WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=_ARr92DvqA8

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: _ARr92DvqA8):
- 00:00:00: Meeting Called to Order and Roll Call
- 00:00:16: Director's Report: April Programs and Activities Review
- 00:05:02: Statistics Review, Reference Questions Up, Curbside Ends
- 00:10:36: Approval of April Meeting Minutes with Correction
- 00:12:45: Old Business: Utility Costs, Fuel Line, Summer Reading
- 00:16:30: Old Business Continued: Restrooms, Program Recording, Website
- 00:21:07: New Business: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Discussion
- 00:33:08: State Aid Awards, Wishlist Items, Meeting Schedule
- 00:38:34: Director's Upcoming Leave and Staff Preparation
- 00:44:02: Adjournment


Part: 1

1
00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:16.400
This is a recording of the South by Public Library Board of Trustees. It is May 5th at 7 o'clock evening and we will do a roll call. So Lynn Blair, >> Michael McMahon, >> Tammy Sagalon, Kathy Fishbach, Andrea

2
00:00:16.400 --> 00:00:37.600
Bugby, Heather Duny. >> Beautiful. Right. No public comments. Um, so I will go through the department head report from April and I apologize it printed funny so you just have to flip it around. Um,

3
00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:54.320
so for April we will cover the programs and activities and the statistics later. Um, I did report that in addition to the dayto day the popular programs in April were the presentation on the continental arsenal with the Springfield Armory. Uh

4
00:00:54.320 --> 00:01:11.760
the fire department offered two CPR AED classes. We had a talk on chainsaw sculpture and um a talk on indigenous peoples in the Connecticut River Valley. Um by far the most popular program I think were the both of you at Indigenous. Yep. Um that was completely

5
00:01:11.760 --> 00:01:28.320
full. Um so she spoke to a full house and everybody raved about her. So that was >> it was good. >> One of our most successful programs this year so far which was great. So, we had a very diverse slate of programs for April. Um, in May, the regional public

6
00:01:28.320 --> 00:01:44.240
health nurse is going to start offering um drop-in sessions. She's going to do two um people can come in for blood pressure checks. She's got a display for tick awareness and just to ask general questions. We used to do a lot of programmings with Trisha who was the previous uh public health nurse before

7
00:01:44.240 --> 00:01:59.200
she retired. So, it seems like Maryanne is very interested in continuing that partnership. So, we'll be able to uh keep that going. She's got two in May and then I think we're going to look into doing some more in the fall time. Um I was at the health fair at the town

8
00:01:59.200 --> 00:02:16.959
hall in April 17th. That was fun. Um the South Land Trust is partnering with us to offer a talk on morticulture in May, which is basically the idea like if trees and things die to kind of leave them where they are, it helps the environment. They'll talk about it much

9
00:02:16.959 --> 00:02:34.319
nicer than I just did. But that's kind of the general idea of the program. >> I'm wondering what >> Yeah, it sounds a little dark. >> Burying people in a paper bag or >> no, >> just leaving dead trees where they lie. Um, we will be having Michael Tugius

10
00:02:34.319 --> 00:02:50.800
back to talk about King Phillip's War. That one has I think we've already got like 30 registrations for it, so it's been very popular so far. Um, and then the children's programs are going to continue doing the prej pals, the story time, baby playgroups, teen

11
00:02:50.800 --> 00:03:08.080
advisory board is going to meet, and there'll be two ten hangouts after school. Um, in addition to the programming, the seed library has been extremely popular in this fiscal year since July 1. We have >> given out about well, oh, now as of

12
00:03:08.080 --> 00:03:24.000
today, it's it's well over 400 packets. Um, so we've just done a third restack and that's going to be the last for the spring. What's what's in there is in there. Um, we should have enough to carry us through the next couple months and a few will probably run out, but I

13
00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:39.680
think three restocks is a a pretty fair amount. It's it's been a lot of work, but people really like it. Um, the Tony boxes have been out of everything we've ever done, the most popular items we've had. Um the children's room just added

14
00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:56.159
another 40 Tony's. So those are the little boxes that kids can um how many box I think we have? Yeah, we have five of the boxes themselves and then you check out like a separate little figurine. They'll be like a Disney character Pixar or something and they

15
00:03:56.159 --> 00:04:12.239
put it on the box and it'll like sing songs, read stories. So the idea is that it's kind of like a screenfree activity for kids. Um, so the five Tony boxes, Molly reports that they've been about 60 circulations and there's been over 500

