facing the front doors of the library where the driveway is on the left there, the little patch used to be kept up differently um before, but they've added some little pollinator plants and planted some seeds and they put little bee houses in and they put some signage up um to educate people about
pollinators. So, it's it's adorable. And they're having like their grand opening for it um on the first at I think it's four o'clock. I believe it's four o'clock. So, anybody anybody's invited to come by and then there will be Girl Scout cookies >> June 1st. >> June 1st. Yes. The Monday >> at 4
>> at four o'clock. Yes. Yes. I'm pretty sure I'm I'm pretty sure I'm right about that. And yeah, they will have Girl Scout cookies. So, they serve that they were going to have cookies. >> Yes. They told me that there would be Girl Scout cookies. >> I know. So, they have to have some to I
think they're going to have some to eat. >> They've saved some freezer. >> Yeah, they might be in the freezer. So, um, so, so, so that's just, so that's just like a project that they had come to me to ask about, um, whether there was any space at the library that they could do it at, and I said, "Oh, we have a defunct little garden on the side and
take it." So, so they, so they did. So, I'm very It's It's I was took a picture of it earlier today. It was very, very cute. Um, though it's so hot today, everything's wilting, but you know, that's that's what's going to happen. Um and that and otherwise really we we're interviewing next week for the um
assistant head of reference and information services. Um we did have two internal candidates for that. So we'll be doing uh our interviewing for that next week and hopefully have that started uh someone starting in that position shortly and then that will be
all about moving forward with the next thing after that. Um and yeah, I really don't I really don't have much else. Okay. >> So, no. >> Thank you. >> Um, so we'll move on to all business now. Um, first item was the indemnification insurance. I know >> at the last >> I can give an update about
>> Okay, perfect. Okay. I was going to say there was there was a note in the last meeting about the select board. So, >> yes. So, I did um meet with the town manager and town council last week and we talked about indemnification. uh not fully so I can't really talk
about it because I don't know really but um town council is going to come to our next meeting and they will talk about the indemnification um yeah they'll get into it so like I I can't really get into it because I don't know all the legal ins and outs of it
but they'll they will so they just told me very basic things but they will >> what are they going to talk about >> indemnification so we will finally get some um answers to that issue >> it it would seem Uh, Mr. Chairman, uh, you know, we've been chasing this for a
few months now. >> Yeah. >> And I mean, it's not complicated >> and it's really a yes or no answer. It's it's a yes. Yes, we are or no, we are. And it's very simple. Now, some people say like, you know, like, you know, select board or agents of the town. It
might might be us that, you know, you make a decision, you know, you're protected by the town. But, I mean, it's it's a yes or no. It's pretty simple and I mean I don't understand understand why it's not yes or no.
>> I cannot answer this question for you. Sorry but um but uh the Kate Connelly from the the town council will come and and discuss it with us. It is also an opportunity um she has said that she is open if other if there are other
questions um that we have you know that she'd be happy to answer other questions as I raised that one issue with her at the open meeting. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> And that wasn't didn't make people happy there. But >> well, she she's very I've confirmed with
her actually today that she will attend the next meeting. So Okay. >> Um and be able to address uh >> and just so people understand it's not insurance, it's indemnification. >> Right. >> Can I for indemnification? >> Yes.
>> Basically, can we be sued or not? >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. As individuals. >> Yes. >> Um, can I ask what brought this up? Like was there someone suing you? >> Being on being on the Thank you. being on the retirement being on surprising I brought up being
on the retirement board for a long period of time. That issue arose from a new member about, you know, we're we're managing over $180 million. five people responsible for in a roundabout way $180 million and if
something was to go astray or something like that a bad investment you know your people's money retirees you know we're managing their money we have money managers I mean and so the question came up are we indemnified
and it took a little while but the town clerk dug into it and found out that it was accepted in some act years ago. So, the retirement board is indemnified. Now, we
may be indemnified just by agents of the town, but I mean, I'm confused as to why they don't say, "Yes, you are." No, we're not. That's fine. >> Because they're lawyers. So, um Okay. So, yeah, I'm not worried.
>> Yeah. Thank you. >> That's the update. >> And we can ask all of our questions next week. Y or next month, sorry. >> Yes. >> Um so the other item old business was the code of conduct code of conduct addendum. >> Yes. Which is in the packet. So I didn't know that was just um
uh Donna and I had worked on the code of conduct uh addendum. So I did not know since Ellen was new if we wanted to table it again or not um so that she had more time to absorb or um it's up to you guys. That's it's all.
