Okay. So, it is 7:04. We will call the um call to order and statement of compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act. As revised, the meeting has been advertised in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public's Meeting Act and is publicly accessible in accordance with
law. Roll call, please. >> Sure. >> Lynn, >> yes. Here. >> Here. >> Tom, >> here. >> Sarah. >> Maria. Teresa, >> here. >> Rosemary, >> here. Dr. Saraso, Gina,
Mayor Walker, and Frank Weber. >> Okay, we'll do salute to the flag. Please stand. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands
under God, indivisibley and justice for all him. Oh, that's nice. >> Um, executive session. >> Did anyone want to discuss the
candidates that are up for hire? >> Um, no. >> I think without the president and vice president here, I think we might need to have to >> any kind of decisions on that. >> Can we have an executive talking about
the uh candidates on the agenda? >> Oh, on the agenda. Oh yes. >> I would I would also like to have uh some conversation about the search itself. Okay. Yeah, that was good for me. All right. >> Should we go into executive session? >> Sorry. >> You So you want to go into executive session? Okay. So, can I have a motion,
please? >> Session for personnel. I make a motion. >> Second. >> Rosemary. >> Yes. >> Lynn, >> yes. >> Teresa, >> yes. >> Roco, >> yes. >> Yes. >> All right. So, I am going to move
everyone into the waiting room. I'm sorry it's so far down and I'm going to pause already and I'm going to let our attendees in >> on the next couple of action items. You can do A and B together on the minutes.
And then for personnel, since there are no concerns, we can do A, C, and E together. The appointments >> and we can do B separately and D said >> separate >> and D you said separate. >> Yes.
>> D. Okay. All right. So, uh, we're going to, um, accept the minutes. We're going to group A and B together. >> We are. >> Okay.
Uh, can somebody make a motion for the minutes, please? >> I'll make a motion for the minutes. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Um, roll call. >> Shlin, >> yes. >> Rockov, >> yes. >> Tom, >> yes. >> Teresa, >> yes.
>> Rosemary, >> yes. Thank you. And now for personnel, we are going to group A, C, and E together. Do I have to read them? >> No, we're just moving. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, um, can I have a motion,
please? >> Make a motion. >> Make a motion. May somebody second it, please. >> Second. >> Seconds. >> Lo, >> yes. Barca, >> yes. >> Tom, >> yes. >> Teresa,
>> yes. >> And Rosemary, >> yes. >> Okay, now we are going to do B. >> May I have a motion, please? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Second. Okay. Roll call.
>> Sure. >> Lynn, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Tom, >> yes. >> Teresa, >> yes. Yes. And the final one is D. May I have a motion?
>> I make a motion. >> Second. >> Roco. >> Roll call. >> Sure. Um Lyn, >> yes. >> Roco, >> yes. >> Tom, >> yes. >> Teresa, >> yes. >> And Rosemary, >> yes. >> Okay. Thank you. So, now we're on to
finance action on the May 13, 2026 bill list in the amount of 749,84257. May I have a motion, please? >> I'll make a motion. >> Um, second. >> Okay, Lynn, is there any conversation
questions on this? I had uh just a question about um how does how does it work with the the programs? So, for example, um I stopped in to see the a little bit
of the stone word tonight. Um but I noticed like there's a debit and then there's a credit for the same amounts. Who pays for these programs? Um, so the programs are I think the miracle meds are coming up. So
most of the programs are paid for by the library and just so you know it's a really good I I've tried to with the staff to make sure that we have kind of a formula for what's the maximum per potential attendee that we're spending and things like that. So occasionally a
program is paid for by the friends of the library. the friends of the library used to pay for all of the library's program, but now um more than the Fred's contribution, it's paid for by the library. It still comes out to I think
it was 3% of our budget that we spent last year for the program. Each program is approved by the director and staff are out coming up with their programs all the time and they also do a lot of programming and service. And when we pay
for like who pays for these ads like in the community observable there's like a quarter page ad >> we don't for the program to >> no we don't we don't pay they they asked us for >> so we're not we're not paying for promotion paid advertising. >> Okay. No, we don't pay for any of our
advertising at this time and that's something that should be addressed um because it's a it's a strategy. What we've explored thus far is doing promoted ads on social media and what our coordinator of strategy and
communication has found thus far is that that's not worth it. Um the the promoting things on on social media. So, but we do have to look at, you know, are we taking ads out and and doing things around town? Um, that's that's certainly
valid and it needs to be a part of our promotions campaign. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? No, we're good. All right. Roll call, please. >> Sure. Lynn, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Tom, >> yes.
>> Teresa, >> yes. And Rosenbury, >> yes. Thank you. Next, we're on to B. Approval of the 2026 budget. May I have a motion, please? >> Make the motion. >> Is making the motion. Somebody second. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Roll call. >> Oh, discussion. Sorry. I've got discussion. >> Definitely discussion. >> Definitely discussion. >> Um, I should notice your fifth, but I don't. Your fiscal year starts July 1. >> No. >> January.
