Good morning. We are here with the Lakeville Library Board of Trustees. It is Wednesday, January 28th, 98 9:03 a.m. Call to order uh here at the library. And I will let those here introduce themselves. I am Patrick Marshall, the trustee chair.
>> I am Ruth Gross, trustee. Jennifer Jones, library director. Nancy Lefave, trustee. >> All right. Our first order of business, uh, we did call to order again at 9:03. Uh, secretar's report.
>> Since we have all seen it and read it, I will make a motion that we accept it as written. Wave reading. >> I'm sorry. Wave the reading. Yes. >> I have a first. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Second. All in favor? >> I. All oppose. Extensions. All righty. Finances. >> Okay. So, I think we're doing fairly well. Tracking pretty well. Um, books is a
little behind, but that's because we've been uh awaiting shipments from Ingram, but they have picked up since. We're getting about a shipment of a a week at least, if not two. So, um, I'm going to be putting another order in soon. Terres is going to put in another order. So, we
should be getting better with the spending on the materials. And I'd like to point out that we have a better understanding of SAS. If you look on the second page, um, finance director Michael Ellis let me know that he and town administrator
Andrew Soufor worked to make sure that the funds were still there and checked on what the actual number should be and corrected. Um, it was a minor error. So, they had an error on that. And then it
now appears that we have 62,9948 in the expendable amount of the Savath fund. Very nice. So that is solved. >> So there's always an amount that's just there but not. >> So there's an expendable portion on all
of the funds and there's more trust funds that we have that are related to people. It says books. They must have been given in in trust for purchasing materials. There's a number of those and all of those have an expendable part and they have a non-expendable part.
And some of them are in pretty good shape. So, you know, if we ever needed to use them, recent leave us. And then moving on to gifts, we received two. Um, one was from a cousin of Bil
Kiran Kiranos Kiranos. Um, the friends story walk for she donated for upkeep. It came to us though, so I will use it to help with the upkeep of the story walk. And then um Ralph Smith made a donation um in honor of someone for $30
for some team books. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Uh any questions on the finances? I just want to point out that
they are working on the well, but we are $1,252 over budget at this point in the year. Yeah. >> Consider budgeted $750. >> Well, and it should be a well.
>> Yeah. And should cover things when we get the law. >> Yes. Yay. So, thank you. whoever is working on it. >> All right, director's report. >> So, we um have been working on weeding the young adult fiction in preparation
for the teen space renovation. Um some furniture has actually come in for that and we're getting more today. >> So, we asked them to hold the rest of it. So, hopefully it'll be okay to hold until April and that'll give us time to get the room painted. Um, a little bit later
I'll talk about the MV Electrical quote that we got. Um, and we've been working on a list of titles for the American Revolution for the 250th anniversary. So, I'm hoping to put together a nice little reading list um, for people to take perhaps even for different age
groups. Um, so a brochure, a flyer that people can take, >> maybe a checklist so they can go through and check some off. Um, youth services, we have story times resuming next month, which is very close, just a few days away. Um, bookworms, um, created some
gingerbread structures during the December meeting to discuss the Polar Express and they read a choose your own adventure style book at this meeting. Just wondering if the crows liked it. Oh, Drew, good crows.
Oh, where? Oh, what is it? The gingerbread New Year's Eve fruit goods gross. I like that. >> Oh yeah. >> We'll fix it. >> As long as they were good.
>> Yeah, they were good. You guys are happy too, right? >> That's funny. I missed that one. >> Sorry, I just had to throw that in. >> I'll fix that one. So, Playing with Purpose returns February uh in February. Music Time will return in March. And then Steam Afternoons also is on a
break. that will return in February. Um, so gingerbread housemaking, New Year's Eve had good crowds, not crows. Um, 198 and 242 attendees, respectively. And then, um, I want to thank the friends of the Lakeville Public Library for their
support of those events. They provided the funding for the refreshments and for the supplies for the gingerbread housemaking. And also, thank you to the teen volunteers who kept the event running smoothly. So they went and um Teresa tried a new program, coloring and
cocoa, which provided a break from holiday pressures for the kids and their caregivers. So we had a holiday movie playing in the background while they colored and sipped cocoa. So kind of a lowkey nice holiday program. Did they like it? I think they seem to. Yeah,
she's a good for February with all this. >> Oh yeah, we'll see. >> You might need an adult. >> Yeah, maybe with Spike Cocoa. >> We can do the non-alcoholic version.
