HomeMy Public PortalAbout20110721 - Library - Meeting Minutes
Minutes: July 21, 2011
Meeting called to order at 7 p.m.
Those in attendance; Library Director Rownak Hussain, Library Trustees, John
Belger, Marie Eldridge, June Harris, Michael McNamara and Stan Pulnik.
In the first order of business, discussion focused on MBLC grant awards, next steps
in the process, likelihood of Hopkinton moving up in the grant list, and time frame
given various scenarios. Attention then turned to how best to handle press reports of
grant process. All agreed we need to work closely with PBC and appointed liazon,
Selectman, Brian Herr, to ensure, among other things, proper reporting of where
Hopkinton stands in the grant process and, most importantly, to maintain a positive
public image as opposed to the negative recent headlines. Those participating in fund
raising will speak members of fund raising committee with regard to how best to
coordinate efforts.
Library Director, Rownak Hussain, then lead the Trustees through her prepared
packet of materials. We talked briefly about the McGovern Trust. State aide, and the
current operating budget. All agreed to establish three broad goals, to wit:
communication with the town government and user community, improvement of the
current facility, and Budget going forward.
Discussion then took place on each goal in the order presented. On Communication,
the Trustees engaged in general discussion regarding the need to establish a
distribution list. Rownak indicated that once a list is in place she could distribute
electronically informational pieces. Rownak said she would us some sample
newsletters. We talked about establishing a sub committee to work on updating the
newsletter and developing content for the web page. Mike McNamara, June Harris
and John Belger to establish a date to meet to review current newsletter, web page and
formulate recommendations to update/improve.
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Next topic of discussion was need for improvements to the current facility. Rownak
provided a summary of ADA involvement and non compliance. Current issues to be
addressed asap: lack of shelving space, wall in children’s room, Rownak’s office,
heating/cooling systems. Marie to talk with Town Engineer about taking a look at
these issues. Stan had some ideas on how to make better use of the building. He is
going to compile a list of items that need to be looked at. Stan also mentioned we
need to have the locks changed as there are unaccounted for keys. Rownak will ask
the facility manager to change the locks.
Much discussion then took place regarding the need to revise the current operating
budget. Rownak offered her thoughts on various issues of concern. Need for 50
hours of operation was discussed. We are now open 44. There was discussion as to
how best to get back up to State requirement. Trustees agreed to review budget
presented by the Library Director and plan to take up specific issues at our next
meeting. Board members shall email any specific issues of concern to Chair inclusion
on agenda for next meeting scheduled for August 18, 2011. Time to be announced
depending on availability of conference room.
Stan presented a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was allowed. Meeting
adjourned at 9:15 p.m.