Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the June 20, 2005 Meeting

Present: Janet Gold, presiding; Paul De Angelis, John Green, Pam Jones, Norma Lake, Dominique Lasseur, Roxana Laughlin, Julie Schieffelin, Ann Schillinger, and Amy Worthington-Cady, Library Director. Absent: Alec Frost, Jean Vitalis.

Janet Gold called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Upon motion by Norma Lake, seconded by Ann Schillinger, the May minutes were accepted with the following correction: in the Treasurer’s Report, the phrase “the additional $9,000 that has been borrowed” should read “the additional $9,000 that will be borrowed.”

Treasurer’s Report: In addition to his printed report, John Green reported that he had anticipated borrowing up to $9,000 from the endowment. Fortunately, “Speak Truth to Power” has brought in enough income so that he has needed to borrow only $3,500 to date.

John then distributed a preliminary 2005-2006 budget. He introduced the discussion by noting that for the current fiscal year, fuel oil and electrical expenses exceeded budget projections and the Annual Appeal is $1,600 short of its year-end goal. Responding to a question, he said that there is no formal board policy about the use of the endowment, but that he is working on one that will be presented to the board.

The review of the preliminary budget included the following highlights: on the income side, the Annual Appeal goal has been raised to $50,000 and the Book Sale goal to $5,000, with a second sale date to be added. Janet and Amy Cady should be thanked for their work in encouraging the Selectmen to increase the Town’s grant to the Library to $22,000. The special events goal has been aggressively increased to $30,000, and the grants goal to $10,000. (Louise Dunn, a volunteer, is working with Amy Cady on foundation proposals, which will focus on acquisitions, technology, and programs for seniors.) There is a likelihood of a significant benefit performance for the Library, perhaps on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The venue remains a question, however, since the Hotchkiss auditorium is not a possibility for this event. On the expense side, the budget has been projected pretty close to this year’s actual results. Staff salaries will be set after the Personnel Committee reports in executive session. Upon motion by Paul De Angelis, seconded by Dominique Lasseur, the 2005-2006 budget was approved, with final salary figures subject to approval of the Personnel Committee report.

Library Director’s Report: Amy Cady distributed a written report.

Strategic Planning: Ann Schillinger reported that the two focus groups were held on July 9 and that she has had two conversations with participants who commented that the discussion was “most interesting,” with a good mix of people. She announced that the Friday night dinner has been moved to Paul De Angelis’s house. The Saturday session will be held in the Headmaster’s Study at Kent School. The board should assemble at 8:15 am for an 8:30-4:30 session.

Executive Session: The board moved into executive session from 4:50 pm to 5:10 pm.

Friends of the Library: Amy reported on “Speak Truth to Power” and described plans for reaching the $30,000 special events goal, which, as Janet noted, will need everyone’s help to attain. There will be a Preview Party before the Book Sale in October. Lorraine Hammond will give a concert on July 31 at the Town Hall. The Friends are hosting a summer film program. Responding to a question, Amy said that the Friends did not envision a joint fundraising event with CCS this year. There will also be no Talent Show. The Friends are seeking new officers.

Operations: Janet reported for Alec Frost that the back door is still a problem but that Doc Simont has volunteered to work on it. Weeding help is still needed.

Old Business: Endowment Fund: Janet and Amy consulted with Jennifer Dowley, president of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, about starting an endowment campaign. She recommended that they come back to her in six months, when the Foundation may be able to offer some assistance.

New Business: Corporate Credit Card: In response to a question about the status of a corporate credit card, John said that the Library’s accountant advised against acquiring one because of concerns about control of expenditures and the size of the credit line. John will research the question further and expects to make a recommendation to be voted on at the August meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Schieffelin

Secretary