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Minutes of Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Highland Public Library
14 Elting Place; Highland, NY  12528


Date: 2 December 2021


Attending:  Nancy Hammond; President;  Darlene Plavchak, 1st Vice President; Frances Brooks, 2nd Vice President; Laura Finch, Secretary; Melissa Burdash, Trustee; Jacqueline Burke; Trustee and Julie Dempsey, Library Director


Absent: Eric Norberg; Finance Officer


The meeting was called to order at  5:30 p.m.


The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.


Fran moved to accept the minutes of the October, 2021 meeting.   Darlene seconded.  All were in favor




Financial Report:
Fran moved as follows: Be it resolved to approve the warrants attached for operating expenses for the month of November, 2021. Missy seconded. All were in favor.


Fran moved as follows:  Be it resolved to accept the October 2021 financial report as prepared by Rose Woodworth, Accountant.  Darlene seconded. All were in favor.


Executive Session:
The board entered executive session at 5:32 to discuss personnel issues. Moved by Fran, seconded by Darlene. Motion to exit executive session at 5:37pm by Fran, seconded by Jacquie.


Personnel
Recommended by Library Director, Julie Dempsey:
The BOT is appointing authority for all personnel appointments, whether as a staff hire or as a contract employee.  Resignations must also be received and acted upon by the BOT upon the recommendation of the Library Director.




Moved that the BOT of the HPL approve the personnel actions listed below:


Fran moved to approve the salary increases of Genie Fernandes ($16.50/wk; up to 30 hrs/week), Samantha Bacchi ($16.50/wk; up to 32 hrs/week), and Lisa Gill ($22.00/wk;  up to 30 hrs/week); starting December 15th, 2021 as outlined in the personnel action documents. Seconded by Darlene.


Result of Action/Roll Call:
Mellissa: Yes
Jacquie: Yes
Nancy: Yes
Darlene: Yes
Fran: Yes
Laura: Yes
Eric: Absent
All in Favor
None Against


Agenda Items:


Director’s Report:
Programs:  Storytime has been happening indoors with social distancing and masking.  One D & D program runs on Thursday.  COVID restrictions are still in place. 


Library Road Map:  Donna has worked on a new flyer for library services: “Library Land.”


Outside Groups: Some outside groups are using the community room, and are following COVD protocol.


Little Free Library:  Sue VanDe Bogart  has requested book donations from the library to be used in a Little Free Library at the Rail Trail.  Julie has agreed and will be supplying surplus


Toys for Tots: November 30-December 14th:   Library is pairing with the Lloyd Police so that toy donations stay local.  Unwrapped gifts will be accepted.


Staff holiday:  Library staff will do craft and grab bag on December 3rd.  To-Go meals will be provided to staff from Vignetos.


New Tax Law:  Provides for a charge back of refunds of taxes levied by a school district.  This law goes into effect Jan 1, 2022.  This has not previously been applicable to school district libraries.  Nancy suggested providing funds in the budget in the upcoming years for this projected loss.


Old Business: n/a


New Business:


Personnel Actions:  See notes above.


MHLS Direct Access Plan: This plan is made each year by the MHLS.  This year it is being requested that Boards of Trustees review it.  Underrepresented communities are putting more of a stress on the libraries in areas surrounding those communities.  The MHLS has requested additional funds from those towns, and has limited services as necessary.  Motion by Fran to vote on approval.  Seconded by Melissa.  


Result of Action/Roll Call:
Mellissa: Yes
Jacquie: Yes
Nancy: Yes
Darlene: Yes
Fran: Yes
Laura: Yes
Eric: Absent
All in Favor
None Against


Committees:


Facilities:  Julie gave update on water and shingles warranties.


Friends Liaison: n/a
Leslie has sent requests for renewal of membership to the Friends.  
 
Trustee Training: Julie is looking into credit for training provided within BOT meetings.  Jacquie attended the online training this month regarding meetings.


Personnel: see above


Other: Darlene gave credit to the newspaper that featured the art exhibit by Ann Marie Kenny in this week’s news edition.  


Public Comment: n/a


Fran moved to adjourn. Jacquie seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.


Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Finch, Secretary