Trustees – Agenda and Minutes | Arvin A. Brown Public Library

Trustees – Agenda and Minutes

Trustees:

Debra Atherton Co chair

Fiona Lugo Co chair

Adele Wolfson Secretary

N. T.

Carita Simons

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Monday, October 18, 2021, 3PM

In person at the library or join Zoom Meeting

https://wellesley.zoom.us/j/7987516769

Meeting ID: 798 751 6769

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

IMLS ARPA Grant Agreement will be sent in October

Old Business:

Library as Community Center

2022 Budget for Selectboard (October)

Library Director Evaluation

Paypal

New Business:

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, November 15, 2021, 3 PM

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, September 20^th, 2021 Minutes

Call to order – 3:04 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

August 16^th minutes: Adele moved to accept, Carita seconded .Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present – none

Approval of Librarian’s Report – Excellent set of activities, bulleted format is good, will send to Selectboard. Adele asked that more description of Snap circuits be included. Carita moved to accept, Adele seconded, unanimous approval.

Approval of Financial Report – Carita asked how the employee retention credit was accountd for in the report. Kathleen explained that it appears as a credit (negative expense) under payrool expenses, since it is a repayment for employee taxes. This is OK but can be confusing when presented to Selectboard. We discussed various ways to show this. Kathleen will consult with Gina.

Carita. moved to accept, Adele seconded; All unanimous approval.

Correspondence:
Second quarter 2021 Employee Retention Credit Refund. The amount received ($7397.93) was an error, should be been $6794.54. Kathleen will deposit the check and then will figure out how to refund the overpayment.

New Substitute Clerk Hire – Nicki Johnson. She will fill in for a few hours each week and maybe some Saturday programs, especially since Kathleen had had to be away for family reasons. She has done some training.

Old Business:
Letter to Lisa Hango and Selectboard. Sent by mail and email.

Library as Community Center. Deferred until NT can be present since this was her idea.

2022 Budget for Selectboard (October). We examined Kathleen’s proposed budget. It raises salaries for Kathe and Wendy to $15/hour and increases amount for materials slightly. Overall it is a request for an additional $10k over last year from the Town. We don’t yet know if there will be grants suitable for us to apply for but will apply to any agency/foundation that is appropriate. We will revisit next time but approved on Carita’s moving it and Adele’s second. Kathleen will see if Gina will meet with us before submission.

Library Director Evaluation. This is overdue. Debra is looking into the format used in the past.

Paypal. Carita will try to set up now that she has details on People’s Trust account.

New Business:
COVID sick time. Kathleen would like any time taken for adverse effects of vaccine not to count against regular sick time. We were unsure about this and will take it up again once boosters become a reality.

Flag purchase. Kathleen pointed out that the US and VT flags should really be at Town Hall and that she would like a different flag for the library. We agreed that the US and VT ones could move, although it is not that important that they do so, but that any flag other than “Open” would not be a good idea for the library to purchase.

In Person Programs for October. These will meet with masks and social distancing. Oct 16^th: Webb Telescope, Dan Seeley, Town Hall; Oct 30^th: Kurt, owls. There is also a fall harvest fair on Sept 26^th at Davis Park, not sure if we will be able to get materials together for a booth by then but if we can, Adele and Dan can be there.

Next Meeting – Monday, October 18^th 2021 at 3:00 pm.

Adjourned 4:00 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, September 20^th, 2021 Minutes

Call to order – 3:04 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

August 16^th minutes: Adele moved to accept, Carita seconded .Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present – none

Carita. moved to accept, Adele seconded; All unanimous approval.

Old Business:
Letter to Lisa Hango and Selectboard. Sent by mail and email.

Library as Community Center. Deferred until NT can be present since this was her idea.

Library Director Evaluation. This is overdue. Debra is looking into the format used in the past.

Paypal. Carita will try to set up now that she has details on People’s Trust account.

Next Meeting – Monday, October 18^th 2021 at 3:00 pm.

Adjourned 4:00 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, September 20, 2021, 3PM

In person at the library or join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/95174207959?pwd=a1c4MFNJcytpYndHZ2lmaXRCNUV2dz09

Meeting ID: 951 7420 7959

Passcode: 843500

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

Second Quarter 2021 Employee Retention Credit Refund of $7397.93 was received This was an overpayment. $6794.54 was the correct amount.

New Substitute Clerk Hire – Nicki

Old Business:

Letter to Lisa Hango and Selectboard

Library as Community Center

2022 Budget for Selectboard (October)

Library Director Evaluation

Paypal

New Business:

COVID Sick Time – Vaccination Sick Time

Flag Purchase

In Person Programs for October?

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, October 18, at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, August 16, 2021 Minutes

Call to order – 3:02 p.m.

Agenda Amendments – Kathleen asked to add discussion of staffing

Approval of meeting minutes

July 19, 2021 minutes: NT moved to accept, Carita seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, N.T., Carita Simons

Comments from Citizens Present – none

Approval of Librarian’s Report – Debra complimented Kathleen on the content of the report and the amount of work that has been done. Kathleen has adopted a bulleted format of the content to communicate clearly to the Selectboard. Carita moved to accept, NT seconded. Unanimous approval.

Approval of Financial Report – Federal money is still helping with payroll expenses, but it will not be available next year. Carita moved to accept the financial report, NT seconded. Unanimous approval.

Staffing: Kathleen will be working remotely 8/17 and taking time away as necessary to help her parents while her father is ill. So far current staff is able to cover library hours, but we may need to have another person trained and ready to serve as a substitute when necessary.

Correspondence:

We’ve received $6794.54 in federal money for payroll in Q2 2021.
We’ve submitted request for ARPA Library Grant $4237.34
September 18 is tentative date for the Dragon egg hunt, part of the statewide Dragon Program event
Library is now requiring masks for all staff and patrons, in accordance with the CDC mask guidelines for Franklin County
The State Library Director has taken a full time position with the Library of Congress.

Old Business: Carita moved to send the letter Adele drafted to Lisa Hango and the Selectboard. NT seconded. Unanimous approval. Plan to mail the letter next week (September 27) so that Board members can all sign. Kathleen will leave copies of the letter at the desk.

New Business:

NT suggested that we start to think about positioning AA Brown as a community center as well as a library. We currently fill that role in many ways, and it might help us to raise awareness of that fact, both among the community at large and the Selectboard. Kathleen listed many things we already do with/for the community that are outside of typical “library” functions, and mentioned that Highgate public library has successfully recast itself in this way. NT will reach out to the librarian at Highgate to see if any of their Board might be willing to join at our next Board meeting (on Zoom or in person) to share their experience.

NT moved that we permanently change our monthly Board meetings to 3 p.m., every third Monday of the month. Carita seconded. Unanimous approval.

Kathleen has not received an evaluation in several years. Debra will look into the format/method of evaluations that has been used in the past.

The 2022 budget needs to be drafted to send to the Selectboard for October. Debra will go to the next Selectboard meeting to ask about the ARPA money. Kathleen will work with Gina to begin to compile, and we will discuss at our next meeting.

Next Meeting – Monday, September 20 2021 at 3:00 pm.

Adjourned 4:00 p.m.

Submitted, Carita Simons

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford, VT

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, August 16, 2021, 3PM

In person at the library or join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/95174207959?pwd=a1c4MFNJcytpYndHZ2lmaXRCNUV2dz09

Meeting ID: 951 7420 7959

Passcode: 843500

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

ERC – $6794.54 refund for the 2nd Quarter 2021

Submitted ARPA Library Grant – $4237.34

September Dragon Program

Following CDC Mask Guidelines for Franklin County

State Library Director Leaving for Library Of Congress

Old Business:

Letter to Lisa Hango and Selectboard

New Business:

Library as Community Center

Bylaws – Change meeting time to 3 PM

Library Director Evaluation

2022 Budget for Selectboard (October)

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, September 20, at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, July 19^th, 2021 Minutes

Call to order – 3:13 pm

Agenda Amendments – Levi Irish attending; discussion of ARPA funds

Approval of meeting minutes

June 21^st minutes: Adele moved to accept, N.T. seconded .Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, N.T., Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present – none

Levi Irish visit – Levi is working for the Town as Economic Development Officer, as result of grant from REACT and Town funding. We had a wide ranging discussion of how she and the library can best work together for the benefit of library and town. Along with a grant writer, hired for the summer through a donation, she is looking for grants and working with many state and local agencies. She described several on-going and future projects. The library might serve as a place to hand out keys for recreation equipment, a meeting space for different groups, etc. The library is not visible enough as a central element in many programs that people value, such as LEAPS and summer camp; we need more visibility and more publicity on platforms like Instagram and maybe TikTok.

Approval of Librarian’s Report – Excellent set of activities. N.T. moved to accept, Adele seconded, unanimous approval. It was suggested that Kathleen send these monthly reports to the Selectboard.

Approval of Financial Report – N.T. moved to accept, Adele seconded; All unanimous approval.

Returning to last month’s question about vacation hours for staff, Kathleen noted that she had miscalculated hours and that the staff member in question is, in fact, owed vacation time. In the future, Compucount will calculate accrued hours to avoid this problem.

At this point, N.T. had to leave, so that we no longer had a quorum, so that we left the agenda items remaining for next meeting.

Next Meeting – Monday, August 16^th 2021 at 3:00 pm. We had hoped to change by-laws so that this 3 pm time could be permanent, but without a quorum we could not vote the change. The 3 pm time will continue to be “special meeting.” Trustees can attend via zoom if need be.