>> January and December. >> Yeah. So it this is the budget for this year. >> This is the budget draft. So I sent it out um it's not approved before the beginning of the year. It hasn't been. It should be. >> Okay. All right. Interesting. Okay.
>> You know to uh to you came here the budget you came here in March and the budget wasn't approved after the year. >> Yes. There was no draft. >> Oh there was no draft. Oh, okay. Um, just a just a couple of facts um about the budget. Um, Frank and I went over
this three weeks ago. Um, the the um the receipts and especially the um the changes approved to the draft make this um this is pretty much what it is. I mean, other than the fines and fees, um you know, everything's going to
be just about what they say it is here, right? Okay. And um uh the total receipts are about 4.9 bill. Okay. Um you you all probably know about the one-third of the bill, you know, that and and it went up, you know, from last
year obviously. Uh and um so um what this budget does is it basically allocates all of the receipts to various categories. Correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. And I guess the biggest um u
difference, okay, uh are on um a couple of things, okay, one of them being obviously the furnishings, okay, and the reason that is is because they just haven't happened yet. Okay. And uh and we expect well actually a lot of them
happen in 2026 already. >> Yeah. And and so just so you know, the the program the or the project that big $100,000 check from tonight is charged to last year. So that's not coming out of the budget because it was approved
last year. So both of our renovation projects that we just got finished with are charged to 2025 because the funds were committed in 2025. >> So that was sitting at a couch table. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That's you to answer your first question when you first answer the asked
the question about the double system. >> The other side is just the charge to accounts payable. That's all it is. >> Thank you. >> And um yeah, I guess the other thing is um uh building maintenance. Obviously, we didn't um we budgeted a lot of money
for that. Um and we um we didn't spend it. Um you could probably >> Yeah. talk a little bit more about that >> that the so the bathrooms came out of of I think building maintenance and well and then there were a lot of projects we're waiting on that's the list that
you got tonight but um the the bathrooms getting the other section of bathrooms done and the phase two and three of the furniture renovation with two new service desks would take care of what I've budgeted for >> yeah we and and then you've also got
your capital fund. So for the furniture, if you didn't have quite enough to cover it, you just take that money out of capital. >> Okay. And just uh for long range planning. Okay. Um we have a number of projects that we're working.
Okay. Um and um and we have um we have a uh a capital fund um you know that's in the balance sheet of uh over $2 million. Okay. um plus uh some of these overages on the budget um that happened. Okay, there is
going to come a time when we have more money than than we need to hold on to. Okay, and um we should just keep that in mind. Okay. Because um because there is a uh um a a vehicle by which we can uh
um give some of the money back to the municipality >> and that vehicle has very specific requirements that are not currently met and also we have our branch in Lawrence Harbor is not sufficient. So that's
something to very much take into. We had a full-size building that fell into the point of disrepair where it was demolished and we have a facility right now that you can't hold a program in. So >> the old Away Bank, >> correct? >> Um so I mean people come in wanting
quiet time and they can't get it. So, um, in your capital plan, if you were ever to go and try to give funds back, you would be very carefully scrutinized by the state with that and with the number of libraries we have for a
community of 75,000 people. >> No question. >> We have 75 now. >> I was told we have 77. >> 77. Yeah. >> So, you were saying >> we got to stop telling people it's 65. saying that with the capital projects
that we have on the books that what we have planned, there's money left over somewhere. Is that what you're saying? >> Yes. >> So, you would not take your money out of the capital for the projects unless you
were going to exceed your budget in that year. >> Right. Typically that capital is kept in case you are building a new building or or doing something something like that >> and if we wanted to do another branch in Southbridge or something then we have
something >> that's what we've been talking >> and that's has been >> since I I think I've been on the board since maybe 10 years that has been a topic of discussion for that 10 years >> and and Lawrence Barber is open
um 4 days a week, 5 days. We're not open Sunday >> or Monday. >> Um when did Lawrence Farmer come online again? I think it's is it >> right when I got to 2023. >> 23. >> Yeah. >> Um and you know, yeah, I mean that
that's a big concern, but once you have that branch, once you have that an actual um reasonably sized branch with staffing, you're not going to have this money left over. So, a lot of this money left over and what was left over from
last year was from um some understaffing where we needed assistance, you know, and then you have things like the cleaning contract coming up where we've been paying $4,000 a month and reasonable estimates double that. >> So, I think it's um there there's a lot
I think it's very difficult to have Oh, sorry. I have other people trying to get in here. I think it's very difficult to have a baseline for what's needed here for another I I would say another two years. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. No, no. >> Yeah.