16
00:04:12.239 --> 00:04:28.400
circulations of these Tony figurines and we have about hundred of them now, which is insane. And it's a lot of work. Molly has done a lot of work on that. I don't know how I don't know how she's done it all. Um, because every single one has to be like loaded onto the player. So, it

17
00:04:28.400 --> 00:04:44.720
has been a lot of work, >> but it's really paying off. Um, and then June 8th, we are having two kindergarten classes visit. Each will include a an introduction to the library. And then we'll be having um Bri from Breeze

18
00:04:44.720 --> 00:05:02.479
Balloons come in and do a performance for each of the classes. She does like really nice balloon animals and different things like that. So, it sounds like every kid is going to get some type of whatever she's making that day. All

19
00:05:02.639 --> 00:05:34.560
right. And that's you. >> So based statistics are overall pretty good. Slight decrease in circulation. Um but you'll see increase in reference questions, increase in computer usage.

20
00:05:34.560 --> 00:05:52.000
Um the deposit section is so large because we did get our state aid in which is later. Um and and yeah, um Koopla continues to be a little bit down, but that's okay. That way we can manage the collection and

21
00:05:52.000 --> 00:06:08.160
then Libby continues to go up. >> I have a question. Yes. Um I think last month also the reference questions went up. Why are all what why? >> Because I've been really working with the circulation staff um as well as the other staff too, but it's it's mainly um

22
00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:24.000
the circulation staff who get a lot of those questions to just be very careful and reminding them how important it is to keep track of our numbers. Um because these are things that we report to the town and the state. So, I think in the past we haven't been as on top of it,

23
00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:41.280
but each station has like a tally sheet. So, every time you get a question, just write a tally down. Um, so I've been really kind of keeping keeping on staff to make sure that we're recording these things because these are important numbers to have. >> And are the questions like what's the

24
00:06:41.280 --> 00:06:58.160
gross national product of Greenland or >> It could be. Yeah. Yeah. So reference question we quantify as anything if it's something directional like where's the restroom or where's the fiction not really but if it's something that involves a little bit more work >> um if somebody you know give me a book

25
00:06:58.160 --> 00:07:14.319
recommendation or >> um you know I need help finding information on this or even help with audiobooks or not audiobooks like ebooks you know questions that involve a little bit more work as opposed to just that's right there or that's right there. Um,

26
00:07:14.319 --> 00:07:33.280
so yes, they have been going up. Um, just because we've been really really trying to make sure that we're keeping track of everything because it's so important to reflect in the numbers. >> Um, yeah. And then, you know, our our statistics otherwise are good. One thing

27
00:07:33.280 --> 00:07:49.599
we are going to be ending is the curbside pickup service. it it was originally intended to keep people who were ill from coming into the library >> and it doesn't serve that purpose. They they will come in anyway. um and staff.

28
00:07:49.599 --> 00:08:05.280
We I did have a meeting with the circulation staff last week and that was one of the concerns that they reported to with me that um you know it doesn't get much usage and when they do get it you know oftentimes they're at the desk alone so they have to get up and move

29
00:08:05.280 --> 00:08:21.039
everything outside and it's it's just kind of been a hassle for them. So, obviously the bid will still remain in here in some capacity if somebody really wants to do a curbside pickup, but you know, it's just not something we're going to be actively offering anymore.

30
00:08:21.039 --> 00:08:36.159
>> Definitely served its purpose though. >> Oh, it served its purpose during Yeah. Yeah. If you look back to like the numbers around COVID time, it was really being used. But, you know, I I was hoping that its intended purpose would be like if somebody wasn't feeling well,

31
00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:51.360
well, let me just pick up something outside so I don't have to come in. >> I think >> they come in. They like to come in anyway and tell us what tells us what ills them and it's like >> I think in the beginning people probably still were sticking to it and then slowly people were like, I'm ready.

32
00:08:51.360 --> 00:09:08.880
Yeah, we're we're back to the norm. So that that's just one thing we're going to kind of be ending because the usage is just and it's you know it's it's a hassle for our staff. So and then April program numbers everything was pretty good. Um

33
00:09:08.880 --> 00:09:24.800
adults and children's programs remain high for attendance. The dramatic play area in the children's area continues to be popular. It's now a construction zone appropriate for spring. Um, and yeah, overall still

34
00:09:24.800 --> 00:09:40.880
still pretty busy. I think we we're going to see a little bit um, you know, I I specifically for like May and through the summer. Um, usually our bigger summer programs get a good attendance. So I I tried to go a little bit lighter on programs so there's not too much for everybody to

