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


Date: December 5, 2024


Attending: Elaine Rivera, President; Mark McPeck, 1st Vice President; Patrick Mason, Financial Officer; Eric Norberg, Secretary; Sara Navins; Phyllis Freeman, Jacqui Burke 2nd Vice President;  Julie Kelsall-Dempsey, Library Director


Guest: Kristin Charles-Scaringi
Absent:


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


The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.


M. McPeck moved to accept the minutes of the September 26, 2024 meeting.   S. Navins seconded.  All were in favor.




Financial Report:
E. Norberg moved as follows: Be it resolved to approve the warrants attached for operating expenses for the months of October and November, 2024. P. Freeman seconded. All were in favor.
P. Mason moved as follows:  Be it resolved to accept the September and October 2024 financial reports as prepared by Rose Woodworth, Accountant.  M.Mcpeck seconded. All were in favor.


Agenda Items:


Director’s Report:  Digital Navigator- The library was asked to participate in the Digital Navigator Program. The program provides training to build on the skills staff already has in helping people navigate through job applications, online forms for services, etc.  Donna took the training.  The library will receive $500 for participating.
Cultural Programs MHLS Grant in addition to other programs
        Worry Dolls 10/5
        Taste of Korea 10/26
        Grey Wolf Spirit Drum 11/9
        Chinese Dance Performance-Fei Tian College Middletown 11/23
Bylaws-term limits With a new director coming in June does the BOT want to revisit?  Most members prefer term limits but were open to the possibility of an override in certain instances. Julie will reach out to the attorney.
Repairs- Yankee gutter and toilets
Music Garden-Assemblyman Grant The instruments have been purchased.  They will be installed in the Spring. The library will hold a “Grand Unveiling”




Old Business:  Second Reading and vote on Policy on Employees’ Right to Express Breast Milk-Policy is in keeping with NYS law.  M.Mcpeck motioned to accept, S. Navins seconded.  All in Favor






New Business:   Personnel Action Documents
Motion made by M. McPeck to make the following personnel actions:
Accept with regret the resignation of Arlene McMahon  after 41 years of dedicated service to the library. Arlene’s last day will be Oct 30, 2024
 Appoint Alexandra Williams to MTHT Library Assistant at a rate of $22.00 per hour up to 26 hours effective Nov 1, 2024
Appoint Kendel Maksuta- to PT Library Clerk at a rate of $19.00 per hour up to 15 hours per week effective Dec 1, 2024
Accept the resignation of Destiney Decker effective 9/13/2024
                        
Personnel Policy update-unused sick time 1st reading and review. The library director can sell back unused sick time upon retirement as per the LD contract. Other staff are not able to. The recommendation is to update the Personnel policy to allow FT employees with 25 years of service to sell back up to 100 days at $50.00 per day upon retirement.
                        Staff holiday meal will be held after the holidays this year.  In the past Trustees have generously helped with the cost. If anyone wants to contribute please contact Julie.


Committees:


Facilities:  


Friends Liaison:
 
Trustee Training:


Personnel:


Other:


Public Comment:


P. Mason moved to adjourn. P. Freeman seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 6:03 pm p.m.


Respectfully Submitted,
Julie Kelsall-Dempsey