Yes. Um, so on Saturday, June December 20th, genealogology club had their first annual holiday social with favorite family recipes. She had only eight people, but everybody really had a good time and I think they enjoyed socializing with each other. Um,
there was a new person at that one in fact. And then this month they had celebrated their first anniversary and they met on January 17th with their usual um member sharing and virtual presentation and she had 13 people attendance with three new members. So
genealogy club seems to be growing which is really nice. >> Good. We had Robin Stephanie a local author with um about 15 audience members for her book talk um her Driftwood Cove mystery series and we purchased the first two books in the series. I think she's coming out with a third soon. And
then novelties discussed the inheritance at their January meeting and plan to discuss the measure by Nikki Erlick in February. So there's a whole bunch of upcoming programs of course for the um February vacation week. Also of note, we have the
middle school art show and reception coming up Saturday, February 28th. I'll talk about that again in a minute. um buildings and grounds. We're still awaiting for our annual fire inspection and sprinkler um inspection. Southeastern Fire Safety was here um yesterday doing the inspecting the fire
extinguishers and Burgess Test has been around to check all the traps inside, but the outside service is going to have to wait obviously for the snow to melt. Um, we have a new staff member, Carrie Resme Proctor, started on January 12th
as the library clerk. So, she's taking the schedule that Doris Mari previously held. So, she's here on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings as well as the second Saturdays of the month. Um, she's doing well learning everything so far.
There's a lot to learn, of course, but she's doing very well with that. Um, the library staff meets on Wednesday, February 11th at 4:15. We're going to start our strategic planning process. So, we'll close at 400 p.m. to the public that day. We are also closed on Monday, February 16th for President's
Day. And we will be hosting a Mass Board of Library Commissioners focus group on Tuesday, February 3rd at 1:30. And I'm not sure if that one's full yet, but they're looking at doing their strategic planning process. >> Refreshment.
>> Um, they haven't said anything. I think I can ask the person who's running it if they want anything. Not sure if they'll bring their own, but I can certainly ask Nancy. I can provide if you need it. And then um the friends will meet
February 2nd hopefully to plan for golf in the library and tea in the library. Um the quilt exhibit has been up since January 3rd. It was featured in the Namask week online. It had a nice little picture and um a blurb about it. So that
will stay up until February 20th. Then the student art shows will start at the end of February. First off is the middle school art show and reception. February 28th at 11:00 a.m. I have something to say about the gallery. Sure. Yeah. Well, first of all,
um the blurb in the newspaper was noticed by a radio station in Taton and I'm being interviewed about the quilt show, but also about the gallery on Monday morning and a local artist. Yeah.
And uh we have a new member of the committee, but she needs to be approved by the trustees, and that's Elsie Goldstein. Elsie lives in Berkeley, but she owns property in Lakeville. So, we
have two categories of members, uh, residents who are full members and vote, and we also have non-residents from surrounding towns who are associate members and do not have a vote. However,
we've never had any discrepancy in our voting process. So, um I would like your approval to name her a full member since she pays taxes in
Lakeville, but she's not a resident of Lakeville and then we can have discussion. >> I move can vote on that where it's not on the agenda. >> Oh, is that So, I did put any other old new business. Can it go on?
>> That's usually for >> Yeah, we usually do it as business thing. >> That's usually that's for emerging. >> We could vote and then reaffirm at the next meeting. Vote to me reaffirm at the next meeting which we've done before like when we had a time issue.
>> I have a meeting coming up. I would like your permission to include her in that meeting. >> She could be included, but she couldn't vote. >> It's really not a a vote meeting anyway. >> I don't see a problem with that opinion on student art. we would vote to
>> that's fine and >> off hand I don't see a problem with it at all. >> I think that would be a great addition >> because you get an artist's point of view and passive exhibiting >> teaching artist that's why I would like to have her at our February meeting because that's when
we discuss the student art >> and then if John you just put it on the next meeting that would be great. All >> righty. Thank you. I'm done. >> All right.
Uh policy list review. >> Okay. So, first with quiet rooms. Um last time we were talking about how we don't want patrons to open windows. So, I threw in a line, patrons should not open windows without checking with staff
beforehand. Does that cover everything we want to say? Really? >> Yeah. cuz if we had a problem with AC or something like that, we would want them not to >> I think one time the window went out of alignment, too. So, if we could just make sure the windows can be safely
opened. >> Maybe if we had them ask the staff to open the windows, we, you know, that would be a guarantee against having to have it repaired. >> I just don't want a window falling down on anybody's hand. Yeah, I know. Or members's hand for that matter. >> Right. Right. >> We like your hands.
So, yeah, I've had people ask to open them before or have opened them without asking. So, if we throw that in there, it's a little protective. Do we have any of those stand fans? >> So, the in the rooms there's sort of an
air purifier. Yeah. >> But maybe if it's hot in there, a fan might >> There is one I think in the back, but I don't know if there's two. >> Yeah. Not the ones that are on a stand, but they're they're like a cylinder. >> You know what I'm talking about? Yeah.
