New Berlin Library Board Meeting Minutes
May 29, 2024
Present:
George Anderson, President
Alan Fairbrother, Trustee
Jill Robinson, Trustee
Angelica Schmidt, Trustee
Also Present:
Michelle Priola, Director
Absent:
Abigail Magrath, Secretary
Donna Wells, Treasurer
Darla Smith, Vice President
George Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:12pm.
George Anderson made a motion to approve the April and May bills, seconded by Angelica Schmidt. Motion carries 4-0.
Angelica Schmidt made a motion to approve minutes from the March 27, 2024 board meeting, seconded by Alan Fairbrother. Motion carries 4-0.
Treasurer’s Report:
Budget Sheet and Profit and Loss Budget vs Actual year to date as of April 30, 2024 reports were handed out for review and questions.
Discussion regarding our QuickBooks Payroll information now being online.
Discussion regarding the need to hire a bookkeeper for the library was held, including 4cls responses regarding bookkeeper rates.
Director’s Report:
The Community Foundation archival storage grant has been awarded, check received, the work completed, and the follow up paper work submitted.
We purchased the bench that was paid for through a Community Foundation grant. It is assembled and in the NY Room. I spoke with the DPW and when weather permits they are going to build a concrete pad to anchor it to the ground.
We have been awarded a 4cls Outreach Grant, Pathfinder Village Resident Crafts. This is to purchase craft kits specifically for pathfinder residents use.
Mother’s Day Basket Raffle raised $79.
A children’s and an adult class. No sponsor needed as most the items are recycled. July 1st and July 8.
All acts are booked and contracts signed, except Utica Zoo which will be received at a later date. 8/7 – Birdy and Ed, 8/14 – Dirt Road Express Band, 8/21 – Realtime Dixieland, and 8/28 – Utica Zoomobile. Yard signs and reminder cards have been ordered. I have reached out to Scott Voss at Evening Sun regarding ads.
For 12 and younger. Starts June 1 and ends June 26. Board will pick winner and it will be announced July 1. A Razor scooter is the grand prize. Both Angelica Schmidt and Abigail Magrath recused themselves from winner selection as their children wish to participate. George Anderson and Jill Robinson appointed to pick contest winner.
Summer Reading Program discussed. This year’s theme is “Adventure begins at Your Library”. New Berlin chose a “Pirate” as the adventure theme. Additionally, the UVCS Summer Feeding Program will be serving lunch from 11:30-12 during the library’s summer art program, July 29-August 15.
George Anderson made the motion to purchase three new patron computers through 4cls for the total price of $2850. Jill Robison seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
According to the solar company our panels are working correctly and no repairs or upgrades are needed. Increased bills in winter are due to it being an aging system and increased electric costs.
No self-closing arm needed. Installed a new strike plate, old one was installed incorrectly.
The New Berlin Library $5000 budget increase vote that was held on May 21 as part of the UVCS ballot passed 102-12.
George Anderson made the motion to approve new five-year long-range plan, 2025-2029. Angelica Schmidt seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0.
Board Gave permission to contact Deb Hay and set up to have the main floor (patron computer area) resealed over Thanksgiving Break. It has not been resealed since 2017. In addition, Jill Robinson requested that the director get option and estimates from Endwell Floors for replacing the carpeting in the circulation room with more durable, non-slip, commercial flooring option.
The need to add wireless printing at the library was addressed. Discussion and consensus to opt into wireless printing with the 2025 4cls contract renewal next year. 2024 cost is $250 per year. Final decision to be made during 2025 budget discussions.
George Anderson made a motion to close the meeting at 6:50 seconded by Jill Robinson. Motion carries 4-0.