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Burlington Library AssociationRegular Meeting MinutesGo to: 1/13/10 12/9/09 11/18/09
10/14/09 9/2/09 5/15/09 4/8/09 3/11/09 2/11/09 1/14/09 January 13, 2010 Call to Order: 1:33 PM Members Present: Len Berton, Sandy Mazeau, Jenny Mantel, Bob Merriman, Pat Miller, Pat Small, Nancy Winter, and Library Director Marie Spratlin Hasskarl Correspondence: None Minutes: Motion was made by Small and seconded by Winter to approve minutes of the December 09 meeting. Motion carried. Treasurer's Report: Librarian's Report: Old Business: There was a discussion on the possibility of awarding special bags to donating members for the Saturday bag sale at the book sales. It was decided to leave them the same as before. A discussion was held about giving members a free pass for the first night of the book sale. The board agreed and a check list of all members who paid dues since 2009 plus Life Members will be at the door. New Business: Hasskarl has been investigating new fund raisers and suggested having a professional firm come and patrons could bring in papers to be shredded. It was suggested that it could be held the same day as the spring book sale. The board is still seeking someone to fill the vacancy of Kecia German. Program Committee: Winter reported that there were several suggestions for the Annual Meeting. It was decided that we would hire Chris Hotchkiss at $155 plus mileage charge to do a presentation about Mark Twain entitled "Growing Up" which shows his life as a man and writer reflected through Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. A motion was made by Winter and seconded by Miller to have the Mark Twain program for the annual meeting. The other suggested speaker was Carolyn Ivanoff, who has a presentation about local participation in the Civil War. Since this relates to Burlington history, Pat Small will talk to Dyrinda Cole of the Burlington Historical Society about a joint meeting in the Spring featuring this topic. Marie will find out if Tom Rubino would do program on Negro Hill Brook, possibly jointly with Historical Society. There will be a Black Forest and Berry Bake Sale held on February 13th from 12-4. Winters is looking for people to sign up to make "goodies" and to volunteer setting up, selling, etc. Meeting Adjourned: 2:45 PM Respectfully submitted Jenny Mantel, Acting Recording Secretary Regular Meeting: Dec. 9, 2009. Called to order at 2 PM following the group's assembly of the year-end mailing. Attending: Berton, Eberhard, Small, Miller, Mazeau, Krewalk, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. Mantel, Winter and Merriman were unable to attend. Berton announced that Diane Mahoney took a job which conflicts with our meeting time. Correspondence: none. Secretary's Report: A motion was made by Small and seconded by Miller to accept the minutes of the November meeting. Motion was passed. Treasurer's Report: Income for the year has been very good. The end-of-the-year letter (which was prepared for mailing previous to this meeting) will hopefully bring in another $2 - 3 thousand. Mazeau moved $3000 to the capital reserve for 2009. The capital reserve fund might be used for funding a set of preliminary architectural plans for an expansion. Marie could order computer(s) since bill would arrive in January, putting the expense in the 2010 fiscal year. Assets are up and we should be getting dividends from the Main Street Foundation. Walluk moved that the report be approved, Small seconded. Motion was passed. Library Director's Report: The Director and the Board are in the fist stages of preparing next year's budget. Donations are being accepted for the mitten/hat/scarf tree as well as food for the food pantry. Dec. programs are going very well…you can get your presents wrapped for a donation by the LSM field hockey team. Our library will participate in the Farmington Valley "one book" program next fall. The Tender Bar will be read. Webmaster's Report: Berton posted the Nov. minutes and loaded a few pictures from the Open House. Program Committee: Nothing new to report. The committee is trying to coordinate a Dec. meeting. They will be planning for the annual meeting program. There will also be a discussion on having the "Chocolate/Cherry" bake sale in Feb. Old Business: none New Business: none The next meeting will be held Wed. January 13, 2010 at 1:30pm. Walluk will be out of town and Berton will appoint substitute minute-takers for the next two meetings. Adjourned: 2:25 PM Respectfully Submitted, Anne Walluk, Secretary Regular Meeting: Nov. 18, 2009. Called to order at 1:31 PM. Attending: Berton, Winter, Small, Miller, Mazeau, Krewalk, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. P. Michael Ragaisis, President of Library Board, attended as a guest. Eberhard, Mantel, and Merriman were unable to attend. Correspondence: none. Secretary's Report: A motion was made by Miller and seconded by Winter to accept the minutes of the September meeting as corrected. Motion was passed. Treasurer's Report: Book Sales and Bake sales for the year netted $7139.47 including $1,786.84 made from the used book sales upstairs. We are nearly $4000 over our projected budget for member dues with the end of the year letter going out soon. It is also interesting to note that at this time we have more money but fewer donors than we had in 2008. A motion was made by Small and seconded by Miller to accept the treasurer's report. Motion passed. Len will draft the year end letter and volunteers will help stuff and label them. Walluk will check on BLA envelope supply. Library Director's Report: High speed internet and TV are being installed. Marie is still working on paperwork for the congressional grant. The second program in the Bill Donovan travel series has been held. The 5 Yr. Plan for the library is in the final stages. Bev Doty is watering the plants since Steve has moved. The library staff held a nice going away party for Steve and we presented him with gifts. The anniversary open house was a success. Webmaster's Report: Berton posted the results of the pie and book sale. Also posted the Sept minutes. He will load a few pictures from the Open House, credit to go to Ray Olsen. Program Committee: Nothing new to report. The committee will meet in Dec. Thank you notes were sent to those individuals and groups who made the Open House such a success. Old Business: Pie sale: Winter reported that it was the most successful sale ever. Profits of $783 for 68 pies made by 33 bakers. 2008 made $706 for 59 pies & 29 bakers, 2007 made $576 for 53 pies & 24 bakers, and 2006 made $498 for 48 pies and 21 bakers. Nancy has written thank you notes to all bakers. Berton read Mantel's report on the book sale. The traffic was very steady especially Friday and Sat. Not many book dealers come early bird night anymore. The sale made $2001.15. A discussion about the bag sale will be tabled until Jenny returns. New Business: Mike Ragaisis initiated a discussion about 2010 BLA budget. The Library Director and Library Board will be submitting their budget for 2010-2011 fiscal year by Feb. and want to be prepared for the new administration that will take over in Jan. The next meeting will be held Wed. December 9 at 1:30pm. Adjourned: 2:25 PM Regular Meeting: Oct. 14, 2009. Called to order at 1:32 PM . Attending: Berton, Winter, Small, Miller, Mazeau, Mantel, Krewalk, Merriman, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. Diane Mahoney attended as a guest. Eberhard was unable to attend. Correspondence: Berton reported that he had received letter of resignation from Kecia German. Secretary's Report: A motion was made by Small and seconded by Miller to accept the minutes of the September meeting. Motion was passed. Treasurer's Report: The
total income levels have held steady this year if not a little better. We are
overspent in the area of "special events". A travel program was held
in Sept. with the funds from the Bill Donovan Memorial Fund. Len will transfer
$2000 into the checking to help cover expenses for the open house on Oct. 18.
Winter inquired why we don't keep a running balance in the checkbook. Mazeau
says he balances with the monthly statement and copies of the checks that Berton,
Winter and Walluk sign. Walluk suggested that we review this request again if
and when we start having overdrafts on a regular basis. Winter made a motion to
approve the Treasurer's report. Mantel seconded. Motion passed. Library Director's Report: Meet the Candidates will be held at the library Oct. 29, 7pm. New hand held microphones will be used. Tom Farrey from ESPN will moderate. Parenting workshops continue with funding from the Parker Trust. Caryn Davis will give presentation on Portugal as part of Bill Donovan Travel Series. Webmaster's Report: Berton has done extensive updating on the website. Pictures from Mazeau's award luncheon at Mantel home, Tavern Day pictures, Winter's appeal for bakers, Walluk's write up about the open house, removed German from the Board page, and posted the April & May minutes following approval. Program Committee: Walluk reported on invitations, Kids in the Middle volunteers, DVD (done by Paul Rochford), Gerilynn Kysar, book characters. Winter and Hasskarl followed up with details about refreshments for the anniversary party, and Lewis S. Mills Band. Krewalk will buy cider. Old Business: Pie sale: Winter reported that there are 7 pre-sales and 40 plus pies pledged for sale. Book Sale: Mantel reported that the volunteers are on target. The books from the Canton donation were very good for the sale. Library staff and volunteers are trying to go over them before the sale. Landscaping: Merriman mentioned that his son had removed dead burning bush(s), replaced with 5 smaller ones, and fertilized. He recommends pruning of trees in the spring. Mort Dunning is going to help with cleaning out invasive weed in lily bed. Jackie Krewalk will weed before Sunday's open house. New Business: Winter announced that Steve Romanzi is moving to Canton. Steve has been a long time library volunteer coming in two to three times a week. He has truly given each plant in the building new life and energy with his tender loving care. He will be missed. The