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


Date: March 27, 2025


Attending: 
Elaine Rivera, President; Mark McPeck, 1st Vice President; Phyllis Freeman, Trustee; Sarah Navins, Trustee; Melissa Burdash, Friends Liason; Julie Dempsey, Library Director; Lisa Gill, Assistant Library Director; Sharon Battershall, Treasurer


Absent:
Jacqueline Burke, 2nd Vice President; Patrick Mason, Finance Officer; Eric Norberg, Corresponding Secretary


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 February 27, 2025 meeting.  
S. Navins seconded.  All were in favor.




Financial Report:
P. Freeman moved as follows: Be it resolved to approve the warrants attached for operating expenses for the month of March, 2025. M. McPeck seconded. All were in favor.
P. Freeman moved as follows:  Be it resolved to accept the February 2025 financial report as prepared by Rose Woodworth, Accountant.  M. McPeck seconded. All were in favor.


Agenda Items:
As follows:


Director’s Report:
J. Dempsey reports:
During regular maintenance of the Library’s HVAC system it was found that the glycol was low. A technician from Chem Aqua was called to come and determine the possible cause. David was able to replenish the lost glycol (5 gallons). Yearly testing of this system is in order.


April 23, 2025 is the Board of Trustees election. Ballots are being prepared and the Annual Report and voting information will be at the desk.


The HCSD Art show will be held in May, with a reception May 10. Three different schools will have their students’ work displayed in the Library.


The Community Fridge has their own checking account now. There was a huge donation toward this resource, and many other donations.


Bank signature cards will be updated to add E. Rivera and M. McPeck. P. Mason
and L. Gill are already signatories.


Update on new programs: Mahjong was very popular and participants suggested that Canasta be added, so Canasta will be a Wednesday program and Mahjong will be on Thursdays. Programs in Mindfulness and Qi Gong
will be tested for popularity as well.  Grant Mid-Hudson programs are coming up soon, for example on Saturday there was a program featuring Celtic Dancers
that was very well received. Also planned is a Borscht Belt presentation in April.


Cuts to IMLS museum and library services will indirectly affect the Highland Library; J. Dempsey has been sending out advocacy links to seek help on this issue.




Old Business:
E. Rivera reports that we have gotten petitions from P. Freeman and S. Navins.
There are 2 available Trustee seats, a five-year term and one to fill a remaining 
three-year term.




New Business:


Recognition for Holly! She has been with the Library for 35 years! She is the current active longest-serving tenured staff member. She was awarded with a certificate of appreciation, applause and flowers!


Committees:
N/A this month


Facilities:
Finance: 
Discussed earlier.


Friends Liaison:


M. Burdash reports:
The Jewelry Sale will be on April 26, 2025.
The Plea for Advocacy went to Friends Committee members.
The Library Fair will be July 25-26, 2025
 


Trustee Training:
Personnel:
Other:
Public Comment:
N/A this month


E. Rivera states:
The next meeting of the Board will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.


M. McPeck moved to adjourn, S. Navins seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 
5:46pm p.m.


Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Battershall, Secretary