Haverhill Public Library
Board of Trustees
Minutes of July 18, 2019
The regular monthly meeting of the Trustees of the Haverhill Public Library was called to order at 8:35 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2019 in the Donald C. Freeman Whittier Room. In attendance were Chairman, City of Haverhill Mayor, the Honorable James Fiorentini, Trustees Klueber, Bresnahan, Sheehan and Rurak. Trustee Coletti was in attendance via telephone. Also in attendance were Director Sarah Moser and Assistant Director, Ricky Sirois.
Secretary’s Report
The trustees were given copies of the minutes dated June 20, 2019. After perusing the minutes, a motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes. The minutes were so approved.
Treasurer’s Report
The Trustees examined the June financial statements. Sarah introduced the new business manager, Josh McDonald. She and the Trustees discussed with Josh that they would like to see the reports presented in a clearer and more meaningful way. Trustee Coletti discussed the need to incorporate a 5 year plan for budgeting for future expenses.
Sarah discussed the annual financial reports and noted that spending overall was mostly within budget and that the investment portfolio has increased. There were a good amount of gifts this year. Since there was no book sale this year there was no income from that. Some fines have been waived but has proved not to be a significant loss of income. Waiving fines has been a success in bringing people into the library that may not have come if they owe fines.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the reports. Approval was unanimous.
Director’s Report
A copy of the Director’s Report was given to the Trustees. Highlights include a high participation rate in the summer reading program for children, teens and adults and that the launch event was a success. Patrons participated in Food for Fines which is well liked program. There are lots of upcoming outreach visits with the van. The Mayor suggested using the van to go into neighborhoods where kids might not be able to get to the library. Lastly, three new drinking bubblers were installed by Powerhouse Plumbing using money given by the Friends. There has been a lot of positive feedback.
Old Business
Sarah announced the budget for FY20. There was an increase in the budget by the City which greatly narrowed the gap in order to meet the MAR. The library was given money by the City to open on Wednesday nights. Trustee Rurak expressed gratitude for increasing the budget.
The Mayor had a parking consultant give suggestions for the use of the parking lot. It was suggested that some spaces be reserved for the courthouse and most reserved for library use. He would like to implement a plan and figure a way to enforce the use of it.
New Business
The Mayor acknowledged the passing of Trustee Ed Veasey. There was discussion as to who would fill the open seat on the Library Board of Trustees. The Trustees voted, by majority vote, to elect Kate Veasey Sirois to fill the seat. She will begin on September 19.
Sarah discussed the future of the Senter Digitization Project. It is being used a lot with approximately 137,000 views. There was discussion on whether to finish all of the phases and how to fund it.
There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The meeting ended at 10:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Bresnahan,
Secretary