Morrill Memorial Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes from November 10, 2014
1. The minutes from the October 6 meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.
2. Librarian’s Report:
A. Rebecca is currently working on the statistics report which is due this month.
B. She will probably participate in a survey called
“The Digital Inclusion Survey” which asks libraries
about internet connection, public access, etc.
C. The library has been signed up for the “Impact
Survey”. Patrons would answer the questions on the survey
and the library would get a report.
D. Programs:
1. Gus Speth is doing a reading from his new book this
Wednesday evening.
2. Cindy Stableford, Christine Bartlett and Rebecca
met recently to discuss a VT Humanities Council program. They decided on a program called “Masters
of the Short Story” which will run February-April.
3. There will be a story time with Emily tomorrow.
4. The after school program on Thursdays has about
16-20 children in attendance each week. Two middle
school students have been helping and Rebecca will
obtain gift certificates to thank them.
5. Rebecca has contacted Kausandra Landon about
doing another program on downloadables.
6. A program on medical directives is being considered.
7. A genealogy website entitled “Heritage Quest” is
available to library patrons. A password can be
obtained from Rebecca.
8. Rebecca is thinking of subscribing to the
On-line Library which would allow patrons to have
access to a collection of databases and websites.
9. The Book Drop from the Norwich Library will be
picked up soon. There was a discussion of where to place the book drop but no decision was made. One
idea that was discussed was at the bottom of the
stairs in the front of the library.
10. Holiday and seasonal books have been placed in
plastic containers in the basement.
11. The annual appeals letter that was mailed early
in November has brought in $1,825 to date.
12. Curt will get a plan to the Friends on the work
station.
13. No decision has been made about vacation time.
3. Report of The Friends of the Morrill Library
A. Plans for the Holiday Sale are well underway.
B. The Friends purchased new window shades for the library
which were installed by Curt. Both The Friends and Curt
were thanked for this addition to the library.
4. Treasurer’s Report:
A. The Profit and Loss Statement dated November 10 was
reviewed. Marty stated that the library is “doing really
well” in terms of finances and that a good job was done
in forecasting expenses. The checks from the appeals
letter had not been deposited so were not included in
the statement.
B. Budget for 2015
1. It is not anticipated that the town will be asked for
more money in the new budget.
2. Steve Marx is the liaison with the Select Board.
3. Carol will serve as the library representative at Select Board meetings. Marty is willing to attend if needed.
4. One new cost will probably be tax preparation.
5. One area where costs may be lower is in fuel purchasing.
C. Betsy Ruml sent information that she discovered at the
Town Clerk’s office about a $1,000 bequest made to the library in 1966. The town clerk will look into this and
recommended that the fund is transferred before the
end of the year. Marty recommends transferring it to the
Endowment Fund.
D. The Endowment Fund Committee met in October.
1. The fund is currently at $252,000.
2. If the restricted funds of $18,000 are
subtracted, then the unrestricted amount is
$234,000. Once this amount exceeds $250,000
then a decision will need to be made about the
disbursement of earnings.
3. There was a discussion of whether the interest
could be counted on as a source of income so that
funding from the town could be reduced.
E. Marty contacted Mascoma Savings Bank about the liability and workmen’s compensation insurance. After
discussion, it was decided to keep the current levels
of insurance in these areas.
F. The group discussed the level of insurance
on the property, which seemed low. When Curt looked
up the appraised value of the library, it matched fairly
closely the value of the library listed on the insurance policy. The concern was voiced that the building could not be
replaced for the appraised value. Marty will look into this.
4. Other Business:
A. Rebecca received the Solar Credit Purchase Agreement
from Dori Wolfe. She has discussed this with Paul Perkins
who feels that all of the organizations that are involved
should make sure that they are signing the same agreement.
Rebecca also talked to Dori about the possibility of being
able to access other sources of solar energy that may become available at a later time.
B. Mark Chute is willing to take care of snow removal. The
cost will be $50 per event if Mark has to use his equipment
and $45 if his equipment is not used. The group agreed to
hire Mark at these prices and Cindy will be in touch with
Mark.
C. Rebecca is now ready for help in reorganizing the basement. Carol, Curt and Cindy will assist in this
work on November 19 at 2:00pm.
D. Buildings and Grounds
1. Curt heroically cleaned the gutters.
2. The masonry work is on hold until next year.
3. Curt is working on weatherization.
E. Policies were not discussed at this time.
F. Rebecca read aloud a letter from a man who recently
sent a selection of books as a donation to the library.
5. Next meeting: December 8, 2014 at 7:00pm at the library.
Respectfully submitted,
Danette Harris