>> I was thinking in terms of our return. >> Yeah. >> A lot longer than that. >> Yeah. And and what it is is if you have 20% of your operating budget um left over, the town can ask for for that
back. But there's there's a process that you have to go through the state and excess calculation form and all of those things >> and that's if it's not squoking for if it's not reserved into >> which is why >> any any leftover monies I typically move into capital
>> because when you have to replace your HVAC or you have to put on a roof or something like that and it's $5 million it's much nicer if you can walk up to the town and say we're going to do this project we're going to pay for it so you don't have to do anything other than you will come over and do inspections so
that we're not asking for anything more than our appropriation. >> Were you able to resolve the cleaning services? >> So, I'll I'll get to that when we Yeah. When when we go through that because you're not at the end of your contract yet, but our uh facility I had our our
facility manager go through and get all estimates and considerations. So, you have a special report for that. And because you're not under any pressure to make a vote on that tonight, you have time to ask questions and to review that. But it's certainly, you know, I'll
make sure that there's a list for all of you. Um I I can I can set up your agenda for next month if you just just to have it have it done. >> So I I apologize, Chris. I'm I'm still new. Um how did we accumulate all this
money? Where did all this money come from? Well, >> I haven't been involved in an agency that had more money. >> What I've seen is we get a lot of money. I mean, from the municipal allocation. I mean, it's just for example, >> well, that didn't hurt. That's for sure.
It's hundreds of thousands of dollars. I mean, >> probably, right? >> Um, and uh and it goes up every year, the municipal allocation because the one-third of the mill goes up, >> right? >> The tax base goes up >> and your state aid goes up. um the
38,000 that we're getting from the state of New Jersey, which is a drop in the bucket for us, but you get that by meeting all of the requirements. In the past, when I first got here, we had one full-time adult services librarian for
the entire community in a library that's open seven days a week, 5 days until 9:00 at night. So now I in in my opinion we are fully staffed with our librarians, but when I got here we had
three supervisors trying to to run this and the Lawrence Farber branch um for how many days a week? And now we have eight supervisors. So we have eight supervisors now. So now
people can get out and do some outreach. um people don't have to eat at the desks. So, we're and we're still getting used to that. We're we're on a powerful momentum moving forward, but um we've hired I mean, when did we approve the facility
manager and get him hired? That was recent. >> That was for sure. >> Yeah. So, you know, some of this is is brand new. >> Anything any more discussion? >> No. Okay. So I take a roll call. >> Sure. >> Rocka,
>> yes. >> Tom, >> yes. >> Teresa, >> yes. >> Lynn, >> yes. >> And Rosary, >> yes. Okay. Uh, any old business? Nothing on the agenda? Anyone have anything they'd like to bring up? No.
Okay. Moving on to new business. >> Oh, I'm I'm sorry. I I do. So, old business. Last month, um I uh had let everyone know that we were going to I had sent this out last month. So, with our HVAC system, we've taken care of all
of our rooftop units and their thermostats. We have others. Oh, and the boilers. The boilers are all taken care of. We have another part of our system that has not been treated and addressed in a long time. If you look, if you see the
thermostat that's in this room, they look dysfunctional. They we don't know how they're working. They're outdated and they've they no longer communicate effectively with the system. So, the um bill that we paid this week was for having um people from Utm come do an
investigation on above our heads in the ceiling. There are controls for the dampers and um let's see electrical dampers and T stat which is updating the thermostats. So what they wanted to do
was do just one area of the building to work a solution for that. And the question from the board was why not do the whole building at once. And what I put into the director's report is they want to go in and test this and work with it and make sure that it really
works before doing the whole building. >> So we're going to move ahead, you know, with with that first. >> Yep. And it doesn't count. This is um5 they hide the prices $4,984.88. So we'll move forward with that. The um
facility manager will do that. But that was left over from last month's discussion. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Y so I'm sorry. Do you have anything? >> No. The social worker is on hold until we directed them to
all hiring. Okay. Um, okay. So, for new business, we have the approval of the proposal from Satimro Architect Architects in the amount of 27,500 plus uh reimbursible expenses for the
north toilet room renovations. >> If anyone has not seen our new bathroom yet, they're beautiful. They're a hit. They did they did a really, really great job. I love the uh uh the uh dryer on the side. >> Oh yeah,
>> I have never seen that. >> I've never seen we were there. I was like >> So they they turned out so well um that because of that I think aesthetically and functionally we've got a good team together. So my thought is that the
board would want to move forward with that. So, when we selected our architect for that project, we didn't have to do a a public request for proposals, but I did anyway because our board asks a lot of questions. So, I I did. Yes. >> Didn't you have to? No.
>> Because of the uh size of the bill. >> No, because it's um Sorry, we have to have an architect, >> but we didn't. In order to get them, it's because it's professional services. >> Okay. So competitive is an exceptionally competitive environment.