Adjourned 4:15 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, July 19, 2021, 3PM

In person at the library or

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76955015709?pwd=ZEZCVW9RZGRMTENkakFlY09NK0Qzdz09

Meeting ID: 769 5501 5709

Passcode: y4wXb3

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74472359327?pwd=VHNHYkFBcEh3Z0cyUlByWkk0RGZGZz09

Meeting ID: 744 7235 9327

Passcode: nXSq0V

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

Elevator repaired

Building/Grounds Walk with Sherry Paquette

Old Business:

Bonus for employee

New Business:

Bylaws – Change meeting time to 3 PM

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, August 16, at 3pm

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, July 19, 2021, 3PM

In person at the library or

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76955015709?pwd=ZEZCVW9RZGRMTENkakFlY09NK0Qzdz09

Meeting ID: 769 5501 5709

Passcode: y4wXb3

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74472359327?pwd=VHNHYkFBcEh3Z0cyUlByWkk0RGZGZz09

Meeting ID: 744 7235 9327

Passcode: nXSq0V

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

Elevator repaired

Building/Grounds Walk with Sherry Paquette

Old Business:

Bonus for employee

New Business:

Bylaws – Change meeting time to 3 PM

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, August 16, at 3pm

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, July 19, 2021, 3PM

In person at the library or

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76955015709?pwd=ZEZCVW9RZGRMTENkakFlY09NK0Qzdz09

Meeting ID: 769 5501 5709

Passcode: y4wXb3

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74472359327?pwd=VHNHYkFBcEh3Z0cyUlByWkk0RGZGZz09

Meeting ID: 744 7235 9327

Passcode: nXSq0V

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

Elevator repaired

Building/Grounds Walk with Sherry Paquette

Old Business:

Bonus for employee

New Business:

Bylaws – Change meeting time to 3 PM

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, August 16, at 3pm

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, July 19, 2021, 3PM

In person at the library or

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76955015709?pwd=ZEZCVW9RZGRMTENkakFlY09NK0Qzdz09

Meeting ID: 769 5501 5709

Passcode: y4wXb3

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74472359327?pwd=VHNHYkFBcEh3Z0cyUlByWkk0RGZGZz09

Meeting ID: 744 7235 9327

Passcode: nXSq0V

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

Elevator repaired

Building/Grounds Walk with Sherry Paquette

Old Business:

Bonus for employee

New Business:

Bylaws – Change meeting time to 3 PM

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, August 16, at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, June 21^st, 2021

Minutes

Call to order – 3:19 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

May 17^th minutes: N.T. moved to accept with minor edit, Carita seconded .Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Carita Simons, N.T., Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present – none

Approval of Librarian’s Report – Adele moved to accept, N.T. seconded, unanimous approval.

Approval of Financial Report – We looked at April and May reports and Statement of Activity for Jan through May. April: Carita moved, Adele seconded; May: N.T. moved, Carita seconded; Statement: Adele moved, Carita seconded. All unanimous approval

Correspondence:

Follies Fundraiser brought in $2460 and fundraising letter $950, with later donation bringing to $1000. Adele suggested that thank you letters be printed on stationery from now on; Kathleen will arrange stationery and Adele will draft text.

VT proposition: We looked at this document that Kathleen had sent. It is likely that the State Librarian will be on Board going forward.

Old Business:

Car Show Fundraising Event with Fire Department – Debra reported on email from Fiona: They requested using the RES as site for this event but did not hear back. This will likely not occur this year but rather next. In general, the FD is interested in joint fund raising events..

Strategic Plan – Community engagement – Kathleen attended the VT Library Association session on strategic planning. They described “learning conversations” with community members to learn about their strengths and interests rather than needs and shortcomings. She would like to do this kind of interview with Selectboard members, Town Clerk, school principals, etc. Potential questions exist and she will send these to Trustees.

Paypal – Carita reported that this is now on website and the only remaining step is to set up the mechanism to transfer funds from paypal to our bank. Carita and Kathleen will do this. We can also embed the paypal link into fundraising emails.

Laptop Lending policy – We looked at the policy. Adele moved to accept with minor edits, Carita seconded.

Building/Grounds Walk with Sherry Paquette – This has not yet happened. Kathleen reported that the elevator is still not working. She also reported that we heard from our insurance company asking about heat, roof, wiring, and plumbing. The Town does not seem to have information on when these were last replaced. The insurer may raise rates or deny coverage. Kathleen will discuss with Sherry when they meet.
Carita noted that she has developed a list of potential construction projects in case money becomes available. These include: drainage/gutters, HVAC, replacement windows, elevator, interior modifications, lead paint remediation if needed.

New Business:

Personnel Policy – Vacation Time for NOTCH Camp Librarian – We looked at the personnel policy. The issue is that Wendy, who works at NOTCH camp as a library employee, does not qualify for vacation time under the formal policy (or if she does, only for small number of hours of vacation). Previously she did get 1 week at full hours, but Kathleen would like this regularized. We determined that the policy overall needs some work and that we should not make policy for a single employee. Carita will gather some information about personnel policy in the state.

Librarian

Sick Time – We need to think about sick leave policy since at present there is no time allotted for those working fewer than 18 hr/week. This should be part of the reconsideration of personnel policy, as noted above.

American Rescue Plan Act Funds – $4237.34 to be awarded upon filling out the appropriate budget forms. The funds can be spent on specified items. Kathleen plans to spend on staff technology (printers, scanners), robotics for kids’ programming (which can be used for LEAPS), and $1000 for material such as books.

Other Business – We suggested inviting Levi Irish to the July or August meeting.

Next Meeting – Monday, July 19, 2021 at 3:00 pm. Since the state of emergency has been lifted, open meeting rules require in-person meetings, Our reading of the rule is that some trustees and members of the public can zoom in if the meeting itself is in-person.

Adjourned 4:15 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, May 17^th, 2021

Minutes

Call to order – 3:02 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

April 19^th minutes: Fiona moved to accept, N.T. seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Carita Simons, Fiona Lugo, N.T., Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present – none

Approval of Librarian’s Report – N.T. moved to accept, Fiona seconded, unanimous approval.

Approval of Financial Report – not submitted in advance, Kathleen gave details: $5400 in TD Operations account, $1600 in TD grant account, $13,591 in People’s Operating account, of which about $9k is from PPE. Kathleen is putting fundraising and other revenue into this People’s account and spending down the TD one. We will get a statement of account later in the week from Gina. There is also about $6100 in CompuCount, which is the refund from employee retention fund for the first quarter.

Adele moved to accept the report pending a formal filing, Fiona seconded, unanimous approval.

Correspondence:

Follies Fundraiser brought in $2460 and fundraising letter $950. This puts up on target for our fundraising goal of $3000 in our submitted budget for this year.

Old Business:

Car Show Fundraising Event with Fire Department – Fiona reported on discusssions with FD. The plan is to have the show end of July/early August. (We determined that July 31^st would be ideal.) N.T. suggested putting together a small committee (4?) with Fiona as the library representative. This will allow an outline and plan for the future if this is successful and we want to repeat. Important topics to be hashed out with the FD: Insurance (maybe via Lions’ Club), use of school property, COVID regulations, donations of food etc., volunteers for food tables and other needs, publicity, admissions cost. We voted to authorize Fiona as our representative (Adele moved, N.T. seconded) with caveat that we will need to vote again if we need to authorize spending. We can also meet between regular meetings if need be. We thanked Fiona for taking the lead on this exciting project.

Selectboard Meeting – Kathleen and Debra attended, asked for $10k from the Town’s ARPA funding, answered questions. We have not heard back from the Board, although it is public information that Richford is receiving about $250k from ARPA.

Strategic Plan – nothing new to report. The VT Library Association is meeting (virtually) this week and will have session on strategic planning. Kathleen will send more info.

Paypal – Carita will meet with Kathleen once she is full vaccinated.

TD Ameritrade Investments – Debra made transfers: sold TD Bank and invested ~$24k each in VFIAX and VTSAX. We will see these transfers in the May report.

New Business:

Opening library – because of small space, current COVID restrictions still in place, and need to treat all patrons the same, masking and distancing to remain in place. Although appointments to enter the building are still theoretically required, most patrons are coming in without an appointment, which has mostly worked ok. We will re-evaluate once the State enters Phase 3.

Laptop Lending Policy – we have 2 machines from the VT Connectivity Grant that can be lent out. They have software installed so that they can be disabled and tracked if not returned on time. We discussed option such as asking for a credit card on file when they are lent. Kathleen will check on feasibility and we will vote the policy next time.

Building/Grounds Walk with Sherry Paquette – Debra will do this before next meeting.

Insurance Coverage – Debra has determined that there is no duplication in coverage between Town and Library, no action needed.

Other Business – none

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, June 21, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 4:00 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Minutes April 19, 2021

Call to order

3:01 p.m.

Attendance

Debra, Fiona, Shira, Carita, Kathleen

No citizens present

Agenda Amendments

None

Approval of meeting minutes

Minutes from April 5, 2021 meeting. Carita moved to accept as written, Shira seconded, approved.

Librarian’s report submitted, Carita moved to accept, Shira seconded, approved.

Financial Report, Shira moved to accept, Carita seconded, approved.

Correspondence

The elevator in the library is no longer usable—the cables/guides need to be replaced. The Selectboard has been informed

Old Business

The Richford Follies fundraiser for the library was held. Approximately $200 in checks has been received, with another $1000 or so expected electronically via Venmo. Andy Hoadley is managing the online donations. The contact information of people who gave is being collected so that those names can be added to the library’s database of friends/donors.

PayPal Donate button project still in process; Carita and Kathleen will work on it together in person.

TD Ameritrade investments—Debra will take action to sell the TD shares and re-invest in index funds.

Strategic survey still in process…may require a special Board meeting to review results.

If the Build America’s Library’s Act passes, there may be new funds available for special or infrastructure projects; the Board may need to revisit the strategic plan to consider this opportunity.

New Business

Carita reported on the library roundtable held with Senator Bernie Sanders.

Kathleen reported that both the Richford Notch Summer Camp and the LEAPS day camp at the Elementary school will be held this summer. There may be an opportunity for the library to participate.

