New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes

January 31, 2024

Present:

George Anderson, President

Darla Smith, Vice President

Donna Wells, Treasurer

Alan Fairbrother, Trustee

Jill Robinson, Trustee

Angelica Schmidt, Trustee (arrived 6:27)

Also Present:

Michelle Priola, Director

Absent:

Abigail Magrath, Secretary

George Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:03pm.

Jill Robinson made a motion to approve the January bills, seconded by George Anderson.  Motion carries 5-0.

Donna Wells made a motion to approve minutes from the December 27, 2023 Organizational Meeting board meeting, seconded by Darla Smith.  Motion carries 5-0.

Treasurer’s Report:

Donna Wells handed out the Year to Date January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 for review and questions.

Donna Wells informed the board that the 9 month $100, 000 CD through NBT will mature on February 6, 2024 after accruing $3563.02 in interest. The $100,000 will be reinvested in a CD through NBT.

Discussion regarding the need for a library tax increase due to increases in minimum wage and general inflation.

George Anderson made a motion to request a $5000 increase in library taxes, seconded by Darla Smith.  Motion carries 5-0.

Director’s Report:

Michelle Priola updated the board on the four grants that are currently in process. Stewarts Holiday match grant submitted. The library requested $1000.

The library received a Community Foundation grant for a new bench for the front of the library. Poly lumber, 800 lb 3 capacity 3-person bench with a expected 20 year life expectancy. Michelle has already coordinated with the village to have the DPW install it in the spring.

Michelle submitted a Summer Reading Grant for the summer children’s art program.

LOI for archival storage through Community Foundation and was invited to write a full grant. Michelle has written and submitted that grant. This grant is for the purchase of heavy duty shelves to house the 144 years of New Berlin Gazette newspapers.

Update on annual egg hunt. I have begun prep work for our annual egg hunt. Michelle created and posted a survey for the library Facebook page and website to help choose the date, March 23 or March 30.

The NYS Annual Report portal is open. Michelle has completed sections 1, 2, and 4and is currently working on section 3. (There are 17 sections.) She is also attending all 4 webinars on the Annual Report that 4cls offers as things change every year.

Michelle updated the board on the 6 library science continuing education classed she is registered for during the next 2 months.

The patron computers are being sent 1 at a time to 4cls to have the new security software added.

Animals in the Library Policy adopted using the Walton Library policy. Donna Wells made a motion to approve the Animals in the Library Policy, seconded by George Anderson.  Motion carries 6-0.

New Business:

George Anderson made the suggestion to use the donation that the New Berlin Art Forum med in honor of Joe Lombardi to have a photograph of Joe printed for display in the library as well as a small memorial plaque. Agreed upon by consensus.

Darla Smith makes a motion to close the meeting at 6:37 seconded by George Anderson.  Motion carries 6-0.