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Burlington Library AssociationRegular Meeting Minutes 2012-13Go to: Minutes
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2018-19 Minutes 2020-21 Call to Order by Vice-president Miller: 1:35 in the Community Room of the Burlington Public Library Attendance: BERTON, HASSKARL, MANTEL, KREWALK, LOTSTEIN, MONAHAN. SCHWARTZ ABSENT: WALLUK, HIERL, MERRIMAN, MILLER, SMALL Guest: Jan Morris Correspondence: None Secretary's Report: Motion was made by Nancy Winter to accept the amended October minutes. Second: Sandy Mazeau Approved. Treasurer's Report: Mazeau reviewed the 2013 budget and, at this time, it is in good shape. Mazeau discussed the draft of the 2014 budget. He plans to change "Capital Reserve" to "Building Fund" and will present a draft with the 2014 proposed numbers at the January meeting. Mantel made a motion to accept the December treasurer's report. Second: Len Berton Approved Webmaster's Report: Corrected minutes will be posted. Mantel will submit a report on the Almost Like New Book Sale. Berton reported that he added Schwartz, including his photo, to the Board page, and moved ALN Book Sale to Past Events. He posted the date of the Anniversary Event. There were 58 hits during the month. Library Director's Report: Hasskarl reported that the library received a million dollar construction grant from the State. The January programs are set and a schedule of the month's activities was passed out. The last day for the mitten tree will be December 18th. She is now working on the 2014 budget. Anniversary Committee: The scheduled meeting was cancelled because of bad weather and has been rescheduled for December 16th at Walluk's house. Old Business; There had been a concern brought up by Small at the October meeting about our insurance coverage. Walluk reported that no fiduciary coverage is needed at this time. She had difficulty getting answers because our agent left the company without notifying us, but she persevered until she received some answers and obtained a copy of our Directors & Officers policy. Book Sales: The Almost Like New Book Sale only made $290. The committee and volunteers were disappointed because not many people attended compared to the previous two years. There were many wonderful books for sale. The books will remain on the carts until Christmas. Because we are struggling to sell books at the regular sales, the committee has brainstormed some ideas. Starting in January, the Book Room in the basement will be open on Tuesday mornings from 10:30-11:30 for Book Giveaways. As part of the recycling process, free books will be offered. Hasskarl will post signs and Berton will post on the website. On the last Saturdays of January, February and March there will be $5 bag sales from 10-12. Berton has created a SignUp Genius for 2 volunteers for each of these dates, and Elaine Goucher will solicit volunteers after the new year. New Business: Lotstein would like newly elected Selectmen and Finance Board members to be invited to a meeting of the BLA to familiarize them with our work. Meeting Adjourned: 2:45 p.m. Respectfully
submitted, Meeting:
November 13, 2013. Secretary's report: Motion was made to accept the October minutes: Small Second: Miller. Approved. Treasurer's report: Mazeau was absent. No report Webmaster's report: Minutes have been posted along with pie sale and book sale. Sign up Genius is ready for the December Holiday As Good as New Sale on November 7, 2013. Library Director's Report: Hasskarl passed out coupons for the Friendly's Fundraiser on the 3rd Thursday of the month. The first one is 11/2/13. Bring the certificate to Friendly's in Unionville and 20% of your check will be donated to The Burlington Library. Hasskarl passed out the November 2013 Program Schedule. Anniversary Committee: The committee is still considering different ideas. The event will be held at the library on Friday November 14, 2014. Fall Book and
Pie Sales: In Winter's absence, Monahan reported on the results of the pie
sale.. A line of buyers was waiting for the pie sale to open. Mantel reported
on the book sale. Free books giveaway on the 2nd Tuesday downstairs while volunteers are working. The possibility arose of having just one book sale (in April) since there are so many sales in the surrounding areas in October. New Business: Small
and Berton had questions about the insurance bill and coverage. This will be
investigated further. Respectfully
submitted, Meeting:
October 9, 2013 Call to order: 1:32 in the Community Room of the Burlington
Public Library Correspondence: Walluk shared the most recent FOCL newsletter; Winter received a thank you from Marie for the basket from BLA. Secretary's
report: Hasskarl corrected her late mother's last name. Motion to approve the treasurer's report: Winter Second: Mantel Approved Webmaster's report: Berton reported posting the final copy of the approved Sept. minutes and final information about the book sale and pie sale. He set up Sign Up Genius for the book sale volunteers and reported that more volunteers are still needed. There were 43 hits in the past month. Library Director's Report: October 18th is Meet the Candidates Night, sponsored by the Library; Lotstein is organizing a Friends' table for that event; Hasskarl needs help after 5 that night with room prep, food, and clean up. She shared the October and November calendars. Unionville Friendly's approached the library with a proposal for a coupon fundraiser with a percentage of sales going to the library. They will try this for three months beginning November and targeting the 3rd Thursday of the month. Coupons will be handed out at Stop and Shop in Unionville, and will be posted on Facebook. The grant for the proposed library expansion was filed, and the results should be announced by Dec. Anniversary Committee: The committee is still in the planning stage, and no decisions have been made. Another meeting will be held Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. at the library. Fall Book and Pie
Sales: Sign up genius is up and running for the book sale volunteers, and signs
will be going up around town. Mantel is trying to get a coupon in the Courant,
and organizers are trying to expand the volunteer base. Diana is helping with
publicity in the Courant, and Walluk reported she is putting a paid ad in the
Yankee Flyer. A suggestion was made to have the colored flags at both the book
sale entrance and the front entrance and signs showing both sales events on