Library staff has been preparing catalogs of the totes and backpacks available to children/patrons at the library, including pictures/lists of items…making these available to children/parents via the elementary school teachers may increase circulation and usage.

Budgets: The 2019, 2020, and proposed 2021 budgets are being provided to the Selectboard in advance of Kathleen and Debra’s attendance at tonight’s meeting. The new draft budget would increase staff pay to $15/hour, and increase pay for the cleaner to $15/hour as well. We will request to increase the library funds in light of the recent Federal stimulus money available to municipalities. Noted that the library has had to draw on investment resources (sell bonds and take funds from money market accounts) to meet expenses for the past year, and that the Selectboard’s recent cuts to the library budget were supposed to be temporary.

Shira moved to approve the proposed budget, Fiona seconded, motion passed.

Fundraising letter is being drafted and will be mailed (physical mail) to the same group of donors targeted last year (those who gave $100 or more). Kathleen will send a draft of the letter to Board members.

New fundraising idea proposed by Fiona: the Library should partner with the Richford Fire Department to put on a car show at the Richford Elementary School sometime this summer (as permitted by Governor’s covid guidance). Discussion of fundraising opportunities via food booths, admission fees, raffle, and the like. Agreement that it would be beneficial to partner with the Fire Department. Possibility for other co-sponsored events, such as movie nights, with that organization. Agreement that the new economic development coordinator should be approached about this. Fiona will work with her contact at the Fire Department on next steps.

The next Trustee meeting is scheduled for May 17, 2021 at 3 p.m.

Meeting adjourned 3:48 p.m.

Submitted, Carita Simons

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, April 19,, 2021, 3P.M.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95174207959?pwd=a1c4MFNJcytpYndHZ2lmaXRCNUV2dz09

Meeting ID: 951 7420 7959

Passcode: 843500

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

People’s Trust online banking – debit card

Follies fundraiser

Carita Simons – Library Roundtable with Sen. Sanders

Richford Notch Day Camp

Catalog of Totes

Old Business:

Budget Revised

Strategic Plan – Survey

Paypal

Fundraising Letter

Selectboard meeting

TD Ameritrade Investments

New Business:

Thank you notes – Follies donations

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, May 17, at 3p.m.

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, March 9, 2021, 3P.M.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95174207959?pwd=a1c4MFNJcytpYndHZ2lmaXRCNUV2dz09

Meeting ID: 951 7420 7959

Passcode: 843500

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

People’s Trust online banking – debit card

Follies fundraiser

Carita Simons – Library Roundtable with Sen. Sanders

Richford Notch Day Camp

Catalog of Totes

Old Business:

Budget Revised

Strategic Plan – Survey

Paypal

Fundraising Letter

Selectboard meeting

TD Ameritrade Investments

New Business:

Thank you notes – Follies donations

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, May 17, at 3p.m.

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, March 9, 2021, 3P.M.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95174207959?pwd=a1c4MFNJcytpYndHZ2lmaXRCNUV2dz09

Meeting ID: 951 7420 7959

Passcode: 843500

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

People’s Trust online banking – debit card

Follies fundraiser

Carita Simons – Library Roundtable with Sen. Sanders

Richford Notch Day Camp

Catalog of Totes

Old Business:

Budget Revised

Strategic Plan – Survey

Paypal

Fundraising Letter

Selectboard meeting

TD Ameritrade Investments

New Business:

Thank you notes – Follies donations

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, May 17, at 3p.m.

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, April 5, 2021, 3 PM

Topic: Library Board Special Meeting re: Federal Funding

Time: Apr 5, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Topic: Library Board Special Meeting re: Federal Funding

Time: Apr 5, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

New Business:

Federal Funding – VTLIB Survey and Town Funding

Next Meeting: Monday, April 19, 2021 at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, March 15^th, 2021

Minutes

Call to order – 5:01 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

February 15^th minutes: Carita moved to accept, Adele seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, N.T., Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Carita moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Adele seconded.

Financial report

Carita questioned why expenses were greater this year than last. Kathleen explained that last year was the anomaly due to fluctuations in work hours and the fact that she worked more desk hours and is paid more than the person who would usually work then. Carita moved to accept the report, Adele seconded.

Correspondence

PPP 2021: Funds have been deposited to People’s Trust account, ~$9200

Budget passed at Town Meeting: The amount was $45k, plus $5500 for utilities, $1800 for insurance, $3000 for maintenance. The town should be paying utilities but has not yet for Jan/Feb, so we should be reimbursed for those months. Debra will be speaking to the Town Clerk and will ask several questions, including whether we can cancel some insurance that we are currently paying and whether funds can be shifted from one category to another.

Annual Report for 2019 submitted: Not yet ready.

Old Business

Budget revised: In process. It will be a lean budget given the Town’s allocation. Kathleen’s budget assumes that we will be open for a normal summer including camp. The $45k is not adequate, but the PPP to pay employee wages and Employee Retention Credit (another ~$9800) will help. Kathleen estimates $73k in expenses with only about $66 in revenue. (Revenue does not include PPP and ERC.)

Strategic Plan – Survey: Very few responses on Survey Monkey. Kathleen hopes that once MailChimp is running we can also distribute via email.

Paypal: Kathleen hasn’t done anything since bank account moved. Carita will work on this.

New Business

Fundraising: Kathleen thinks that this is a good time for email and paper letters to go out but wants to wait for Paypal to be functional. She will send last year’s letter to Adele for edits and updates.

TD Ameritrade Investments: Carita has looked into moving our accounts and has concluded that moving brokers doesn’t make sense but that moving investments from TD stock to an indexed fund does. We agreed that Carita will lay out the plan and Debra will authorize.

Other Business

Gina has accepted our offer of a raise and is still working with us.

We discussed the Town’s new development coordinators (Levi Irish and Charen Fegard) and agreed that it would be a good idea to invite them to one of our meetings. Adele will send their email addresses to Debra and she will issue invitations. Kathleen will also talk to Charen about possibilities for applying for a broadband grant. These grants are for businesses, so it is unclear if the library is eligible.

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, April 19, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 5:35 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Minutes

Call to order – 3:25 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

January 18^th minutes: Carita moved to accept N.T. seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, N.T., Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Carita moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Adele seconded.

Financial report

Financial report was not available. Kathleen reported that according to QuickBooks there is ~$6300 in the account, indicating that there are bills pending. She has not yet received monthly check from the Town but we should have by week’s end.

Correspondence

PPP 2021: Debra has sent in paperwork, and the application is officially submitted.

Virtual Follies: will be held on March 19^th and will benefit the library. Andy Hoadley is putting it together, will be televised on local access TV and on FaceBook. We expressed our gratitude for the benefit. Kathleen will send Andy the slide show and see if some or all can be included in the presentation.

Internet Connectivity Support Grant awarded, $1500. It will allow for wifi extenders, improving internet quality on second floor and outside. Kathleen will decide if she will also use the money to pay for several months of improved speed for internet (during pandemic).

Paying utilities until town meeting vote. We had understood that the town would be paying these, but they have not so far. We will pay and be reimbursed.

Old Business

Budget: Not yet available.

Strategic Plan – Survey: No updates.

Paypal: Kathleen is waiting until we decide about moving bank accounts.

New Business

Raise for Gina Clark, Bookkeeper: Kathleen is concerned that we will lose Gina, whether or not we grant a raise. She is currently on a monthly contract for $130/month, but her hourly rate for other clients is $60/hr, and she puts in multiple hours per month for library. Adele made motion an N.T. seconded to offer her $240 per month, unanimous pass.

Checking accounts with People’s Bank – Vote: We agreed to move both accounts from TD to People’s (Enosburgh) N.T. moved, Carita seconded.

TD Ameritrade Investments: Carita has looked into our accounts. We have ~$11k in long-term bond getting about 4% return, makes sense for this investment. But we also have about $40k in TD stock that is not getting much more (if any) and is subject to additional tax b/c TD is a foreign (Canadian) business. Carita suggests more aggressive investments and will investigate further.

Other Business

N.T. wondered about foundations and other sources for fundraising for rural libraries. Kathleen suggested VT Department of Libraries and Association of Small and Rural Libraries. N.T. will investigate and Kathleen is also looking into individuals with an interest in literacy who might be approached

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, March 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 4:11 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, February 15^th , 2021

Minutes

Call to order – 3:25 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

January 18^th minutes: Carita moved to accept N.T. seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, N.T., Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Carita moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Adele seconded.

Financial report

Correspondence

PPP 2021: Debra has sent in paperwork, and the application is officially submitted.

Paying utilities until town meeting vote. We had understood that the town would be paying these, but they have not so far. We will pay and be reimbursed.

Old Business

Budget: Not yet available.

Strategic Plan – Survey: No updates.

Paypal: Kathleen is waiting until we decide about moving bank accounts.

New Business

Checking accounts with People’s Bank – Vote: We agreed to move both accounts from TD to People’s (Enosburgh) N.T. moved, Carita seconded.

Other Business

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, March 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 4:11 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, February 15^th , 2021

Minutes

Call to order – 3:25 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

January 18^th minutes: Carita moved to accept N.T. seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, N.T., Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Carita moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Adele seconded.

Financial report

Correspondence

PPP 2021: Debra has sent in paperwork, and the application is officially submitted.

Paying utilities until town meeting vote. We had understood that the town would be paying these, but they have not so far. We will pay and be reimbursed.

Old Business

Budget: Not yet available.

Strategic Plan – Survey: No updates.

Paypal: Kathleen is waiting until we decide about moving bank accounts.

New Business

Checking accounts with People’s Bank – Vote: We agreed to move both accounts from TD to People’s (Enosburgh) N.T. moved, Carita seconded.

