Agendas and Meeting Minutes 2023
January 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda January 10, 2023
5 pm – 6 pm
1. Call the meeting to order – J. Paquette
2. Members present
3. Adopt December 2022 meeting minutes
4. Treasurer’s report – J. Gratton
5. Director’s report
a. Patronage
b. Tree removal done
c. Adirondack Grant update for payment
d. Director’s contract
a) Grant writing
b) Digital newsletter
c) Guest speakers
d) Summer reading program
e. Book suggestions (last months choices)
6. Old business
7. New business
8. Adjourn
Meeting Minutes
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
Meeting called to order: 5:03 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia, Jones and Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Jim moved to accept. Bob seconded. Motion carried
A card was passed and signed for the death of the Chazy Town supervisor.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $2,900 (after tree payment) remaining in the library account.
We have a new accountant – Jay Correll, in Plattsburgh. This is after speaking with several accountants.
Turgeon’s tree service forwarded a bill for $3,500. Jim will be paying for the tree cutting, we are trying to wait until the tax check comes in from the town.
Tory is applying for grants. She has three possible art shows coming up this year. A discussion was had about finding various grants for various purposes. Tory discussed a possible hanging system for artwork.
Judy suggested looking into a joint event with other libraries.
Tory reported that after reaching out to CEFLS she was told that we cannot use our patron list for a digital newsletter, as it violates privacy policies.
The Library Director’s contract has been approved and then signed by the president and the director.
Director’s report:
Tory has requested materials from the state for the summer reading program. The state materials include a certificate of completion but thinks there might be more interest and motivation if we could offer a small reward at the end of the summer. Perhaps ice cream vouchers?
There was a discussion about guest speakers based on community interest. Billy Jones was suggested. Judy said she could reach out to his office.
Since we didn’t purchase books last month. Tory presented the same book list. The board opted to delay purchase for another month awaiting the tax check.
Bob moved to adjourn. Natashia seconded. Meeting ended: 6:05pm
February 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda February 14, 2023
5 pm - 6 pm
Call the meeting to order - J. Paquette
Members present
Adopt January 2023 meeting minutes
Treasurer's report - J. Gratton
Director's report
Patronage
Code of Conduct discussion (General Rules and Regulations)
Stewarts' Grant
Closing policy discussion
Art show
Book suggestions (last month's choices)
Old business
New business
Adjourn
February 14, 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
Meeting called to order: 5:07 pm
Present: Judy Paquette, Jim Gratton, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia Jones, Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Jim moved to accept. Bob seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $24,892 in the library account.
Jim paid Tory for January and snow removal.
Worker’s comp is due on March 9. Jim is forwarding to our accountant.
Bill for automation for 2022 was discussed.
Judy motioned to accept the treasurer’s report. Natashia seconded. Motion passed.
Director’s Report:
The annual report is due at the beginning of March.
Patron count for January was 76. This is up from January. 2022.
Discussion of the Dodge Library Rules and Regulations policy. Judy expressed concerns over Tory having to enforce specific rules, such as firearms. Tory has revised the policy. Bob has checked the grammar. Bob moved to accept the revisions. Judy seconded. Motion carried.
Tory is applying for a Stewart’s grant.
Tory asked for clarification on the snow cancellation policy when the Beekmantown Central School District is not open, or on Saturdays. The discussion was tabled.
Three art shows are upcoming. The artists are: Beck Pace, Cat and Mary Rizos, and Sue Lezon.
Judy moved to approve the book list. Natashia seconded. Motion carried.
Tory informed the board that they need to take trustee education. Tory is attempting to increase the library’s relevancy for the community.
Norman moved to adjourn. Jim Seconded. Meeting adjourned 6:05 pm.
March 2023
March 14, 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
Meeting called to order: 5:07 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia Jones, and Tory Taber.
Absent: Judy Paquette absent.
Natashia acting as Chair.
Discussion of past minutes: Norman moved to accept. Natashia seconded. Motion carried
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $20,754 in the library account.
