Morrill Memorial & Harris Library Trustees Meeting

Monday, March 11, 2024, 7:00 PM

Attendees: Cindy Binzen, Melissa Strayton (Library Director), Rachel Kurland, Carol Wilson, Becky Proulx, Kevin Lynch

Action Item Summary:

Rachel 

• Ask what Probate Court is about, what Library gets from it and whether to continue.

• Close $3K savings account OR withdraw one dollar and redeposit annually.

• Check on larger electric bill.

• Take next steps on relocating Hannibal painting.

• Send 990 to tax accountant.

• Reach out to Aaron Dotter to agree on either 30 or 31-Mar for Eclipse presentation.

Melissa 

• Discuss offer with candidate for the summer reading program and a summer preschool story time

• Did we specify Brooke on a Sunday?

• Post opening for After School program.

• Purchase new thermostat.

• New Covid tests (assuming it makes sense since smallest request is 3000).

• Print new Library brochure/bookmark

• Distribute policies for annual review.

Cindy to line up lawn care.

Kevin to post policies on google drive and learn to post final minutes to website.

Team

• Provide feedback via email to Becky on Community Survey.

• Pursue Fall grant for interior refresh.

Secretary's Report:  Approve minutes from February meeting - Cindy/Rachel/All.  Approved.

Librarian's Report

• Submitted large adult order.  Melissa working on J GRA order covering additions and replacements.

• After School program job description, hours and rates were discussed.  Melissa will post. Candidate for summer program has been identified and Melissa will conduct next conversation with candidate including requested rates and hours.  Melissa will  also discuss potential to expand to handling after school program.

• Turrell grant  ($3k) runs Sept-23 to Sep-24. 

• Finalizing arrangement with Brooke W for April program on Sunday.

• Library brochure - ready to submit to printer.

• Aaron Dotter’s Eclipse presentation date, content not yet solid.  Rachel to close. 

• Library awaits delivery of eclipse glasses from Town Office to be made avail at Eclipse presentation.

• Materials for summer reading program received.  Theme is Adventures at Library. Grant application submitted for $300.  

• Melissa to pursue new Covid tests.

Friends' Report - Next Meeting Tues 16-Apr

Treasurer's Report 

• Review profit and loss statement - Annual appeal brought in more money than previous years. and Library received $2K anonymous donation. 

• No bill yet for snow removal.  

• Heating Oil cost is up and, notably, electricity is almost 4X usual cost.

Other Business

• Library Refresh includes lighting, carpeting, reading/meeting space, children’s play area, book return box,  heat balance (booster?), electric spaghetti, moving paintings and sculptures, furniture (incl. desk). 

• Tony is going to give us a number of estimates. Broadloom or carpet tiles in the back and upstairs, carpet tiles only in the front. We also discussed area rugs for the front. He was going to break it down by room. 

• West Wilson slate roof estimate received.  Carol to keep him apprised of progress

• Community survey  - Becky emailed draft survey using Google forms. Please review.

March Monthly Duties

• Election of the following officers took place at this meeting on 11-Mar-24 7pm In Morrill Memorial & Harris Library

• President:  Cindy Binzen approved, Carol/Rachel/All

• Treasurer:  Rachel Kurlan approved, Cindy/Rachel/All

• Trustees meetings take place monthly on first Monday at 7pm in Morrill Memorial & Harris Library unless otherwise notified.

• Please note the exclusion of officers of the inc. from protection under State of VT Workers Compensation Act 

• Policy review – annual

April Monthly Duties

• Volunteer thank yous - none

• Tax info to accountant for 990 - Rachel

• Line up lawn care - Cindy