Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the Meeting of June 28, 2004

Present: Janet Gold, president, Ann Schillinger, John Green, Roxana Laughlin, Lisa Simont, Norma Lake, Jean Vitalis, Will Calhoun and Julie Schieffelin. Amy Worthington-Cady, library director. Ellen Moon, art coordinator.

Ellen Moon described an opportunity offered to the Library by Peter Bauer. His mother and his aunt – Lillie and Irene Gross – lived in the Beers house on Popple Swamp Road for many years and painted and sculpted with enthusiasm and some talent. Mr. Bauer is offering a selection of their work to the Library to be exhibited and sold for the benefit of the Library. Ellen has a slot on Columbus Day Weekend for the exhibit. It was decided that Ellen and Amy Buck will contact Curtis Hansen to view the works and help price them. Lisa and Julie agreed to help with the publicity and lists of possible buyers.

The minutes of the May 24 meeting were approved as presented.

John Green discussed the budget for FY 2005 (see attached). On the revenue side $51,000 is budgeted for the annual appeal and $15,500 from Friends activities. The amount from grants has been reduced since we will not be seeking tuition grants for the library director’s education program. The total revenue is estimated at $115,305.

On the expenditure side, 45% of the cost of running the library is staff costs; the next largest category is facility maintenance at 11%. Program, including book and material purchases, is at 11%. Special events is at $7,500 and probably will come from two events. The total to be expended is estimated at $117,400, a slight decrease over FY 2004.

Lisa Simont moved and Julie Schieffelin seconded a motion

To approve the proposed budget for FY 2005.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

Amy Cady reported that the MSQ had brought in $12,645. The library will keep about $7760 after expenses of $4885. Amy said the Library will probably do the MSQ concert at least once more. Jean Vitalis and Roxana Laughlin will be working on new ideas as heads of the development committee for the coming year.

The personnel committee, Roxana said, has reviewed evaluations and goals for the staff. The policy has been reviewed by Atty. Don Bardot who made some suggestions for changes. The policy will come to the board soon for approval.

Ann Schillinger reviewed where we stand on the strategic plan. It was agreed that the executive committee plus Will Calhoun will review the two candidates – Michael Eanes and Elizabeth Maniero – and recommend one to the board. Sharon Breitschneider of the CT State Library will come in September so that the new board members can be involved. The dates September 25 and October 2 were proposed as possibilities.

The Board reviewed a request from the Klaw family to have a reception following the memorial service for Spencer on Saturday October 9 at the library. This might be a challenge for the Library since it will mean strenuous clean-up after the Book Sale, but all agreed that it was the least we could do to honor our dear Spencer.

Norma mentioned that leadership is needed to launch and direct the Book Sale.

The meeting adjourned at 6:07 pm.

Lisa Lansing Simont

Secretary