Saturday, the 26th. Book sale is October 24-26. Old Business: Investment Committee Policy Statement: The Executive Board met and drafted an investment statement. Walluk reported that after the meeting, those attending were not satisfied with the statement. A discussion was held about the mission of the BLA, how our money should be spent, and what our tolerance is for risk. The BLA has committed a significant amount of money to aid in the library expansion effort if the expansion is approved by town voters. A suggestion was made that we maintain the current status quo and postpone decisions about the long term investment of our money until we know about the expansion. The Executive Board will decide whether to meet again or to wait until we have more information about the expansion. New Business: Small invited BLA members to a November 2 Burlington Bell fundraiser to be held at K C Dubliner. Meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m. Respectfully
submitted, MEETING:
September 18, 2013 Call to order: 1:32 p.m. Correspondence:
Walluk reported that the annual state report was completed in August, and Mazeau
noted that it has been updated online; a bill was received for the General
Liability insurance and it was noted the premium increased to $552 from $502. We
are waiting for the bill for the Directors' and Officers' insurance. Secretary's
Report: The April 2013 minutes were passed with no additions or corrections. Treasurer's
Report: Winter has requested that her $100 FOCL award be added to memorial
donations made in her mother's name (Lauretta Schulz) for future use. Mazeau
reported that the Vanguard account is up to nearly $59,000. In response to
questions, Mazeau clarified language in the written report and how invoices and
bills are handled. Mazeau reported that we are close to making enough to cover
our budget for this year. We have taken in about $22,000 and have spent about
$21,000. The number of donors is 175, an increase from last year. Webmaster's Report: Berton reported that he has posted the following: the newsletter, approved March 2013 minutes, draft April 2013 minutes, and approved Annual Meeting May 2012 minutes. April book sale results and thank you to volunteers from Mantel were posted. Past and upcoming events were updated, the names of 2 new Life Members were added, information about the June Tent Sale as well as thank you to volunteers was posted, the new 3 year terms are updated on the Board page, and upcoming events appear at the top. Also, Sign Up Genius was set up for Tavern Day, and it will be set up for the October book sale. The website has had 323 hits since 4/17. Berton reported he was able to purchase 400 checks online and saved $69.20 from what the bank has charged. Library Director's Report: Assistant Director Rudzinski reported on a very successful and well attended summer program. There are a host of programs already scheduled for the fall including beginning knitting classes, Ancestry.com, gardening, TAP art project, and book clubs. The library is hosting a Meet the Candidates night to present the two candidates for First Selectman. It will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m., and Tom Monahan has agreed to serve as Moderator. The Backpack Project is moving forward. Burlington Bell donated money to fund the purchase of 14 backpacks as well as some themed books to begin filling the backpacks. Land Trust has a display in the front case this month. Old Business: Executive Committee Meeting of 5/7/13: There was a report on the results of a meeting held to discuss an investment proposal by the Investment Committee Berton, Mazeau, and Mike Ragaisis. Prior to the meeting, board members were given notes taken at that meeting. The discussion elaborated on what was written in the notes primarily that the Executive Committee rejected the proposal as being too aggressive. The only changes were to get out of the bond fund and to invest $4000 in a REIT fund. At the May meeting, it was felt that the board needs to develop policies and strategies to determine how we use our money and how/if we invest. The need for such a policy was mentioned by a professional investment advisor to some of the members of the Investment Committee, and board members agreed this is a logical next step. The Executive Committee will meet again on October 2 at 1:30 to begin the process of writing the policies and strategies. Mazeau will have some recommendations at this meeting. Anniversary Committee: Plans are being developed for a celebration of the 50th anniversary. Ideas include a 60s theme perhaps with a band or jukebox. Miller is researching the history of the friends. Planning will continue. Next meeting 9/23, 6:30 p.m. at the library. October Book Sale and Pie Sale: October 24, 25, 26 is the book sale, and the pie sale is the 26th. Jeanne LaBlanc has volunteered to do publicity. We will have street signs and a paid ad. At Tavern Day 15 people volunteered to make pies. Sign up sheets will be put in the library this week. Sign up Genius will be implemented for book sale volunteers. Mantel and Elaine Goucher are looking into alternatives for pick up of books we no longer want. PROQUO is no longer doing this. It was suggested that bookmarks with the sale dates be put out at the Meet the Candidates program. Len Alderman Tribute: Ann Mazeau is heading up planning for the event to be held Sunday, October 6, from 2-4 p.m. in honor of retiring town historian Len Alderman. New Business: The town approved sending a grant application for a library expansion to the state, and Hasskarl followed through and sent in the application. Meeting Adjourned At: 2:58 p.m Respectfully
submitted: MEETING: April 17, 2013 Call to order: at 1:26 p.m. Attendance:
Berton, Hasskarl, Hierl, Mantel, Mazeau, Merriman, Monahan, Small, Walluk,
Winter Correspondence: Walluk shared a note from the family of Helen Fabian thanking the BLA for a condolence note. Walluk reminded members that the FOCL boot camp is this Saturday and asked if anyone would like to attend to take her place. Mazeau received a solicitation from Dun & Bradstreet as well as a letter from the IRS accepting the fact that a tax report is not required. Secretary's Report: No changes. Motion to approve: Small, Second: Monahan. Approved Treasurer's Report: Mazeau reported he filed January and March sales tax returns and paid $3 and $4 respectively. He requested someone review last year's bank statements to confirm all funds are accounted for. Berton will review them. Mazeau presented a capital budget resolution for the annual meeting which would authorize capital expenses for a future library expansion if outlined conditions are met. The resolution was discussed and amended and will be presented at the annual meeting. Mazeau discussed line item details of the 2013 budget and answered questions about it. The total budget of $35,500 will be presented for approval at the annual meeting. Motion to approve: Berton Second: Hierl Approved Webmaster's Report: The webmaster reported log-in total of 57 in February, 65 in March, and 73 for April