Minutes of Meeting of the Board of Trustees Highland Public Library 14 Elting Place; Highland, NY 12528 Date: March 24, 2022 Attending: Nancy Hammond; President; Darlene Plavchak, 1st Vice President; Frances Brooks, 2nd Vice President; Eric Norberg; Finance Officer; Laura Finch, Secretary; Jacqueline Burke; Trustee and Julie Dempsey, Library Director; Melissa Burdash, Trustee Absent: Staff Present: Lisa Gill, Library Treasurer Public Present: Pat Mason The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Fran moved to accept the minutes of the February 24, 2022 meeting. Eric 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 March 2022. Eric seconded. All were in favor. Eric moved as follows: Be it resolved to accept the February 2022 financial report as prepared by Rose Woodworth, Accountant. Fran seconded. All were in favor Agenda Items Director’s Report: Programs: Started with limits on participation in accordance with social distancing. Art Exhibits: USS Slater on display until the end of April. This is a traveling exhibit. Students exhibit in May. Reception on May 7th. Mask Policy Update: Effective Wednesday, March 2nd: In keeping with the new CDC guidelines, masks will no longer be required in the library, however we recommend masks in the children’s area. Ulster County is currently a low risk according to metrics used by the CDC and we will continue to monitor the guidelines and make necessary adjustments as we have throughout this Pandemic. Social distance policy remains in effect for programs. Julie has posted signs to indicate what color (level) Ulster County is. Most staff are still wearing masks, and they are required to in the children’s area. Old Business: Library of Things Policy & Waiver: Fran noted that a line for the name of any minors should be included. Fran moved to accept the Library of Things policy as presented with above additions. Eric seconded. All were in favor. Motion to accept the policy passed. Solar Panel Follow-Up: Site visit to occur within the next couple of weeks. The proposal will identify if the project is feasible and will give information on owning/renting, and on cost of the project. Eric is also looking into more options for 2nd opinions. Julie has been made aware of money available from Senator Hinchey, and from Senators Schumer and Gillibrand. The grants require different information, and she will seek that out in the proposals. New Business: Appointment of Election Workers: * Chairperson: Julie Dempsey * Inspectors of Election: Angela Grieco, Susan Bacchi at $15/hr. Lisa Gill (part of her duties as treasurer, at her regular salary) * Motion to accept the above appointment of election workers. Moved by Jacquie. Seconded by Fran. All were in favor. Motion passed. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 26th. (Annual Meeting; Special Election at 5:30); Regular Board Meeting to immediately follow. Vote: Wednesday, April 27th from 10am-7pm. Committees: Facilities: Meeting April 21st. Bids for the soundproofing are due tomorrow (March 25th). Two have come in, and one more is due. If necessary, a board meeting will be scheduled to discuss the project and its approval should the project be ready to move forward before our next meeting. Friends Liaison: Meeting will take place on Saturday, March 26th. Julie will be away for the Book Sale on June 4th, but has appointed librarians in her absence. Julie will accept donations for the sale starting now, and the Friends will solicit as needed. Jacquie will reach out to the contact for high school students looking to gain volunteer hours (set-up on Friday night as well as sale and break-down on Saturday). Trustee Training: n/a; Jacquie received no notification of training this month. Personnel: n/a Other: Public Comment: n/a Trustees Comments: Nancy thanked the library and its staff for adjusting to the changing regulations and keeping the public safe. Julie mentioned that the food drive is ongoing. There was an outpouring of support for supplies for Ukraine. The library is in possession of 2 doses of Naloxone. One is stored within the community room, and one is stored in an extra locker. Fran moved to adjourn. Eric seconded. The meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Laura Finch, Secretary