Other Business

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, March 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 4:11 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, February 15, 2021, 3PM

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Meeting ID: 951 7420 7959

Passcode: 843500

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

PPP 2021 – submitted

Virtual Follies to benefit the library

Awarded Internet Connectivity Grant – $1,500 from the

VT Community Foundation

Paying utilities until town meeting vote

Old Business:

Budget

Strategic Plan – Survey

Paypal

New Business:

Raise for Gina Clark, Bookkeeper

Checking Accounts with People’s Bank – Vote

TD Ameritrade Investments

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, March 15, at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, January 18, 2021

Minutes

Call to order – 3:05 pm

Agenda Amendments – Kathleen asked for approval at beginning of the meeting for the Financial Report to go to the Town since it was due by 3:30. Carita moved, Adele seconded. Kathleen sent the report

Approval of meeting minutes

January 3^rd minutes: Carita moved to accept Adele seconded.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

One small typo corrected. Carita moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Adele seconded.

Financial report

Carita moved to accept all financial reports. Adele seconded.

Correspondence

RiseVT Amplify Grant awarded $784 for Storywalks

PPP 2021 and ERC 2021: We are eligible for both. ERC is expected once the government releases funds.

Old Business

Budget – Meeting with Selectboard 1/18/21: Debra attending this evening. We discussed points to be made, including: promises from last year; if Town is to attract business and residents library is essential, especially for educational resources; discrepancy in pay for library employees compared to other town employees with fewer educational qualifications; everything that the library does, as laid out in the slide show they have seen.

Strategic Plan – Survey: Everyone has approved the survey. Adele will put on Survey Monkey and Kathleen will link to website, FaceBook, and send via email when possible.

New Business

Permission to apply to PPP forgivable loan and permission to Kathleen to sign PPP application: Carita moved and Adele seconded. Gina will fill out application. We will apply through People’s Trust Bank

Other Business

Paypal account – Carita thinks that this is straightforward, but Kathleen couldn’t open account. They will work together.

Carita questioned the library’s investments, not making very much money. She will investigate options for mutual or index fund that might yield more. This will necessarily involve some risk, but we agreed.

There was a question of whether the library would receive funds if the federal government gives money to the states and hence to towns. We could ask the Town to earmark a certain amount or percentage. Kathleen has met with other librarians and Rep. Welch, and it seems that money would come to the Department of Libraries, from which we could receive funds. 15

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, February, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 3:34 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Arvin A. Brown Library

Special Trustee Meeting

Monday, January 3, 2021

Minutes

Call to order – 3:07 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

December 21^st minutes: Carita moved to accept N.T. seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, N.T., Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Business: Strategic Plan
Discussed:
– getting survey updated, online, and more widely distributed
– update addresses in Mail Chimp
– mission statement and goals: to be revisited and decide on iterative process for assessing

Adele will revise survey in line with today’s discussion, will distribute, and we will finalize at next meeting.

Other Business:

Carita has looked into PayPal for non-profits, and advised that we go ahead setting this up.

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, January 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 3:58 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, January 3, 2021, 3PM

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Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Business: Strategic Plan

Next Meeting: Monday, January 18, 2021 at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, December 21, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:05 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

November 16^th minutes: Carita moved to accept Adele seconded.

Attendance

Debra Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Carita moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Adele seconded.

Financial report

We discussed the statement from Gina that the money from sale of assets should not be counted as revenue. Without that $20k we would be in the red ~$7k at this point. We cannot take money from accounts again, not sustainable. The budget shows fewer expenses due to COVID but also much less in donations. Debra will speak with Andy, from Selectboard, but thinks they are leaning towards paying library’s utilities and heat but not increasing budget otherwise. We need to find ways to fund raise in the coming year. Kathleen also urged the trustees to develop an MoA with the Town such that we have a legally binding amount (% of town budget?) that we can count on.

Carita moved to accept the financial report. Adele seconded.

Correspondence

Kathleen stated that we have received $1215 worth of air purifiers and filters through UVM Extension. Most of CLiF books and all of Playaways have arrived.

Employee Retention Credit – According to Gina we should expect $9701.41, based on continuing to pay employees through the pandemic. It will take awhile to arrive. In the meantime, we will not pay payroll tax in the 4^th quarter since we are owed this money.

Internet Connectivity Support Grant submitted – Kathleen sent this grant for $1500 to increase reliability of library’s internet. AA Brown was 32^nd on list of VT libraries in need of better connectivity.

Old Business

Budget – Discussed above when we took up the financial report.

Mission Statement and Strategic Plan – Kathleen distributed these; they are also in Trustee notebooks. She recently attended a meeting of library directors, where it was emphasized that during times of crisis, directors need to turn to these documents. Ours need updating. Carita will try to arrange a meeting for Trustees on Jan 3^rd at 3 pm (if this time works for everyone) specifically to work on the mission statement and begin to work on the strategic plan.

New Business

Thank you notes – Four donors should be sent notes. Debra will try to buy cards and Adele (or other volunteers?) will prepare them. Debra will also follow up with Annette Goyne about her doing a painting of the library that could be used on all correspondence.

Gina request for $35/month for Quick Books Online – Gina can be paid directly through QBO. Carita moved and Adele seconded request for the $35/month fee.

Town Report – Everyone was happy with the draft report except for a formatting problem at bottom. Once fixed, this will be submitted to the Town Clerk by Kathleen.

Other Business

Paypal account – Susan (previous library director) has removed her name from the account, so it is now accessible to us. But this personal account might be replaced by one for non-profits. Carita will investigate.

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, January 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 3:45 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, November 16, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:08 pm

Agenda Amendments – Add question of closing library except by appointment

Approval of meeting minutes

October 26^th minutes: Carita moved to accept Adele seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Fiona Lugo, Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Adele moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Carita seconded. Unanimous.

Financial report

We looked at the statement of comparison for last year and this.

Adele moved to accept the financial report. Carita seconded. Unanimous.

Correspondence

Kathleen renewed GMLC membership and contract for Overdrive. Cost is number of patrons multiplied by a set amount, total of $632.

We have applied for a CLiF mini grant to purchase Juvenile Playaways ($250 for 50 audiobooks). Mini grants are available only to those libraries receiving regular CLiF awards. They are usually for in-person programming, but Kathleen thought that given the current situation this was a reasonable request.

Old Business

Budget

Deborah will attend the Selectboard meeting this evening. She will present the budget for 2021 and request $60k, which assumes that the town pays for heat. The Town Clerk has received the budget and slide show and will distribute to Selectboard members. If possible, Deborah will present the slide show. She will email trustees later tonight to let us know how the Board responded.

New Business

Bonuses and Wages for Staff

Compucount has informed Kathleen that we qualify for employee retention credit from the federal government for 2^nd, 3^rd, and maybe 4^th quarter. If so, this money could be used to pay bonuses to staff. Trustees agreed that this would be a good use of the money but that we might hold it back until we know whether or not the budget passes. If it does, bonuses could be paid in March. We also discussed raising hourly wage when possible, certainly by the time a minimum wage of $15 is in effect.

Aspen Discovery for Koha OPAC, Online Public Access Catalog

This would be an upgrade to the online catalog, particularly important in time of COVID. Trustees will look at the site and discuss next time.

Reevaluate reopening/COOP plan

This is connected to the amendment to close the library except by appointment. We have previously approved the COOP (continuity of operations plan), which gives discretion to the director as to opening or closing and any restrictions. Given the governor’s new guidelines, Kathleen would like to go back to entry by appointment only as of Monday, 23^rd November. This will be publicized on all sites.

Other Business

No other business

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, December 21, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Adjourned 3:40 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, November16, 2020, 3PM

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Meeting ID: 951 7420 7959

Passcode: 843500

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

Renewed GMLC membership and contract for Overdrive – $632

CLiF Mini Grant – Juvenile Playaways

Old Business:

Budget

New Business:

Bonus and wages for staff

Aspen Discovery for Koha OPAC, Online Public Access

Reevaluate reopening/COOP plan

Catalog

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, December 21, 2020 at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, October 26, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 6:03 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

Sept 23rd minutes: Carita moved to accept Fiona seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Fiona Lugo, Carita Simons, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Kathleen suggested that everyone listen to recorded lectures from the State Librarians’ conference, much good material. She also noted that the library is working with the elementary school to get all children library cards; this is one of the goals of the CLiF grant. Kathleen also asked everyone to publicize the event on Nov 9^th being cosponsored by NCSS on suicide prevention: movie plus virtual discussion. It is being posted on Facebook and FPF.

AJW moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Carita seconded. Unanimous.

Financial report

We noted that we are under budget. Wages are down due to COVID, and Kathleen is being careful with spending. On the other hand, supplies, especially cleaning supplies, are higher because of COVID. The CLiF grant is very helpful for children’s materials.

Fiona moved to accept the financial report. Carita seconded. Unanimous.

Correspondence

The library was awarded $520 for courier service.

TD Ameritrade and Schwab have merged.

No discussion on either item.

Old Business

Selectboard – Slide Show

Although N.T. could not attend today’s meeting, she sent a draft of the slide show she had prepared on how the library serves the town. Everyone agreed that it was excellent and thanked her for her efforts. We went through the slides one by one and took comments. Adele will put these comments together and either edit directly or send the suggestions to N.T. to incorporate, then have everyone look at them one more time. Deborah will present to the Selectboard, and wants one more trustee to attend, especially for technical assistance. We also thought that printing copies of the slides for the Selectboard members would be a good idea.

Budget

Kathleen is meeting with Gina next week and will have draft budget finalized after that. Deborah would like to present the budget to the Selectboard when she shows the slides. She wants to propose a $60k budget but will go down to $50k if the Selectboard balks at $60k. Kathleen points out that in either case, the budget supposes that the town is paying for heat; if not, the amount will have to be increased.