next meeting will be held Wed. November 18 at 1:30pm. The library will be closed on our regular meeting date in recognition of Veterans Day. Adjourned: 2:19 PM Regular Meeting: Sept. 2, 2009. Called to order at 1:50 PM at the home of board member Jenny Mantel following a luncheon in honor of Sanford Mazeau, recipient of the Friends of CT Libraries award for individual lifetime achievements. Attending were Berton, Eberhard, Small, Miller, Mazeau, Krewalk, Merriman, German, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. Winter was absent. Visitors were Doug Lord of the CT State Library, Ann Mazeau, Alice Taricani and Trudy Coleman. Departing gifts were presented to Kecia German and our fondest wishes as she moves to Gloucester, MA. Her service to our Board will be greatly missed. Correspondence: a) Library staff sent a certificate and thank you letter for sponsoring Library Family Night and supporting the very successful summer program b) Berton received a request to renew our $35 annual membership to the Friends of CT Libraries. A motion to renew was approved. He asked Mantel to fill out their book sale questionnaire. c) A letter from the United Way requesting a W-9 statement and federal non-terrorist form were passed on to Mazeau d) Walluk reported that the Inc. papers and $25 fee has been filed with the State of CT e) Walluk received a notice from the U.S. Postal Service that bulk mail rates are increasing Secretary's Report: A motion was made by Small and seconded by Miller to accept the minutes of the April and May meetings. Motion was passed. Treasurer's Report: United Way donations have contributed greatly to our income and with end-of-the-year donations and a fall book / bake sale, we should comfortably meet our budget. Sandy also projected that with a good end of the year campaign we will not need as much from the "accumulated income" as budgeted. Library Director's Report: Summer programs were very successful. IMLS has received the final application for the federal grant. The first Donovan Travel program will be about Italy, Sept. 24, 7pm; Tavern Day Sept. 13th ; October 18th Open House; 2 book discussion groups. Since there is only $1200 left in the equipment budget the Board has approved the purchase of one new computer before Jan. not three (at $2772) as requested. The library will be purchasing 6 new laptops with the federal grant money when received. A request of $670 for track lighting to replace the dome lights that were removed for the Rossi mobile was denied because building fixtures are the responsibility of the Town and not the "Friends". Marie asked that a Board member be a coordinator for home book donation pick-up requests. Pat Small volunteered--she also has a dump permit which could be used if books turn out to be in extremely poor condition. Webmaster's Report: Life members' page updated. Added volunteer page and photos. Added a report on spring book/cookie sale included names of the volunteers. Program Committee: Walluk made a brief report on the Open House, and covered the directions and schedule for the upcoming Tavern Day activities. Old Business: none New Business: Landscaping and weed pulling is needed before the open house. Merriman will replace the dead burning bushes for $260. It was decided not to pursue e-mail reminders in addition to the end-of-the-year contribution solicitation letters. No additional items were discussed. Adjourned: 2:44 PM Respectfully Submitted, Special Meeting: May 15, 2009 Called to order at 4:02 PM in the Anne Walluk Community Room. Attending were Berton, Eberhard, Small, Miller, Mazeau, Winter, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. German, Merriman and Krewalk were absent. This meeting was called to discuss a request from Library Director Hasskarl to pass a resolution to loan the library $13,300 for summer programs. A discussion followed regarding the Association by-laws and if we could approve this request. It was agreed that we could not loan the library money but we could purchase from our approved 2009 budget the amount of $1800 to be spent on computers and $1660 to pay for Tuesday night programs for June 30 through July 28. The FOCL award for Sandy Mazeau will be given June 13, 9:30 to 1 at the Guilford Public Library. Berton will go and accept this award on behalf of Mazeau who will be out-of-state. Other members were invited to accompany Berton. Hasskarl raised the issue of BLA participation in Tavern Day. It was determined that we would ask the Historical Society if we can occupy the Old Schoolhouse for this occasion, and, weather permitting, place our upstairs book cart outside the door. Adjourned: 5 PM Respectfully Submitted, Meeting: April 8, 2009. Called to order at 1:35 PM in the Anne Walluk Community Room. Attending were Berton, German, Small, Miller, Mazeau, Merriman, Winter, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. Small, Eberhard, Mantel absent. Guests: Ed Krewalk. Board Vacancy: There was a unanimous vote in favor of appointing Ed Krewalk to fill the vacancy left by Mike Ragaisis. Ed's strong interest in the library and support for