LINCOLN PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETING
March 18, 2003
Present: Emily Althausen, Chair, Diana Abrashkin, Jenifer Burckett-Picker, Al Kraft, Jack Pugh, Melinda Webster-Loof, Trustees; Ellen Sisco, Acting Library Director, Kathy Brobeck, Staff
1. Minutes of February 11, 2003, were approved as amended.
2. Library Lane: There was discussion of possible path leading from White
Church to the Library. Emily stressed her desire to remain flexible while
the Campus Group works on the safety plans for the whole area . The balance of the Board, however, reiterated their previous objections to such a path: a. The main objection is that the path is unnecessary since presently all the able-bodied patrons simply cut across the grass in summer and across the snow or frozen ground in the winter. b. The handicapped can not use this path because the slope will exceed the 1:12 required by Code and there is no way to get down to level of Library entrance except by steps. c. There is no Code requirement for such a path. d. The path would cut up what precious green is left after we widen the street. e. Although we have been assured that we are not responsible for clearing the path, we risk liability if an accident does occur on it (e.g.,when it is
icy). f. A path asks to be lit, and we are already having a difficult time securing effective lighting for Library Lane (LL) itself.
We realize that allowing the path might help win us support for LL lighting. However, Emily agreed to report that the Board is not in favor of the path at the next Campus Meeting.
Diana inquired why the pole lighting is not included in the description of the warrant article, and why only 4 poles were considered when 5 to 6 poles are more likely.The original request set asside $9,000 for 6 fixtures and $3,000 for lighting installation out of the $32,000 request. the 4 poles came from a suggestion of Ken Bassett as the absolute minimum that might do the job.
Both Police and Fire Department heads concurred that 32' is the desirable width for LL.
3. Town Meeting: Melinda will do a power point presentation on the need for widening LL if our warrant article is held out. She also called our attention to the fact that if our approved budget is insufficient we may face certification problems.
4. Announcements:
Patriot Act: The Library Staff objects to the idea of having to provide a record to anyone of what any individual patron reads. On March 7, 2003, Melinda attended a legislative breakfast organized by the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners where the above issue was mentioned as well as Governor Romney effort to put this independent MBLC into the Education Dept. The Board's budget has been cut as well. Specifically, they have no money for FY '04! Only legislator's aides were present at the meeting. Our State Rep. Susan Pope has written a letter objecting to the new policy. On April 5, there will be an MLBC symposium in Northampton, where the Patriot Act will also be discussed in more detail. Jenifer Burckett-Picker met with Chuck Miller to ask how to send the agenda and meeting minutes to
him at <cmiller@lincolntown.org>. The Board needs to approve them first and we need to work out the exact timing sequence. Emily suggested a sticker on the Library computers to remind people of our own
website: <lincolnpl.org>.
5. Vault work has been progressing in January and February. William Carroll has been paid to date.
6. Librarian's Report: The painting is going well. Bobby will shampoo the rug in the Farrar Room and it will be stretched so that it won't be a tripping hazard.
The Garden Club has donated several gardening books to the Library and there was a nice photo in the paper to announce the gift.
7. Library Director Search: Jack reported that 17 candidates have applied, some from as far away as Texas. The first 8-9 were not as qualified as we had hoped but the recent applicants have been more interesting. The Search Committee members were unanimous about which candidates to reject and accept for possible interviews .They may invite someone in for an interview soon. Jenifer hoped that we could get the resumes of the Wayland Library's rejected Library Director candidates.
As they consider candidates with lots of experience, the search committee is thinking about the package of compensation we will be able to offer a new Director, including vacation time and salary. Jeanne Bracken pointed out that Lincoln's rate of health insurance premium reimbursement is lower than that of other towns.
8. Financial Report: We seem to be right on target for the last 2 months.
9. Staff Concerns: The staff is very concerned about the Town's personnel policy, which was altered several years ago and may have been applied in different ways to departing employees since. The Personnel Handbook has not been updated in years and contains only one sentence about a whole-year accrual of vacation pay that conflicts with a later (new) policy pro-rating vacation pay. It was decided to invite Chris Coleman to meet with the Staff and to request that the Town update the Handbook as soon as possible.
10. Vault: The idea of a Friends' House Tour that was planned for October '03 and might have contributed approximately $10K toward the Vault, has been canceled. The 3 women who usually captain the effort (Laura Crosby, Jane Rizzo, Joanne England) can't do it this year. Emily asked for suggestions of possible house tour organizers or any other unique fund raising ideas and people to staff the efforts.
Al asked whether Ellen should be funded to attended an Archives Camp, such as the one Jerry Cirillo attended last summer. Emily was going to ask William Carroll about plans for this year.
10. Future Meeting Dates: April 29 (hold open for possible Library Director interviews), May 20, June 24 (will discuss gift funds and non-trust funds including State aid), July 15.
Respectfully Submitted:
Diana Abrashkin, Trustee
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