Haverhill Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of February 15, 2024
The regular monthly meeting of the Trustees of the Haverhill Public Library was called to order at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2024 in the Johnson Auditorium. In attendance were Chariman of the Board, Mayor Melinda Barrett, Trustees Bresnahan, Coletti, Klueber, Sheehan and Veasey-Sirois. Also in attendance was Director, Sarah Moser and Assistant Director, Jane Lemuth.
Secretary’s Report
The trustees were given copies of the minutes dated January 18. After perusing the minutes, a motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes. The minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Business manager, Josh, presented the financial highlights for January:
- The endowment continued to grow in January.
- Gift income was slow in January.
- The operating report has been consistent but revenue was slightly down in January due to being closed.
Director’s Report
A copy of the director’s report was given to the trustees. Sarah discussed the highlights and other director’s news:
- January was an anomaly due to the storm damage. It impacted programming and day to day operations. Staff have been conducting virtual programs, especially children’s. Staff has also been working in the community and on social media.
- Kerry left as head of reference. Sarah stated that it is difficult to keep this position filled even though the pay is competitive.
- The MBLC app is up and running after not working for a few months.
- The well pumps are not keeping up and 3 of the 4 failed this month, so there also has been no heat in the building. The pumps were replaced by Wilmington Pump and the HVAC fixed by Preferred Air. Paul and Sarah will meet with all companies involved in these areas to discuss the possibility of other options.
- The reconstruction is going well. At this point they are almost done with the sheet rock and ceiling tiles.
Trustee Coletti commended Sarah and Jane and all staff during the closing and construction.
Trustee Coletti stated that they have hired a firm for fundraiser planning and for a fundraiser search. She and Sarah have been meeting regularly and Trustee Bresnahan will join. The firm would like to see a committee formed soon but Deb would like help with that also. She suggested looking at other local non-profits’ committees and boards. There was discussion of potential donors and committee members. The trustees will meet in March to discuss further.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The meeting ended at 10:40 a.m.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Bresnahan