Text Description automatically generated Minutes of Meeting of the Board of Trustees Highland Public Library 14 Elting Place; Highland, NY 12528 Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023 Attending: Frances Brooks; President; Elaine Rivera, 1st Vice President; Melissa Burdash, 2nd Vice President; Patrick Mason; Finance Officer; Laura Finch, Secretary; Jacqueline Burke, Trustee (remote participation); Milena Barrett, Trustee, and Julie Dempsey, Library Director The meeting was called to order at 5:34p.m. The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Elaine moved to accept the minutes of the July 20, 2023 meeting. Patrick seconded. All were in favor. Financial Report: Elaine moved as follows: Be it resolved to approve the warrants attached for operating expenses for the months of August and September, 2023. Patrick seconded. All were in favor. Elaine moved as follows: Be it resolved to accept the July and August 2023 financial report as prepared by Rose Woodworth, Accountant. Milena seconded. All were in favor. Agenda Items: Director’s Report: SRP Stats: 187 participants, which was an increase in participation. Passports may be used again next year, since there was positive feedback. Roof repair: Shingles fell of the front portion of the roof (children’s area). Roofing companies who came for estimates noted that nails were set incorrectly. Estimates to make repairs were quite high, so repairs will be done as needed. Julie will reach out to Alan, since roof is out of warranty. Digital Sign Update: New sign is installed and has been well received. Sign can be controlled remotely, so Julie and staff can update for closures without having to come in. Masonry work was done pro bono ,and Julie will reciprocate with a presentation to the Plattekill Library board. Assemblyperson Jacobson Funding: On Tuesday, October 3rd, from 3-5PM, the announcement of the $15k award (funding of the sign) will be made, and a ‘big check’ will be presented. Fran and Patrick will try to attend. National Voter Registration Day: 5 Voters were registered as well as status checks for 3 patrons were made, with some patrons taking absentee ballot applications. Food Drive: Food will be donated to Ascencion Holy Trinity. Costume Exchange: Library is accepting donations of costumes and will allow patrons to select donated costumes on October 23rd. Laura will check with school to see if leftover costumes can be of use at the school. Old Business: n/a New Business: Updates to Staff Personnel Policy: A: Staff Vacation Allocation: The change in vacation would currently affect only one employee for an additional $481.00. Part-time employees are those that have 25 or less hours worked. Up to 2 employees may rise to the 5 year + level within the next few years. Patrick discussed allowing that time to become flex (vacation/sick). B: Health Insurance Maximum: See meeting packet for updates (re: increase in maximum covered per month) As for the change in medical coverage if approved, with current staff plan elections, the potential increase would be approx $4800. Julie will provide Trustees with additional information about the amount paid by the library and by employees. Personnel Action Document Recommended by Library Director, Julie Dempsey The Board of Trustees is the 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 Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Library Director. Pending Personnel Actions: Approve the appointment of Samantha Bacchi to Library Assistant provisional position at a rate of $20.00 per hour, up to 32 hours per week starting August 16, 2023. Action Requested: MOVED that the Board of Trustees of the Highland Public Library approve the personnel actions listed above. Motion Moved by Melissa. Seconded by Patrick. Result of Action All trustees were in favor. Recommended by Library Director, Julie Dempsey The Board of Trustees is the 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 Board of Trustees upon the recommendation of the Library Director. Pending Personnel Actions: Approve the appointment of Lisa Gill to Librarian Trainee position at a rate of $ 25.50 per hour, up to 32 hours per week starting October 1, 2023 . Action Requested MOVED that the Board of Trustees of the Highland Public Library approve the personnel actions listed above. Motion Moved by Patric. Seconded by Melissa. Result of Action All trustees were in favor. Committees: Facilities: No progress on Solar bid, especially in light of shingles in need of repair and angle of canopies. Finance: none Personnel: none Friends: Next meeting October 28th. Other: Trustee Comments on UC Annual Dinner: Milena and Jacquie attended. Being Green buildings was emphasized in keynote speaker. One topic spoken about was offering libraries as a warming/cooling center. The library provides that service during the daytime, but is not an overnight shelter. Public Comment: Patrick moved to adjourn. Milena seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Next Meeting: October 26th Respectfully Submitted, Laura Finch, Secretary