Visitors:Granby Historical Commission members: NancyBrooks, JonBrook, GregLeonard, and MarkMonaco; Friends of the Granby Public Library President MartyJewett
The meeting began at 6:38 pm.Minutes from our previous meeting of January 4, 2010 were read. Gwen made a motion to accept them with corrections; seconded by Amy.All in favor.
The meeting began with an introduction by NancyBrooks of the Historical Commission members.Virginia followed by giving an overview of the library siding history to the Commission.Up for discussion was an initial quote to side the remaining painted portions of the library.This quote (see attachment) was handed out to Board and Commission members.Virginia noted that it is significantly cheaper to aluminum side than to paint.A quote of $20,344 was given to Town Administrator Chris Martin to strip and repaint the problem areas.Discussion followed with the Commission citing their by-laws dictate and what the word “cover” on the initial quote implied.Virginia asked what the next step in the process would be if the Commission gave us permission to go ahead.Their by-laws state that items cannot just be covered up.Some need to be replaced, i.e., crown molding.New lead laws going into effect in April 2010 may also impact how the building is treated.GreggLeonard explained to the Board the difference between the various types of materials used and how many buildings are updated.It was asked whether or not members of the Commission and the Board should meet again with the initial bidder.It was agreed that we would meet again during the day with the bidder so that all parties can discuss in depth what can be done.
With the departure of the Historical Commission, the Board moved on to the next agenda item.Virginia informed us that she was appointed to the Ad Hoc Capital Committee which has been tasked to reassess the town’s needs.A January 2003 report produced by Caolo & Bieniek Associates Inc. for the now defunct Municipal Facilities Ad Hoc Committee reported the various deficiencies and required upgrades of various town buildings.A two page portion of this report addressed the library (see attachment).If we were to act on this list now, it would cost us $750,000 to address the deficiencies and complete the upgrades.It would not include expanded space.If we were to construct a new library that would meet our present and future needs, it would cost us +/- $3 million.
Renee updated the Board on the School Building Committee’s progress.They are presently reviewing the cost estimates for the high school options.Renee ran down the options with the Board.There should be charts available explaining the tax rate implications at this Wednesday’s informational meeting at East MeadowSchool.
The budget subcommittee met to review the 2011 budget.Virginia reminded the Board that this past summer, Jenn received her Master’s degree in Library Science.With that said, Virginia asked the Board if Jenn’s pay grade should reflect this accomplishment.Bridget made a motion that we increase Jenn’s pay grade by 2 steps.Gwen seconded this motion.Discussion followed and the Board voted in favor of this motion.Prior to tonight’s meeting, Virginia contacted the Personnel Board regarding how to go about making a step increase adjustment.They informed her that Jenn must give specifics in her job description demonstrating how the M.I.L.S. justifies the step increase.Jenn will submit this to Virginia who will then present it to the Personnel Board.
The budget subcommittee was tasked to produce two budgets, one at 0% increase and another at -5%.The subcommittee slashed already under-allotted line items to include the telephone bill, stamps and maintenance, but the budget was still over the 0%.Understanding the difficulties we are all under at this time, Amy made a motion that we cut the Children’s Librarian hours by 7 hours.This would eliminate the Monday and Thursday prep time hours.Bridget and Carol seconded this.The motion passed.Janice will be invited to the next budget subcommittee meeting so that the budget cut can be discussed.
Library Director’s Report:Jenn reported to the Board that she is presently playing phone tag with the National Grid’s pricing department representative Tom Smith regarding having flood lights installed to illuminate the sidewalk to the parking lot.He has yet to call her back.Jenn will also be mailing out letters to the Center Street residents asking them to refrain from parking in the library’s parking lot – even during off-hours – or risked being towed.A sign in the parking lot clearly states that parking is for library patrons only and all others will be towed.There has been some issues with vehicles left in the parking lot in the past.
Warrants in the amount of $2,307.62 and $1,128.20 were unanimously approved.
The next meeting will be held March 15th, 2010 at 6:30 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
NancyC.B.Evren, Secretary
Attachments:Agenda
PhilBeaulieu and Sons Siding Quote
e-mail from Jenn to Virginia regarding the building’s exterior
January 2003 report listing library required upgrades and deficiencies