This includes the payment to CEFL for Automation. Tory explained that the automation provides us access to other libraries’ collections, which also includes requests and the deliveries thereof, as well as the rotating collection.
Director’s report:
The Annual report has been submitted. It is likely that there will be follow up questions and corrections.
We received a grant from Stewart’s for Children’s programming for $350. There was discussion regarding the accounting of the spending of those funds. There was a discussion of activities surrounding the “library crawl” being paid for by the Stewarts Grant (see below).
The Champlain Memorial Library would like to organize a “Library Crawl” to get people into their local libraries.
Tory asked to attend a CEF cat meeting on April 20th. Bob moved that she be asked to attend. She. Will be paid her normal wages, and the library will pay for a substitute. Judy Seconded. Motion carried.
Discussion of resuming Dodge Library “Summer Hours” – with extended hours on June 3rd (9-4). corresponding to the Library Crawl, and summer hours beginning in July and running through August. (adding two hours every Saturday – and a total of 22 hours to annual payroll).
Norman moved to accept the book list. Natashia seconded. Motion carried.
Old Business:
Snow day policy: decision will be deferred until all board members are present.
Bob moved to adjourn. Jim seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned 5:45 pm.
April 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda, April 11, 2023
5pm – 6pm
1. Call the meeting to order - J. Paquette
2. Members present
3. Adopt March’s 2023 meeting minutes
4. Treasurer’s report - Jim Gratton
4. Directors report
a. Patronage
b. Summer reading workshop overview
c. Discussion on sketch display
d. Boxed flag origin
e. Book suggestions
New Business
Adjourn
April 11, 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
Meeting called to order: 5:06 pm
Present: Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia Jones, Tory Taber.
Absent: Jim Gratton
Discussion of past minutes: Norman moved to approve. Natashia seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $20,064 in the library account.
and are now planning on filing, having done the past year will make it easier for upcoming years.
Bob moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Norman seconded. Motion carried.
Director’s report:
Tory attended a summer reading seminar and reported on the content. New York State’s theme this year is “Bee Kind”.
Natashia spoke about a reading program sponsored by Texas Roadhouse with kids’ meals offered as prizes and the possibility of a “Reading Armadillo” attending.
Discussion of an etching that has been offered to the library. The board decided to accept the etching with the caveat that it will not always be up for public viewing.
Stewart’s gave us a grant for children’s programming for $350.
Norman will fix the broken vacuum.
Tory is planning n attending a meeting for CEF CAT April 20th. Bob moved that Tory should attend. Judy seconded. Tory will be paid her usual wages for attending and the library will pay for a substitute. Motion carried.
Natashia moved to accept the book list. Bob seconded. Motion Passed.
New business:
Norman will install another hook in the library for the possibility of expanding our hanging space for art shows when needed.
Judy is going to reach out to Jerry Deno, owner of Udder Delights, about the possibility of coupons for ice cream as rewards for a summer reading program.
Tory suggested the purchase of a folding table for outside events. This could be paid for out of our grant. Tory will check on costs and present an option during the next meeting.
Judy motioned to adjourn. Norman seconded. Meeting adjourned 6:00 pm.
May 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda, May 9, 2023
5pm – 6pm
1. Meeting called to order - Board President
2. Accept the April minutes
3. Treasure’s report - J. Gratton
4. Director’s report - T. Taber
a. April patrons
b. CEF cat meeting
c. Trustee training
d. Community outreach
e. Community events
Library crawl
June Art show
August 22 show
Covid tests
5. New Business
6. Adjourn
May 9, 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
Meeting called to order: 5:07 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia, and Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Natashia moved to accept. Bob seconded. Motion carried
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $21,937 in the library account.
This includes the payment to CEFL for Automation. Tory explained that the automation is well worth the money we pay for it. It includes the access to other libraries, which mean requests and the deliveries thereof, as well as the rotating collection.
Director’s report:
The annual report has been submitted. There will likely be follow-up questions and corrections.
Patron count for April was 76. This has increased from April 2022.