>> So, it was it was sent out and then Ellen, you've you got the packet. I did >> by email. Do you do you feel comfortable voting on that tonight or do you want to >> I mean, I'm curious as to why we why we're doing this. I would I've been on other boards and I I in the past, I know
I've been doing it a long time, but we did like an ethics online thing for the town through the town. We didn't have a specific code of conduct for other boards. I'm wondering why we have a specific >> this is this is actually taken directly from the select board. This is the select board's code of conduct.
>> I guess I'm questioning why why we like I was on preservation. We didn't have a separate code of conduct. It was kind of like a overall I'm just curious as to what again got this started out of >> there's been a lot in the last few years >> that this was necessary for us to have.
>> So you all feel comfortable with it? >> Yes. >> We already um approved it once there's now changes being made. There's nothing in here that I'm worried about. >> Yeah. >> So, yeah, >> the highlighted >> I was just curious. Yeah. >> I saw the highlighted portions and
>> or what we would be voting on. >> Right. >> So, do we want do we feel do we have any further discussion on this? Do we feel comfortable voting on this tonight? >> Uh yeah, I'm not worried about it. >> Okay. Any further discussion on this? >> Yeah, Mr. camera on item number 15 uh
15 it's uh it says if circumstances change so that meeting attendance on a regular basis becomes difficult you should consider offering a resignation to the appointed authority so that an appropriate replacement may be selected
>> we don't have an appointed authority we're elected >> right >> I think that that I think if I had to guess and I I don't were having a discussion about this at the time that we um approved the draft, including item 15. But I I did look at the bylaws after
the discussion at the last meeting on this topic and I believe that if you were to resign the board, you would give that resignation to the town clerk and her like appointing authority is in some
some situations not ours, but that's I believe that that's the procedure and that it is then um a vote of our the remaining trustees of a replacement candidate. It doesn't go to town meeting. Um
>> my suggestion, Mr. Sham, is very simple. Take that upon authority and say town clerk. >> Yeah, that's Should we check the bylaws before we do that? >> The bylaws don't speak the our bylaws, the library board of trustees bylaws doesn't really speak directly to this.
Actually, I should verify that before I said that. >> But then I asked other folks. So yeah, I mean we may need a level of verification here, but >> okay. Um I know that we have gone through this before. Um and it was when Will Wilbur Cobb
became cast >> that was a long time ago. >> Yeah. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> And what happened is um >> who's the attorney? >> We ended up choosing somebody. >> Who's the old attorney? >> That part is in the bylaws. So the
bylaws say article 3 section 3 says any vacancy caused by death, resignation, disqualification or otherwise shall be promptly filled by a vote of the remaining members of the board until the next regular town election. It does not say and I mean the town clerk is the first person I would talk to if I was
resigning the board. Um I think that that makes good sense. Can I suggest that we actually say something like the appropriate authority and then we figure like just to move this along >> the resignation to the appropriate authority would work, right? >> Versus
>> and then it says consider >> offering a resation. >> It's basically >> you have to it says consider >> correct >> if somebody is elected and they don't they can they okay I'm considerate what what are you considering? I don't want I'm not going to resign. So >> So you could just never come to meetings if you're an elected official. You could
just not do your job. >> That's exactly >> because I know I agree. >> Is that appropriate? No. Should we still have a way for them to get out if they're not doing it? And maybe something in our code of conduct to give them a a subtle suggestion that maybe
you should consider resigning to the appropriate authority so we could have a full board. I mean that discussion uh in years past Ellen uh has been uh done very carefully
uh with people there were uh trustees that were elderly u uh not not attending >> let's not look at me >> very gently trying to before >> you open yourself up is >> right but I mean I I think this is a
pretty benign statement >> yeah should consider are offering a resignation period. >> That's exactly what and I were just discussing. >> There you go. Yeah. Right. Just >> Yeah. I I would I mean I would I I would edit this to just Yeah. edit end the
statement after resignation and then the procedure is spelled out in the bylaws. So I don't think we need the >> clarify clarifying clause. >> Yeah. So just take out to the appointing authority. So just offering a resignation so that an appropriate replacement may be selected because it
is clearly stated as to what would happen if somebody leaves the board. >> Right. And then they only have to consider it. Mike, we don't we can't force them to do it. >> Exactly. >> Yeah. So so the language the suggested change would be if circumstances change
so that meeting attendance on a regular basis becomes difficult, you should consider offering your resignation so that an appropriate replacement may be selected. What's the last >> so that an appropriate replacement may be selected. >> So yeah, Mike, it just takes out the two
appointing authority. Yeah. You want to give this to >> is that? >> Are you okay with that, Mike? >> No. >> I I that sounds okay to me. But like I say, you know what? I've been through this dance before with elderly trustees
and uh you have to walk very gently because they have attorneys and things like that and uh that's where indemnification might come in handy. >> So I'd like to make a motion that we approve the code of conduct
um as written except for 15 and we're moving the words to the appointing authority. I'll second. >> I'll second. >> All right. >> So, we will do a roll call vote on this as well.