as of this date. All approved minutes have been posted. The postponement and new date of the Black Forest Sale were posted. Bake sale results and thanks to bakers were posted as were staff changes. Also posted was information about upcoming events, the Book Sale and Tent Sale with links to Sign-up Genius for volunteers, and photos of staff and bake sale photos submitted by Sara LoPresti. Information and sign up link for the Annual Meeting Spring Social were also posted. Library Director's Report: Hasskarl reported that she was invited to present information about the possible library expansion to the Board of Finance. She gave a PowerPoint presentation and answered questions. Included in the budget is a capital expense of $40,000 for architect schematics and a survey. There will be a budget hearing on May 22 at which citizens can comment, and a vote on the budget on June 4. Hasskarl asked the board to support a bill before the legislature to compel publishers to sell e-books to libraries by contacting our representative, preferably by phone. The Love Your Library magazine drive is going on this month. In addition to print magazines, the library has Zinio which offers online magazines. April and May
programs were mentioned and a calendar of programs for those months distributed. Program Committee: There will be a meeting to plan the annual meeting at 2:30 on Thursday, April 25 at the library. Invitations will be sent to people who have helped with library events, to town officials, and to leaders of some town organizations, among others. There was an open invitation in the newsletter. We need help especially with food and publicity. Old Business: Fire Safe and Shelves: Walluk purchased a fire safe which has proven to be too small. She will return it and buy a larger one. There are some magazine racks in the basement which were donated by the Avon Library, and these will be utilized as shelves for the BLA. The newsletter was mailed on Monday at a total cost of $2074. The April book sale is all set. We still need a few volunteers plus some for the June tent sale. Walluk shared a copy of the notice to Region 10 teachers advising them that they can attend the Thursday book sale free of charge by showing their i.d.'s. New Business: Ann Mazeau, Local History Specialist, told us that the Town Historian, Leonard Alderman, will celebrate his 20th year as historian in 2014. Ann is in contact with Chuck Bird and others in town to help plan a celebration to mark this milestone. She hopes the BLA will be interested in co-sponsoring, and will keep us posted as planning continues. 50th Birthday: The BLA turns 50 next year! A committee was formed to begin planning events to mark this occasion. Hasskarl, Winters, and Hierl volunteered, and others are encouraged to join. Walluk will contact Miller and ask her to chair the committee. Hand-outs: Two articles, detailing the roles of library staff, trustees (similar to town library board), and Friends, were handed out. Members are encouraged to read these before the September meeting so we can discuss. Karen Selinger, as president of the town board, will attend the session on this topic at the FOCL meeting this Saturday. Meeting Adjourned At: 3:07 p.m. Respectfully
submitted, Meeting called to order in the Anne Walluk Community Room at 2:02 p.m. by President Anne Walluk ATTENDANCE: BERTON, HASSKARL, HIERL, KREWALK, LOTSTEIN, MILLER, SMALL, WALLUK, WINTER absent: MANTEL, MAZEAU, MERRIMAN, MONAHAN Guest: Karen Selinger CORRESPONDENCE: Walluk shared information about the April 20 FOCL Boot Camp; anyone interested please let her know by March 20. Winter shared a Valley Press article about the BLA and a cartoon. SECRETARY'S REPORT: No additions or corrections. MOTION TO APPROVE: Small. SECOND: Winter. Approved. TREASURER'S
REPORT: In the absence of treasurer Mazeau, there was no formal treasurer's
report. WEBMASTER'S REPORT: Website is up to date. LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Hasskarl reported that she is waiting to hear from the town about the budget. The budget, as submitted, includes costs for preliminary schematics for a possible library renovation. There will be a public budget hearing in May and a vote in June. She will inform us of the dates. Hasskarl further reported that she will be paying the bill from Martin Landscaping from the library building maintenance fund. There is an old magazine rack that BLA is welcome to use for the book sale. A new library assistant, Claire Strillacci, has been hired for 12 hours/week. There were some issues with the building as a result of the recent heavy rain. The Love your Library magazine drive will be held in May this year. PROGRAM COMMITTEE: Winters reported that the Black Forest Bake Sale earned a total of $710. There were a total of 25 bakers. Special thanks to Berton and Small for their assistance. Winters shared some feedback she received about the sale items. She suggested that we hold a conversation at a later date about the feasibility of continuing this sale. OLD BUSINESS: The newsletter is set to go to the printer. It will cost about $887 which includes printing, wafer sealing, and post office paperwork and mailing. NEW BUSINESS:
Walluk will be away the week of April 10. NEXT MEETING WILL BE APRIL 17. The Annual Meeting will again be a social event and include the required business meeting. Information will be included in the newsletter. At the request of a BLA member, at each BLA board meeting Marie or another Library Board member will provide the BLA with feedback from the Library Board. MEETING ADJOURNED AT: 4:20 p.m. Respectfully
submitted, Call to order: in the Community Room of the Burlington Public Library at 1:31 by VP Pat Miller. Attendance: Berton, Hasskarl, Hierl, Krewalk, Lotstein, Miller, Small, Winter. Absent: Mantel, Mazeau, Merriman, Monahan, Walluk, Guests Karen Selinger, Paul Rochford, Laurie Meheran, Janice Luise-Lutkus and David Lutkus Correspondence: Miller shared a thank you note from Pat Small for flowers. Secretary's report: The January minutes were received by all. Motion to approve: Small Second: Berton Motion approved At this point in
the meeting, the presenters from Aspen Dreams arrived and began their
presentation. Janice outlined a
typical night which would begin with a cocktail hour (cash bar) and possibly a
silent auction of some type to raise additional funds. The dinner would be part
of the play. David provided advice about pricing the event. They have found the
most successful events are held on Saturday night followed by Friday night then
Sunday afternoon. Some groups have had a Sunday afternoon program with only hors
d'oeuvres or dessert. He suggested that we would need to negotiate price with
any venue and said we should not pay any more than $20 per person for meals.