New Business

COVID and Holidays

Kathleen would like the flexibility to stay open on Veterans’ Day and other holidays. Closing is a policy, not law. Since there is a chance that COVID will force more closures later in the year, she would like to be open as much as possible now. We proposed: “The library may be open during holidays at the discretion of the Director.” Carita moved, AJW seconded. Unanimous.

Other Business

There is the possibility of a grant from the American Libraries Association, which could pay for PPE and other items. Kathleen will attend a webinar next week and decide if we can apply.

Carita wondered if we could add a “Donate now” button to the library webpage. Kathleen said that the current Paypal account is still in Susan’s name and would need to be changed, We discussed some options to overcome this limitation. Kathleen will pursue.

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, November 16, 2020 at 3:00 pm

All meetings for the foreseeable future to be at 3 pm, with Carita arranging zoom.

Adjourned 6:44 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

ARVIN A. BROWN PUBLIC LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Special Meeting

Monday, October 26, 2020, 6PM

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Topic: Brown Library Trustees
Time: Oct 26, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

The library was awarded $520 toward the cost of the courier service.

TD Ameritrade and Schwab have merged.

Old Business:

Selectboard – Slide Show

Budget

New Business:

COVID and Holidays

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, November 16, 2020 at 6pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, September 23, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 6:06 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

July 24th minutes: N.T. moved to accept the July 20th minutes, AJW seconded. Unanimous approval.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Fiona Lugo, N.T, Adele Wolfson, Carita Simons (see below).

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

The trustees congratulated Kathleen on new grants and resulting purchases. Kathleen noted that more children are using the library now that school has started, and that the library is also providing study space/internet access for HS students. There was a question about the suggestion to hold a raffle as fund-raiser. It was thought to be a good idea for next year, especially if the patron making the suggestion could take the lead. AJW moved to accept the Librarian’s report, N.T. seconded. Unanimous.

Financial report

Kathleen stated that the actual amount in the library account is $17,339 once grant money deposited. Her assessment is that the library will be ok financially until January; employee wages are less than budgeted since Wendy is working more hours in school and fewer in library. After that, things are more nebulous since we don’t know what the Town will allocate. Deborah will talk to the Town Clerk to see whether taxes are coming in as expected. No questions, N.T. moved to accept the August financial report. AJW seconded. Unanimous.

Correspondence

Aboveground Oil Storage Tank passed inspection.

All ok, still needs signed copy of report.

Old Business

Selectboard – Budget Presentation

This was the major item of discussion. The Trustees usually present a budget to the Board in October, but given the current state of the economy and the pandemic, plus the cutbacks last year, we thought to do a presentation that is not the actual budget in October and present the budget in November. Kathleen has drafted two budgets, one for $50k and one for $60k. Both assume that the Town is paying for heat. We decided to plan on a powerpoint presentation in October that will emphasize what the library has been doing during the pandemic and has adapted services. This includes all summer children’s programs, publicity as requested by the state on pandemic safety practices and census, etc. N.T. will draft the presentation. All trustees should send ideas and photos to N.T. We will aim to have a close-to-final draft for the Oct 19^th meeting and then schedule time with the Selectboard for the following week if possible.

Another Trustee to sign checks

Fiona is currently signing. It would be good to have another trustee authorized to sign.

Unfilled Treasurer Position

Still need a trustee to volunteer.

New Business

Introduce Carita Simons

We welcomed Carita and answered her questions. She is pleased to join the Board. FL moved to accept Carita as Trustee, AJW seconded. Unanimous.

Other Business

None

Next (Virtual) Meeting – Monday, October 19, 2020 at 6:00 pm

Adjourned 6:40 pm.

Submitted, Adele J. Wolfson

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, August 24, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:07 pm – 3:46 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

July 20th minutes, Adele moved to accept the July 20th minutes, Madeline seconded. Unanimous.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby, N.T and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Read the report. Madeline moved to accept the Librarian’s report, Adele seconded. Unanimous.

Financial report

Read the financial report. No questions, Adele moved to accept the July financial report. N.T seconded. Unanimous.

Correspondence

Renewed contract with VOKAL. Automated system contract used by libraries.

Movie license for 2020 – 21 received, not sure if will be useful with Covid-19.

Old Business

Payment Protection Plan

No new news. Email sent to the TD Bank to update us on application for PPP. Debbie will call TD Bank associate.

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Trustees need to research need to research. Kathleen will put together a document to review.

Grant Spending Policy

A signature page has been sent to trustees. Adele moved to accept the Grant Sending policy, Madeline seconded the motion. Debbie will sign the signature page and drop at the library for other trustees to sign.

Another trustee to sign checks for the library – could a member of the board volunteer?

Need to fill the Treasurer position – need a trustee to volunteer.

Adele has agreed to take notes and will become the secretary for the September meeting.

New Business

Personnel policy: Earned sick time added in 2016. Part of the state law was omitted in the new policy that was voted on in 2019. To be up to date the following information will be added to the 2019 Personnel Policy – employees may accrue can one hour of sick time for every 52 hours worked. If you work less than 18 hours, you are exempt. N.T moved to add this to the 2019 Personnel Policy, Madeline seconded.

Sick Time – Because of the Pandemic, trustees need to think about what to do for employees are in this type of situation again. Pro rate pay? Trustees need to think about the situation.

Next Meeting – Monday, September 21, 2020 at 6:00 pm

Virtual meeting

Arvin A Brown Public Library Trustee Meeting Minutes – July 20, 2020

Call to order – 3:08 pm – 3:40 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

June 8th minutes, Madeline moved to accept the June 8th minutes, Adele seconded. Unanimous.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby, Fiona Lugo and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Read and discussed the report. Summer camp is being held by the LEAPS program day camp. Two groups are being held at the elementary school (12)and the high school (14). Groups are much smaller. Programs are being held with programs with the library and others from the LEAPS program.

Financial report

Read and discussed the financial report. No questions, Adele moved to accept the July financial report. Madeline seconded. Unanimous.

Correspondence

Electrician has been in to work on lights and fixtures. Waiting for screen doors from Bob Peters to help with ventilation. Wendy Gesser purchased a metal bench for the library. The bench has been installed on the front lawn.

Old Business

Strategic Plan / Survey

Need to be able to talk about the Strategic plan when the trustees can get together to talk about the survey. Placed in old business or the next meeting.

Fundraising letter/Appeal

Canadian patrons are not using the library because of the closed border. Fundraising letter to these patrons will be sent after the border has opened up.

Thank you cards

Madeline has purchased Thank You cards to be sent to the patrons who have donated money. Trustees need to call the library to get names and cards to send thank you to those that have sent in money.

Payment Protection Plan

No new news. Email sent to the TD Bank to update us on application for PPP.

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Grant Spending Policy

These items will be listed as old business on the next meeting. Gifts and Grant spending.

New business

Personnel policy – Sick Time addition. With the onset of Covid, a discussion about sick time. Trustees need to research and explore an addition to the Sick Leave Policy.

Another trustee to sign checks for the library – could a member of the board volunteer?

Need to fill the Treasurer position – need a trustee to volunteer.

Next Meeting – Monday, August 17, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Virtual meeting

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda – Special Meeting

Monday, July 20, 2020, 3PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77420551326?pwd=eHZ0U3hQNVd3ZWdRa0FzY2ZaMDdEZz09

Meeting ID: 774 2055 1326

Password: 0h7Dfb

Join via phone – 848-3313

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence: Electrician replaced exit signs, emergency lights, replaced bulbs, repaired fixtures Bob Peters removed new screen and old storm window Screen doors may be installed for ventilation (COVID – 19) Wendy Gesser purchased and donated a metal bench for patrons-it is installed on the front lawn.

Old Business:

Strategic Plan – Survey

Fundraising Letter/Appeal – Canadian Patrons

Thank you cards – note and divide work

Payment Protection Plan

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Grant Spending Policy – review and vote

New Business:

Personnel Policy – Sick Time Addition

Another Trustee to sign checks

Fill Treasurer Position

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, August 17, 2020 at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, June 8, 2020

Minutes – Final Minutes

Call to order – 3:13 pm – 4:04 pm

Agenda Amendments – move to new business as soon as possible.

Approval of meeting minutes

May 11^th minutes, read, discussed and fixed mistakes. Madeline moved to accept the May 11^th minutes, Adele seconded. Unanimous.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby, N.T and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Read and discussed. Highlights pointed out. Curbside has resumed, light response. Adele moved to accept Librarian’s report, N.T seconded. Unanimous vote.

Financial report

Read and discussed the financial report. No questions, Madeline moved to accept the June financial report. Both Adele and N.T seconded. Unanimous.

Correspondence

The state library will be sending a sneeze guard and a gallon of hand sanitizer. Will be 4 -6 weeks before delivery.

Old Business

Strategic Plan / Survey

A plan for the library using the information from the survey.

Fundraising letter/Appeal

Kathleen sent out letters to help raise money for the library. There were 9 donations – $2550.

Thank you cards

Madeline will check about thank you cards. Estimate of about 20 cards.

Payment Protection Plan

Debbie has been working with TD Bank. Application has been handed in. All money has been spent from the Federal Government. We will need to wait for the next round.

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Trustees need to research policy for the above mentioned for the Arvin A. Brown Library. State Dept. of Libraries has info about this type of policy.

Grant Spending Policy

The library needs to set up a policy for grant spending. Organizations ask if the library has such a policy. Kathleen will setb up a basic statement for the trustees to view, discuss and sign.

New business

Zoom meetings

The trustees feel it sill necessary to continue Zoom meetings. Adele moved to accept this statement. N.T seconded. Unanimous.

Continuity of operations plan

The library needs to set up a policy or plan for guidelines for incidents like a pandemic.

Opening procedures

The Library has been following the state guidelines for the pandemic. N.T made a motion to follow the state guidelines, Madeline seconded.