>> That takes up less room. >> It takes up less room. It's down. You know, it it circulates the air down below. So, it could maybe rise. I don't know. It's hot air that rises. But anyway,
>> I'll make a new one. They're very fans. And then um that's it for the changes to that one. If if you're comfortable with voting on it today, >> somebody wants to make a motion for approval of the updated quiet rooms policy.
>> I make a motion that we approve the update of the quiet room policy. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Have a first and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all in favor? >> I. >> All opposed? Extensions.
That passes. >> Okay. So, last time we talked about the memorial benches. So, the idea was to work on the gifts donations policy. And so, I threw in an entire paragraph that probably didn't come out highlighted on your Thankful I didn't
put it in color, but um we put some inmemoriam guidelines. So, in line with what we had been writing for the policy, memorial items will be subject to the same collection maintenance procedures as all other materials. So that line was
further down. So I just crossed it off on the guidelines for monetary donations. Items such as bricks, benches, furnishings, plantings, and other such memorials will be maintained by the library for their useful lifespan or up to 10 years after which time the library
reserves the right to alter, remove or replace due to wear, space needs, or site redesign. The library does not guarantee against the effects of weather, vandalism, or theft. Donors may discuss replacement opportunities and options with the library director and the library board of trustees.
>> I wonder if we should say that we would notify the donors if any changes are made. >> Can put that in there. >> Do you notify the donors if any changes are made? I mean, >> maybe we should save every effort because if somebody's moved
>> out of town or is deceased and we don't have a >> a relative in town, it might be hard to contact them. So, >> okay. So, >> every effort, >> possible, >> every possible effort or something, >> every possible effort.
>> Well, one other way, but yeah, I agree with you cuz if you can't reach the person, >> right? Right. M. So maybe when people make memorial donations, we should also have a line that says something about long range plans for this or
maintenance. >> Do you have someone else who could be contacted or something like that? >> Yeah. >> Make it easier for us if it was on file than just >> cuz I mean if we have somebody give
money for a walk. >> No, we're not. You're talking about larger things. >> Larger things. Yeah. >> Just you could. >> Yeah. I would think that a donation of over $1,000 would be that type of thing cuz that's what benches were going. We
were I think it was a,000. >> Yeah. >> I mean, does that include the like the um dedication of the stacks and stuff like that or would just take those things, put it on another stack? I mean,
it could if we change the furnishings, you mean? >> Right. Would we replace it with the same? >> Probably. >> Or would we? >> Well, you're still covered under the lifespan because the stacks aren't going to be changed out >> quickly. One of the last things we would
do because of money. >> Well, I mean, again, it is covered in the policy that after 10 years or whatever. I mean, chances are you're not going to be unless the stack is broken or something and then >> Yeah. >> Yeah. At that point, you probably are
just going to slap the same name on it cuz I don't think it needs to there's a defect in it. So, >> get too into the weeds with it. >> So, just add the line. Maybe after site redesign, every possible effort will be
made to contact the donors for items more than $1,000. I would just put for large expense items. >> For for large expense items or we could say for outdoor items cuz those are the ones we're talking about. >> But are they?
>> Well, I guess things could go out of style >> donated circulation desk or something. You're not going to do a bean bag chair. There is the fact that we are redesigning the team space and there is a plaque for computers which can be moved to where
the computers are now but it's not going to be in the same location >> which is appropriate. >> I don't think anybody would care about that. >> Well, you know, I mean if it if it's still in the library, it makes sense to put it where the computers are.
>> Move it over to where the computers are. It's like do we contact them about that or still up on the wall? I guess at discretion could be thrown in there somewhere or at the board's discretion.
>> Yeah, I think there should be something that should come back to us because of the we vote to accept. >> We are really talking about things that we want to alter, remove or replace due to wear space needs or site redesign. Site red design. Okay. Yeah.
>> All right. >> Well, I opened this can of worms, didn't I? Sorry. >> I say you don't want to go into the weed like moving the the plaque for the computers to where the computers are. I don't really think that constitutes that you've really altered. You put the
computers there. Funding was for computers. >> Yeah. The library will make every effort to notify the original donors. >> Should replacement opportunities and options be needed
>> or maybe just put the word should in there. >> Like you said, a book, you're not replacing a book. It's out of date, out of style, whatever. Someone donated for a science book and it's >> goes missing. >> And if you say the original donors, then you're up. and they're no longer
original donors. Okay, then >> it's up to them to keep up with it. >> But I don't know how much like a I don't know if someone donated a bench outside. I don't know how much those are. Are those even a thousand? >> Those were around a th00and I think.
>> Yeah. So by putting a th000 but maybe >> I would I don't want to actually put a monetary because in 20 years $1,000 might be a >> well that's why I say you don't want to do the monetary >> I don't think I think we just talk about objects as opposed to >> right yeah
>> then let the money >> well that's what I meant should replacement or whatever >> should replacement >> I don't have the wording but just the should or something in opportunities arise.
