New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes April 13, 2023

In attendance:

George Anderson, President

Darla Smith, Vice President

Donna Wells, Treasurer

Abigail Magrath, Trustee

Alan Fairbrother, Trustee

Also in attendance:

Michelle Priola, Director

Not in Attendance:

Jill Robinson

Angelica Schmidt

George Anderson calls the meeting to order at 5:00pm.

George Anderson asked Michelle Priola to recap the history of the village’s attempts to paint the library building and specifically the actions of J & B Painting on April 11, 2023.

Michelle spoke of the precious attempt over the last 3 years.  The pulling out of the previous painting company last year and what she knew of the hiring of the current company, J & B Painting of Norwich. Painters arrived on April 10, 2023 and began scrapping. 

A painter entered the library and identified themselves and asked to borrow a broom and stated that they forgot theirs.  After an undetermined amount of time, I was called by a clerk to look at what the painters were doing.  They were by the north side back window, on a ladder, scraping the paint.  They had no protective clothing or masks on, they were not wetting down the paint, there was no protective sheeting up or vacuum system.  There was an inadequately sized blue tarp on the ground.

I alerted the board via email and was asked by Donna Wells to request a copy of the contract between J & B and the village.  Upon asking I was told it was not available at the village office. 

Donna Wells instructed me to compose a FOIL Request to the village for the pertinent information.

Donna Wells instructed me to call our insurance agent and ask about liability.  We were advised we could be liable if we knew about the lead paint and did not act.  The library was instructed to send a certified letter to the village mayor. 

I called J & B and left a message.  They called me back after I left the library.  I asked them if they did exterior lead paint abatement and was told no. 

An Emergency Meeting of the board was organized.

On the morning of April 12, 2023 I took pictures of the paint chips in the municipal apartment parking area. 

The library board reviewed and discussed the FOIL Request.  Motion made to accept and mail the request by certified mail by Darla Smith.  Seconded by Donna Wells.  Motion Passed 5-0.

The library board reviewed and discussed the notice of improper lead paint abatement letter to Mayor Lennon.  Additional copies to be mailed to remaining village board members; David Smith, MaryEllen Canuel, Richard Potter, and James Crawford.  A motion was made to accept and mail the letter by certified mail by Donna Wells.  Seconded by Abigail Magrath.  Motion Passed 5-0.

Motion made to close the meeting at 5:40 by George Anderson.  Seconded by Darla Smith.  Motion passed 5-0.