>> Thank you. >> I just I just did a little extra >> to to get the project through. >> So um this architect is also on the uh township's list of approved um architects that they work with every
year. So they've followed the process. There's no guarantee. So when we start the process, I called the engineering department. They said you have to have an architect or an engineer. So I went out and got that person which was ended up being Sedmbino and they do all the
plans and then they go to one of the contract pricing not conglomerates consoria >> um which is ESCJ which is the educational >> yeah some yeah educational services
commission or there's also Mammoth Ocean Educational Services um and they go through and they get state contract pricing for everything. And then what set and does is they manage the project from start to finish with setting all of
the deadlines with providing um um a timeline sheet. They go in and approve that all the work has been done before we pay any invoices. They really do a fantastic job. And since the town said that we have to have someone do that anyway, my thought was to engage Cedrino
again for this and have them design the other bathrooms so that aesthetically there's going to be continuity within the building. And like I said, we also have a really good outcome and we had a really good construction process. So
this is just if the board wants to this way you would have your proposal for the bathrooms by the time you have a new director. Oh and I did ask why this those bathrooms are larger. There are five
single stall bathrooms down there and I was told that it's not a scalable process what they do. So having a smaller So we had five rooms there. We've got five rooms there. And then
that um estimate from the architect was from uh 2024. So inflation, that's the answer that I was given. If the board's not happy with that, you can have them come in and answer more questions or you can, like I
said, go ahead and get that project started. you are happy with what they did. So you know what their work is >> going through our two projects. So one we have creative library concepts who um
goes and gets state pricing and and put our beautiful renovations together but we're managing a lot of that project. We managed um with DPW the demolition. We had to hire dumpsters to have things carried out. We managed all of the
public access and closings and things like that. Um, San Marino architects worked with the contractor and managed them so that we didn't have to do all of that and everything was handled. So, when I first saw that bill with the
first project, I raised an eyebrow, but again, I was told we had to have someone. Um, with this project moving ahead, I now understand why and I see how great it is for our finance person to simply get a sign off from the architects saying go
ahead and pay this invoice. So, it makes sure that everything's done neatly and correctly with um appropriate oversight. So it is are is your vision are that we're still going to have individual bathrooms down at that end or are they
going to be >> No, we're not going to change anything else because we need another ADA compliant. So we have one ADA compliant at this end. We'll have another ADA compliant there. We'll have two single stalls. And then the staff will be very excited that
their bathrooms will be renovated. Those are on the interior. And then everything except the junior small children's bathroom will be done. >> Why isn't that being done? >> Um I honestly don't know what to do with
that. Do they still make the little tiny >> I would think so. >> Yeah, it was it was just in a kind of a completely different area. I was grouping together the bathrooms by plumbing source. Um, and that one would
be a completely different to me. It was a different project, but it does at some point. It should be renovated. >> You needed to get these done. >> Right. Right. >> I just didn't know sometimes when you when you do a grouping of a lot of work, they give you a discount sometimes. >> Yeah. And this one would be different
because it's completely on the opposite side of the building. >> Yeah. >> Held for another day. >> Yeah. All right. So, um, with that being said, would somebody like to make a motion? >> Motion to approve the architect.
>> Second. >> Roll poll, please. >> Sure. >> Lynn, >> yes. >> Rocka, >> yes. >> Huh? >> Yes. >> Sera? >> Yes. >> And Rosemary? >> Yes. >> All right, it's time for our final director's report. Um, our one and only Dawn.
>> Thank you so much. Um before we get into the director's report, can I make that announcement about the meeting? So I just want to announce to the general public that our meetings are for the residents of Oldbridge to have transparency with the library and with
the way that it's run. Those meetings are made available via the township's website in a reporting. They are not intended to be run through um artificial intelligence sites um to have misleading
or incorrect information um posted on the internet. >> And we will add to our opening statement starting with your June meeting to underline the fact that there is one source for your official recordings and
that anything else is not part of this library. >> We will disavow. disability that yesterday. >> Okay. So, um to get into the report,
first of all, I want to thank you all. I don't want to get emotional again, but it's been so incredible working with this team, working with all of you, and and um just really getting this momentum going, and I'm really excited um for us to move move ahead um
and with bathrooms with with all these other projects. So, my apologies. We approved the bathrooms to do the architect. Okay, so we did that. All right. So next, um I really think what what I envisioned for you and it's
for you to decide was that um the materials that I sent out about um Roco, I think there was printouts for you. Okay. Um so what I did was I put together phase two and phase three of
our anticipated five-stage renovation for the furniture. I did this because public desks, the reference and new services, you would in my opinion want those to there would be some continuity with
design with finishes with things like that. um for the libraries. Later portions like the quiet area, the passport offices, um there our gathering growing gaming area, um creating a little cafe space in the front, not to
actually sell food, but to have just a little space there. That's something to me is that another director could put their imprint on. So, what I thought would be perhaps inspiring for the board is to have these drawings, have these
prices, and invite um Brad from Creative Library of Concepts to your next meeting to answer questions um from from all of you. And so, that's why I sent that out. I know it was last minute. I wasn't expecting a vote, but what we had
envisioned again was the computing in the reference area, which I think they did a an amazing job at. um our teen and young adult area. So, they divided that into the cabana space. What we know people want here is study space and in
if you walk around, you see it. All of our study rooms are filled, the quiet area is filled, um all of that. And then, Rosary, I'm going to borrow the line from you. I remember that you had said that we want our um children's area to be a destination space for our
residents. And I think the creation of that forest there would be a destination space. So all of that is there. I can um make sure that those things are set up for um for next month.
Um on to our um copier contract. And I apologize for not putting this on the agenda, but I think it does need to be voted on or it should
be voted on. Um, we did a special report um and our IT manager went through and evaluated all these people. If you've never dealt with copier contracts before, they can be um very challenging.
