Minutes of Meeting of the Board of Trustees Highland Public Library 14 Elting Place; Highland, NY  12528 Date: May 23, 2024 Attending: Elaine Rivera, President; Melissa Burdash, 1st Vice President; Jacqueline Burke, 2nd Vice President, Patrick Mason; Finance Officer; Laura Finch, Secretary; Milena Barrett, Trustee; Julie Dempsey, Library Director Absent: Mark McPeck, Trustee The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Melissa moved to accept the minutes of the April 23, 2024 meeting. Patrick seconded. All were in favor. Financial Report: Patrick moved as follows: Be it resolved to approve the warrants attached for operating expenses for the month of May, 2024. Jacquie seconded. All were in favor. Patrick moved as follows:  Be it resolved to accept the April 2024 financial report as prepared by Rose Woodworth, Accountant.  Melissa seconded. All were in favor. Agenda Items: Director’s Report: Community Fridge and Cupboard Update: Policy to be reviewed tonight. Julie is soliciting donations/sponsorships from local organizations. A volunteer Chloe will paint the fridge, with the launch in mid-to-late June. LRP Community Survey Update & Results: Julie shared the survey but is also still soliciting feedback from a variety of age groups. Building Concerns Update: Julie sought information from original architect and construction firm. They are scheduled to come to see current building conditions. No causation has been determined. Water has been pooling, and a gutter may help lessen the damage. Julie has not yet heard from Scott Davis. Accountant: Last year certain forms were not filed in a timely manner. Additional forms were not filed this tax year (originally due May 15th). Julie completed all necessary information as it was requested. Julie is searching for alternate accountant firm. Julie has extended the RFP to June 20th. An alternative option would be to hire a bookkeeper contracted for a couple of hours per week. Julie has also sought recommendations from other libraries. Funding Request to Assemblyman: Julie heard from the new Chief of Staff, and has requested a $10k grant for the music/harmony garden. Flower drums are the intended purchase for these funds. The bells are due to arrive in early June, and David will install them. New Cookbook Book Club: Donna is spearheading the group. Each member will cook one recipe each from a specific cookbook to have as a potluck. They will meet 1x/month or quarterly. Kitchen access will be provided for clean-up. Sara Ottaviano 30th Year: August is Sara’s anniversary and she will be presented with a certificate and bouquet. Second Grade Visits on June 4th: Lisa and Caitlyn will give a tour, answer questions, and read stories to the groups. SRP Prizes: Caitlyn, Holly, and Sam worked on sourcing donations. Gift certificates (Legos, Renegades, Beer Basket, skating tickets, Spins Bowl, etc.) have come in as prizes for all ages. There will be many giveaways during the SRP. It kicks-off June 24th and goes until August 16th. Drawing will be at the end of August. Old Business: Legal Services Resolution: Be it resolved to have J. Benjamin Gailey of J&G Law offices as legal counsel for the Highland Public Library effective June 1st, 2024. Be it further resolved to authorize Julie Kelsall-Dempsey, as Library Executive Director to sign the retainer letter. Moved by Patrick. Second by Melissa. All in favor. Community Fridge Policy: Be it resolved to adopt the HPL Community Refrigerator and Cupboard Policy. Motion by Melissa. Seconded by Patrick. All were in favor. Personnel Action Document & Salary and Benefits Resolution for LD: Be it resolved to accept the contract for the Library Director as per the February 2024 BOT meeting. Roll Call: Melissa: Yes Patrick: Yes Milena: Yes Laura: Yes Jacquie: Yes Elaine: Yes All were in favor. 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 following salary increase as previously discussed and presented effective July 1, 2024 Lisa Gill $33.00 Holly Sgro $33.11 Caitlyn Stever $31.00 Donna Davies $25.00 Samantha Bacchi $25.00 Sara Ottaviano $27.35 Arlene McMahon $27.35 Genie Fernandes $22.00 Alexandra Williams $20.00 David Goodrich $20.00  Joseph Cifone $17.00 Kyle Menezes $16.00 (December 31, 2024) Destiney Decker $16.00 (December 31, 2024) Action Requested: MOVED that the Board of Trustees of the Highland Public Library approve the personnel actions listed above. Motion: Moved: Patrick; Seconded: Melissa Result of Action: In Favor: all ; Against: none; Abstaining none New Business: Accounting Services RFP: See above. Patrick recommended seeking recommendations from new legal services team. 2024-2025 Board Positions: Jacquie will be 2nd Vice President. Secretary position is open. Committees: Facilities: Report on Inspection of Wall and Foundation: Remediation and repair should not be too complicated. Repairs should be covered by insurance. No solution has yet been presented that can address all concerns, but with the visit from the architect and contractor, it is hopeful that a resolution can be made soon. Friends Liaison: Closing of accounts will occur in June. Group will return to original bylaws and become a Fundation. Personnel: none Finance: All lines are on track. Trustee Comments: * Milena will be moving in the future (end of summer ‘ish’). * Community site for GED and ESL classes at New Paltz Middle School via BOCES is closing mid-June. Jacquie inquired about availability of community room for evening programs. Public Comment: Patrick moved to adjourn. Milena seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Next Meeting: June 27th, 2024 Respectfully Submitted, Laura Finch, Secretary