the BLA, as well as his professional credentials will make him a great asset to our group. Correspondence: Friends of CT Libraries annual meeting Minutes: Motion was made by Winter and seconded by Mazeau to accept the March minutes as corrected. Motion passed. Program Committee: Marie explained the "grant" money. With this award, the library withdraws its request for help to sponsor summer programs. They will also not ask local businesses to help finance summer programs this year. Money will be left in our budget, however. The volunteer party will take place just prior to the annual meeting on May 13. Gift certificates from the Frozen Gnome (local ice cream business) were thought to be a good idea to give our honored volunteers. Treasurer: Sandy has edited the budget to show the funding discussed at the March meeting. Income is balanced with the expenditures by increasing accumulated income line. Membership donations are coming close to normal. Over 100 to date. Some individuals are giving more than last year. Winter moved, Miller seconded to present this budget to the members at the annual meeting. The decision to pledge the difference needed to help the library purchase the Karen Rossi mobile was placed on "hold". Library Director: LIBRARY BUDGET: Marie will call and/or e-mail members to come and support the library budget at the Board of Finance meeting when she knows the date. SOLAR: Marie is talking to companies about a solar audit. ART/DISPLAY: In response to our newsletter, Marie has received interest from a resident willing to help coordinate artists for the library. LANDSCAPING: Bob Merriman will assist in pricing out replacement boxwoods for the front of the library. Website: Berton reported that he posted the minutes of the March meeting and the IRS filing data. He is going to work on re-organizing the past minutes. Long Range Planning: Architect Dale Cutler met with the Library Board. Mary Louise Jensen from CT State Library did a walk around with Marie and Sandy. Old Business: Cookie signups are slow. Board asked to help. Kecia has ribbons for Nancy; Anne W. will help Sat.; Ed Krewalk volunteered to help set up on Friday. Royal Icing program is scheduled the Wed. before the cookie sale. Nancy has 16 orders for the "Burlington geranium". Book bags are on order. The bookmark project has taken a backseat for awhile. Alice T. has a list of volunteers for the book sale and will follow up in the absence of Jenny (family requirements). New Business: Annual meeting agenda was reviewed and approved. In response to a question from Bob Merriman, Len will look into our by-laws to see if we have ever established the guidelines for an "executive committee". Adjourned: 3:25 PM March 11, 2009: Called to order at 1:32 PM in the Anne Walluk Community Room. Attending were Berton, Eberhard, Small, Miller, Mazeau, Merriman, Winter, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. German and Mantel absent. Guests: Mike Ragaisis and Ed Krewalk. Correspondence: none Minutes: Motion was made by Winter and seconded by Miller to accept the February minutes as corrected. Motion passed. Treasurer: 1. United Way donation is still a mystery. Walluk will send donor a thank you letter. 2. Budget draft: income levels will probably be lower…..as noted in lowering the Vanguard dividends from $1200 to $1000 level. $300 was added to the Capital Reserve line. Equipment was increased to $6000 and special events were increased to $3000. A new server and a couple of PCs are needed. Also, money is needed for summer programs and a small amount for the 15th Anniversary celebration. 3. Sandy filed the tax return to the IRS. First year we have had to file. As soon as the filing levels are raised from $25,000 to $50,000 we won't have to file. Anne will keep a copy of the return in the Secretary's files, and Len will post on the website. Library Director: 1. Library budget is flat for next year. Hasskarl and Library Board member Ragaisis requested ways that the "Friends" can help. No one was in favor of paying for general library operating costs, i.e., staffing 2. Love your Library magazine campaign is still going on. 3. In March, Marie will meet with Mary Louis Jensen from CT State Library; Gordon Shies of Alteris Renewables about solar panels. 4. Marie has talked to Dale Cutler, Library architect (Kenyon and Cutler) about coming to a Library Board meeting. 