>> I'm letting you take over the language so you >> Well, I mean, this is just a discussion for this one anyway, so I can >> So, we're just in discussion, right? >> We're just in discussion. >> All right. Sorry again. I'll
>> just call you when I'm ready to write. What are we saying? It >> seemed to be needed there as needed. Okay. So, this will be on the February agenda for a vote, discussion, and vote.
>> Yeah. >> But I do agree to put it back towards the board as be on you to figure out. >> Okay. All righty. Any other further discussion
on the gift policy revisions? Hearing none, the FY26 budget process. So, we I met with Andrew and Mike and Emily to discuss the
budget. Um, they had asked for some goals and achievements for the library. So I came up with a few that we have been talking about as a staff in terms of goals, you know, making it a welcoming space, um
ensuring that the building is safe and well cared for and etc. And then um also for our achievements, I listed some of the things that we've done this year like getting the audio upgraded and um some of our other um achievements. And
so I'm guessing they'll be using that when they go to present to the select board. I don't have any dates for that yet. So I think that's forthcoming. Um from what I understand, there's been talk of an override thrown around, but I
don't know what the outcome will be of that. So yeah, and I know the school budget is about 2 and a.5 million over last year. So >> Oh my goodness. >> That's what they were talking about at
the last meeting. So wow. That's what I know so far. >> All right. Your pride and joy of the legislative breakfast. They included the formal invitation in your posture. >> So, there is a link this year um to Did
I get the old one? Maybe I got the old one. I'll send you the updated one because there is a link. I'll send you the link, too. Oh, you got the No, you didn't get the one with the link. I'll send you the one with a link that you can register
online. >> Can't do that one. >> No. So, there's a link. I'll send you the link. Um, so you can register on the form and it's going to be February 27th, 2026 starting at 9:00 a.m. with refreshments and then
the program starts at 9:30 and we have Senator Michael Roberts doing the keynote. We also have Representative Thurber doing the opening remarks and we have um slated speakers including MBLC, ML1 and a school hopefully a school
voice this year, New Bedford High >> Oh, librarian. So, we're excited. >> Um are we supporting this financially? >> So, I'm going to ask the friends at their next meeting for a donation.
They usually give some money towards the breakfast. >> Do they need you need food or is that all taken care of? >> So they we have talked about doing the trays as we usually do out of the budget that they have. So all the donations go towards the legislative breakfast budget. We spend the money on food,
flowers, things like that. And then um as far as I know, some of some of the Swansea friends or trustees might be making some stuff and they'll be volunteering that day. So, I think they might be all set with food, but I'll let you know if we need anything. >> Find out if they need gluten-free or
something like that. >> I have a meeting coming up. So, we're meeting every other week now. And we just met last week. So, we need another meeting coming up soon. >> Five weeks away. Four weeks.
>> Yeah. Just about a month away now. team space redesign. >> So, we have MV Electrical came out to look at removing the sconces on the wall where the computers used to be so that we can put shelving in there. And while they were here, they looked at the
lighting and suggested some upgrades to in improve the lighting in that area. So, they also um suggested putting in some 2x two LED flat panel fixtures to replace the fixtures that hang the long
ones and then also to disconnect the recessed fixtures and replace them with LED wafer type fixtures and kind of move them so that they will shine correctly on the shelves that we plan for the nooks. >> What a good idea.
So the total to do all of that without any pay patching, painting, dimming, permit fees would be $2,500. So I put it on if you wanted to vote upon that so I could send this back and say that we approve it or have Andrew sign off on it.
Do we need because it's under a certain amount, we only need one? >> Yeah, it's not. It's a 10. >> It's not. And this is the who the town uses most often for electrical. So >> I move we accept the bid by MVE
Electrical Contractors Inc. of Kushnet, Massachusetts in the amount of $2,500 for upgrades, disconnecting, and lights for the teen room. I second.
>> We have a first and second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? >> I I >> All oppose. Extensions. All right. >> I think we'll find it'll be brighter just with the lighter color, too.