35
00:09:40.880 --> 00:09:57.360
worry about while I'm out, but the the summer programs tend to be of like a wider interest. So, I don't think we'll see a big dip in numbers um because we'll be doing there's a craft program. There's somebody's presenting on nefarious New England. So, like spooky and dark things

36
00:09:57.360 --> 00:10:14.079
in New England, people really like that. Um and then we'll have two of the um events for the Revolution, Dennis the Hard, and then we'll have two other performers that will be doing u an in costume presentation in August. and

37
00:10:14.079 --> 00:10:36.240
those tend to be pretty popular. So, I don't think we'll see any major dip in program numbers just because I'm kind of doing a little bit less. Any questions on statistics? Oh, why did I I went right I went right

38
00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:51.360
past the minutes. I'm sorry, Andrea. I bypassed your beautiful minutes. it. >> No concerns. >> There we go. So, yeah, everybody's getting a copy of the April minutes. Thank you to Andrea

39
00:10:51.360 --> 00:12:42.800
for doing these again. I haven't just moved. There's and Tracy's last name. It's W at the end. >> We'll make I'll make that change. It'll be posted. Yeah. >> Left it up to make sure it wasn't just me.

40
00:12:45.920 --> 00:13:18.079
Thank you. Has the town moved the library over to this slight discount businesses and residents were moved to in January? >> That I don't know. The the way you could

41
00:13:18.079 --> 00:13:34.160
tell if you look at the bill and it says u provider or something of that effect and it gives some nebulous name town of Southwick. That's how you know it's been switched over to >> we did we did get something in the mail

42
00:13:34.160 --> 00:13:50.800
about about that and I had questioned um Nicole and she said don't worry about it. It's all taken care of. So I assume that good to go. Okay. and they're they're aware of our our utility woes. So,

43
00:13:50.800 --> 00:14:12.320
>> well, you know, >> everybody is those like meetings, they've been saying, well, parks and wreck needs an extra 2 or 3,000 for your electric bill and this other department needs whatever amount. Good thing you don't have any vehicles,

44
00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:32.240
Robinson. You say, "We don't have enough money to buy gas." >> I'm good at taking minutes. >> You're very good at taking minutes. >> So, does anyone have any corrections or anything that we need to make? >> Just the amendment for Tracy's name.

45
00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:55.040
>> Yes. >> All votes in favor? Michael, yes. >> Tammy, yes. Kathy, yes. Andrea. Yes. >> Just a quick recap of old business. Um, as we discussed last time, we had requested 3,200 extra in the fuel line

46
00:14:55.040 --> 00:15:11.839
to try to get us through the end of the fiscal year. Seems like we are in good shape for that. So, that should be enough. Um, anything that we don't spend obviously goes back to the town. Um hopefully that will be that will be it to carry us

47
00:15:11.839 --> 00:15:27.920
through the end of the year. I think electricity seems good, fuel seems good. Um telephone we may go over a little bit but we can hopefully balance that out with one of the other lines. So the summer reading kickoff June 24th

48
00:15:27.920 --> 00:15:43.519
um 530 5 to 7:30 I think is the time we're going with. Um, so yeah, if anybody's around, it's it's mainly kids stuff, but anybody can enjoy the the zoo. Um,

49
00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:59.279
glitter tattoos, all kinds of fun stuff. See, there you go. >> Um, and then the staff are basically wrapping up planning for summer reading. I think everything is pretty set and we are in good shape to do everything. Um,

50
00:15:59.279 --> 00:16:14.399
restroom issues have seemed to improve since we last met. There hasn't been any major incidents. Uh we're still keeping the key behind the desk and hopefully that is preventing people from being somewhat anonymous.

51
00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:30.320
Did we lose internet? Ignore me. Now it's probably going to want to update itself. Oh, there we go. We may have just Sometimes the internet disconnects and I'm not restarting it right this

52
00:16:30.320 --> 00:16:46.079
very second. Okay, still recording. Still volume. Good. Okay. Um, so yeah, everything is pretty much set for the summer reading program and um, oh, I was talking about restroom issues.