Buffets are cheaper. Also, we should have a cash bar and can expect to share in
the profit from this which he indicated is typically 20%. Aspen Dreams normally
charges $3000-3500 for their performances. They are willing to do this at cost
$2500 for the comedy wedding, $2100 for a murder mystery. They provide press
releases we might use, and they also have a list of newspaper emails. They would
want a deposit, all the money by August for a fall production, and would only
work with one person from our group as the contact person. They don't book
similar events in an area so you aren't competing locally. They would want a
commitment from us by March 15th. A few places they suggested were Fairview
Farms Golf Course, Farmington Gardens, and the Torrington Elks Hall. As far as
dates are concerned, they indicated October and early November are good times to
hold these events. AT THIS POINT IN
THE MEETING, SEVERAL MEMBERS HAD LEFT, SO WE NO LONGER HAD A QUORUM. Webmaster's report: Berton passed. Library
Director's Report: Laurie Meheran gave a presentation of programs the library
would like to have in support of the Summer "Dig Into Reading"
program. The theme for teens would be READING: CAN YOU DIG IT. In discussions
with the school, they identified summer as a time students lose ground and they
would support efforts to bolster summer reading. Laurie presented a list of
programs she would like to book for the summer, and she requested an increase
from $2000 to $3000 for the summer program. The programs she listed range in
price from $70 to $425, and range in topic from rescue animals to fossils to zoo
animals. She is also hoping to work with Parks and Rec. In addition, she would
like to purchase a sandbox for outside. Winter indicated she would speak with
her husband about helping to build a sandbox and cover. Because we did not have
the treasurer present, we were not comfortable making any financial decisions
about raising her funding limit. She is working on the budget, and she will let the board members know when the Town Meeting will be held. Program
Committee: Meeting adjourned at 3:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Hierl, Secretary Meeting: January 9, 2013. Call to order: in the Community Room of the Burlington Public Library at 1:34 by VP Pat Miller. Attendance: Berton, Hasskarl, Hierl, Krewalk, Mazeau, Miller, Small. Absent: Lotstein, Mantel, Merriman, Monahan, Walluk, Winter. Guest: Ted Shafer Berton announced that Ted Shafer would be joining the meeting to discuss our insurance policies. A motion was made by Miller to proceed with the regular meeting and upon Ted Shafer's arrival, begin discussion of insurance policies by Small. Mazeau seconded. Motion approved. Correspondence: Miller announced the FOCL spring boot camp will be held April 20th and will focus on fundraising other than book sales. She also shared two relevant articles on e-books, one from the Courant, and the other from the Wall Street Journal. Mazeau reported he had been contacted by Dun and Bradstreet and told them we don't require their services or a credit rating from them. Secretary's
report: The December minutes were received by all. Treasurer's
report: Sales tax forms have been filed and a sales tax of $3 has been paid.
The year end report distributed at the meeting is a draft as Mazeau is waiting
for the final documents from Main St. and the bank. Income for the year was over
budget in all categories. Year end: 57 donors contributed $3400. Total dues
donations for the year were nearly $17,000. Vanguard was up $2700. Members were
asked to review the draft 2013 budget to be discussed at the next meeting.