>> Well, the Yeah, the red absorbs. >> And that can be a test to see how we like them for the rest of the building. >> All right. Mass Broadband Institute device grant update. Oh, I can do this one. >> Yeah. Um, so we did get word in
December, I think the day after our meeting, uh, or the day of our meeting, but after our meeting, that the combined Wear ham Lakeville mass broadband grant was approved. Um, I don't remember the devices that we asked for, but I know it
was replacing the search computers, >> replacing the public computers. >> Public computers >> and adding some laptops for >> Where were the were the printers on that list? printers were on the list as well as some um sounds like a big grant. >> It was well it's all equipment. It
should be coming in in um this is the one that through the mass broadband institute that there was a minimum of 30 uh devices which is a lot for any library. So we combined uh with or I combined Wearham with Lakeville. Um and
so on Jennifer's portion she um she had done the um like I said the ser computers uh the public computers some devices the printers. Um I do thank her for some of the writing because the
grant application for the state was a little weird. Yeah, >> asked questions a lot. >> Well, they did and and they didn't make it clear to me anyway. So, a lot of times she had written out answers for
Lakeville and I sat there going, "It's the exact same answer I'm giving, but okay, I'm changing changing Lakeville to Wearham." And uh so we did that and then the signing of the documents was a little confusing. I think they sent it to her, they sent it to me, they sent it
to I don't know who, but it's in it's done. I believe it's March or April that we would see the equipment. It would be delivered to Wearham as the hub spot and then we'll dole it out um here cuz we're asking for we asked for different
equipment in Wearham, mostly laptops and things like that for the public cuz our public computers had been redone. Um, and then the Wearingham COA is getting some devices, too. So, uh, so it's exciting. >> Yeah. >> And
whenever we can get a grant, it's always exciting. >> I don't have to pay to replace equipment. >> No. >> So, we'll see how it goes. >> Thank the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. Yeah. Which was Treasury Department money, I guess, from
>> I honestly don't know. >> I think it was federal money somehow. >> I just applied for it. I I don't care where the money comes from. >> Going to library. >> Can you imagine? >> That's exciting. >> 250th.
>> Right. So Nancy Teresa and I met and we came up with some programming. I got my nice little document of things I'm supposed to do. So one major thing that we've decided upon is to do a communitywide read. We've picked out some dates for um adults, teens, and
youth. to do a title. So, I'm I don't think we'll do all the same book. Obviously, youth, they're probably going to do something um that is good for I'd say fourth, fifth, and sixth graders maybe. So, um we'll look at some I'm going to look at some titles, but we're
going to meet during the summer. Um we're also showing um and it was listed Hamilton during February Vacation. So, we'll be seeing that movie for the 250th. And um we talked about maybe doing a
picture book about the revolution for the story walk um and also putting out information about the mass center for the books program, reading the revolution and hosting some um local authors or some talks on the
revolution. So, we've got a lot of ideas and I know Nancy was going to chat with the historical commission too to see what they had interest in doing. >> Still in planning stages, but I think the other thing is that we're going to combine like the historical society
already has programs in place. The commission has plans, the library, so we can try and get everything. And you just had a program at the Lions Club. It was on the Mayflower, but it was two authors, an author of two authors who worked
about um the Mayflower. Oh, I I didn't make the meeting, but >> I wanted to, but >> So, I mean, there's a lot of history stuff that's coming about. Maya precedes the revolution, but it was still a history program. So, we're working on
them, but the garden club, I think, has something too. I can't remember now. We're doing a red, white, and blue arranging >> giant calendar of things that are going on to everything. And also because of the town thing which the deadline is today for submission for any information
on um the newsletter that goes out >> right. Get everything in line. >> Yes. >> And you said there's a new communications committee or something. >> Yes, there is a new communications committee and an email to send stuff to. I can send that to you. Um I think it's
communications at lakefill.org, but I'll check. Okay. >> And that they said they'll get it on to the town website and everything and to the Facebook page and >> and you can always go online and check because there's stuff that's happening
all over the Commonwealth and some of it is really close to us. So, it's all interesting things, >> lots of good stuff. >> Plus, we have the gallery exhibit, too. strategic planning strat strategy check.
>> Uh yes. So that we're going to do a sore exercise with the staff. The strength opportunities um exercise that they suggest doing. >> Is this actually exercise or is it a
>> they call it an exercise but you're sitting there just throwing out ideas. not a physical. >> It's exercising your brain. You're not doing okay. Of course, a brain. >> Yeah, I would not want to do a burpee. No, thank you. Um but yeah, so we're going to do that based off of um the
Mass Library system has a great lib guide for strategic planning and they have all sorts of handouts stuff and I'll print out that and we'll do a sore exercise at our staff meeting um just to get the process kicked off and hopefully
you know we'll be able to engage with MLS to have a meeting with community constituents So that'll be the next part of the process is to have a big meeting where we invite say town administrator, chief of police, fire chief to sort of
talk about you know various people in the community who are key people to talk about some of the strengths and opportunities that the library has to run through the sore exercise again. And then we would want to develop a survey and then do focus groups if we can. So,
we'll see what we can accomplish and forward and >> do we have a timeline for this whole project? >> So, I think um with the kickoff starting with the staff meeting February 11th, try to do things as quickly as possible. I don't have a definite timeline yet