53
00:16:46.079 --> 00:17:01.360
Restroom issues are good. Hopefully they'll continue to be. So, um, we had discussed last time recording programs for channel 15. I did discuss this with Ken. Um, what we're kind of planning on doing is I've contacted all our

54
00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:18.160
presenters through the fall to see if they're okay with the program being filmed. Some said yes, some said no. Most said yes, they don't care. Um, so we'll just kind of work with Ken on a case-byase basis. Um, it's it's going to only do the adult events. Um, and

55
00:17:18.160 --> 00:17:35.919
generally like the bigger topic things. So, I think he may try to come to depending on what happens with the town meeting, he may try to come to the morticulture one. Um maybe even the the King Phillips War one. Um and then they'll be broadcast on

56
00:17:35.919 --> 00:17:53.360
channel 15 and their their YouTube channel. So, it seems to be like a good partnership. As long as the presenter is okay with it, then you know that's the biggest thing is just making sure that the presenter is okay with it because some of them are not um just because you

57
00:17:53.360 --> 00:18:09.679
know they don't they don't want their work being shared. You know there could be any number of reasons from you know it's their intellectual property or you know they're afraid that it might prevent other libraries or organizations from booking them if people can just get it for free online. So we'll leave it up

58
00:18:09.679 --> 00:18:25.679
to them. It's completely in their judgment. Ken is fine if somebody says no. So, we will try it and see how it goes. >> And when you say it seems like a a good um partnership, is that in the intersection of free access to information learning?

59
00:18:25.679 --> 00:18:41.200
>> Absolutely. Yeah. So, if somebody isn't able to make it here in person, it's it's great if you know if somebody doesn't want to come out at night or if they're homebound or if somebody has to work, there's many ways, you know, >> as long as they let you know. So there's

60
00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:57.760
an open seat. >> Yes. Well, what they're doing, they um usually it's going to just be for like the bigger programs and usually I have them set up so there's like two rows of chairs and an aisle down the middle. So he'll just kind of be positioned right at the end of the aisle. Um very he's

61
00:18:57.760 --> 00:19:14.160
he's very professional. It won't be obtrusive in any way. So >> Well, now you said depending on the town meeting >> Oh. Um his concern was that potentially the town meeting it may he said in the past it it may go over and they've

62
00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:29.520
sometimes like had an overflow to the following evening >> either that or continue the meeting till 11:30 or 12:00 >> if it starts to go really late. Yeah. >> So if if that happens the land trust can kind of decide what they want to do with

63
00:19:29.520 --> 00:19:45.520
their program and obviously if the town meeting continues on another night then he may be needed there. So, >> okay, >> we'll see. We'll see what happens. From everybody I've talked to, I don't it doesn't sound like it's going to be anything comparable to last year's meeting. So, I probably

64
00:19:45.520 --> 00:20:02.000
>> we'll see. >> But, um and then yeah, the new town website updates are still being made. We still keep finding things that are out of date. Um and we've tried to just spread the word to as many patrons as possible that it's under construction. So, we are

65
00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:17.280
aware that um we've noticed that some of the policies on there are not the new ones that I had posted because they took everything from like October when they first created it. So, there's policies on there that aren't up to date. There's

66
00:20:17.280 --> 00:20:34.320
dates that are incorrect. I've just been sending um important things to the web master just so that you know things are fixed as much as possible. I'm not bombarding him with like every little thing, but but the big things, you know, dates. And he did put something on our

67
00:20:34.320 --> 00:20:49.679
website, specifically under the policies page that it's under construction, so things may be out of date. Um, and we'll just hope for the best. I'm I'm hoping it would be nice to have access to it before I leave so I can at least try to fix as much as possible.

68
00:20:49.679 --> 00:21:07.440
But at this late in the game, even if I get it now, I don't know how much time I have to correct everything. So, we'll just see what happens. Um, and then any questions about any of the old business things, I will move on to

69
00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:23.360
new business. Um, so fiscal year 2027 budget discussion. You all had asked last time about um CW Mars and certification and membership.

70
00:21:23.360 --> 00:21:40.880
So I had asked CW Mars about um what would it mean? Obviously I'll update you this year. We're not going to lose certification, but what would it mean if we ever had to lose certification? Um >> so if we ever end up losing

71
00:21:40.880 --> 00:21:56.320
certification, yes, we can still be a member of CW Mars. um but we would have to pay our membership in full. So they apply for grants on our behalf like the small libraries grants um so we wouldn't have access to those grants anymore. So

72
00:21:56.320 --> 00:22:13.440
our membership costs would go up. Um and I think they said these these discounts that we get from the grants are usually about $2,500. So our our membership could go up by that amount. Um, and then other impacts.

73
00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:29.679
Um, you know, obviously we would no longer be eligible for state aid. Um, other libraries may not circulate to us because we're not certified. And I think their statistic was that 80% of libraries in CW Mars do not share

74
00:22:29.679 --> 00:22:45.280
resources with non-certified communities. So the long story short, the answer is yes, we could still remain a member, but costs would go up. We may not be able to get as many as >> how about borrowing books from other libraries.