There was a discussion regarding the accounting of the spending the funds from the Stewart’s grant.. There was a discussion of activities surrounding the “library crawl” being paid for by the Stewarts Grant. (see below).
The Champlain Memorial Library is organizing a “library Crawl” to get people into their local libraries.
Discussion of resuming Dodge Library “Summer Hours” – With extended hours on June 3rd (9-4). corresponding to the Library Crawl, with summer hours beginning in July and running through August. (adding two hours every Saturday – and a total of 22 hours).
Norman moved to resume summer hours. Natashia seconded. Motion carried.
The book list was unanimously approved.
.
Old Business:
Snow day policy: decision will be deferred until all board members are present.
Norman will check in on Judy’s health after her surgery.
Bob moved to adjourn. Jim seconded. Meeting adjourned 5:45.
June 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda June 13, 2023
5 pm – 6 pm
1. Call the meeting to order – J. Paquette
2. Members present
3. Adopt May 2023 meeting minutes
4. Treasurer’s report – J. Gratton
5. Director’s report
a. Patronage
b. Library crawl update
c. Visit from director of CEFLS
d. Beck Pace’s event details/wine served?
e. Adirondack Foundation Arts grant
f. Ice cream coupon details
g. Summer story and craft events
h. Summer hours discussion and substitute pay procedure
i. Book suggestions (last month’s choices)
6. Old business
7. New business
8. Adjourn
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
June 13, 2023
Meeting called to order: 5:07 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia, and Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Bob moved to accept. Jim seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $18.940 in the library account.
.
Jim purchased a new printer for the library after the library’s failed. Total of the purchase after rebates was $350.
Discussion of a new budget vote, including an increase to cover inflation costs and an expected increase in New York’s minimum wage taking place at the beginning of 2024. A 5 percent increase in the tax levy was proposed, increasing the library budget from $23,500 to $25,000.
Tuesday August 15th was proposed as the date of the election. Tory and Jim will contact potential poll watchers and Norman will create the ad for the newspaper.
Norman moved to approve. Judy seconded. Motion passed Unanimously.
Director’s report:
The Dodge hosted 77 patrons in May. We circulated 170 items.
We participated in the library crawl on Saturday June 3. We were open from 9-4 to support it. We had 10 patrons total, which is more than a typical Saturday, however only 3 of those patrons came after our usual closing time of noon. Perhaps if there is another crawl, we could stay open until 2 instead?
Steven Kenworthy, library director from CEFLS visited the library in June. He was visiting all the libraries north of Plattsburgh. He invited us to ask for help when we next apply for a charter. He asked if we were having budget votes and increasing our budget.
The next event is the opening of Beck Pace’s show on June 15 at 5:00. This date is a week later than previously discussed.
Thanks to Norman for designing the promotional poster.
Tory is applying for a grant from the Adirondack Foundation.
Tory thanked Jim for subbing for a few hours on May 20 when she needed to leave unexpectedly.
Judy was able to get coupons for free ice cream cones from Udder Delights to be used as rewards for the summer reading program.
For this initial summer program, Tory. Is planning to give the reward to children who read 6 books in July and August. Norm will design a form to list their books and to return for their ice cream certificates.
Tory will host 3 story-time and craft events on Thursdays: July 13, July 27, and August 10. We can see how well, if at all, these events are attended to assess for the future planning.
A substitute librarian will be found for June 27, June 29, and July 2. The substitute will leave Jim their address, hours and ss# and they will be imbursed by check. This should not be a problem for our accounting and withholding as the total will not be over $600.
Summer hours will not begin until Tory returns on the second weekend of July and will continue through August.
The book list was unanimously approved.
Norman moved to adjourn. Natashia seconded.
Meeting adjourned 6:00 pm.
July 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda July 11, 2023
5 pm – 6 pm
1. Meeting called to order
2. Approve Junes minutes
3. Treasurer’s report - Jim Gratton
4. Director’s report
a. June patronage
b. Paces art show
c. Substitute librarian success
d. Donation
e. Summer reading initiative
f. Crafts
New Business
Old Business
Adjournment
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
July 12, 2023
Meeting called to order: 4:57 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia, and Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Jim moved to accept. Bob seconded. Motion carried
A card was passed and signed for the death of the Chazy Town supervisor.