because >> before the end of the year, >> before the end of the year, I would hope. So, the plans would be due to MBLC around October and then the action plan would be due in December. So that gives us sort of a guideline, >> but they don't
>> I'm not going to rush it though. >> Unless you're applying for an MBLC grant, you're not, >> you know, >> rushing to closing early on February 11th. >> Yes. Closing at 4. So, I'm not sure if if one of you wants to be sort of a liaison on the strategic
planning or if you had voted for that before I came. >> I don't think we did. I think we would have remembered >> if you need >> we can always bring it up at the next meeting. >> And after after we do the sore exercise,
I can bring back the results and >> if you need assistance, I'm happy to assist you with it. >> Thank you. >> Feel not like we haven't done it either. So, >> no, it's been a while. It's been on my agenda for a while. I'm finally all right. Buckling down to do it. did that
a few years ago, but I haven't done the updated action plans. >> Oh, so then after you do it, you do have to update. >> So, it's good for it's a five-year plan basically, but each after the first year, you're supposed to do yearly action plans, but again, unless you're
applying for an MBLC grant, it's not. >> And I feel like they've moved away from being very specific now to more broad goals. I will say when we did our strategic plan, I ch because there's always the
same formula that every library uses and I actually changed mine because I liked a friend of mine that's a a colleague on the Northshore library. they had done theirs but it was just after CO that
they had to do theirs and I love the way her plan because it really left it open for pivoting and as she said she said if co taught me nothing else it's that all your plans just can quickly change and I and I agreed with her cuz I said even
when you do the regular planning you have your plan you know your goals and this you know you're going to uh increase technology well and then you have these action items And then, you know, every plan I've done in micro, you look back and you realize, well, I
didn't do any of those action plans, but I did do this, this, this, because opportunity came up in like the the mass broadband grant. Didn't know that was coming up, let's say. So, even well, even in my current one, one of the things is technology. Didn't know that
was coming up. So, we've applied. So, we are improving technology in the library, but it's not one of the action plans I had. But when you look back, it's early. So, I like the way that theirs was done. And I can give you the info on theirs.
And they actually stole it from somebody out a library out in the Midwest >> that she did cuz she said, "I just didn't like the plans cuz they're too rigid." >> So, adaptability was one of the big things that >> that was her. And she said, "It leaves it open. You can change it. You can."
And I said, "Well, I like that." So my my entire plan might be five pages. >> Yeah. >> Four >> is it? it and it's like the information you put in the back like the the the surveys and the descriptions of your
analysis and this and that that's you know that's like 20 pages but the actual plan which used to be 15 pages you know it's like five and it still met the requirements of I don't know it was just much nicer way of
doing it I thought >> yeah you have to be able to pivot nowadays there's just so many unknowns Yeah. >> So, we'll get working on it and see where we can get to before October.
>> There you go. Well, like I said, if you need assistance or something or >> Yeah, it might be good to have a list of people to reach out to for, you know, looking at when we can, you know, I'll confirm with MLS that they're still offering the consultant to come out.
>> I think they will do one. I ended up going with somebody else that's wasn't even a library consultant. It was just somebody that does consulting more in the medical but I heavy library user and I thought might be kind of nice to get a
>> different way of >> doing it. But um yeah. >> Yeah. So, I figured we reach out to them instead of worrying about hiring somebody. >> Yeah. >> In a time where it looks like we're not going to have a lot to >> of resources to be able to do that. So,
>> that was pretty much why I went with I didn't have the money. >> Yeah, it's a lot. I mean, when I was looking at Matapo for consultants, they were running between 10 and $20,000. So, >> yeah, >> it's expensive. >> All right.
Any other old new business? I do. Um, this is something that came to mind when I was the chair and Jennifer and I talked about it briefly, but it
was not the right time for the town and it has occurred to me that there's never going to be a right time for the town. So, I'm going to bring this up. Uh Teresa is still working hourly,
but she's doing a professional job. Um she's putting in many, many, many more hours than her 40hour job. Um, she's here like 8:30 every morning
and she stays late and she is in charge when Jennifer is not here. And I don't know that I I don't know really how the town works. you guys
probably do better than I do, but I would like to see her reinstated again as a professional employee. Okay. So, the issue that happened was that we had her on salary, but because she did not
oversee staff daily. They made her made us change her to an hourly employee. So, that was the criteria. I don't know if that criteria has changed or not >> because that was before we had the union. Now, is she in the union? Yes, cuz she's
>> she's the union rep. >> She's the building rep, right? >> Got to go through the union. >> So, I think that it's not something that we can do unless there's a it has to do with contract and it has to do with supervision. >> And that was the only reason. And then
she was salaried and as a result was on the tears and that made sense because it sounds like she's acting like a salaried employee as opposed to an hourly employee which is to the benefit of the community and the library but unfortunately
not really to her benefit except she's getting has the time and flexibility to get her job done the way she feels it should be done. So we have a good argument to find out if that is something that we can actually do. But I think it has to go through the union and it has to go through whatever the
criteria is for supervision. I don't think that's true. It definitely has two parts. >> I mean, she has people on the staff in the children's room, >> but pretty much every day programming >> and I I know she's supervising, but she's not supervising in the way
Jennifer supervises. She doesn't have a staff that she oversees and then reports and stuff like that. And I think that's why they changed it. We were surprised when it came through. >> That was financial. That's why we changed it. >> I was We cut her hours at the time. We