5. Marie talked about upcoming programs-book discussions, and coffee /poetry reading. Website: Berton reported that he posted the minutes of the Feb. meeting and added the data about the book sale, cookie sale, royal icing program, and the Annual Meeting with the Dan Stevens program. Long Range Planning: No meeting Program Committee: Full report is attached. Summary: 15th anniversary will be held as an open house event on October 18, 2009. Winter is in charge of menu, Eberhard the agenda and speakers, Hasskarl and Meheran the entertainment, Walluk the banner, invitations and exhibits. Old Business: Nancy and Steve Romanzi will be rooting the heirloom geranium soon. They will be $5 each available April 25 - May 9. "Friends" book bags have been ordered and supplier will ship before book sale. We will discuss price when we see how they look. ($10-12 range). Memorial book mark is completed and "friends" bookmark almost ready. May newsletter is printed and volunteers should stuff envelopes and have them returned to the library by Mon., March 16. New Business: Len and Elaine Eberhard will be the nominating committee for expiring terms of four board members. A short discussion was held concerning used books and the book sale. Adjourned: 3:04 PM Respectfully Submitted, Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Call to order: 1:30 PM. Meeting was led by President Len Berton. Attendance: Mazeau, Eberhard, German, Merriman, Winter, Miller and Library Director Hasskarl. Ed Krewalk also attended as a visitor. Mantel, Small, and Walluk were unable to attend. Correspondence: none Minutes: Motion to accept the minutes of our January 14, 2009 meeting with modification was made by Winter, and seconded by Eberhard. Motion was carried. Treasurer's Report: Sandy
reported that we received an unexpected United Way gift ($3111 in total after
payroll deductions are done). The donation may have been in error as the donor
lives in Bridgeport. The Board will ask Anne to send a thank-you note as a
subtle way to determine if the donation is valid. Library Director's Report: Children's Services Librarian, Laurie Meheran, spoke on several programs which would benefit from Friends funding. The 2009 summer reading program will focus on "Be Creative at Your Library" while avenues for children, teens and adults. All Burlington businesses will be contacted for their logos on the summer t-shirts with $250 and $100 options, or an "in kind" donation. Laurie would appreciate a donation from the Friends but we will defer until after the draft 2009 budget is prepared. Last year we provided $1,000 for the summer program. With a $2,000 grant from the Parker/Main Street trusts, the library will sponsor several parenting workshops. The first will focus on understanding challenging behavior in children and 26 people have signed up already. Karen Rossi is the metal artist whose works are currently exhibited throughout the library. She will continue her relationship with the library by presenting a parent workshop to encourage creativity. In addition the library would like to purchase one of her mobiles for approximately $1,000. She has agreed to involve the children in the design of this work through a children's library program. Joanie's Child Care has already provided a $500 donation and another donor has agreed to a matching donation but the limit is unknown. Laurie would like us to contribute $250 but we will first wait to find out the maximum of the matching donation. We could possible do an "unveiling" of the new artwork in association with the library's 15th anniversary. As part of the Travel Program, there will be a presentation in September on Italy. Monies from the Donovan Fund will be used to support these annual travel series. Marie distributed and discussed correspondence from different space planning vendors including Kevin McCarthy, and Penfield Place Consulting. She is also pursuing information from the Burlington Building Department and the original library architect. The University of Hartford was contacted as well as and they will check to see if a resource is available to assist us. There is a concern that the basement ceiling is too low to permit expansion. Marie will also determine if the basement meets code requirements before we follow-up with any of the vendors. Webmaster Report: The only change this month was the addition of the last Board minutes. Programming Committee: Nancy reported that the newsletter is in progress. A "Royal Icing" workshop is planned for 4/22/09 with a hands-on instruction of this premier cake and cookie icing process. Heirloom geranium cuttings are being propagated (2 dozen) for future sale at $5.00 each. Long Range Planning: Pat reported that the five year plan is still in progress, and will bear reassessment given the current economic climate. Old Business: New Business: Bob requested clarification on our library name. Burlington Library Association, Inc. is our legal name but we also use the Friends of the Burlington Library synonymously. We are also reminded to acknowledge the name of any program contributor in any public announcement. Adjourned: 2:48 PM Respectfully submitted, Board
Meeting January 14, 2009 Call to
Order: 1:30 PM. Meeting led by Len Berton. Attendance:
Small, Mazeau, Miller, Mantel, German, and
Library Director Hasskarl. Ed Krewalk, visitor and life member was in
attendance. Merriman, Walluk, Winter
and Eberhard were unable to attend. Correspondence:
Thank you letter received for books donated to Bristol Community Renewal
Team. E-mail from a new book sale
list, offering the opportunity to be listed – will be forwarded to Jenny
Mantel. E-mail from Friends of CT
Library concerning a FOCL Forum – will be forwarded to Pat Small and Pat
Miller. Secretary’s
Report: Motion to accept the December minutes, Pat Small; seconded, Sandy Mazeau.