Treasurer’s report:
Discussion of past minutes. Minutes unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $15.047 in the library account.
Jim showed what the various expected expenses for next year, including wages and benefits. Total $20,200: Books $1,800; building expenses $3,800/
Director’s Report:
Norman placed an ad in the Press Republican to announce the upcoming election.
We need to make an absentee ballot and an informational posting about the vote to put around town.
Sheila Navo, a former resident of West Chazy, made a contribution of $100. Bob will write a thank you on behalf of the board.
Tory has had some success with the summer reading program. (The first completed form was from an adult, when Tory’s sub was working. In the future we will make a stipulation as to age.) The program is bringing new patrons in.
There are three electrical outlets that are not working in building. The board looked and fixed the problem.
Tory will provide a statistical analysis at the end of the extended summer hours. The board will evaluate whether extended hours are beneficial.
Norman moved to accept the book list. Bob seconded. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 5:35 pm.
August 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
August 8, 2023
Meeting called to order: 5:05 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia, and Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Bob moved to accept. Natashia seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $12,851 in the library account.
Norman moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Judy seconded. Motion passed.
Director’s report:
Our next art show, “Above Ground” featuring paintings, photos and prints by Cat and Mary Rizos is opening on Tuesday the 22nd. The event starts at 5:00 and goes until 7.
The budget election is taking place on August 15th. Rachel Brunelle and Elizabeth Taber are scheduled to be poll-watchers. Tory will pay for lunch and Jim will reimburse her. Bob will act as the Chairperson of the vote. Tory will check with the town to see if the town clerk is a notary.
Tory developed absentee ballots that are available for those unable to attend, with the caveat being they are returned to us by the 15th. Tory made a sign-up sheet like the one we have had had the last few elections where, separate from the ballots, the voters affirm that they are residents of the town of Chazy but not in the Chazy school district.
Tory offered two story and craft activities in July and had no attendees. Tory scheduled one more for August 10
The trunks and stumps left behind are shooting up branches on the edge of the property. These branches will need to be pruned back before they get any bigger. Bob, Norman, and Jim will prune the branches coming onto our property, and Bob will contact the owners.
Bob did some landscaping at the Dodge.
The library started the summer hours on the 8th. Four patrons attended during the hours of 12:00 and 2:00.
Tory needs to leave a few minutes early on Saturday, August 12, to attend a funeral.
Tory would like to register a domain name: Westchazydodgelibrary.org. Bob moved, to approve. Jim seconded. Motion passed.
Norman moved to approve the book list. Judy seconded. Motion unanimously approved.
Norman will call the town about a notary.
Bob moved to adjourn. Natashia seconded.
Meeting adjourned 5:58 pm.
September 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda September 12, 2023
5 pm – 6 pm
1. Call the meeting to order – J. Paquette [absent]
2. Members present
3. Adopt August 2023 meeting minutes
4. Treasurer’s report – J. Gratton
5. Director’s report
a. Patronage
b. Rizos’ reception
c. Collaboration with Pastor Steve
d. Adirondack Foundation Grant
e. Eclipse viewing glasses
f. Policies and procedures updates
g. Final Summer story and craft event
h. Summer hours discussion
i. Book suggestions (last month’s choices)
6. Old business
7. New business
8. Adjourn
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
September 12, 2023
Meeting called to order: 5:17 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia Jones and Tory Taber.
Absent: Judy Paquette
Acting Chair: Natashia Jones
Discussion of past minutes: Natashia moved to accept. Jim seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $12,620 in the library account.
Certification of payroll has been done.
Norman moved to accept. Natashia seconded. Motion passed.
Director’s report:
The Dodge hosted 147 patrons in August. 6 patrons were here on Saturday between 12:00-2:00. There were a total of 8 during July and August to use the Dodge during the extended hours.