75
00:22:45.280 --> 00:23:02.080
>> They may not lend to us. Yeah. So if we if we weren't certified then they would lend. >> Okay. It would be up to the individual library. >> It would be up to the individual library but 80% of them would not. Right. >> Um so we would lose out on gas of um

76
00:23:02.080 --> 00:23:17.840
>> you know items that we could get through inter library loan. And well, South Hadley >> didn't pass their override, right? >> That's a problem. Uh, Southampton has a vote coming up. I don't know if they already had it.

77
00:23:17.840 --> 00:23:34.080
>> I haven't heard that. And that's another one. You go through there and there's Save Our Library signs. >> It's getting tricky. >> It's getting It's getting tricky. Um, so to kind of segue into the good news is

78
00:23:34.080 --> 00:23:52.320
that um they it sounds I have not seen any documents come through for the the town meeting yet. So as of the last conversation we've had we would be level funded for next year. >> Um >> so that's something. Yes. Um level

79
00:23:52.320 --> 00:24:08.480
funded in operations. the salaries line would increase due to contract increases increases. >> Yep. >> Um so that increase in the salaries is enough to put us above meeting our MAR. So we would remain certified. >> Okay.

80
00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:23.679
>> Yep. Um however that would mean that within the operations budget budget our expenditures line would be level funded. So we would not meet that 19% municipal expenditure requirement.

81
00:24:23.679 --> 00:24:39.919
Um, I did, Heather and I did meet with Kate from the MBLC about um, because there's a stipulation that because we're open more hours, we might be able to meet a 16% requirement as opposed to

82
00:24:39.919 --> 00:24:55.440
19%. Um, however, the one issue that I had with that is we need to be open our current number of hours for 38 consecutive weeks. Sure, fine. Most years we're good. You

83
00:24:55.440 --> 00:25:12.159
know, God forbid we have, for example, a bad time. All the staff come down with the flu. We're closed. I asked her that. I'm like, if we are closed one day, the 38we counter restarts >> and I'm not willing to risk that. So,

84
00:25:12.159 --> 00:25:30.240
what our plan is is to just take what we get from the um level funding and then just supplement what we can from state aid in order to just meet that requirement of the 19%. that that that's kind of on a

85
00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:48.000
the edge of the ice because when they're calculating MAR and all this stuff, it normally is defined as the money coming from the municipality. They're not talking about money from state aid or the friends group or your

86
00:25:48.000 --> 00:26:04.240
local foundation or >> Yeah. So, um Kate said that we can supplement just using the state aid, which which is fine. Um, you know, we'll >> Yeah, >> we'll we'll make it through with doing that

87
00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:19.279
>> as compared to where we were a month ago. Sure. >> Sure. >> Yeah. I'm confused, though. So, we don't make the 19% to get state aid, but we're going to use state aid to I don't understand. I must have missed something

88
00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:34.640
>> because we've got money still in effect sitting in the checking account because when you get the money this fiscal year we got about $31,000. We didn't necessarily spend all of it because we saved some of it to replace a

89
00:26:34.640 --> 00:26:50.640
server to replace three or four computers being one or two staff computers and one or two public computers. Oh, you need more shelving. Well, you spend a few thousand on shelving or whatever it might be. So,

90
00:26:50.640 --> 00:27:07.440
you're not spending it immediately. You're kind of sitting there with the money in the checking account that you can use whenever you have to. And it doesn't have the June 30th problem. >> It can be kept from one year to the next. >> Okay. So, we're using saved state aid

91
00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:22.559
from the past. Yep. >> To Oh my god. >> Yeah. I mean, and the good news, we we do have a state aid budget. Um, so I I kind of budgeted each year x amount on computers, furniture. Um, the state aid

92
00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:39.679
pays for essentially all of our essentially all of our programs. Um, the town budget for programs does not go very far. And we'll even we will probably need to bump up our budget for each department for programs this year because obviously you know it's the

93
00:27:39.679 --> 00:27:56.720
times the presenters are charging more which is is understandable as their livelihood. So you know >> and travel expenses >> and travel expenses and everything. So um you know so if our expenditures line is level funded it would be 95,000

94
00:27:56.720 --> 00:28:12.080
$95,075. The 19% is about a little over 97,000. So, we're really only taking a couple thousand from the state aid to just balance it out to just make sure it's not a large sum. Um, it wouldn't be

95
00:28:12.080 --> 00:28:28.559
taking too much or it wouldn't be taking anything from, you know, programs or furniture or computers or anything like that. So, that So, what about the memberships and all of that for the staff? Is that going

96
00:28:28.559 --> 00:28:43.039
to be covered? >> Oh, like the the dues and Yeah, that that So, yeah, every everything that's currently in our budget this year >> will stay. So, >> okay. >> So, like conference and travel membership dues, things like that, that would all stay. Okay.