Mazeau indicated we have 212 donors this year vs. 227 last year. He added the
separate insurance budget line item as requested. Book sales continue to drop. A
suggestion was made that money designated for the History Room be held in a fund
account until there is space to purchase needed supplies and equipment. Webmaster's report: Berton reported he posted the approved November minutes, put a notice for the upcoming Black Forest Bake Sale at the top of the home page, moved the December book sale to past events and posted final numbers for the book sale as well as a photo, and wrote up and posted Winter's text including a request for bakers for the February bake sale. There were 49 unique visitors to the website since the last meeting. Library Director's Report: Hasskarl and Board of Directors president Selinger have been working on the budget and it has been submitted to the town. The budget will be presented to a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance on January 30th. BLA board members are encouraged to attend. The time of the meeting will be sent. The budget focus is on improving staff salaries and materials. The board is working on ways to enhance the image of the library. Sara LoPresti has been named new Teen Librarian. Two oversized chairs and an ottoman were purchased for the teen area as well as a new bookcase. The area is too small for the furniture and books. Multiple copies of books are being stored in the basement. There is a local teen group, Safe Harbor, which is working with Burlington and Harwinton teens to plan activities. The librarians are looking into ways to encourage more teens to use the library, and this group may offer a way to reach them. Hasskarl shared the January and February calendars. February 2, 10-5, is Take Your Child to the Library Day. There will be two llamas here, drawings, and other activities for children and parents. The magazine drive has been moved from February to April. Program Committee: Black Forest Bake Sale will be held on February 9, from 10-2. Sign up sheets for bakers will be at the desk by the end of this week. Winter will need help with set up and pricing on the 8th and with the sale on the 9th. Old Business: Insurance: Ted Shafer kindly reviewed our new insurance policies and reported that we are well covered for any activities that we are likely to hold. He has no concerns about the coverage, and he reported that we are working with an agent with an excellent reputation and experience working with libraries. He will be sharing the policies with the town insurance broker to see how our coverage integrates with the town coverage. He suggested that we inform our agent if we decide to hold events which are different from what we've been doing to make sure we have appropriate coverage. He also cautioned that we should inform our agent immediately if we receive anything in writing or verbally that someone is injured or in some way disgruntled with us. He indicated there is a time limit to report issues of concern to make sure we are covered. To that end, BLA members are cautioned to report immediately anything that is seen or heard that could result in an insurance claim (someone hurt at a program or book sale, volunteer hurt, etc.). Ted requested copies of our minutes. We will add Ted to our minutes distribution list. Fundraising Proposal: We will have a presentation on the Mystery Dinner fundraiser at our February meeting. Berton indicated that the Land Trust is interested in the possibility of partnering with us on a fundraising project. New Business:
Bash the Trash: Berton discussed a program presented by an environmental
advocacy group, Bash the Trash, that is a family event. Instruments are made
from trash and a musical presentation is part of the event. This fundraiser is
being held in New Canaan, coupled with a pasta dinner, and Berton will report
back with the results. The group, which has performed internationally, charges
$1200. Small has reviewed their website and mentioned that the group is based in
New York. Respectfully
submitted, CALL
TO ORDER: The Meeting was called to order at 1:34 p.m. in the Anne Walluk
Community Room of the library. Motion
to accept Small, Second Miller. Treasurer’s Report was approved. PROGRAM
COMMITTEE: GOOD
AS NEW BOOK FOCL
AWARD: Winter would like a simple statue or similar item placed near the
entrance to the library with the message “Library Friends,” or “Friends
Welcome You.” We will all explore options and discuss at the next meeting. NEW
BUSINESS: It has been proposed that we consider undertaking an annual or
biennial major fundraiser. Any expansion to the library will necessitate our
stepping up fundraising efforts. We will consider options and are looking into
booking presentations for the January and February meetings from groups willing
to come and explain what fundraising opportunities they can provide for us.
Walluk is looking into a group which presents “Mystery Dinners,” and
Lotstein is looking into the New Hartford music series. All ideas are welcome
and will be considered. Respectfully
submitted, Sandra
Hierl, Secretary Call
to order: in the Community Room of the Burlington Public Library
at 1:34 Attendance:
Berton, Hasskarl, Hierl, Krewalk, Lotstein, Mantel, Mazeau, Merriman, Miller,
Monahan, Small, Walluk, absent: Winter Guest: Karen Selinger,
newly elected president of the Board of Library Directors Correspondence:
Walluk shared a thank you note from Nancy Winter for flowers sent on behalf of
the BLA . Secretary’s
report: A draft copy of the minutes of October 10 were inadvertently
sent out, and there were several corrections: Treasurer’s Report and Amended
Treasurer’s Report were both approved; last line of Webmaster’s Report word
newsletter deleted; Library Director’s Report “Seat” should be
“Chair;” Program Committee Third sentence should read, “We received a
grant from the Civil War Commemorative Committee…”; Pie Sale name
Goncher should be Gonchar. Minutes will now be indicated as numbered drafts
until the final copy is ready for distribution.
Motion to approve: Small, Second: Miller. Approved with one abstention Treasurer’s
report: We are nearly at last year’s final total and are within 60
donors of last year. The bake sale income is $700 over last year’s total. Book
sale total for the year is $1520.40. Last year’s total was $1757.50. Mazeau
reported he had just picked up over $400 in donations today. Income is
over in every category. $595 and $500 were paid out for insurance. It was
requested that this appear as a separate line item in the budget. $3800 is left
to spend this year. We will not be receiving money from Main Street as we are
below historic value.