The budget passed. We had over 20 votes, and while this is a small amount, it’s much more than usual. The election ran smoothly, overseen by our poll workers. Thanks to Bob for overseeing the count and bringing the results to the town office.
The reception for Mary and Cat Rizos went very well. The library was full of art and people for the evening.
Tory contacted Pastor Steve about any upcoming events that we could collaborate on. They were having a free clothing event in late August, and that is the only event he knew about. Tory did not perceive a reciprocal interest in collaborating.
We received the Adirondack Foundation grant! They sent a check for $550. We are supposed to provide proof that the funds are used for the stated purpose by this time next year. After Jim deposits the check. Tory will order the hanging system.
Tory has filled out an application to receive free eclipse viewing glasses. If granted, she will need to run a children’s program about the eclipse.
Jim said there might someone in town who we might be able to ask to come out and do a stellar/lunar talk.
Three children attended the final story and craft event/
Tory continues to work on getting the policies and procedures up to date. Bob kindly agreed to proofread an updated circulation policy. She will include it for the rest of the board to look over and hopefully approve. The annual report will also require a board-approved whistleblower policy.
Tory would like the board to review both of the policies she attached for possible future approval.
Tory has procured a domain name.
Tory has requested a day off on October 10. Rachel Brunelle has agreed to watch the Dodge for the day.
Beck sent a donation of $125 as thanks for hosting her show.
Roy Brinker has proposed creating an art club which would meet at the Dodge Library.
Board discussed and approved of the concept, and encouraged moving forward.
The book list was unanimously approved.
New business:
If the Board can all be in attendance on October 10th, they will conduct Tory’s performance review at that time.
Old business:
Snow day policy to be addressed at October meeting.
Meeting adjourned 6:05 pm.
October 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda October 10, 2023
5 pm – 6 pm
1. Call the meeting to order – J. Paquette
2. Members present
3. Adopt September’s 2023 meeting minutes
4. Treasurer’s report – J. Gratton
5. Director’s report
a. Patronage
b. Update on event plan
c. Discussion of two library policies
d. Tory’s yearly review
e. Eclipse viewing glasses
f. Summer hours discussion
g. Book suggestions
6. Old business
7. New business
8. Adjourn
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
October 10, 2023
Meeting called to order: 5:10 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Natashia Jones.
Absent: Bob Rizos, Tory Taber
Discussion of past minutes: Natashia moved to accept with the correction of Tory’s name. Norman seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report:
Jim has reported that the State is concerned with a discrepancy in the 2022 budget: money in and money out/
There is a total of $10,253 in the library account.
We may choose to put some of our funds into a cd for a short term 5% return.
Judy moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Norman seconded. Motion passed.
Director’s Report:
Summer attendance was boosted by the Read for Ice Cream program. We gave out 17 ice cream coupons during July and August. Perhaps we should think of a similar program to run during the school year.
As discussed in the email thread, Tory told the West Chazy Community Church that we could not participate in their harvest festival.
Tory reached out to the West Chazy Fire Department to see if they were doing their traditional fall festival/fire truck rides, but has not heard back.
Tory has 100 pair of eclipse glasses. She will advertise for the upcoming annular eclipse and save the remainder for the total eclipse in April 2024.
Bob was going to look over the circulation policy, in his absence vote on the policy will be delayed until the November meeting.
Whistleblower Reporting Policy: One small change indicating “staff members”.
Norman moved to adopt. Jim seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Natashia moved to adopt the sexual harassment policy as posted on the state website. Norman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
There was discussion of offering tea in the library. The board is interested in possibly offering coffee in the future. Tory will be asked to check on the price of a Keurig. Jim moved to offer tea in the library, for age 14 and up. Natashia seconded. Motion carried.
Judy moved to approve the book list. Jim Seconded. Motion carried.
Old business:
Discussion of snow day policy tabled.
Meeting adjourned 5:58 pm.