97
00:28:43.039 --> 00:29:00.720
>> That's why the selectman and the ad chief administrative officer says we're level funding the library, which is what they said at the last last joint meeting. That means the money we got for this year, you're getting basically the same dollar amount.

98
00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:17.679
When we had the meeting last month, they were saying, "Take that and cut it by 10%." >> And then that's why Lynn was going through then, well, we'll wipe out the five or six thousands that you give us for programs. We wipe out this, we wipe out that to make the numbers work. Y

99
00:29:17.679 --> 00:29:33.760
>> I think what they found is certain departments weren't taking any cuts and with the CEO in another town had to go through this with the state with their library she said you don't want to do

100
00:29:33.760 --> 00:29:50.399
that >> okay you I had met with >> I had met with her after we had the last our last uh trustees meeting and she's explaining

101
00:29:50.399 --> 00:30:05.600
what they're trying to do. Then I went and I met with the chairman of the finance committee, Joe, >> over at his ice cream shop. >> We had a good conversation and then I went to, you know, multiple meetings so that they finally said, "No, we're

102
00:30:05.600 --> 00:30:22.880
leaving the library alone." >> Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Yeah. Which which is good. So, we're we're lucky to have um a health healthy state aid account. Um I've been very conscious about, you know, making sure

103
00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:37.440
that we're spending on the things that we need to be spending, but also making sure that we have some in savings in the event that we do have we need a major technology uphaul or, you know, >> the last server and related software was

104
00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:54.880
seven or eight,000 bucks. Yeah. Which is >> hard to come up with that kind of money. >> Yeah. Absolutely. So, yeah, we we are lucky in that we have um some in there for any potential issues. I know I keep hearing things about next year about potentially needing a Proposition 2 and

105
00:30:54.880 --> 00:31:12.399
a half in town. So, we'll we'll see what next year brings. Um but, you know, >> told the fire department they don't need three ambulances. They can get by with two. I only found out about that when you look at the fireman's calendar with all the pictures. There were two

106
00:31:12.399 --> 00:31:27.919
ambulances on one page and another where did this ambulance come from? Because ambulances are between 250 and 300,000 a piece. >> I did not know we had three. >> I didn't even think until I looked at the pictures in the calendar.

107
00:31:27.919 --> 00:31:44.559
>> Yeah. So, so the best thing we can do is just, you know, just keep offering the good programs and resources we do, making sure people know the good things that we do, um, and just staying, you know, relevant and out there. I try very hard to always make sure that we're

108
00:31:44.559 --> 00:32:00.320
always posting on the the town social media forums. We're really communicating with the public about what we do. And I think we've we've done a really good job. And I think it's it's really showing in their in that >> y'all done an amazing job, >> you know, that they saw how much a 10%

109
00:32:00.320 --> 00:32:17.279
cut would really hurt us. So, >> well, you you're doing everything from in effect doing PR when you're doing your monthly report to the other department heads so they can see that you're doing stuff. >> You're getting stuff multiple times a

110
00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:33.200
month in the Westfield News. >> Yep. You've got the newsletter both paper and online. >> Yeah. And you know, and we'll continue we'll continue doing it through the next fiscal year and we will we will hope for the best. Um

111
00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:48.960
>> because what you read in the the Republican in the last couple of days, the state legislature is talking about spending more money and giving more general aid to communities in the western part of the state. So

112
00:32:48.960 --> 00:33:08.799
hopefully the town would see that with some extra cash coming in from Boston. >> It is election time. That's when Western Mass exists. >> All right. Um any questions on the budget status? Anything like that? Good.

113
00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:37.360
Okay. Um, we received our second state aid award from the board of library commissioners in the amount of $15,29426. And so most of that will will probably go

114
00:33:37.360 --> 00:33:54.159
towards programming. I I do need to talk to my staff about updating the um the programming budget. Um last year we each got I split the the town the town budget for programs and we got 5,500 split that three ways and then

115
00:33:54.159 --> 00:34:10.800
I gave them each another 4,000 from the state aid account. Roughly comes out to be about 6,000 a department but we're probably going to want to up upgrade that this year just because of the the cost of everything. the cost of presenters is going up and you know we want to make sure that we're keeping up

116
00:34:10.800 --> 00:34:28.760
with the the demand for programs. So, >> and that came from you said the board of something. I missed the >> Oh, the board of library commissioners. Yep. They they send us the um our state aid checks. >> Okay. >> Yeah.