All in favor. Treasurer’s
Report: Vangard lost approximately $5,700; Main Street Foundation most likely
performed the same. Assets are down approximately $12,000. Year end letters were
returned by 38 donors with $2,443. Last year, 54 donors responded with $2,900 in
donations. Overall, we had 205 members, including life members who donated; as
compared to 236 in 2007. Contributions for memorials, book sales, and bake sale
were over budget for the year but overall donations were down. We
spent $31,000 – less than the $36,000 in the budget.
We did, however, reach the minimum requirement for a Federal Tax return
which is due in May. Motion to accept the treasurer’s report, Small; seconded,
German. All in favor, none opposed. Len thanked Sandy Mazeau, Pat Small, Pat
Miller and Anne Walluk for their help in sending the 225 letters requesting
donations at year’s end. Personal
notes were added to the 18 who contributed more than $50 previously. Librarian’s
Report: We have two new microphones donated by the Friends – one wireless.
Only one can be used at a time –looking at a system that allows both to be
used simultaneously. Karen Rossi’s art work is on display – 35% of the sales
will be donated to the library. With addition of Joni’s child care donation,
library hopes to purchase a mobile for the children’s room. Webmaster’s
Report: Replaced page with museum pass information with link to library website
with current information. November minutes posted.
Pie sale final numbers were corrected. Sandy noted that a notice of the
availability of the federal tax return must be added to the website when the
return is filed in May. Long Range
Plan: Nothing additional to report. Program
Committee: This email was received from Nancy: “1.) I've booked Donna Gonchar
for a hands-on workshop/demonstration of Royal Icing for Wed. April 22 at 7pm.
This is the Wed. before our Cookie Sale on Sat. 2.) Since we missed the deadline
for applying for the CT Comm. Arts grant for $450 for our annual meeting Dan
Stevens’s "Blues 101" program, I wrote a sponsorship request to
Torrington Savings Bank manager, Melissa; and I'm now waiting for a response
from the main office.” Marie
reported that TSB has donated $50 to this program. Old
Business: Book bags and book marks should to be ready before the April book
sale. Anne has sent the draft newsletter to Nancy – need additional notes from
Len and Marie as well as confirmation of dates and times for programs, the book
sale, cookie sale and geranium sale. New
Business: Solar panels – an energy audit is needed to proceed; may request
that the Friends pay for the study. DVD’s are missing – Sandy will check
with Cole AV about a security camera. Marie would like to have a consultant look
at the efficient use of existing space. Suggestion made that Local History Room
be relocated to a refurbished space in the basement (since access is already
limited), and its existing floor space be used for something else.
Parker Trust is contributing $2,000 to the parenting workshop. Adjourned:
2:14 PM. Patricia
Miller Board Meeting: Wednesday Dec. 10, 2008 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Call to order: 1:30 PM Meeting led by President Len Berton. Attendance: Small, Mazeau, Miller, Mantel, Merriman, Winter, Eberhard, Walluk, and Library Director Hasskarl. German was unable to attend. Ed Krewalk, visitor and Life Member, was in attendance. Correspondence: United Way letter. Len completed on-line form to assure that no United Way funds were used by our organization in support of terrorism. Minutes: Motion to accept the minutes of our Nov. 12, 2008 meeting with spelling correction was made by Miller, seconded by Small. Motion was carried. Treasurer's report: There was very little activity this month. Under expenses there was an additional $250 for the Association-sponsored children's program "Merry Tales". A CD at Farmington Savings Bank is maturing. Motion to accept the Treasurer's report and authorize Len B. to invest in another CD with the most interest and not to exceed 18 months was made by Eberhard, seconded by Miller. Motion was carried. Library Director's report: Marie reported that she and the Board are beginning the budget process although they have not heard anything from Town government. She is having building heating issues. She will re-look at buying cordless microphones, since the library will likely sponsor a "Meet the Candidates" program in 2009. Webmaster report: Len has posted the minutes from the last meeting. He is updating the Life Member list with those joined in 2008. Nancy requested that the amount earned on the pie sale be corrected. Long Range Planning: Miller reported that there had been no meetings. Likely meet in January, 2009. Program Committee: Walluk and Winter will be looking at a CT Commission of the Arts grant to help pay for Dan Stevens program in May. In addition to the supplies for the children's program Stone Soup, the "Friends" sponsored an impromptu party and everyone was invited to the library tonight (Dec. 10) for pizza, goodies and a nice roaring fire in the fireplace. The Library Board has also been invited, as well as First Selectman Kathy