HomeMy Public PortalAboutDecember 4, 2018 minutes with linksWatertown Free Public Library
Meeting of the Trustees
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Raya Stern Trustees Room, WFPL
Present: Trustees Leanne Hammonds, Michael Hanlon, Penny Peoples, Daniel Evans Pritchard,
Timothy Tracy; WFPL Director Leone Cole and Assistant Director Caitlin Browne; Ruth
Segaloff, artist and patron.
Enclosures: December 4 Meeting Agenda; November 5 Meeting Minutes; WFPL Financial
Report; Pratt Fund Report; Burke Fund Report; HATCH Financial Report; Memo by Liz Helfer,
HATCH Coordinator; Memo related to patron art donation proposal; Memo from Gienapp
Design in regards to the replacement of WFPL lobby doors.
Call to order: Mr. Tracy called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Watertown Cable Access
Television was on hand to record the meeting.
Secretary's Report: Minutes of the November 5 WFPL meeting were approved as amended.
Public Forum: No members of the public present.
Red Leaf Cafe: No update.
Financial Report:
Ms. Hammonds noted that the building renovation line in the budget has risen and asked
whether that item includes the new doors project. Ms. Cole advised that the doors project is not
reflected in the standard budget. The building renovation funds are encumbered on other
projects. No updates on the HATCH budget. Mr. Hanlon asked how the bulk of the budget is
spent. Ms. Browne reported that it's primarily on materials and equipment.
Ms. Cole notes that the Pratt Fund budget has grown and the board of the fund plans to vote to
spend the funds on periodicals, as stipulated.
Mr. Hanlon raised a motion to accept the financial report.
Board votes to accept.
Chair's Report: Nothing to report.
Director's Report: Ms. Cole updated the board in regards to the project to replace the WFPL
main lobby doors. The contractor has sent a proposed timeline for bids and construction,
enclosed. Mr. Hanlon asked about the timing for the budget, and Ms. Cole advised that the
funds would be allocated prior to signing the contract in March. Mr. Pritchard asked whether
any possible delays would cause a budgetary complication, but that won't be the case.
A one -day liquor license is possible for the 150th Anniversary Celebration if the Watertown
Building Committee applies for it, with the blessing of the Board.
Project Literacy's instructors will become WFPL employees rather than contractors. It does not
change the financial outlay of the program. The instructors will have their taxes withheld at
time of payroll and they'll now pay into OBRA, the Watertown Pension.
Old Business: None.
New Business:
Proposed Donation of Artwork
Artist Ruth Segaloff was present to discuss the donation of her work of art, inspired by Ray
Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451. She noted her connection to the WFPL as a Watertown resident
and library donor, whose first art show was held in the WFPL as well. The piece is 25 in. tall
and 26 in. wide. It sits upon a glass plate and a pedestal. Mr. Tracy inquired whether the piece is
movable, and it is. Mr. Pritchard asked whether the glass might be a danger, and Ms. Segloff
said it might be a danger.
Mr. Pritchard makes a motion to accept the donation.
The board votes to accept the donation.
Requests for Information: Ms. Peoples asked how she can be involved in the fundraising
around the 150th Anniversary. Ms. Cole suggested contacting the Library Building Committee.
Next meeting: Scheduled for Wednesday, January 9 at 7:00 pm.
Mr. Hanlon raised a motion to adjourn the meeting.
The board voted unanimously to adjourn.
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