Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
April 14, 2008

Attending: Pat Beyer, Murray Lichtner, Bob Decker, Cathy Puglisi Carone and Sal Palazzolo

Staff present: Betsy Bray

The meeting was called to order by Chair Sal Palazzolo.

Minutes of the February 11, 2008 meeting were approved.

Murray Lichtner nominated the following slate of officers:

Sal Palazzolo, Chair
Dana Whitman, Vice Chair
Cathy Puglisi Carone, Secretary

The slate was approved.

Betsy distributed the Library’s proposed FY 2008/ 2009 budget after it was reviewed by the Town Manager. The 19-hour a week Children’s Librarian position was cut. Also cut: hours to open the library from 10-5 on Saturdays in the summer and $5,000 was cut from the proposed book budget. The budget will be reviewed by the Town Council on April 16 at 7 p.m.

Betsy updated the group about the recruitment for the new library director.

It was announced that the library received state funding of $850,000 for renovations to the library.

Meeting adjourned 7:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
February 11, 2008

Attending: Pat Beyer, Murray Lichtner, Bob Decker, Cathy Puglisi Carone and Sal Palazzolo

Staff present: Betsy Bray

The meeting was called to order by Chair Sal Palazzolo.

Minutes of the September 17, 2007 meeting were approved.

Sal read a thank you note from the Friends of the Library for the Board’s donation of a gift basket for the silent auction in December.

Betsy distributed the Library’s proposed FY 2008/ 2009 budget. The highlights include an additional 19 hour a week Children’s Librarian and $130,000 for the book budget. There are also part time hours to open the library from 10-5 on Saturdays in the summer. The budget was approved. The group also discussed the Capital Improvement budget.

Betsy updated the group about activities at the Library.

Meeting adjourned 7:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
September 17, 2007

Attending: Dana Whitman, Sal Palazzolo and Pat Beyer

Staff Present: Betsy Bray

Minutes of the April 2, 2007 meeting were approved.

The Board approved the following additions to the Library’s meeting room policy:

Under Availability and application for use: H. Organizations other than library related shall not exceed four regular meetings during each year. The year should begin in January and end in December.

Under Regulations: L. No fees are charged for use of the meeting rooms during regular library hours, however donations to the library are encouraged. M. Any groups using the room who bring children to the meeting may not leave children unsupervised in other areas of the library.

The group reviewed the FY 2006/ 2007 Library statistical report.

The Board voted to change the November 19 meeting to November 12 at 7 p.m.

There was a discussion of the funds asked for library improvements and there is no information. There will be a discussion about the next steps at the November meeting.

The 2008 meeting schedule was approved: Monday, February 11; Monday, April 14; Monday, June 9; Monday, September 15; Monday, November 10.

Pat Beyer suggested that the Board donate a gift basket to the Friends of the Cora J. Belden Library. It was agreed to bring a gourmet food item for the basket at the next meeting on November 12.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
April 2, 2007

Attending: Dana Whitman, Pat Beyer, Murray Lichtner, Bob Decker, and Sal Palazzolo

Staff present: Betsy Bray

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Dana Whitman.

Minutes of the February 12, 2007 meeting were approved.

Betsy distributed the library’s proposed FY 2007-2008 budget after review by the Town Manager. The Town Manager cut the 19 hour a week children’s librarian position.

Betsy distributed copies of letters written to State Representative Anthony Guerrera and Senator Paul Doyle asking for funds for physical improvements to the library at a cost of $ 780,000.

Betsy announced that the Library received a $2,000 grant from American Savings Foundation for summer reading. She also updated the group about activities at the Library.

Meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
February 12, 2007

Attending: Dana Whitman, Pat Beyer, Murray Lichtner, Bob Decker, Cathy Puglisi Carone and Sal Palazzolo
Staff present: Betsy Bray

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Dana Whitman

Minutes of the November 13, 2006 meeting were approved.

The group voted to change the next meeting from April 9 to April 2.

Betsy distributed the Library’s proposed FY 2007/ 2008 budget. The highlights include an additional 19 hour a week Children’s Librarian and $130,000 for the book budget. The budget was approved. The group also discussed the Capital Improvement budget that was submitted to the Town Manager in December.

The Board approved the Public Internet Access Policy with the removal of the sentences about procedures for in library use.