Next Meeting – Monday, July 20, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Virtual meeting

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda – Special Meeting

Monday, June 8, 2020, 3PM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72554778496?pwd=WUIyZVlTNjFUQzdCRVVWaFFLbkNzdz09

Meeting ID: 725 5477 8496

Password: 004501

Join via phone – 848-3313

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

4 – 6 weeks for arrival of sneeze guard and gallon hand sanitizer

Old Business:

Strategic Plan – Survey

Fundraising Letter/Appeal – $2550 – 9 donations

Thank you cards

Payment Protection Plan

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Grant Spending Policy

New Business:

Convening ZOOM meetings

Continuity of Operations Plan – COOP

Opening Procedures

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, July 20, 2020 at 6pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, May 1, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:11 pm – 3:40 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

Done at May 3^rd meeting

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby, Shari Leigh and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Correspondence:

Summer reading program grant. Grant accepted, money not in yet. Will receive $200.

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Read and discussed. Highlights pointed out. Curbside has resumed, light response. Adele moved to accept Librarian’s report, Madeline seconded. Unanimous vote.

Financial report

Read – no comments. Ameritrade sent money for the sale of stock. Madeline moved to accept the financial report. Adele seconded. Unanimous.

Old Business

Vote on new trustee

Shari Leigh was voted in by members of the trustee board. Unanimous.

Strategic Plan / Survey

Trustees need to check out various strategic plans for library. Vt Dept. of libraries, local libraries or other types of information. Adele will send out survey results. Taken before the pandemic.

Fundraising letter/Appeal

Kathleen has been working on. Equipment problems. Will continue to work on.

Thank you cards

Madeline will check with the art teacher. To see if there is any news on design since the beginning of the pandemic.

Payment Protection Plan

Information sent in. Debbie will talk with bank representative tomorrow to see if any information is missing.

New Business

Resume Inter library loans on May 18^th.

Discussion of practices and safety procedures. Shari moved to begin this procedure, Madeline seconded. Unanimous.

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Library needs to set up a policy for the Richford Library. Trustees were asked to check out policies from other libraries and the VT Dept. Of Library for ideas to put in the policy.

Grant Spending Policy

Many of the grants received by the library are from federal money and need to be spent in a specific way. A policy will make it appropriate to use for grants applied for. Trustees need to find information for setting up a policy.

Next Meeting – Monday, June 8, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Virtual meeting

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, May 11, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:11 pm – 3:40 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

Done at May 3^rd meeting

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby, N.T and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Correspondence:

Summer reading program grant. Grant accepted, money not in yet. Will receive $200.

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Read and discussed. Highlights pointed out. Curbside has resumed, light response. Adele moved to accept Librarian’s report, Madeline seconded. Unanimous vote.

Financial report

Read – no comments. Ameritrade sent money for the sale of stock. Madeline moved to accept the financial report. Adele seconded. Unanimous.

Old Business

Vote on new trustee

Shari Leigh was voted in by members of the trustee board. Unanimous.

Strategic Plan / Survey

Trustees need to check out various strategic plans for library. Vt Dept. of libraries, local libraries or other types of information. Adele will send out survey results. Taken before the pandemic.

Fundraising letter/Appeal

Kathleen has been working on. Equipment problems. Will continue to work on.

Thank you cards

Madeline will check with the art teacher to see if there is any news on design since the beginning of the pandemic.

Payment Protection Plan

Information sent in. Debbie will talk with bank representative tomorrow to see if any information is missing.

New Business

Resume Inter library loans on May 18^th.

Discussion of practices and safety procedures. Shari moved to begin this procedure, Madeline seconded. Unanimous.

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Library needs to set up a policy for the Richford Library. Trustees were asked to check out policies from other libraries and the VT Dept. Of Library for ideas to put in the policy.

Grant Spending Policy

Next Meeting – Monday, June 8, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Virtual meeting

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Monday, May 11, 2020, 3PM

Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78190581113

Meeting ID: 781 9058 1113

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence: Summer Reading Presenter’s Grant

Old Business:

Vote on new trustee

Strategic Plan – Survey

Fundraising Letter/Appeal

Thank you cards

Payment Protection Plan

New Business:

Resume Inter Library Loans on May 18th

Gifts, Investment and Endowment Policies

Grant Spending Policy

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, June 8, 2020 at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:01 pm – 3:11 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

April 20th minutes – Madeline moved to accept the April 20th minutes, Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Adele Wolfson.

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Correspondence:

None

New Business

Discussion of Governor’s Scott recommendations. Adele moved that the library will follow the Governor’s orders/recommendations for resuming or closing library services during COVID19. Madeline seconded. Passed unanimously.

Next Meeting – Monday, May 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

Sunday, May 3, 2020, 3 PM

Agenda Items

Public Join Zoom Meeting

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77474195552

Meeting ID: 774 7419 5552

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Minutes

New Business:

Follow Governors orders/recommendations for resuming or closing library services during COVID19

Other Business:

Executive Session as necessary:

Next Meeting: Monday, May 11, 2020 at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Monday, April 20, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:08 pm – 3:45 pm

Agenda Amendments – Cleaning the library, library correspondence

Approval of meeting minutes

March 18t^h minutes – read and fixed spelling mistakes. Fiona moved to accept the March 18^th minutes, Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

April 6^th minutes – read – Adele moved to accept April 6^th minutes, Fiona seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Fiona Lugo and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Correspondence:

Dept. of Libraries suggesting extending recommendations of the state. Summer program – working on the program. Virtual programming until Oct. 2020. Still waiting to see what happens with Co-vid 19.

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Read and discussed. Fiona moved to accept March 2020 librarian’s report.

Financial report

January to March income and spending. About ¼ of budget spent. Revised budget. Spending less than last year. Have cashed in on a stock. Fiona moved to accept Budget/Financial Report. Adele seconded.

Old Business

Fundraising letter/Appeal

Discussion with advisor to go over the donation list and send letter to those that can help fund the library. Adele will organize the letter, Kathleen will check on donations and addresses.

Attend virtual Select board meeting – Debbie will call town clerk to set up the meeting.

Library survey

To be used for strategic plan

Thank you cards

No news – Madeline not attending

Vote on new trustee

Issue with the new person. Waiting to hear about from state and person.

Town Meeting – review trustee manual

Wait on new trustee

New Business

Apply for Emergency Insurance Disaster Loan – if it reopens. Grants from $1000 to S10,000. Library would apply for 4 employees – $1000 for each employee.

Next Meeting – Monday, May 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Virtual meeting

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Monday, April 20, 2020, 3PM

Link for Virtual Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73087772718

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

Old Business:

Fundraising Letter/Appeal

Attend Virtual Selectboard Meeting

Library Survey

Thank you cards

S L – Vote on Trustee?

Town Meeting-Review Trustee Manual

New Business:

Apply for EIDL if it reopens – $10,000 grant or $1000 per employee

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, May 11, 2020 at 3pm

Trustee Meeting

Monday April 6, 2020, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby, Adele Wolfson an Fiona Lugo

Comments from Citizens Present

None

New Business

Because of the Covid-19 virus and the stay at home directive, we would like to use online payment till we are no longer quarantined. This will keep everyone at home and safe. Fiona moved to bank bill payment during the quarantine. Adele seconded.

Another program put out by the Federal government is the paycheck protection plan. Kathleen would like permission to explore this plan for Arvin A. Brown employees. Adele so moved and Madeline seconded.

Next Meeting – Monday, April 20, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Virtual Zoom meeting

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

April 6, 2020, 3 PM

Agenda Items

Public Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/157191489

Meeting ID: 157 191 489

One tap mobile ,,157191489# US Toll

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Minutes

New Business:

Online approval of bill payment, use TD Bank Bill Pay for payment

Apply for Paycheck Protection Program

Other Business:

Executive Session as necessary:

Next Meeting: Monday, April 20, 2020 at 3pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:05 pm – 3:25 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Adele Wolfson, Fiona Lugo

Comments from Citizens Present

None

New Business

Closing the library

Discussion of closing the library. Trustees moved to close the library with distribution and returns to be called in or e-mailed to the library. This will happen during library hours. Items will be left on the front porch. Returns can be dropped in return boxes. Madeline moved and Adele seconded. Vote unanimous.

We moved to close the Arvin A. Brown Library indefinitely. We will keep check of school schedules and meet to discuss an opening. Adele moved to accept the move and Madeline seconded the move. Unanimous.

Other business

Ameritrade – with the stock market so unstable, will discuss the sale of stock at another meeting.

Next Meeting – Monday, April 20, 2020 at 6:00 pm

Next Zoom meeting – April 1 2020 – April 1, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

March 9, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 6:05 pm – 8:32pm

Agenda Amendments – correspondence – building business

Approval of meeting minutes

February minutes approved at February 26th meeting

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Adele Wolfson and Fiona Lugo; guests Shira Leigh and Gary Deziel.

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Fiona moved to accept February Librarian’s, Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Financial Report

Discussion; Adele moved to accept February’s financial report; Fiona seconded. Passed unanimously.

Old Business

Policy on investments and endowments – Gary Deziel – UVM extension service. Discussion on best use of investments, policies that are important to the library.

Correspondence

Wild and Scenic Grant, Rise VT Amplify Grant applied for. Can be used for programs at summer camp; water testing, etc. Amplify grant – imagine what you can do. Grant Was awarded to Arvin A. Brown Library.

The library was awarded RISE VT grant

Quickbooks online price increase – From $60 To $420

Pay pal – library has a pay pal account – listed by previous librarian – need to work to change to present librarian.

Old Business

Budget 2020 – Withdraw investment money. Fiona moved to sell General Electric stock; Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Fundraising letter – Adele and Kathleen went over the fund-raising letter and made changes. Letters will be printed out. Envelopes and taxpayer addresses will be set up.

Home town Follies

March 20 -21^st; Kathleen and Debbie Friday; Fiona and another. Fiona checking out popcorn machine; drink donations. Cookies, brownies, rice krispies squares.