cut her down to I think 36 or 38 hours. I do remember that. >> This is still you'd have to go through because the union itself has placed the employees all the employees in the union at their scale or whatever. And that's really something that the
>> because you are not in the union. No. So if she becomes a salaried person, I I don't think she can be in the union anymore. >> There are salaries. >> There are salaries. Okay. So that's not a different thing. >> So it it also might be there. There's a couple of things that
there's certain protections and things that you receive regardless of what happens because of the union. If she comes out of that, will that be detrimental to her or will it be in the best interest or and will it be in the best interest of the library or will it not be in the best interest? So I think
it's a lot it's more complex as as Patrick is saying. So we need to check with the have somebody check with the union and somebody check with HR and see if any of these things are still in play
>> too. But I mean the the >> and you boil it down it's still she's as is doing enough union work here. She is in the union. So anything it would be a union negotiation even to remove that
position um whether the union would approve it. >> It would be you'd have to look at they would have to the union would have to look at and it probably would occur at the next negotiation. It would be a union negotiation as far as moving up
the position because if you move her, you bet all the other people in the union that they're going to have to look they going back to where she was. She was salary. >> There's not a disagreement with you. >> They already >> at some point in time before we had it
they had union a union here. They only had the oversight group that we were had a representation and they changed that. So right now past practice is what we have not what we had before. >> It's also the contract she's under. >> The union makes it much more
>> solid. I have no experience with unions at all. >> I have a lot of experience with associations and stuff like that. So what you have to do is you have to we have to ask some questions. Can we can we have you ask questions for us
>> as a non-meion person and also as the director of the library at the request of the board of trustees. So >> we also need to know whether we have to find out whether or not there is a um if
that not overseeing daily >> supervision is part is still part of that >> because the union came in after that and whether or not there have any qualifying things >> that that wouldn't be because that sounds like it was when you had the oversight board that that was their
determination. And that really would have nothing to do with they when they were put in the union. I mean generally they were put under a pay scale where the union and the town negotiate and said this is what the classification is for that position >> and that's
>> yeah and they were working on a class and comp study. I know Lacy hasn't finished the report yet. >> Also job description makes a difference too. So whether or not this position when you hire is a is pos is part of the can is covered by union or not. >> Mhm.
>> So right now her position is covered by union. >> Yeah. >> So I looked at some of the requirements for salary. Just looking at it briefly there were five categories. So there is the one that supervises people. So
management there was professional which the work had to be of a professional nature and it require an advanced degree. >> She has a master >> she has but I think the job description says bachelors >> so that's that might be a sticking point
with um >> but her degree is masters right she it doesn't yeah the job description does not require a master's. >> No but you can have more but you can't have less. Yeah. Oh, so she has a bachelor's but not in library science. >> No, she has a master's degree in library
science but the job description itself because you're looking at position, not person, >> right? >> The job description itself requires a bachelor's degree. >> But she has a bachelor's. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yep. She has a bachelor's and a masters. The job description, the lowest level of
education needed. >> You can always have more. You can't >> have more, but you have to at least have a bachelor's. >> Okay. So it's not so she's got >> not requiring a professional degree is what I'm saying in the job description. >> So I don't know if >> and that's a general job description,
right? Not geared to library services. >> No, the job description >> she has is geared towards >> I have copies of that. Do you want to see it? >> No, we know I think we're familiar. >> And then there was the category of administrative work.
There was creative professionals. So there were different categories that salaried workers would fall under. >> Yeah. >> So I'm not sure if she might fall under that even without the supervision if there is a category with that it could fall under.
>> But it's still call comes down to the union. >> She's in a union now. So it's not something you can just change. It's >> right. HR just can't come in and say this is what it's going to be. It's like >> okay. So certainly you can ask questions, see what the process, see how
it's going. >> It probably is time to look at that position anyways and you know it may have to be the next union negotiation but it could be something you know it's a >> the next union negotiations are now. It's in her report actually. >> Oh okay. So
>> they're in negotiations >> could very well be something that you know >> it's time to upgrade that position >> when you negotiate beginning in January. Well, now would be the time to take a look. And >> so basically, >> so even as a department head, it would
be time that would be good for you to say, you know what, this is a professional position now. And >> if not that she's ever allowed to leave, but if Miss Teresa were to leave, >> we would be looking at a master's in library science. >> I mean, that's that's what it comes down
to. What does the position require? Do you want to change the job description so that it does require a master of library science? Because the position does act basically as a second in command when yeah the director is absent. >> But if it requires a master's
>> it doesn't now >> but if it does require then it's also a big step in terms of what that salary beginning >> experience or no experience >> you know what I mean if you have your masters but you haven't actually worked in that area.