Um, and people are um really want your business. They're very enthusiastic. So if you take a look at the recommendation that we came up with um it is um EGI >> right >> um office
>> automation. And if we look where's we're you know we're we're um I think about $1,000 from what we're doing right now. So we have copier contracts with four different contracts. So they're all coming in at different times. they're
not lined up. They're dealing with all different sort of service arrangements and we'd like to have them streamlined into one. So, with going through this um we found TGI um the two JBEX machine for those who don't know is the coin machine
which they get used very heavily here replacements for all of our own Xerox devices. Um and I had him get a print out for anybody who wants it. Sorry, him being Adam. This is all of the devices
that we we have access to. So, going in to make sure that we're okay with voting for this because you can see 2,000 a month comes to 24,000 a year, which is above threshold. So, um we're very
fortunate that this is under state contract. The state contract is M 2075 and that um state contract allows for the use of both Xerox,
sorry, let me take this out. The use for both Xerox and HP products and it goes through July of 2026 and allows for a three-year extension
beyond that. So if we start our contract then we are within and we'll be um good for the next period which I'm just confirming to make sure that we have here is for
roll out today. There's a lot of lot of feelood in these contracts sales. I believe that this is um it's a fiveyear contract. Um
yes. Oh, and I did um I attached it for myself in case anybody else wants it. Um the state contract is NASPO Value Point. Um and it was led by they go through with Colorado. I
don't know if anybody's used to how these state contracts are done, but they get very complex very quickly. Um and it was adopted, like I said, and through July 31st, 2026 with options to extend for three additional years.
So that's there. So um if the board wants to um vote on that, we we would like to have copers and printers squared away before I go so that somebody doesn't have to go in and evaluate that. Are there any questions?
>> Um no, but I did want to say I really do appreciate the special reports that you included this one. Thank you. just the background is so helpful. >> They they I think they've worked out well. I started doing that at the beginning. Um anytime you get a special
report and this way they're also available online if you ever have to go back and look them up. They're easy to look at. >> Okay. So I think we would need to have the vote. It's $2,142
per month. The public contract is M2075 and >> this would be $24,541 a year for 5 years. >> No, that's a month. >> That's a month. >> Yeah. >> You said it's 2142 a month. I did. >> 2142. Yes.
>> Sorry. Yep. 2142 a month. >> Do we have any penalties to get out of the current contracts? >> Um, we do. We've let things expire like uh one of the one is monthtomonth right now, but it's where there's no penalty
for getting out of anything. We're just going to step out of those. We're at the point where everything's lapsing and we need some new copers for everyone and ours get a lot of use. >> Um I talked to some of the other directors and I don't think that their libraries get used as much, but if you
ever look out there, there's there are lines for those printers. So, and we've got a really nice scan system, too. So, >> trustees, you comfortable with it. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Before I start off the resolution part?
>> Yep. Go ahead. >> Okay. All right. So, we need a motion to approve a consolidated copier and printing services contract with TGI Office Automation under state contract M2075
for 2026 subject to extensions through 2029 at an initial rate of $2,142 per month. >> Somebody like to make the motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Somebody like to move it.
Roll call, please. >> Tom, >> yes. >> Teresa, >> yes. Lynn, >> yes. >> Roco, >> yes. >> And Rosemary, >> yes. You >> And so then we um So your library cleaning contract, like I said, it
doesn't expire until July. So you have time to consider and to ask questions. Our current contract is 4,700 a month. I really um wanted to make sure that you all got this report because there's a
lot of considerations here. Our current um cleaner is not given access to the building during hours that we're closed to the public. Um they are limited by the number of hours that we have someone coming in. So with our new facility
manager being here, he's really come in talked to a lot of different um vendors. one, two, three, four, five, six. And that's six in addition to our current um contractor that he's working
with and made some suggestions. And that is um changing the cleaning hours to having some overnight um which means people are going to have to get into the building and have post to the building, but that's how we would have things cleaned. Um,
and this is I mean my suggestion is that this would be put on next month's agenda. Um, so if there are questions, let me know so I can ask them and have them ready for you. >> I actually have a question for you now. >> Yeah. >> How do you feel the um cleaning car
cleaning service is doing? Are they better than what they've been? >> It's it's better now that we have a facility manager. I could not keep track of um inspecting all the bathrooms every day. The problems that we still have our
our small meeting rooms, all of those meeting rooms along the back. Um you know, people have snacks in there. You've got a lot of people in those rooms and they're getting used throughout the day. We can't clean them every time somebody walks out. And we also don't have time to come in and get
the whole building ready while we're also getting the back ready. So I think that there has been improvement with someone staying on top of them. My opinion that should be the manager of that company, not our staff. Um because
we then are already supplementing what they're doing. Um but I do think the overnight and it's not entirely overnight. Um where is it? they've been most responsive. It's three
nights a week instead of doing overnights all the time, but having those rooms get a heavy duty cleaning a couple of times a week. >> So, I have two questions. So, does the current company offer the overnight hours? >> I do not believe that they do. >> They don't. And then my next question is those rooms in the back, they're
reserving it with their library. Correct. So, we know who's in there >> more or less. Are we able to put up a sign that says, "If you don't clean up your space after yourself, you will not be allowed back in next time." We've been doing that for a long time.