Zabel. Old Business: A. Book Sale -- Mantel reported that Glenn from Springfield will be coming Jan. 13, 2009 to pick up the surplus books from the sale. She will call volunteers to help load. B. The design for the book bag is 99% complete. Staff person Sara LoPresti is being paid $18 an hour for her work to design an electronic file of our logo that can be sent to the book bag company. She is in communication with the company to touch up parts of the design for final draft. C. Walluk is making changes in the bookmark and it too is almost complete. D. Year-end-donation letter has been completed by Len. He has written three versions: to non-donors, to Life members, to 2006 & 2007 donors. Volunteers will get them out next week. E. It was decided to discontinue mailing letters to parents of newborns since it is impossible to get names and addresses. The library staff will hand out Books for Babies packet, we will add info to our website, and a notice will go in our annual newsletter. New Business: A. Walluk has been working on a rough draft of the newsletter for next May and encourages members to submit something. B. Hasskarl announced that the Town will have their new web site up soon. (Maybe Jan.) C. Merriman inquired about the library sponsoring a chess club. Discussion led to other possible board game clubs. Marie will take note of idea. Adjourned: 2:19 PM Respectfully submitted, Board Meeting: Wednesday November 12, 2008 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Call to order: 1:30 PM. Meeting led by President Len Berton. Attendance: Mazeau, Mantel, German, Merriman, Winter, and Library Director Hasskarl. Miller, Small, Walluk and Eberhard were unable to attend. Correspondence: none Minutes: Motion to accept the minutes of our October 8, 2008 meeting with changes was made by Winter, seconded by Mazeau. Motion was carried. Treasurer's Report: There was very little activity this month. 2008 total book sales (upstairs & downstairs) exceeded $8,000 which is above the projected amount. The 2008 year-end campaign to solicit donors is forthcoming. Due to the poor economy, a motion was made not to draw down our accumulated income this year. Motion to approve was made by Mantel and seconded by German. Motion was carried. Library Director's Report: $2,000 is needed to extend the stacks in the teen section, as well as $300 for a new printer. Money is already allocated in the 2008 budget for these purchases. Memorial spending is in progress. For the 2009 budget, a new server will be needed at an estimated cost of $3900. The Phelps program had a fair turnout with 16 attendees. The 'Rev Up Your Resume' program is slated for 11/20. Webmaster Report: Book and pie sale results (including a photo) and minutes were posted as well as a staff page change to remove Jim. Len was able to measure web hits to the library site which averaged 3 per day. Program Committee: Nancy provided an update. A holiday program is planned for 12/10 at 6:00 p.m. with pizza and crafts before the 7:00 town carol sing. Estimated cost is $250. Nancy has booked Dan Stevens with his partner, C. Amato, to perform his Blues 101 concert at our annual meeting on May 13, 2009. The cost is $450 and a grant will be sought from the Arts Council to cover said cost. Also Anne booked Irish balladeer, Dan Ringose, for a 3/13/2009 performance at 7:00 p.m. for $175. Our March meeting is this same day but no one considered it to be an issue. Some discussion was held on possibly moving the Elvis impersonator to October for our 15th anniversary celebration (10/13/2009) or even summer due to our many spring activities. Long Range Planning: No new developments to report this month. Old Business: Nancy reported that this year's pie sale was our most successful ever with 30 bakers, 59 pies and $706 in income. She credits the success to special order and personalized pies, thank-you notes which encouraged participation, and pies priced between $8-12. Most pies went for $12. Sami Sebastion has committed to helping with the pie sale throughout her high school years. Nancy purchased a CD for her as a token of appreciation. Jenny reported $1776 in income from the October book sale. Sales were $533 on Thursday, $198 on Friday and $950 on Saturday. Arrangements have already been made to have Glen pick up unwanted books. Bob's son and two boys cleaned and hauled 18 truckloads of brush for $970 to significantly improve the library landscaping. We are most grateful for their beautification efforts. Discussion of book bag sales was deferred to the December meeting. New Business: The annual year-end campaign to contributors and life members
who have not yet contributed in 2008 will be expanded to include past 2007 and
2006 contributors. Len will write the letters. Assistance will be needed for the