March16th Select board meeting

Debbie and Fiona to present information.

Library survey

Survey for taxpayers on Facebook website.

Thank you cards

Design drawn up is too dark – will look into another design.

New Business

Library Trifold

Great setup. Designed by Wendy. Great information.

. Town meeting review – discussion.

New trustee – Shira Leigh – present for the meeting for information.

By-laws – Article 2:Section 2 – discussion – Adele moved to change this section to read that a trustee can be elected by the board by town vote. Fiona seconded. Passed unanimously.

Other Business

none

Next Meeting – Monday, April 20, 2020 at 6:00 pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 3:10 pm – 4:15 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

February 17^th minutes – read and fixed spelling mistakes and misinformation. Madeline moved to accept the February 17^th minutes, Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Adele Wolfson – guests – Annette Goyne

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Correspondence:

None

Old Business

Town Appropriation for January 2020 – Town meeting

Discussion of importance of library

Newsletter donation letter, Amazon nonprofit, visits to the select board, patrons need to bring up the situation to the select board. Library director- duties that include financial, ordering materials, paperwork or grants and reports, workshops for students in afterschool program, summer program, budgeting, working with patrons, supervising employees, information searches, mailings, etc. Concerns about business loss – need to have items to draw people to the area. Library is an important part of the community. Comparable to other towns. Richford library is only open 27 hours a week. Enosburg is open 6 days a week with only 400 more people in the town.

Next Meeting – Monday, March 9, 2020 at 6:00 pm

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Special Meeting

Agenda

Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 3PM

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Correspondence:

Old Business:

Town Appropriation for January 2020 – Town Meeting

New Business:

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, March 9, 2020 at 6pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

February 10, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 6:09 pm – 7:40 pm

Agenda Amendments

Approval of meeting minutes

January minutes approved at January 27^th meeting

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Fiona Lugo

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report and Financial Report

Madeline moved to accept the librarian’s report and the financial report for February

. Fiona seconded; Passed unanimously.

Correspondence

Wild and Scenic Grant, Rise VT Amplify Grant applied for. Can be used for programs at summer camp; water testing, etc. Amplify grant – imagine what you can do.

GMM courier service – for state of Vermont will increase prices – sent out for bids. Not sure what the increase will be.

NNLM grant – spent on computers, chairs and tables. Spent.

Old Business

Budget 2020 – working on budget cuts

Petition – not viable at this point in year.

Sample Thank you cards – not very attractive – need more drawings or pictures. Madeline will approach high school art teacher.

Library Survey – Adele set information to trustees.

New Business

Policy on Investments and Endowments – Sample for trustees to read and make suggestions.

Fundraising Letter / appeal. Will ask Adele if she would make suggestions for the library.

Extend an invitation to Gary Deziel – UVM Extension – Kathleen met at Flair meeting.

Other Business

Fundraising – Hometown Follies – March 20 and 21^st. Assignments ask Casey and Kathy if they would help us with refreshments and tea cup auction. Madeline/Kathleen

Next Meeting – Monday, March 9, 2020 at 6:00 pm

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda

Monday, February 10, 2020, 6PM

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report – for Town Report

Financial Report – for Town Report

Correspondence:

Wild and Scenic Grant, RiseVT Amplify Grant

GMM Courier Service

NNLM Grant

Old Business:

Budget 2020

Petition

Town Appropriation for January 2020 – Town Meeting

Sample Thank You Cards

Library Survey

New Business:

Policy on Investments and Endowments

Fundraising Letter/Appeal

Invite Gary Deziel – UVM Extensio

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, March 9, 2020 at 6pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

January 27, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 6:09 pm – 8.00 pm

Agenda Amendments

Approval of meeting minutes

January 13th minutes – read for any mistakes. Fiona moved to accept January 13^th minutes, Madeline seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Fiona Lugo – guests –Nancy Fitzgerald.

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Correspondence

Information from Lara Keenan – email with links to help library. Advocacy Community Connections.

Old Business

Discussion of budget and duties that need to be performed. Need to establish ways to increase funds for this year. How will the budget be affected next year?

Fiona moved to access money from Ameritrade Money Market. Madeline seconded.

Next Meeting – Monday, February 10 2020 at 6:00 pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

January 13, 2020

Minutes

Call to order – 6:11 pm – 8.00 pm

Agenda Amendments

Approval of meeting minutes

December minutes – read and fixed spelling mistakes and misinformation. Adele moved to accept the December minutes, Madeline seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Adele Wolfson – guests – Bobbi Capone and Nancy Fitzgerald, Laura Keenan

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report and Financial Report

Madeline moved to accept the librarian’s report and the financial report. Adele seconded; Passed unanimously.

Trustee training with Laura Keenan

Booklets handed out, Laura discussed aspects of trustee duties.

Next Meeting – Monday, February 10 2020 at 6:00 pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

December 9, 2019

Minutes Final Draft

Call to order – 6:00 pm

Agenda Amendments – Liberty Mutual, Sherri Paquette – Building; photo of library for stationary.

Approval of meeting minutes

November minutes – read and fixed spelling mistakes and misinformation. Madeline moved to accept the November minutes, Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report – Nov. and Oct. combined; Adele moved to accept the librarian’s report, Madeline seconded; Passed unanimously.

Financial Report – discussed report for November; questions answered. Adele moved to accept Nov. financial report, Madeline seconded. Passed unanimously.

Correspondence

GMLC Overdrive – renewed contract

Selectboard/Town clerk – requested report with 2019 budget, 2019 actual budget and 2020 requested budget. Kathleen and Gina are working on setting report up and will give to Town clerk.

Old Business:

Meeting – with the select board to give information – Monday, March 16^th – the third Monday of the month

Family Responsibility Policy – reviewed and revised – Kathleen will make corrections and sign at next meeting

Meeting – with Lara Keenan, January 13^th. Members will invite friends of library to meeting.

New business –

Town Report – due by January 17^th; Board discussed ideas and information to include. Kathleen will get information together and get the information to the town clerk.

Ameritrade – withdrawal of money by 12/29/19. Information on money market will be reinvested. Information does not seem correct. Debbie will call to find out information.

Next Meeting – Monday, January 13, 2019 at 6:00 pm

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

88 Main St. Richford

Agenda Monday, December 9, 2019

Special Meeting

6:00PM

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

GMLC Overdrive – Renewed Contract –

Selectboard/Town Clerk requested report with 2019 budget, Actuals and 2020 budget

Old Business:

Meeting with selectboard set time and date

Family Responsibility Policy – revised – Child Safety Policy

Invite Friends to January 13th meeting with Lara Keen

New Business:

Town Report – Due by January 17th

Ameritrade withdrawal by Dec. 29, 2019 – Hire Lawyer Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, January 13, 2019 at 6pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

November 18, 2019

Minutes

Call to order – 6:01 pm

Agenda Amendments – none

Approval of meeting minutes

October minutes – read and fixed spelling mistakes and misinformation. Fiona moved to accept the October minutes, Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Fiona Lugo and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report – Will discuss at next meeting

Financial Report – will discuss at next meeting

Old Business:

Trustee Replacement – later date

Quit Claim Deed – Fiona – no new information.

Budget meeting with the select board – decision made to discuss items to be presented to select board this evening. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 to go to select board meeting

Next Meeting – Monday, December 9, 2019 at 6:00 pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

September 16, 2019

Minutes

Call to order – 5:59 pm

Agenda Amendments – Laura visiting, hours

Approval of meeting minutes

August minutes – read and fixed spelling mistakes. Adele moved to accept the August minutes, Madeline seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby and Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

August – reviewed and discussed. Madeline moved to accept August librarian’s report. Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Financial Report

August – reviewed, questions asked and answered. Adele moved to accept August financial report. Madeline seconded. Passed unanimously.

Correspondence

ALA Library Value Calculator – handout – value of services provided by library; good for selectboard.

Old Business:

Trustee Replacement – names and suggestions

Quit Claim Deed – Fiona – no new information.

Library Utilities – phone

Building Maintenance – Windows – one needs to be replaced in children’s room. Finish painting porch.

Review Strategic Plan – need survey to process what the library should be for the town. Adele

Thank you notes – Premier does banners – no paper. Kathleen will contact prison about printing thank you notes.

Meeting Room Policy – next meeting – old business.

Library Parking – restricted because of building renovation – parking lines or reserved for library parking signs.

New Business

Budget – date to meet with the select board – November – 1^st Monday

Financial Reports – quarterly and activity statement – discussion of the reports and what trustees find confusing. Move to use the Statement of Activity comparison for Financial report – so moved by Adele; seconded by Madeline. Passed unanimously.

Other Business

Need to see minutes Fall 2018 – town expenses for the library. Decision to list expenses?

Insulation inside the building? See Sherri – children’s room window – leaking. Finish painting?

Next Meeting – Monday, October 28, 2019 at 6:00 pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

August 14, 2019

Minutes

Call to order – 6:02pm

Agenda Amendments – Change in library hours

Approval of meeting minutes

May minutes – read and fixed spelling mistakes. Casey moved to accept the May minutes, Adele seconded. Passed unanimously.

Attendance

Casey Blaney, Debbie Atherton, Kathleen Engstrom, Madeline Wetherby, Adele Wolfson.

Comments from Citizens Present

None attending

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

May, June and July – reviewed and discussed. Madeline moved to accept May, June and July’s librarians report. Fiona seconded. Passed unanimously.

Financial Report

May, June and July – reviewed, questions asked and answered. Adele moved to accept May, June and July’s financial report. Madeline seconded. Passed unanimously.

Correspondence

NNLM grant MOA signed – will be able to buy supplies needed.

GMLC VOKAL contract renewed – cost has gone up – $469.35. Needed for library.

Old Business:

Riverfest Update – Bought enough for 100 people, much fewer people this year. Only $270.00earne. Will probably not do next year – 2020.