117
00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:46.320
>> Yeah. So to give you a picture about what our state aid goes for um usually you know we use our state aid for about the programs obviously furniture we budget about 5,000 to 10,000 a year

118
00:34:46.320 --> 00:35:00.960
depending on what needs to be replaced you know you know shelving and and everything isn't cheap I'd eventually like to replace those wooden tables and chairs out there because I've had to have maintenance fix the table legs on those wooden tables so many times and

119
00:35:00.960 --> 00:35:17.040
those rocking chair, the wooden ones are just not comfortable and people really don't like them. Um, so that's kind of the big picture in the future. Computers, we budget about 5,000 to 7,000 a year. It's usually towards the higher end just because things are

120
00:35:17.040 --> 00:35:33.520
getting more expensive. So, and then our um yeah, our kind of fiscal year 2027 and beyond wish list for the state aid is I'd love to replace those tables and chairs like I mentioned. Um the reference desk

121
00:35:33.520 --> 00:35:50.560
technology setup is not ideal. Um there's we have CWRS tech equipment under the desk and it's just the setup is poor. So anytime somebody knocks it or you have >> you need to get down in your hands and

122
00:35:50.560 --> 00:36:07.760
turn it off and >> we do need to replace the two staff laptops we have. They're getting old. Um and then there's a couple projects in the children's room. Um and then I would love to upgrade our TV screen in here that I think we've had for

123
00:36:07.760 --> 00:36:23.839
>> a good while. >> Yeah. because it's if you look at it and you're trying to do a presentation on that screen, it's just if you're sitting in the back, you can't always see things. So, I'd love to upgrade that technology. So, those are just kind of to give you an idea what we're looking at to do with the state.

124
00:36:23.839 --> 00:36:39.760
>> Did you get whatever corrections or updates CW Mar is going to do in your office? >> Yes, that's all set. Yeah. Yeah. And that came out to be a little over $1,000. So, thank goodness we had the state aid for that. Um they came in last week and replaced what they needed to replace.

125
00:36:39.760 --> 00:36:56.880
>> Yep. >> So yeah. Um and then just next on here, I wanted to um discuss our meeting schedule. So we have a meeting set for June 9th. And then um

126
00:36:56.880 --> 00:37:13.359
I wanted to see just for planning purposes for for Heather um what we wanted to do about meetings for the summer. I think we usually don't meet in August. Um >> unless there's an emergency

127
00:37:13.359 --> 00:37:28.800
>> unless Yeah, unless there's an emergency of some type. So the next one we have on the calendar would be June 9th. Um, we could do July 14th if you would like to. I don't usually recommend skipping two months in a row

128
00:37:28.800 --> 00:37:46.079
because then the the third month is just overloaded. Um, so I would recommend either meeting in July or August. >> July. I vote for July. >> That works. >> Okay.

129
00:37:46.079 --> 00:38:02.320
>> Great. Um, so July meeting, no August, and then we'll come back in September or September 8th. >> Great. >> Now, has the town hasn't given you the FY

130
00:38:02.320 --> 00:38:17.760
27 budget yet? >> No, I've got nothing. Um, >> because that's one of the things that they've said. Said department heads don't get that. Oh, we're going to fix it. That's why I didn't know if they fixed it yet. No, I haven't seen anything for for the town meeting or

131
00:38:17.760 --> 00:38:33.960
anything about the budget. So, I'm just operating on the news that I have last I heard that everything's level funded and hopefully there's no surprises, but we'll go from there. Um, otherwise,

132
00:38:34.000 --> 00:38:50.480
Heather's having fun. Um, Heather has a file, multiple files of all the stuff that needs to get done uh for my leave. all the there's a lot that has been done. So, there's really, you know, other than the daytoday um

133
00:38:50.480 --> 00:39:07.359
that I've tried to get done as much as possible um that I can. Obviously, Heather will be working on the state reports. >> That's what she'll be signing, >> but Heather Yeah, she's got all her notes on that. I don't other other than they're moving through a new format with

134
00:39:07.359 --> 00:39:22.880
a new like software >> but other than that I mean I don't think it's anything you know you've you've done it for many years now I don't think it's any any big surprise um >> but but yeah I mean I think everything is pretty much in place

135
00:39:22.880 --> 00:39:39.200
and you know I've kind of simplified a lot of things like the adult summer reading program very simplified um you know we're not going crazy with events or anything like that So, I think everything is pretty much ready to go. Um,

136
00:39:39.200 --> 00:39:55.760
but >> and you >> I'm I'm not ready to go. >> Yes. Yes. I >> You're still looking toward the end of May? >> Yeah. Yeah, probably. So, I We'll see. We'll see.