Betsy updated the group about activities at the Library.

Meeting adjourned 7:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
November 13, 2006

Attending: Dana Whitman, Pat Beyer, Murray Lichtner, Bob Decker and Sal Palazzolo

Staff present: Betsy Bray

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Dana Whitman.

Minutes of the September 18, 2006 meeting were approved.

There was a discussion of building improvements as related to the Capital Improvement budget.

The Board prioritized the following items:
Year 1
New roof
Newly designed entrance (steps and wheel chair ramp)
Redesign over front entrance so snow doesn’t melt and freeze on the pavement at the front entrance)
New windows
Paint outside trim including repair shutters
New Exterior doors
New landscaping

Year 2
New HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
Rewire electric

Year 3
Redesign for small study rooms
Redo meeting room
Work stations for staff
Redo all bathrooms 4 for the public and 1 staff bathroom

Year 4
Carpet
Paint interior
Paint inside

Betsy updated the group about activities at the Library.

The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

The next meeting Library Board of Trustees meeting will be on February 12, 2007.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
September 18, 2006

Attending: Dana Whitman, Pat Beyer, Murray Lichtner, and Sal Palazzolo
Staff present: Betsy Bray

Sal called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of the April 17, 2006 meeting were approved.

The group voted to change the next meeting from November 6 to November 13 at 7 p.m.

The group approved the 2007 meeting schedule.

Betsy updated the group about activities at the Library. She also spoke what the possible impact of Wethersfield Library temporary closing will have.

Pat Beyer suggested that Board donate a gift basket to the Friends auction. It was agreed to bring a gourmet food item for the basket to the next meeting on November 13.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
April 17, 2006

Attending: Dana Whitman, Pat Beyer and Cathy Carone
Staff present: Betsy Bray

Minutes of the February 13, 2006 meeting were approved.

In Chair’s Sal Palazollo’s absence, Dana Whitman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Betsy reviewed the library’s proposed FY 2006-2007 budget after review and cuts by the Town Manager. The change includes the library open until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Betsy announced that the Library has won the 2005 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge Partnership award. The governor will present the award on April 20 at the State Library.

The group voted to cancel the June 12, 2006 meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden
Board of Trustees Minutes
February 13, 2006

Attending: Dana Whitman, Sal Palazollo, Pat Beyer and Bob Decker
Staff present: Betsy Bray

Minutes of the September 19, 2005 meeting were approved.

Betsy opened the meeting at 7 p.m. and called for nominations, Dana nominated: |
Sal Palazollo, Chair
Murray Lichtner, Vice Chair
Pat Beyer, Secretary

The slate was approved.

The group changed the next meeting to April 17 at 7 p.m.

The library’s proposed FY 2006-2007 budget was approved with the proposed changes in library hours. The change includes the library open until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Betsy also presented a proposal to buy 4 computers and furniture for the Children’s room from the Ruth Wilcox fund. It was approved. It will now go to the Finance Committee of Town Council for their approval.

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
September 19, 2005

Attending: Jim Tallberg, Pat Beyer, Dana Whitman and Robert Decker
Staff present: Betsy Bray

Chair, Jim Tallberg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of June 6, 2005 meeting were approved.

The 2006 Library Board of Trustees Meeting schedule was approved. Meetings will be held at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the library. The dates are: February 13, April 10, June 12, September 18, and November 6.

There was a discussion of the Gonzales vs. John Doe case.

The group approved the cancellation of the November 7, 2005 Library Board of Trustees meeting

Meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
June 6, 2005

Attending: Murray Lichtner, Jim Tallberg, Pat Beyer and Robert Decker
Staff present: Betsy Bray

Chair, Jim Tallberg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of April 4, 2005 meeting were approved.

There was a review of the FY2005-2006 approved library budget. The group discussed next year’s budget and need for an increase particularly for the maintenance of the building.

Betsy announced that there is now Cora’s coffee which is available for $1.00 in the lobby. “Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds” is the theme of the upcoming summer reading program. The library is working closely with the schools on this project. People will be able to record the books they read on-line. The kick off will be at Party in the Park on June 11.There will be a new service called “ Cora’s Quick Flicks” where customers can check out popular DVD’s for 3 days with no holds. This service will be implemented in the summer.

