Stowe Free Library

Please note that these minutes are in draft form, will approval pending at the September 10, 2010 Trustees Meeting.

 STOWE FREE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES    

MINUTES – JUNE 4, 2010

PRESENT – Jo Sabel, Courtney, Dick Johannesen, Stefi Clymer, Frits Momsen, Meg Kauffman, Phyllis Thibault, Trisha Fong, Stephanie Chase (SC)                                

The meeting opened by presenting Trisha with a farewell/appreciation gift for the years of service to SFL, and by welcoming newest member Stefi Clymer.

MINUTES of the May meeting were approved

TREASURER’S REPORT – Dick reported that we still have one payment of around $8700 left to make to the town for this year.  After that payment our general fund account balance will be at the lowest ever, probably due to less Book Sale income, no fines, and somewhat fewer paid renewals.  However we do receive some donations from the ”conscience kitty” at the front desk and postage donations.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT -   Although our circ stats have been trending downward, SC sees the trend in the last few years moving upward in the summer and hope it will re cur this year.  The construction may be a factor in our stats.  Other “resort town” libraries all have also shown the same downward circ trend recently, probably due to the population spikes and drop in tourism.  For the present we are more closely serving the people in our immediate community and not the whole county.  SC also reported on the May staff meeting which she was unable to attend due to prior vacation scheduling.  She reminded the board not to discuss business matters with staff so as to retain her line of authority.

FRIENDS REPORT –  The 2010 Plant sale brought in $2000.  However the treasurer reported that for the fiscal year the Friends spent $4000 less than they brought in, but still have roughly $20,000 in assets.  They will continue to sponsor the programs and materials as they have in the past.  The Book Sale, their next program, will run July 8 – 29 and they need volunteer help on the 7th to set up and during the following 3 weeks.

VOLUNTEER RECEPTION – at the Stowe Inn today, 6/4 at 4:30.  A discussion focused on how to honor the service of volunteers who have permanently stopped serving us, and a notation on our volunteer plaque was agreeable to all.  The cost of today’s reception will be $350 which Frits shrewdly negotiated to include gratuity and tax.

SPACE NEEDS UPDATE – committee has not heard from the architect regarding costs.  Jo will contact him.  Lengthy discussion followed regarding the plans as they stand now with Phyllis expressing disagreement.  Some board members  felt that after we get cost estimates but before holding a definitive vote,  staff and Mort Butler, Tech advisor, should be shown the plans and be given a chance to comment to committee, board and architect.

 ELECTION OF OFFICERS – there were 5 spots we wished to fill, with two board members expressing their desire not to serve as an officer at this time. The new officers elected are: Chair: Jo Sabel Courtney (Jo voiced concern of limited time in summer and will take a more active role as chair in Sept.); Vice Chair: David Bryan (as nominated by Frits Momsen in David’s absence) both 1 year terms; Treasurer: Dick Johannesen; Secretary – Phyllis Thibaul ( terms only limited by board term limits);Treasurer trainee – Meg Kauffman.   As outgoing chair, Dick recommended that in the future the 3 board members not holding a major office could head up a social committee, or be involved in Public Relations, Technology, or other sub-categories in which we have an interest.

VOLUNTEER POLICY – which was presented last month was approved with a few minor wording changes.

OTHER BUSINESS – Dick reported that the disputed signage over the library front will be replaced by the town to its original wording.  We then discussed ways to put a dedicated Stowe Free Library sign up, and prefer one across the top over the front stairs.  SC will confer with Nathan of HDAC.  Jo asked about the Federal grant we want to team up with the Ski Museum on.  It would encompass Stowe Ski History and the library.  We will not hear until 2011.   We need to set     guidelines for assigning Emeritus status to past trustees in the future.

NEXT MEETING- scheduled for Sept. 10 at 8:30 in the Akeley Bldg.
Respectfully submitted, Phyllis Thibault, Secretary