Motion to approve: Small, Second: Miller. Motion approved Webmaster’s
report: Berton reported he made changes to minutes and posted those,
listed the bakers’ names and pie sale results, changed the Civil War program
from upcoming to past, and posted book sale results. Sheila was deleted from the
staff page, sign up genius was changed from the October book sale to the
December book sale, and a link, “Join” was added to the left. It was
suggested that the next upcoming event be indicated with a headline to call
attention to it. Library
Director’s Report: BLA purchased 4 personal computers. The custodian
resigned, and the position is currently being advertised. Laurie Meheran is
assuming custodial duties until the job is filled. Two new Board of Library
Directors members were appointed by the Board of Selectmen: Sandra Hierl and
Jodi Kryzanski. The net profit from the auction is $3700. The librarians would
like the BLA to consider holding a big fundraiser every year or every other
year. Program Committee: Final report for book sale - Jenny and Elaine Goucher: Mantel sent letters to 20 dealers. Attendance by dealers was down, and a discussion was held as to whether the admission charge is a deterrent. Only 18 people came to the Thursday sale. Business picked up Friday and stayed busy even after 3pm. Saturday morning was brisk in the a.m. and steady in the p.m. Comparison
numbers for fall sale: ’09 $2087; ’10 $2637; ’11 $1839; ’12 $1507.
A discussion was held as to possible changes in days, times, pricing, and
purging of old books, and the book sale committee will meet to come up with
ideas. Next year, the pie sale will be held the same day as the book sale. It
was noted that flyers were not sent home with school children as done last
spring. Pie
Sale: 34 bakers made a total of 98 pies. Final total: $1062.50. Well done,
Nancy and crew. Dec
8 Good - as - New sale: December 8 is the next book sale, and Sign up Genius is
up and running for volunteers. Mantel will be doing publicity, and Walluk will
look into sending flyers home with elementary students. Help is needed to sort
and price the books prior to the sale. Two teenage volunteers have been
recruited. Help is needed to set up on Friday, December 7, from 3-5 p.m. Options
for 2013: The Black Forest Bake Sale will be held February 9. Program ideas
generated at a program committee meeting include hiking CT, flower arranging,
book appraisals, speakers from museums where we have passes, charcoal industry,
and landscaping. Ann Guernsey at the CT Historical Society is a resource.
Suggestions made include hosting members of the Town Center Committee and music
programs. Old
Business: The insurance has been taken care of; Anne will give Len the
policies to review.
A decision on how to spend Nancy’s FOCL award will be discussed in December. New
Business: Miller attended the FOCL meeting and reported on topics and
suggestions. A focus of the meeting was recruiting and retaining board members,
and suggestions include doing a needs assessment so you know what you’re
looking for, recruiting younger members, using social media, and tapping retired
teachers as resources. It was suggested that every program have a prominent
sign, “Sponsored by…”. Ken Wiggins, State Librarian, spoke about the
impact of e-books on used book sales and discussed recent court cases involving
the sale of used books printed out of the country. A Stamford library
representative suggested counting what sells. Publishers are looking at e-books
and how they can control access to them. They don’t like selling them to
libraries. It was pointed out that e-books will be the new norm for the younger
generation. The
Farmington Valley Visitors’ Association is planning a tour of 1 room
schoolhouses. It is tentatively scheduled for April 27th, 2013. The
library will once again collect mittens and hats on its Mitten Tree. The teens
will be having a food drive in December. The
town has scheduled the annual carol sing for the evening of December 12. Next
Board meeting is December 12. Meeting
adjourned at 3:34 p.m.
Call to order:
in the Community Room of the Burlington Public Library
at 1:38 p.m. Attendance:
Berton, Hasskarl, Hierl, Mantel, Mazeau,
Merriman, Miller, Small, Walluk, Winter; absent
Krewalk, Lotstein, Monahan Correspondence:
Walluk has registration materials for the fall FOCL meeting to be held November
10 at Central Connecticut State University. The topic will focus around e-books,
and speakers will include state librarian Kendall Wiggin and Stanford Library
Board president James Benn. Anyone wishing to attend should notify Anne by the
end of this week. She will also
invite Elaine Goucher. Secretary’s report:
Two changes were made in the minutes—spelling correction of Hierl and
deletion of statement that Winter was going to try Sign Up Genius for the pie
sale. Motion to accept by Miller, Second by Winter. Motion passed with one
opposed. Treasurer’s report:
Mazeau reported that the September statement from Vanguard indicates the
account is up $1100. We have 159 donors to date and need 19 more by year end to
meet our goal. The Cat’s Meow has nearly paid for itself. Mazeau noted that
all asset categories are up. Motion
to approve: Small
Second: Miller. approved Mazeau
later reported that he filed state sales tax and paid $5 to the state. Motion to
approve amended Treasurer’s report: Berton
Second: Mantel. approved Webmaster’s
report: Berton reported that
April minutes have been posted as approved rather than draft, passwords for the
website and PayPal have been sent to Walluk, and the website has been updated to
add a link to the Sign Up Genius for book sale volunteers, to provide
information about the pie sale, and to move the Ezra Chamberlain program to past
events. Additionally, Berton asked
Diana to add that the book sale first day is free to members to the regular
library newsletter, which she did. Meeting
adjourned at 2:53 p.m. Sandra
Hierl, Secretary Call to order:
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. in the Anne Walluk Comm. Room Attendance:
Berton, Krewalk, Lotstein, Mantel, Mazeau, Merriman, Miller, Monahan, Small,
Walluk, Winter and librarian Marie Hasskarl. Absent: Hierl Visitor: Ted
Shafer, First Selectman Correspondence:
Walluk received a save the date for the FOCL Fall Conference on November 10th. Secretary’s Report:
Minutes approved without change. Motion to approve: Miller, Second Small Treasurer’s Report:
Mazeau reported that we were ahead of schedule in donations. Motion
to approve: Small, Second Miller. Approved. Webmaster’s Report: Berton reported the website was up to date. He has installed Sign Up Genius and it was used successfully for Tavern Day. The book sale committee is going to use it for signing up volunteers. Lotstein raised the question
about who else knew the passwords for the website and PayPal. The issue
was discussed and Lotstein made the motion that passwords be kept on file by the
president. Motion to approve Small, Second Monahan. Motion carried. Library Director’s
Report: Hasskarl discussed the upcoming chair auction Take a Seat.