>> Policies, >> for what it's worth, >> it's not worth >> We had discussions a couple of meetings ago about people bringing food and having to take it out. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And and that's going to be a huge cultural change because there's an expectation in the community and you've
got to get librarians to like the way I phrase that Um, and you've got to get librarians to start enforcing it, but it compromises privacy with us going in, then who's monitoring the rooms every time somebody walks out to make sure it was that person and not another person?
Um, I don't know of any other library that I've ever worked in that we only had cleaning during our open hours. It simply can't be done. Um, and there's um there's a lot that needs to change, not
just with the cleaners, but with other things that are on the long list that I'll get to yet. >> And I'm sorry, when is their contract up? >> So, right now, we are sharing with the town. So, the town and our contract is uh open at the end of July.
>> Oh, what? >> Or sorry, it's over >> January to December. That's when we hear professional bids. It's normally at the beginning of the year. I mean services. >> Oh, so cleaning services is different. >> It wouldn't have to be. >> Those are the contracts that I looked at
that I had. >> Right. Great. So I like I said, this is just a report for all of you because I think that that's going to come up. And um we've had a lot of problems in the three years that I've been here. So, there's been some recent improvement,
but it still could be better. >> Yeah. >> Uh I'm just wondering if I have this right. The the current contract is for 45 hours a week. This the suggested contract is
for 45 hours a week, but it does include three overnights, but it's double the price. >> Yes. Double the price to be three overnights. Yes. >> Okay. >> And I think it's important to take a
look at how much we're paying currently and then look at all of the other cleaners >> with the contracts that they have. We're clearly getting a super low discount.
Um, and it's been there are circumstances that we've had to tolerate that you would not normally with um some of our cleaners saying
inappropriate things to patrons or things like that and then that person's not supposed to come back, but then they do because there's a gap. and you know just circumstances that you know while we're while we're saving we're also talking about the money that we're not spending and to talk about a 50,000
square foot facility building that's open 7 days a week to be cleaned for efficiently for $4,000 a month I don't think is a reasonable expectation at the end of the day we're not connected we don't have to take what township takes they take lowest bidder so we don't need
to do that we really need to evaluate the circumstances but the services that we've been receiving and what we're looking to receive. So, >> well, it's going to be enhanced because you're going to be doing deep cleaning at night. >> Yeah. >> You know, like offices do. Yeah.
>> I mean, that's exactly what they do, >> right? >> Somebody comes in after we're done. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, um the next thing I want to bring your attention to is the um list
of projects that need to be done. There are two sheets there. Um and I I think that this lays it out for everyone fairly well. It needs a better title. I'll ask that we do that. So, there's one that is um a table that has
category, project name, type, status, priority. So that is um the garden. Um the garden I will tell you is that we have a meeting scheduled tomorrow um with uh the BA and the CFO who is QPA to
and also with our head of DPW to come up with a solution. I'd love to be able to get the atrium scheduling before I leave because that's been a project that we've put a lot of effort into. Um, next on that list is
lighting. I've also been talking about lighting for a long time. That's another one that I think we can get done with the assistance of the QPA. I will let you know that there are sections over the stacks that were renovated a while
ago. All of the other sections, I think, we're at least at about a third of those lights being out now. and staff have a reasonable expectation that there's going to be something done soon because there's not sufficient lighting
out there. So, um that's something that we can um start to get done tomorrow. So, then the rest of these, the exterior power washing had that done when I got here and it needs to be done again. >> My goodness, this seems like yesterday. So, >> yes. Yeah. The window cleaning with our
whole building is glass. That's got to be done. So, the way we did this list is what's a one-time project, then what's a recurring project, something that's going to have to be done every year. Um, the carpet and upholstery steaming that I haven't gotten to it and it does need
to be done annually. Um, high dusting. This building's design with those super high pipes going everywhere. If you have schools that have that, they get their high dusting done fairly regularly. Um,
so that's something. The duct cleaning, I don't I don't know if that's ever been done. Um, and it certainly does need to be done. The thermostat upgrade we already talked about. We're going to go ahead with that.
The security camera upgrade is far less than I thought it would be. I also put a note in um the um well I I'll get to that in a second, but I put a note in about recommendations for how we can better collaborate with the police on the
security cameras. Um roof and sophet repair. I'm meeting with um our head of DPW tomorrow. So, our metal roof has been tamed, but uh I put the pictures in for everybody to see. That's a real problem with those drains and the
sophets getting them done and because those are under bid those we can move ahead with those but the board needs to be aware of them. So I'm going to talk to Casey um tomorrow and if we can get him to approve what we're doing I'll make sure that that's again an agenda
item for next month. Um and that's the roof and then the the sophet. So, the other list I wanted you to see how the um facility manager has been working. You've got all of the estimates we've
gotten for all of these projects. So, you can see, you know, he's got recommendations for different things. I've been supervising what he's doing, so I definitely see what's going on. But the camera upgrade, power washing, windows, air duct cleaning, high
dusting, all of those are ready to go. So if you put those back into regular rotation again, this is something where we wouldn't be having this problem with underspending. There's a lot that hasn't been done here in a long time.