>> Yes, we will. Have to be consistent at this point. >> All right. Um, >> one more question, Mr. Sure. >> Yes. It says uh number 11, refrain from asserting personal opinions
on town business parenthesis either before your board or another such assertion may be interpreted as a position of your board. >> As a private citizen, you could attend
any meeting you want and speak and you can always identify yourself. like when I used to uh speak to on issues with the police department, I'd say, "Look, I'm not speaking for the department. I'm speaking as a member or and I think that
that one is a little uh I'm not sure about that one there." >> Well, I think the scenario you described would be the appropriate way to handle that where you mention that you're on a board, but you're not speaking for the board, which I think is what that is referring to. that because I will occasionally speak and mention that I'm
a library trustee but I make it clear that I'm just speaking as my personal opinion >> and it says interpreted I mean who interprets >> so >> anybody who listens to >> you if you label if you're a library trustee if you're walking over your library trustee are you label already I
mean is that >> you just have to be clear and say this is not the whole trustees this is me >> and you know I'll be doing that >> I think when it comes to human code of conduct like a lot of this stuff is going to be subjective and if there are
more guidelines than anything else um >> it's like the pirate code >> we could go through each single one like work to uphold the mission statement like what does work mean so I think we have to accept a level of subjective language in a document like
this is I'm um so now our version of the code of conduct will be significantly different than the code of conduct used by the select board and the other boards in town. >> I mean, not extremely significantly different, but a >> three three of 18.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean, I don't have any problem with that. >> So, Donna, you you you already voted to approve it. >> I made a motion and it was seconded. >> Okay. Ken has been seconded though
second. >> All right second. >> Uh roll call vote if we're good with no more discussion. Right. Okay. Make sure. All right. Charles is not here. Corey. >> Yes. >> Donna. >> Yes. >> Mike. >> Yes. >> Julie? >> Yes.
>> Jessica? >> Yes. >> Noah? >> Yes. >> Ken? >> Yes. >> Ellen? >> Yes. >> All right. >> Excellent. And then moving on to new business, which was a note about the November meeting date. >> Yes, that's just me. So, uh, we usually
do the second Wednesday. The second Wednesday in November is Veterans Day. So, I wanted to see if the board wanted to change the meeting date. >> Yes, >> I think that's a good idea. >> Yes. >> I I personally would say to push it
back, but I don't know if that's >> so be the 17 the 18th. 18. But that's >> So it's Veterans Day. >> It's Veterans Day. Yes. Right. Right now the way our normal meeting schedule is is that it would fall on Veterans Day, >> which is the 11th. >> Which is the 11th.
>> So be the 18th this year. >> The library is closed. >> 18th or the fourth. >> The 18th. Moving it back. And that's those before >> Thanksgiving is not until the 26th, >> right? It's late. Yes. Moving right.
>> When you said back, I went back. >> Uh that's a question. I'm not sure if we need a vote or not. >> The other thing is we will shut down. >> Yeah. So, okay. Good. All right. November 18th it is. I will because I
will I will um be letting DAT know our schedule for the next year so that they can book the space. So, I wanted >> November 18th will be the November 18th. Yes. So I will I will let them I will let
them know our our schedule. I think all the other dates looked fine. That was the that was the one I noticed. >> Okay. >> Looking ahead. >> Any other new business? No. Okay. So our next meeting will be June 10th right here at the DAT Studios.
Um can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> So >> second. Who? I'm sorry. Who's so good at it? >> Ellen. >> Ellen's a big seconder. Yes, I'm good. I'm big at that. >> You're very active in your first meeting. >> My first rodeo.
>> I think we have we have to do one more roll call. >> No. >> Okay. >> All in favor of adjourning. >> I Yeah, her