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
April 4, 2005

Attending: Murray Lichtner, Jim Tallberg, and Dana Whitman
Staff present: Betsy Bray

Chair, Jim Tallberg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of February 7, 2005 meeting were approved.

There was a review of the FY2005-2006 proposed library budget. There were no changes made by the Town Manager. Jim Tallberg will speak for the library’s budget at the Town’s public hearing on April 11.

The group reviewed the Public Internet Access policy. No changes were made.

Betsy talked about the One Book Four Towns project. “Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds” is the theme of the upcoming summer reading program. The kick off will be at Party in the Park on June 11.

Meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
February 7, 2005

Attending: Patricia Beyer, Joan King, Murray Lichtner, Jim Tallberg, and Dana Whitman
Staff present: Betsy Bray

Chair, Jim Tallberg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of September 20, 2004 meeting were approved.

Betsy presented the proposed Library FY 2005-2006 budget. She pointed out that there were no new requests. This keeps in line with the Town Manager’s request of a 0% budget increase excluding salaries. The Board unanimously approved the Library’s FY 2005-2006 proposed budget.

The Board will attend the public hearing for the Town’s budget on April 11 and the budget workshop for the library budget on April 13.

Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
September 20, 2004

Attending: Patricia Beyer, Robert Decker, Joan King, Murray Lichtner, Jim Tallberg, and Dana Whitman

Staff present: Betsy Bray

Chair, Jim Tallberg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of June 14, 2004 meeting were approved.

The Board approved the addition for wireless accessibility to the Internet Access policy:

Cora J. Belden Library now offers wireless access to the library’s Internet service for properly equipped laptops and hand held computers. When you use the Internet in the library you are accepting the library’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

The Board approved the expenditure from the Ruth Wilcox Fund for improvements to the children’s staff work area ($5,990) A resolution will now go to the Town Council’s Finance Committee.

The schedule of Library Board of Trustees meetings was approved for 2005.

The Board reviewed the Library’s mission statement.

Meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
June 14, 2004

Attending: Robert Decker, Jim Tallberg, and Dana Whitman

Staff present: Betsy Bray

Chair, Jim Tallberg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of April 12, 2004 meeting were approved.

Budget- Betsy reviewed the approved FY 2004-2005 Library budget. The library will remain closed on Thursday evenings due to the cuts in the part time salary account.

The Library has received a $2,000 adaptive technology grant from the State Library.

Betsy distributed the adult summer reading packets and mentioned that the Library has received a grant from the American Savings Foundation for the children's and adult reading programs.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
April 12, 2004

Attending: Patricia Beyer, Robert Decker, Joan King, Murray Lichtner, Jim Tallberg, Dana Whitman and Betsy Bray

Chair, Jim Tallberg called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Minutes of February 9, 2004 meeting were approved.

Betsy Bray discussed the changes in the FY 2004-2005 Library budget: after Town Manager review, the book account was reduced to $100,000. The part time salary account was also reduced from the budget proposed by the Library Director.

It was decided that Pat Beyer would speak at the public budget hearing that evening about the Thursday night closure.

Betsy Bray talked about the upcoming adult book discussions and poetry program.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray

Cora J. Belden Library
Board of Trustees Minutes
February 9, 2004

Attending: Patricia Beyer, Robert Decker, Joan King, Murray Lichtner, Jim Tallberg, Dana Whitman and Betsy Bray

Betsy Bray opened the meeting at 7 p.m. and called for nominations for officers the following people were elected unanimously:

Jim Tallberg, Chair
Dana Whitman, Vice Chair
Patricia Beyer, Secretary

Chair, Jim Tallberg called for approval of the September 15, 2003 minutes, motion carried.

Jim Tallberg thanked Dana Whitman for his service as Chair of the Board for the past six years.

The Library Director presented the proposed FY 2005 Library budget. There was discussion about reopening Thursday evenings from 5-9. The Board also asked that the library book line be increased to $130,000. Under performance measures, Jim wanted to know why circulation is projected to go down this year. Betsy stated that it is because the library is closed more hours and that affects the circulation.

The Board approved the proposed budget that will now go to the Town Manager and Finance Director.

Betsy distributed the winter Friends of the Library newsletters and suggested that the Board join the Friends of the Cora J. Belden Library.

Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bray