>> Don, what does it mean did not come out? >> I'm sorry, which one? >> Mid windows. >> Oh, um, yeah, I I think that they gave an estimate.
I don't know if I I'm gonna say >> didn't come out and look at the building. >> I guess I I I think that's the only thing that I can think of that somebody would give because that would strike him funny if the person, you know, just gave us an estimate but didn't come out and look at it. So that's
>> I'll confirm that tomorrow, but I believe that's what that is. So, >> okay. Um so we'll see what we can get um ready. You got the roof investigation report. Again, I'm going to go over that tomorrow with Casey. Um,
I wanted to point out I'm very proud of our department reports. I don't know if anybody has time to read them before meetings, but when I see everything that our staff are doing and how enthusiastic they are about what they're accomplishing every month. I hope that everybody gets a chance to take a look
because I didn't even, you know, I haven't had time until we had a facility manager. I couldn't do it as much. So, it's been very rewarding. Um, statistics that I that I gave everybody. So, we've gotten into a cycle of about
every 3 months, our coordinator of strategy and communication is providing the board with a statistical report and then some special things along the way. Last month, you had museum houses. We've got um foot traffic. It's still amazing
when you see in 2019 we're still getting back up to where we were. We're still, you know, we went from 91,000 and now we're at 74. Um I think it's important, you know, to note that we also had a full-size Lawrence Harour branch at that
time. Um but um the fluctuations are here. You can definitely see co notaries mystify me um because if you look at the number of appointments compared to the number performed you know 2026 only 46
people made appointments but 324 notaries. So we know that overwhelmingly people are coming in expecting there to be a notary available to them at all times and that's taken a lot of scheduling. Every single one of our librarians right now is a notary and
we're paying for that insurance and they can't sign everything. If you ever look at our policy, it's limited notary services. So, if someone comes in and you know has um something where there could be any financial repercussions later on, we don't sign it. So, we've
done a pretty good job of educating the public um about what we can and can't do and where they can go um when we are unable to sign things. And it's important to remember each individual librarian is not required to sign anything. They make a decision in each
case whether they are are confident that they can notoriize something. >> And that's a free service. >> Yes. >> To Old Bridge residents. >> So if somebody did one of those do-it-yourself wills, do they
>> I don't think we do wills. We don't do well. >> We specifically exclude that in the policy. >> Yeah. because it's >> it's something that can come back and you can become very involved in something you never intended to >> have to go to court. You know, >> the main reason I I think that the
notary service is so important is because our kindergarten registration and our sports teams to to when our kids travel with the sports and when they register for kindergarten, things have to be notorized and that is a
no-brainer. So, we can get that done. >> Okay. Um, sorry, the roof and sopets is tomorrow. The garden, which we already approved going ahead with the garden, we're we're
leading to put our heads together and see how we can get the best um results for the design. We have a beautiful design. Um, we've done our hiring and all of
packets and I'm so nervous that I'm going to forget something. Um, couple quick things. We did purchase a couple of new computers because there's a group purchase going on right now. It's nothing like what we've
replaced in the past. We only got two so that we have them on hand for when things um break down. Um, I am getting rid of one database, Survey Monkey. I was really hopeful about the way that we'd be using it and we just haven't.
So, goodbye to that. Um, I have something that I'd like to ask um, board members after the meeting. Um, it's not a matter of public discussion. Um, we have a plan for on-site backup of our
server and systems. Um, we've only gotten one proposal and it's around $8,000 and I made an assumption that the board was going to want us to have more than one proposal
for that backup. Does that make sense or do people want to move ahead with it now? >> I think now we need backup. >> Yeah, we need backup for the backup. >> Backup for the backup. >> Gotcha. Okay. And then one other thing,
um, last thing for next month, I anticipated CLC having the, um, roof discussion ready and hopefully scheduled and the garden and, um, I'll make sure that the full board
has that information before I go. Um, the last thing is just something for you all to think about. um with organizations that you know in town. We've had a number of people asking us for um when relatives, loved ones,
library users, library lovers, library advocates, when we lose some of those people in any given year, how what opportunity are we giving to the public to commemorate them? And right now, we don't currently have anything. What used to happen was that people would um maybe
buy a book in honor of their loved one and put a book plate in it. um what happens when the book is stolen or you know doesn't come back. We really want to look at this and what I'm working with staff is putting a draft together. One of the things I've always wanted to
do in libraries and I haven't been able to is to do um maybe just a memorial day every year where um people can put forth the names of their loved ones who were part of our library community um and we
could have a special ceremony or service. It's either that or you get into having a memorial wall and then you have to question how long are we keeping plaques up on the walls? how much are you charging for plaques on the walls? So, I think there's another solution.