Finished chairs are coming back to the library. There should be 50 chairs
to auction. Summer Reading program was a success. Adult
participation was up. Program Committee:
Volunteers were at Tavern Day to pass out flyers, etc. Three of the
auction chairs were on display. Winter had a sign up sheet for pies.
Walluk and Hasskarl were there for the entire day visiting with residents and
non-residents. Gail Muri, Winter, Berton, Mantel volunteered. The
old school house was open and many enjoyed visiting it. CSS Hurley and Ezra Chamberlain
Thursday Sept. 27th 7 PM Old Business:
First Selectman, Ted Shafer, reported on the meeting that Len Berton and he had
with the town lawyer. The bottom line is that the association needs to get
its own liability insurance to cover the group and individuals. Shafer
went through various scenarios to illustrate why this is needed. Small is
investigating possible agents and, hopefully, a policy will be in effect by the
time of the chair auction. *Even though the association isn’t sponsoring
it was advised that insurance should be purchased to cover all events with which
the association may be involved. Winter made the motion that the
association should purchase liability insurance on its own. Motion to
approve Mantel, Second Monahan. Motion carried. There was a discussion with
Shafer about the money raised by the auction and if it could be transferred to
the association. Hasskarl was meeting with him after the meeting to
discuss this issue. New Business:
Discussion was tabled about the use of the $100 FOCL award Winter
received. The meeting was adjourned at
3:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, MEETING: April 11, 2012 Correspondence: Main St. is sponsoring a workshop
on the 12th: 8 Secrets of Fundraising; the CT State Friends Boot Camp will be
the weekend of April 20th. Anyone wishing to attend can get the information at
the front desk Respectfully submitted, Call to order:
in the Community Room of the Burlington Public Library at 1:31 p.m. Attendance:
Berton, Hierl, Krewalk, Mazeau, Merriman, Miller, Rudzinski, Small,
Walluk, Winter. Absent: Hasskarl, Lotstein, Mantel.
Guest: Nancy Monahan Correspondence:
Walluk shared the contents of a letter from H & R Block inviting the
Association to participate in a project to help them attract new clients. It was
decided we would not pursue further. Elaine Eberhard sent a
lovely thank you note for the candy and flowers from the Board. Library Board
Boot Camp will be held April 21. Let Anne know if you’re interested in
attending. Pat Small shared a flyer from the Farmington Valley Visitor’s
Association advertising its April 28 Historic Barn Tour. Secretary’s
report: Minutes were
accepted as presented. Motion to approve: Small,
Second: Miller. Treasurer’s
report: Mazeau has filed
the required statement since our income does not require a tax form. For 2011 we
had $101,000 in assets. Of that, we have $50,000 in unrestricted funds
specifically dedicated for library expansion expenses. Mazeau had updated the
resolution for expansion. He will also apply for a sales tax permit so we can
sell items beyond our 5 allotted events per year. To date, we have received
$430 in memorial donations. Mazeau
presented a draft budget of approximately $37,000. A discussion was held on a
few line items. Rudzinski indicated that the librarians will be asking for a
donation to offset expenses for a fall fundraiser. Once we know what the
expenses are, we will add this to the budget.
The final budget will be presented at the annual meeting. Webmaster’s
report: The latest approved
minutes have been posted, and earlier minutes have been reorganized to make it
easier for visitors to find them.
Berton removed the staff member who left. He added a corporate matching fund
option to the donation page, posted results from the book and bake sale, added a
photo from the bake sale, and listed bakers along with Winter’s thank-you
message. He also added a link from the home page to the sales page. Library
Director’s Report: SILENT ART AUCTION: Rudzinski reported on initial
planning for an art auction fundraiser to be held in October. It is just in the
planning stages, and the board will be kept informed as decisions are made. The
committee has met once and will meet again on March 26th. It is
expected that financial help will be needed to offset some of the upfront costs
such as printing, advertising, and deposits. BUDGET:
Hasskarl presented her budget to the Board of Selectmen. It reflected a 10%
increase, and she was asked to come back with a 3% and a 6% budget. She is
currently working on both. It was noted that a large part of the budget increase
is for higher utility bills. REVISED
TOWN CHARTER: The library received copies of the proposed changes to the
town charter and it has copies available at the library as well as on the
website. PROGRAMS:
March programs include a computer
class on Facebook, story hours, TAC tutoring on Saturdays, the new Muppet movie, and a family fun night of games followed by a Hunger
Games Trivia contest. April
programs will include the classic film Stranger
on a Train, Silly Science, Zoo on the
Go during school vacation week, They
Call Me Lizzy on April 12 at 7, G.