November 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library
Board meeting agenda November 14, 2023
5 pm – 6 pm
1. Call the meeting to order – J. Paquette
2. Members present
3. Adopt October’s 2023 meeting minutes
4. Treasurer’s report – J. Gratton
5. Director’s report
a. Patronage
b. Update on partnering with local organizations
c. Trustee education training
d. Tea cart update
e. Groundskeeping thank you
f. Book suggestions
6. Old business
a. Tory’s evaluation
7. New business
8. Adjourn
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
November 14, 2023
Meeting called to order: 5:03 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia Jones, and Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Bob moved to accept. Norman seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report:
There is a total of $8.972 in the library account.
Bob asks about typical fuel bill. Perhaps $2,000 a year. Book purchases approx. $200 a month
The funds should carry us through the year.
Director’s Report:
The Dodge hosted 73 patrons in October and circulated 54 items. Tory thinks both numbers are lower than ideal.
Tory is still trying to find a local organization to partner with. The minimum standards for New York libraries outline that we should “establish and maintain partnerships with other educational, cultural or community organizations which enable the library to address the community’s needs, as outlined in the library’s long-range plan of service.” The partnership with the West Chazy Community Church didn’t work out, Tory has reached out to the fire station. Tory’s idea now is to set up a table with literature to raise our local awareness at the next blood drive (December 11). Tory has been to the blood drives and many community members do attend and it could be a good way to raise our profile. The secretary of the district commissioners is bringing it up with their board, but she is optimistic that they will agree. I hope to hear back from her before our meeting and if the fire station agrees Tory will need to produce some informational literature and perhaps figure out a form that allows people to sign up for a library card while not at the actual library. The blood drive is on a Monday at 4, so not during library hours. The board will need to decide if they would like to pay Tory for some extra hours, or if not, perhaps one or more board member will volunteer to man the table. This is still speculation. If it doesn’t work out, I can make the argument that our Read for Ice Cream program constitutes a partnership with a community organization.
Judy offered to help at the blood drive
Judy moved to have Tory participate, Natashia seconded. Motion passed.
Tory reminds the board about the trustee education training being offered by CEFLS on 11/9/23 from 6:30-7:30. Here is the link to get the zoom invite:
https://forms.office.com/r/jMXr2qNUEp
As the board approved in October, Tory set up a cart with hot tea, herbal and black.
The Above the Ground show came down. Cat and Mary gave the Dodge a monetary donation in cash.
Bob has continued to provide groundskeeping for the Dodge.
Gallery hanging system has been purchased.
Tory has received the handbook for Library Trustees
Tory has created a contract for snow removal.
Tory reminded the board must complete two hours of Library State Training. The board is in the process of completing the Fiscal responsibility training offered through CEF. Natashia, Tory and Norman receive several hours of state training every year and this should cover their two hours obligation.
Tory reported that CEFLS sent an email explaining that we are too small to need a whistleblower policy. This is not the information Tory received at the CEFcat meeting.
Tory is going to start drafting a conflict-of-interest policy.
Bob moved to approve book list. Judy seconded. Motion passed.
Tory was excused at 6 pm.
Snow day policy discussed: The library will close or delay for inclement weather consistent with Beekmantown school district, on such days the director will be paid in full. In the event of dangerous road conditionsl on a day that the school system is closed for reasons other than weather the director will be responsible declaring closing of the library, first on a delay and secondarily as a full day as they see fit. Director declared snow days will be compensated at half pay. Closures will be posted to social media.
3 votes for 1 against
Norman recused.
Motion passed.
Meeting continued for the performance review of the director. Norman recused himself and left.
Performance review conducted with the remaining board members.
December 2023
West Chazy Dodge Library board meeting
December 12, 2023
Meeting called to order: 5:06 pm
Present: Jim Gratton, Judy Paquette, Norman Taber, Bob Rizos, Natashia Jones, and Tory Taber.
Discussion of past minutes: Bob had question about expenses. Book purchases about $150 per month, about $200 a year.