137
00:39:55.760 --> 00:40:11.839
>> And your leave is three months? >> Yeah. About 12 weeks. >> Good. >> Yep. Yep. >> And Did the town pay for the 12 weeks? >> Uh, no. I I use my sick time for that. >> Yeah. >> Which is good. I I I have enough bananked so there's no concerns with

138
00:40:11.839 --> 00:40:28.880
anything there. So, >> do you have a method of keeping us up to date now >> about the news? >> I I'll send I'll send Heather the news and then Heather Heather can let you know. >> Okay.

139
00:40:28.880 --> 00:40:44.800
>> So, >> and then you'll be visiting. Yeah. Yeah, probably as soon as we're ready. >> Exactly. >> As soon as we're ready to get out and about. But yeah, >> good. Heather, how do you feel? And do

140
00:40:44.800 --> 00:41:00.880
you need any support? >> Oh, I'll let you know. >> Yeah. >> No, Lyn has done an excellent job with preparing oodles and oodles of pages of notes and it's just getting the time to sit down and read through it and work through it, you know, but it's I'm confident that everything will be perfectly fine. So, yeah. and you're

141
00:41:00.880 --> 00:41:16.720
going to be sort of straddling still doing your job but also doing >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> So, there'll be some things that'll take a little longer, but it'll be we'll get there in the end. Yeah. >> Is the town adjusting her by weekly salary? >> Yes. Yeah. Um, >> good.

142
00:41:16.720 --> 00:41:32.800
>> I think it's it's after x amount of days that I've been gone that they will adjust it. >> Good. >> So, yes. Yeah, we've we've gone down that. So, yep. And then um yeah, I gave Heather a list of all the she has all the trustes emails and everything so she

143
00:41:32.800 --> 00:41:50.640
can reach out to you guys if if anything's needed. Um and yeah, I think I think we're good. But yeah, and then that's all I can think of.

144
00:41:50.640 --> 00:42:07.040
Yeah. And then um I'm I'm hoping to still be here for the town meeting. So, if I'm not I know Michael's planning on on going if anybody should have questions about the library budget or anything like that. So, yeah, I think Heather's planning on going as well. So, so even if even if I can't make it,

145
00:42:07.040 --> 00:42:23.119
there will be people there who can speak to the library budget >> and the town the department heads don't get this ahead of time until I mean at the town meeting we're supposed to vote on it and you don't really know ahead of time

146
00:42:23.119 --> 00:42:38.480
>> idea. I'm hoping any day now we should have something. >> Um, >> I usually sneak around town hall about a week in advance of the town meeting because they've gotten the copies for the town meeting back from whoever the

147
00:42:38.480 --> 00:42:55.040
printer is. So, I pop into selectman's office and the town account's office and who's got a spare copy. I then immediately come over here with my copy and print that page. the copy or here

148
00:42:55.040 --> 00:43:10.000
telling whoever the directors at the time, here's your budget. >> Good. Good. >> We're were a very wellto-do town. You know, this is 1850s. We're doing well.

149
00:43:10.000 --> 00:43:26.240
>> Well, the warrant has been posted. >> The warrant. Yeah. Yeah. So, we're just waiting on um the actual print out of the whole budget page by page to see where we are in there. >> Good. And that's what >> that's what Michael goes hunting for. Yeah. >> Good.

150
00:43:26.240 --> 00:43:42.960
>> Yep. Yep. So hopefully we'll have that soon. Like I don't anticipate any changes or surprises or anything. No. >> I think we would have been clued in if right if something wasn't >> going to be what they said it was. So >> yeah, that's that.

151
00:43:42.960 --> 00:44:02.000
>> Yeah. >> All right. If there's nothing else, I would hear a motion. >> Tammy makes the motion to adjourn. >> It's seconds. >> All those in favor? Michael, yes. >> Tammy, yes. Kathy, yes. Andrea, yes.

152
00:44:02.000 --> 00:44:05.920
>> Okay. Wonderful.