So, I'm hoping that staff will be able to give you that. If anybody has any ideas about that, please contact me because we want to make sure that we're giving people um you know, an amount of honor, you know what I mean? Proper um
way to to honor those folks. Um, you know, because sometimes we know, you know, when we have a patron who's here every day or every week coming into the library and they don't come anymore, >> um, you know, we we want to honor them. And then we have
people who are just library families and want to make sure that their readers are recognized and I think that we could do a nice service maybe in December every year to commemorate >> and and then the town may want to to do something like that also. Um,
>> what about you bricks that sometimes like a patio people buy a brick with the name I hate Rio? >> Yeah. And those are typically for fundraising when when people do that and they can, but then and I I don't mean to
be negative because I see people do a good job. Where are we putting the bricks? Who's making sure the bricks are ordered? Where are we installing the bricks? How long does the bricks stay? Is 10 years enough? Why would you have to >> go out? I mean go out.
>> No. Why would you get rid of a book brick after 10 years? >> So because eventually 50 years from now, you're not going to have room for bricks anymore. That and and I I'm always saying that because I've seen it happen. when I was
at um you know um a 150 year old library and they had a giving wall for when the building was originally done. There was no more space for for plaques. So, it's just when you're doing things like that, it sounds crass, but you do have to
think ahead to that eventuality um to when people are going to come by someday and there's not going to be space for new ones and does, you know, do people remember those other ones any longer. So, just something something to
think of. And we can do you know there's a lot that you can do with a temporary installation, right? we could, you know, project their names onto the side of a building. You can have um a monitor where for a week, you know, their their pictures and names and things like that
are put up. But hopefully um there's there's only 11 actual days in the building for me after tonight. >> Um and I want to have all these conversations. So, whenever anybody has time to send me an email or to consider
something like that, please let me know. And uh again just signing off and SC I'll never resolve. >> Thank you. >> It's been a short time as we work together but I will go. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> Well she will. Thank you. So committee reports buildings and grounds >> report right now. >> Finance. >> Nothing more than I've already said. >> Right. Outreach. We just have a lot of brief things going on always. So um
personnel negotiations >> polic when we asked for volunteers for the committees I did say I would be on the personnel committee. I've never been contacted for anything. Is there anything I should have been? Yes. Um I
sent the um overview of the hiring for the library assistance and I'm sorry that I didn't include two of them there. I thought I had everybody on that email. >> Maybe, but I mean it wasn't for a meeting or anything.
>> No, there hasn't. I don't believe there's been one. >> Not that I not that I've seen. It was just Yeah, it was just the email of the overview of what we did for selecting library assistance. >> I think I got >> policy. Nothing.
>> Technology. Nope. All right. open to public comments. Does the public have any comments? >> The public does have a comment actually. Um I was on the board when Dawn was hired uh with Rosemary. We were on the
director's search committee and I just wanted to thank her for all her years and everything she's done for the library and it's really meant a lot to me. Um and that's pretty much it. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anyone else have any comments? >> No closing board comment. Uh public comments then. >> Excuse just real quickly on behalf of Township Public Schools. Uh I'd like to personally thank you for all of the
assistance that you have given us as your county director. uh our relationship has been very very good and has improved uh by leaps and bounds and it's going to be I as much as I am very happy for you as you are moving on I
would be very saddened by the fact that uh you know our our friend in the library is no longer going to be there um it's going to be hard shoes to fill whoever the next director is but um on behalf of Dr. Sasso and and and our students and our teachers and our
staffs. Uh thank you so much for everything you have done for us. >> Thank you. >> And I would be remiss not to say as Estie had said we were part of the search when we met you and I have to tell you when I look at you and I sit
here and I sit back and I'm thinking I envision you up on the roof. I see you with the lights. I see you doing the technology. I see you doing the security. I see you doing the just everything, the planning with the um with the furniture, the bathrooms,
there's nothing in this building that doesn't have you on it. And I have to say that from being on this board prior to you being here, the way that you have taken us and excelled us into the century of where we should be, right? And just with everything, it's
everything. And it's it's when you look at the numbers of the numbers coming back of the people when I come out of work and I look at how packed the the the parking lot is when I see what the staff is doing and I see how it's growing and the programming that you have out there. You have increased the
the value of this place by leaps and bounds not only as a board of trustee but I am I'm an employee of the town and not only working with you as that being a resident of this town. I thank you. I really do. I What you've done here is so
amazing and I can't believe that it's such a short period of time because it really has been like you came you hit and ran now. Um but you know I wish you all the best. Honestly I you deserve such a great retirement and whatever you
choose to do wherever you go you always leave your mark. You're a very special person. You've done a lot and I I honestly just thank you in so many different realms. I thank you. Thank you. >> I'm gonna leave you with um my Scottish partner Malcolm has said that he
submitted a new word to the Oxford English dictionary and it is um donified as I donify. You like it with that. Does anyone else have any more comments?
No. I guess we can call the meeting. Uh, it is 8:17. May I have a motion to to adjurnn? >> I make a motion. >> Tom makes the motion. Somebody move it. >> Second. >> Roco seconds it. All in favor? >> I >> I have it. Thank you. And thank you,
Dylan. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Don. Okay.