Bob moved to accept November minutes. Jim seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report
There is a total of $ 5,660 in the library account. This is a substantial drop from last month due to the payment of a number of one-time, fuel, state and quarterly expenses.
Bob asks about typical fuel bill. Perhaps $2,000 a year.
The funds should carry us through the year.
Norman moved to accept; Bob seconded. Motion carried.
Director’s Report:
The Dodge hosted 81 patrons in November. That is a slight increase from October, despite having a holiday where we were closed. We also circulated 106 items and served a few cups of tea.
More polices to look over. The one that probably needs the most attention is the disaster plan. Tory assigned tasks to different board members. The board will need to determine if they agree with the breakdown. Tory also produced a draft of a conflict-of-interest policy and as an open meetings policy.
Bob moved for us to accept the disaster plan as written, Jim seconded. Motion carried.
Discussion of the conflict-of-interest and open meeting policies:
Bob moved to adopt both policies as presented. Norman seconded. Motion carried.
The state has many more suggested policies that we can continue to chip away at.
The disaster plans that Tory researched all mentioned a first aid kit. Tory did not have one, so she purchased one to have in the building. Tory submitted the receipt to Jim for reimbursement.
The board has another opportunity for trustee education training being offered by the state:
“Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards Webinar
All public and association libraries in New York State must meet minimum standards of service according to Section 90.2 of the regulations of the Commissioner of Education. This webinar will include an overview of the minimum standards plus helpful information and resources for each standard. Learn about the challenges, strategies, resources, and best practices needed to successfully meet the minimum standards.
Join New York State Library staff on Thursday, December 14 at 1pm for Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards. Registration is required.
This webinar will count towards the required two hours of annual trustee education and the 60 hours of professional development needed to maintain New York State Public Librarian certification. For questions about the webinar or the minimum standards, please contact Frank Rees, Library Development Specialist I, Division of Library Development, New York State Library.”
Tory has been approached by a reporter for the Adirondack Experience magazine. The reporter has been trying to find information regarding some local historical marker signs that were put up by the “Friends of the Library”. As the signs are either in or near West Chazy, he assumed it was our “Friends” that had commissioned them. Tory looked in the past meeting minutes and could not find anything after the (sad) entry about closing the library due to lack of funding in 1961. The minutes don’t really start again until the late 1970s. The library was run, without a charter, by volunteers during that time. Tory called David Martin because Norman knew he had facilitated the historical marker about his house. Tory discovered that David wrote all the copy for over a dozen signs, put up by the Friends of the Library in the late 1960s (he couldn’t remember the exact date). Tory connected him with the reporter, both were delighted to talk to each other.
Tory is planning to set up a table at the fire station on January 2, during the blood drive. She looking forward to increasing our visibility in the neighborhood. Judy is planning on accompanying.
Tory has three more hours of PTO to use before the new year. Rachel Brunelle has agreed to mind the Dodge on Saturday the 16th.
Tory has reserved Rachel as a sub for January 6th -13th. During this time Jim and Bob said they would shovel snow should there be a storm.
Tory presented a list of book suggestions:
Fiction
1. The Little Liar, Mitch Albom, $15.38
2. Inheritance, Nora Roberts, $17.10
3. The Reformatory, Tananarive Due, $16.52
4. I Have Some Questions For You, Rebekka Makkai, $15.96
5. The Centre, Ayesha Mazazir Siddiq, $15.96
Nonfiction
6. How to be the Love you Seek, Nicole LePera $18.24
7. Hidden Potential, Adam Grant, $18.24
Children’s Fiction
8. The Puppets of Spelhorst, Kate DiCamillo, $10.25
9. Dogtown, Katherine Applegate, $10.25
Children’s Nonfiction
10. The Mona Liza Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, A Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity, Nicolas Day, $11.39
Total estimated net price: $149.29
Norman moved to accept the booklist; Bob seconded. Motion carried.
No old business – none
Meeting adjourned: 6:02pm
Letter to community 2023: circulation details and budget
Minutes prior to 2023
Please contact the West Chazy Dodge Library to access these minutes. 518-493-6131