Minutes of the Meeting
Fitzwilliam Town Library Board of Trustees
6 March, 2023
Present: Trustees Robin Marra, Richard Marshall, Beth Lorenz, Carole Beckwith and Kate Thomas, Library Director; Alternate Trustees Nancy Fey-Yensan and Brian Doerpholz.
Robin Marra called the meeting to order at 5:46 pm in the Quick Meeting Room of the Library.
The minutes of the February 6, 2023 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Brian Doerpholz, seconded by Richard Marshall, and adopted unanimously.
The manifest was reviewed and approved by all Trustees physically present.
Under the Director’s report, Kate detailed an increase in circulation for February, up 10%, as compared to last year and that total patron’s attendance for February was 160. A letter regarding the Haapala Trust was received notifying the Library that it was named as a contingent beneficiary for both the Haapala Trusts and that these were being amended to remove the Library as such. Richard Marshall recommended that no objection be made. Robin Marra will sign and send the agreement as representative of the Trustees. The individual that currently does the snow shoveling at the library has continued to do so. Kate will confirm he will be discontinuing snow shovel services. Candidate’s Night will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
Cathie Talbert has submitted a letter of thanks and recognition of Nick Noyes’ many years of service in multiple capacities as a member of the Library Board of Trustees. Robin Marra also verbalized the Trustees’ appreciation for the service given by Pamela Troccia during her two terms serving as Secretary for the Board of Trustees and for Brian Doerpholz and Nancy Fey-Yensan in their service as Alternate Trustees.
Under Old Business, the first printing of the Locke Collection booklet is ready to be completed and will be done for the Town meeting. The ALA grant submission has been submitted and we should have a status update on April 30th.
Still under Old Business, the Board discussed the present Art Show Policy (postponed from 02/06/23). After discussion, Brian Doerpholz motioned to approve as written, Richard Marshall seconded the motion and it was adopted unanimously. The Behavior Policy was also reviewed and it was motioned to approve as written by Beth Lorenz, seconded by Carole Beckwith and approved unanimously by all.
Under New Business, a discussion ensued as to if there needs to be a search committee for the Assistant Director position. It was determined that the Director will be responsible for the final decision with help from two Trustees in the application and interview process. Robin Marra then motioned to add $10,000 to the Warrant Article for the Town Meeting, seconded by Richard Marshall and approved unanimously by all Trustees.
Under Ongoing Business, Beth Lorenz presented the Board with three estimates to repair the slate roof of the library received from A J Johnson in the amount of $18,340.00, Guyer & Son Roofing for $15,650 and GDC Roofing for $32,000 with a NH Historical Preservation Donation of $5,000. It was determined that there’s no room in the 2023 budget for the repair so it will need to be pushed to 2024, with the possibility that it will be covered by the Expendable Trust. Still under Ongoing Business, there is a new leadership team for the Friends of the Library. Trish Toomey will be the new Chair.
As there were no other announcements, the next Trustee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, April 3, 2023 at 5:45, with Zoom access available.
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. was made by Carole Beckwith, seconded by Nancy Fey-Yensan and unanimously adopted.
Respectfully submitted.
Beth Lorenz
Vice-Chair