Fox, the 1950’s, to be presented on April 25 at 6:30, and the annual
spring book sale April 26-28. Program
Committee: VACATION BOOK SALE: Walluk reported on decisions made at an
earlier meeting of the program committee: A decision was made that we not hold a
summer vacation reading book sale but, instead, add more books to the carts. CIVIL
WAR PROGRAMS: Three Civil War programs have been scheduled. April 12, 7
p.m., They Call Me Lizzie, a one woman drama about Elizabeth Keckly,
dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln, September 27 7 p.m., Ezra Chamberlain and the CSS Hunley, and October 25, 7 p.m. Civil
War Medicine. ANNUAL
MEETING: The Annual Meeting will be held Friday, May 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. It
will be a mainly social event with a short business meeting. The business
meeting will begin at 6:30 and will include remarks by Walluk as well as a 5
minute presentation on the future of the library. Refreshments will be served
beginning at 7, and Life Members will be eligible for door prizes. Winter and
Lotstein are responsible for refreshments, Winter for paper goods, Small for
door prizes, Hasskarl for name
tags, and Walluk for invitations to Life Members. Old
Business: FEBRUARY BAKE/BOOK SALE: Winter reported that the Black Forest
Bake Sale earned $881.50. Thirty bakers combined for a total of 183 items. This
was twice as much as the sale earned in previous years. The book sale portion
earned $356. Special thanks to Len Berton, Jennifer and Richard Lotstein, Pat
Small, Elaine Eberhard, and Sami Sebastian for their help with set up/clean up.
The Board recognizes the efforts of Nancy Winter in organizing this major
fundraiser. BASEMENT
DOOR: Hasskarl and Craig Winter are consulting about the door. ENVELOPE
AND NEWSLETTER: Final revisions have been made to the donation envelope and
it will go to the printer soon. Walluk is in the process of drafting the spring
newsletter. She is revising the format to fit on a single sheet. We will look
into ways of securing the envelope in the newsletter. New
Business: BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND BY-LAWS: Berton will work on drafting
updates to the by-laws to change the number of board members and to eliminate
the specific amounts of dues. He will present the amendments for approval at the
annual meeting. Berton was also
asked to serve with Walluk as the nominating committee to renew or select board
members and officers whose terms are expiring. BOOK
SALE: Anne will contact Mantel to see how plans are going for the April book
sale. PUBLICITY:
Hierl suggested we renew efforts to find someone to be responsible for all
BLA publicity. BOXWOODS: Merriman
suggested that we consider leaving the outdoor areas without plantings once the
diseased boxwoods are removed. Several factors contribute to this being a
“hostile environment” for plants. The board concurred.
Merriman also generously brought two varieties of pussywillows for board
members to plant at home. Thank you, Bob. Meeting
adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra
Hierl Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Vice President Nancy Winter at 1:32 p.m. in the Anne Walluk Community Room of the library. Attendance: Berton, Hasskarl, Hierl, Lotstein,
Mazeau, Miller, Small, Winter. Absent: Krewalk, Mantel, Merriman, Walluk. Correspondence: An email from Walluk was shared with the board. She noted the resignation of Eberhard and offered a welcome to Lotstein. Walluk indicated that the program committee will meet to plan the annual meeting when she returns from Florida. Winter reported that 5 donations have been received in memory of Margaret Lewis. As requested by the family, these donations will be used for the History Room. Thank you notes will be sent to donors, and a letter will be sent to the family detailing the amount of the donations and seeking input as to how the money will be spent. Secretary's Report: A motion to accept the minutes was made by Miller, seconded by Small. Motion approved. Treasurer's Report: Mazeau shared the nearly finalized end of year budget. He is awaiting final numbers from the Main Street account. The total donors for 2011 was 227, down from 245 in 2010. Income for the year was $30,475.73 which exceeded the budget by $1110.73, and spending of $30,475.73 was under budget by $7308.04. Mazeau then presented a draft budget for 2012. Discussion was held on the various entries, and members will look over the proposed budget numbers and come with suggestions in March. A motion to approve was made by Small, seconded by Hierl. Motion approved. Webmaster's Report: Berton reported that the most recent approved minutes have been posted to the website. He has made improvements to the sales page, adding photos of the walking sticks, enhancing the photo of the Cat's Meow, and added its correct dimensions. Hasskarl suggested adding a link from the home page photo of the Cat's Meow to the Sales page to emphasize that other items are available as well. Library Director's Report: Hasskarl has worked on
the new budget for the town. It reflects an increase of 10% primarily in the
areas of increased staffing, custodian, and materials. She reported that the
town allows wine to be served at functions in town buildings only when the event
is a fundraiser. The library staff is planning a silent art auction fundraiser
to benefit the teen and children's area. It is hoped this will become an annual
event. The Love Your Library magazine campaign is underway. Program Committee: Black Forest Bake Sale/Loving, Laughter and Living Book Sale is this Saturday, February 11. Winter will be setting up on Friday beginning at 1:30. Berton and Small will help. Elaine Eberhard will set up the book sale. Marie will clean out the refrigerator on Thursday. Monies from the baked goods sale and the book sale will be collected separately so we will be able to evaluate the success of each. Donations will be accepted all day Friday. Old Business: Donation envelope: tabled until March. Basement door: tabled until March New Business: Tabled until March Meeting Adjourned At: 2:24 p.m. Sandra Hierl Meeting: January 4, 2012 Old Business: Meeting adjourned at: 3:17 p.m. Respectfully Submitted,
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