Home Day Update – 5 or 6 boxes of Ben and Jerry’s served during the parade and later in the library. Star Wars figures attended and talked with people in the library during the shower

Quick Claim Deed – Fiona – no new information.

Library Utilities – Windows – one needs to be replaced in children’s room.

Building Maintenance –Furnace has been installed. ( estimate on making pipes more efficient) Porch finished except for a couple of railings. Priority list – 1. Window in children’s room; 2. Install gutters; 3. Cement steps in front of the library; 4. Front door – closing. Parking? Not enough room with extra equipment. Windows – Energy Grant?

Furnace Installation Plan – Installed

Review Strategic Plan – discussed the strategic plan and the need to complete a new plan. How to proceed – planning for town not the library. How do community members see the library or needs of the library? Community survey? Need to read over the previous strategic plan. Information from conference.

Building inspection with select board member – Done and observations noted in building maintenance.

New Business

Trustee Resignation – Discussed names of people to ask to replace resigning trustee. Time and skills needed.

Thank you notes – to library donors. Printed cards? Debbie will check options. Premier (848-3151) Tammy. Thank you cards if possible?

Conference Update – Adele and Kathleen – fundraising, event publicity, strategic plan – discussed.

Schedule Lara Keenan – September – discussion – other items to take care of – maybe Jan.

Library Parking – Space being taken up by equipment – People lack spaces to park.

Meeting Room Policy – handed out for trustees to review.

Other Business

Employees have been tracking use of library. Hours during the evening are not used. Mon. till 6; Wed. till 6; and Fri. till 6. Will continue to track usage when school starts. To be discussed at a later date.

Next Meeting – Monday, September16, 2019 at 6:00 pm

Trustees:

Debra Atherton Cochair, Secretary

Fiona Lugo Co chair

Casey Blaney Treasurer

Madeline Wetherby

Adele Wolfson

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

Agenda August 14, 2019, 6:00PM

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence:

NNLM Grant MOA signed

GMLC VOKAL contract renewed – $469.35

Old Business:

River Fest Update

Home Days Update

Quick Claim Deed

Library Utilities

Building Maintenance

Furnace Installation Update

Review Strategic Plan

Building inspection with selectboard member update

New Business:

Trustee Resignation – New trustee appointed by Board of Trustees

Thank you notes – Library Donors

Conference Update – Adele and Kathleen

Schedule Lara Keenan – September

Library Parking

Meeting Room Policy

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, September 16, 2019 at 6pm

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

Agenda May 20, 2019, 6:00PM

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Approval of

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Financial Report

Correspondence: NNLM Grant MOA signed

Old Business:

River Fest Update

Quick Claim Deed

Library Utilities

Building Maintenance

Parade Float Flatbed Offer for July 6

Furnace Installation Update

Review Strategic Plan

May – Building inspection with selectboard member

Policies: Patron Conduct – Sign

New Business:

Bookmobile Proposal and MOU

July Workday at Library

Conference Update – Adele and Kathleen

Trustees Responsibilities – Schedule Lara Keenan

Library Parking

Trustee sign checks for July

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, August 19, 2019 at 6pm

ARVIN A. BROWN LIBRARY

Special Meeting

June 10, 2019

6:00 PM

Agenda Items

Call to order

Agenda – Amendments

Attendance

Comments from Citizens Present

Old Business: Schedule for the Riverfest Fundraiser June 22, 2019

Other Business:

Next Meeting: Monday, June 17, 2019 at 6pm

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Minutes

May 20, 2019 6:00 – 7:05

Call to order – 6:00pm

Agenda – Amendments – Lindsey Wight – Riverfest

Discussion of expectations for Riverfest Food sale. Expect 80 people – plan on 100. Food ready at 11:30. Build your own sandwich. Bowl of fruit – water to drink.

Approval of minutes

April minutes – reviewed, corrected mistakes

Madeline moved to accept the corrected april minutes, Adele seconded, motion passed.

Special Meeting – March 29th – minutes reviewed, corrected. Adele moved to accept Special Meeting minutes, Madeline seconded. Motion passed.

Attendance

Kathleen Ingstrom, Madeline Wetherby, Debbie Atherton, Adele Wolfson

Comments from Citizens

None Present

Approval of

Librarian’s Report – done last month April and May

Financial Report – Questions about money spent on programs, money to be reimbirsed.

Items have been balaced for negative numbers, Kathleen will talk to Gina.

Madeline moved to accept April financial report, Adele seconded. Motion passed.

Correspondence

Received a donation from Neil (Bud) Lovelette

Old Business

Riverfest – June 22nd; plan for 100 people; Make your own sandwich; Turkey, Other meat?, Rolls, Mayo, Mustard, Tomatoes, onions (Adele), lettuce (5), Cheese (2),Cukes (2), Pickles – sweet and dill (sliced), Bowl of Fruit, Large paper plates, Napkins (got), got water.

Quit Claim Dee – no information.

Building Maintenance – front porch, back steps – Bob Peters

Strategic Plan – Info from conference Kathleen and Adele attending.

Building Walk around – May 29th at 3:30 – Sherri?

Policy – Patron Conduct – revised – Revised, Trustees will sign at June meeting.

New Business

Library float for July 6 celebration. Flatbed wagon with a tractor to pull. Get suggestions from Emily Fluery, Wendy, Melanie for ideas. Kathleen

Furnace – here this summer – work construction has delayed.

Other Business

none

Special Meeting

June 10, 2019, Library, 6:00 pm

Riverfest Planning

Next Meeting

June 17, 2019, Library, 6:00 pm

Arvin A. Brown

Trustee Meeting Minutes

April 29, 2019 6:07pm – 7:40 pm

Members Attending: Kathleen Engstrom, Fiona Lugo, Casey Blaney, Adele Wolfson, and Madeline Wetherby

Call to order– 6:07 pm

Agenda- Amendments

Comments from citizens present- none present

Approval of Meetings Minutes-

March minutes- Reviewed, discussed, made appropriate changes. Adele moved to accept, Madeline seconded. Approved

Approval of

Librarian’s Report

Viewed and discussed. Inter library loans has increased. More people are aware, with the use of Green Mountain Messenger. A nature walk is be set up with Pre-school and Kindergartners of Richford Elementary School. Adele moved to accept librarians report, Madeline seconded. Accepted.

Financial Report

Reviewed and Discussed

Correspondence

Building Update-New Furnace soon, will be more efficient. Piping will stay the same as it is very costly. Need new windows, also very costly. Porch update to be looked into.

Jason Broughton- Appointed State Librarian

Awarded NNLM All of Us Community Health Engagement Grant of $10,000 to be used for technology upgrades.

Awarded Summer Reading Program Presenter Grant of $200 to be used at Notch Day Camp

Old Business

Fundraising

Hometown Follies Update $242

Paint with Us – No Sign ups. Will need to cancel if none by Saturday May 4^th

Riverfest – Saturday June 22^nd 10:00 – 1:00

Will ask Hannafords, Vista and Missisquoi River Basin for donations.

Need to form a Friends of The Library Group to assist with fundraisers. Reach out to the community. Interest sign up at library desk.

Strategic Plan

Last 2007-2015 Read and Review. Needs to be updated with all 5 trustee members present.

New Business

Trustees Conference May 21^st Kathleen and Adele to attend.

Policies

Patron Conduct Reviewed

Building Inspection

To be done in May with a select board member and Trustees.

Staff Safety

Need for inside Cameras, currently only outside cameras. Monitors, Panic Button information to be obtain from IT Don Hill.

Long Term Staffing- Need for double coverage at times especially Wednesday nights.

Other Business:

Next Meeting- Monday May 20^th 2019 at 6:00 pm Library

Arvin A. Brown Library

Trustee Meeting

Minutes

March 18, 2019 6:08pm – 8:05 pm

Members Attending: Kathleen Engstrom, Fiona Lugo, Madeline Wetherby, Debbie Atherton, Casey Blaney and Adele Wolfson

Call to order – 6:08

Agenda – Amendments

Comments from citizens present – none present

Approval of Meeting Minutes

February minutes – Reviewed, discussed, made appropriate changes. Casey moved to accept, Madeline seconded. Approved.

Approval of Librarian’s Report

Viewed and discussed. Open House during April break for teachers and schools to explore all new items in the library, date not set. Fiona moved to accept librarian’s report, Madeline seconded. Accepted.

Financial Report

Reviewed and discussed. Ameritrade account discussed, how managed? Fiona made a motion to accept Feb. financial report. Madeline seconded. Accepted.

Correspondence

None

Old Business

Fundraising letter – ok. How it was sent.

Old Business

Job descriptions – change to Personnel Policy – signed by trustees

Fundraising

Hometown Follies -$211.00. Cupcakes left over, brownies good. More variety on Friday.

Suggestions – Popcorn Machine, Varieties of brownies, rice Krispie squares, No bake cookies.

Fundraising ideas – Movies -need to be shown at library; Paint and sip -morning – coffee and breakfast item. Debbie will check for place (school) and person (Pat Murphy). Or Goyne watercolor; Concert in the Park, REC activities – food choices. Cornhole. Silent Auction? Questions

New Trustees – Adele Wolfson – Fiona moved to accept Adele as a new trustee. Casey seconded. Accepted. Fiona moved to accept Debbie Atherton to an additional term. Casey seconded. Accepted. Department of Libraries, line 27, states ‘ one member appointed or elected by the select board. Discussion.

New Officers – will wait until members are more comfortable

New Business

Strategic Plan – last 2007 – 2015. Need to review – VT Libraries – Trustee Booklet.

Executive Meeting

Motion to follow up on decisions discussed in executive session. Fiona moved to follow above statement, Adele seconded. Accepted.

Special Next Meeting

Monday, April 29, 2019 at 6:00 pm Library

Arvin A. Brown Public Library