>> I mean you've worked in the area but maybe not as a master. Anyways, >> we need to have Jennifer ask some questions and find out and because that it is sensitive and what um
we don't want a conflict issue because um she says that she is taking on leadership role for all three sections of our union which are the town hall, DPW and the library. So, we're asking this ahead of her actually representing them because I don't know if if it's
your position if you have to have somebody else broker or >> that would really be them. >> That would be up to the union. >> That would be up to them to figure out. >> So, we don't we don't want to second guess anything, but we also don't want to set her up for failure. >> Mhm.
>> Or complicate her life when negotiations are complicated enough. But this would also be the time to Jennifer as library director on behalf of us or not or whatever but could talk to more Andrew or the management side and as they're
negotiating say this position >> Mhm. >> would be updated. >> One more thing for add to your list. >> Okay. So really looking at making it more of a professional position than we're acquiring the MLS.
>> We're acquiring because we she doesn't have it right now. >> Well, again, it's as Jennifer said, you're looking at the position, not the if >> not the person >> if Miss Teresa were to leave, >> right? These are >> the time arrives. >> You you have someone who has the
professional degree and has 20 years of experience in this position currently. >> So when if she moves on to another position, then who are you going to hire? Would you want somebody who just has a bachelor's degree or some library experience? >> So the other issue is that if this is
professional status, then it's not union. >> No, it's professional within the union. within the union. >> So there's within the union at town hall you have or you had the assistant treasurer that position is also in the
union and salaried I believe and then also the assistant town clerk is salaried and in the union. Is it like any other department like um assessors or um >> see assessors they don't have a an
assessor yet and I think the next in line is >> board of health or anybody >> considered a an administrative assistant or >> police department fire department like that. >> Yeah. So I mean >> well libraries are unique anyways because there aren't many positions that
require a mast's. So if you decide you want to that this position should be a professional position and you're requiring a mast's not too many other departments but it still comes down to what the union >> but it is equivalent somewhat to
assistant treasurer collector and assistant clerk and that they need to maintain certifications >> and they also have a certificate of librarianship. So there's a lot of things that are unique to being a li being an employee in the library and especially if you're in a leadership
role. So there's certain things that co that will probably I don't know if you have to have if you're a town um the town clerk's office I can understand that and the treasur's office but if there's anything else that falls in that domain
be curious to know whether they're union they probably are union hires and stuff. So, as far as I know, the assistant in HR is not in the union but deals with payroll.
The new assistant accountant is also not in the union because they deal with payroll. >> Okay. >> So, there's a lot of little intricacies we don't know about because we're not involved with it. >> So, just so that we get >> an idea what's going on. It's more
difficult to reinstate than it was to uninstate. >> With no union, it's very easy to do whatever you want without a union. >> Okay, great. >> Yeah, I can look at what it would be to require the MLS for the job. Talk to HR.
Yeah, why don't we find out some statistics from our uh oversight groups too that are focused just on library too >> so that we have a full spectrum. >> Do you want me to pull some other so I
can ask sales directors for some jobs >> assuming they have a union? They don't have a union. I think it would be more if they had a union. Well, first thing first I would do is ask Andrew or HR what would be the step because again it it it does have to go through the union
pretty much any changes or anything. So >> I'm pretty sure it'll have to go before the select board too job description for the wage and personnel board. >> But it's also are they willing to take it up? >> Yeah. I mean if they're not again we
don't have the we can encourage we can >> we can suggest >> we can suggest but ultimately it does come down she is in the union now so it is up to >> the position >> I think basically our idea is that we want to strengthen the position >> and we're looking long range which is
our we have a tendency to look long range in this department because we never want anything just to creep up on except things like co which we have no control over So our history here has always been that the board of trustees tried to look ahead to see what would be coming down
this the pike, what we would need to do in terms of hours and things like that before. So it's not a big huge bump in the budget. So we're looking for lots of different reasons, but also the fact that we're trying to strengthen the core and give um
and support the positions the way they should be supported. And that makes a big difference on what type of people you attract for positions >> too. All right. >> How many things on the list arriving?
>> Anything else? >> Just a couple. If not, >> next meeting. >> Next meeting. >> Uh the fourth Wednesday would be the 25th. >> Same day. >> Um which I'm fine with if we could do it at 8:30
just because there is a sales board meeting that day. It's fine. 25th at 8:30. >> 8:30. >> 25th 8:30. >> I'll go start the agenda. >> Yeah.
>> Mark the time. >> Um, that being said, if there's nothing else to discuss, I will take a motion to adjourn at 10:01 a.m. >> So move. >> Second. >> Second. >> So done. >> Okay. Thank you. >> We are. What time did you say it was?
>> 10:01. >> 10:01. All right. Thank you.