envelope stuffing. Bob Merriman reported that the Main Street Foundation visitors were very impressed with our library personnel. Carol Giannantosio was mentioned by Jenny as a possible new Board member. Mr. & Mrs. Krewalk (prospective Board members) were again invited by Len but they did not attend. Jenny will hold off on Carol until Len contacts the Krewalks. Craig Winter built new shelving in the library to better display our plants. Adjourned: 2:32 PM Respectfully submitted, Board Meeting: Wednesday Oct. 8, 2008 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Call to order: 1:30 PM Meeting led by President Len Berton. Attendance: Small, Mazeau, Miller, German, Merriman, Winter, Eberhard, Walluk, and Library Director Hasskarl. Mantel was unable to attend. Library Director Hasskarl introduced new part-time employee Denise Murphy. Correspondence: none Minutes: Motion to accept the minutes of our Sept 10, 2008 meeting with changes was made by Winter, seconded by German. Motion was carried. Treasurer's report: There was very little activity this month. Most of the additional income was from the sale of books from the used book sale cart upstairs. Motion to approve was made by Miller, seconded by Small. Motion was carried. Library Director's report: Hasskarl handed out copies of a grant that was submitted to the Main Street Foundation requesting $1500 for parenting programs and materials. A grant application for funding from the Women and Girl's Fund will be submitted in 2009. The Director also handed out flyers for upcoming programs. Webmaster report: Len has posted the minutes from the last meeting, removed Mike Ragaisis's picture, and posted the pie sale. His attempts to find a way to measure web-site hits (request of Bob Merriman) was not successful. He will pursue another approach. Long Range Planning: Miller handed out the first draft of the long range plans that the committee has put together. Serving on the committee are Pat Miller, Sandy Mazeau, Marie Hasskarl, Carol Troiani, Chris Scheidel. Old Business: A. Pie Sale -- Winter reported that the first of the
pre-ordered pies are being delivered today. She and Sami Sebastian made five
pies. Nancy is going to be calling others to bake and Elaine E. and Anne W. will
help with the sale. B. Book Sale -- Walluk reported that the volunteers said
everything is on schedule….call Jenny Mantel if you want to volunteer to work
the sale; Pat Small has signs ready for people to take. New Business: A. Memorial donation envelope handed out. They will be available at library desk and for the staff to hand out. Also, Walluk will work on a bookmark explaining what the BLA is, our mission and how donations can help. They will be delivered to area funeral homes when completed. B. Marie needs $2000 to pay for new shelving because the Town would only approve half of what was needed. We approved the remaining equipment budget to be used for the shelving. C. Nancy displayed the geranium she is growing for the spring cookie/plant sale along with photos of the plant when in bloom. D. Len B. invited Mr. & Mrs. Krewalk (perspective Board members) to our meeting but they were unable to come this month. Adjourned: 3:07 PM Respectfully submitted, Anne Walluk, Secretary Board Meeting: Wednesday SEPT. 10, 2008 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Call to order: 1:30 PM Meeting led by President, Len Berton. Attendance: Small, Mazeau, Merriman, Winter, Eberhard, Walluk, and Library Director Hasskarl. Absent were Mantel, Miller, German. Correspondence: Berton read an appreciation letter from the Library children's staff thanking the association for their $1000 donation for summer programs. Mazeau has received a letter of confirmation from the state for filing our annual business report. Minutes: Motion to accept the minutes of our April 9, 2008 meeting was made by Small, seconded by Eberhard. Motion was carried. President Berton handed out the attached list of meeting guidelines. We all agreed to honor the 7 points to enable our meetings to be run more efficiently. Treasurer's report: Mazeau's financial handout shows that our end of the year assets for Dec. 31, 2007 were $91,912.03. The books being sold upstairs are doing very well. Total since Jan. is $1,232.25. Hasskarl updated the members as to the status of each of the memorial funds. Motion to approve was made by Winter, seconded by Eberhard. Motion was carried. Library Director's report: Thank you for the support of the summer programs. Summer programs cost over $5,000. Attendance was great and circulation was up significantly for the summer months. The staff is looking at applying for two grants (Parker Trust and Women and Girl's Fund). They are also looking at the scholar led book discussion programs. The "friends" agreed to sponsor the cost of two (2) of these programs to be scheduled for 2009. Webmaster report: Len has added the minutes from the May 2007 annual meeting which was approved at the May 2008 annual meeting. He has also updated the LIFE members list and the cookie sale report. With the help of the library staff he has revamped the "Resource page". Merriman asked about website "hits". It was done in the past but Len will look into this again. Long Range Planning: There were no meetings over the summer. Old Business: Pie Sale -- Winter reported that the publicity has started and that she and her assistant, Sami Sebastian, have made some plans for presale orders this year. Prices will be kept the same but more pies will be in the $12 range. (fancier and more detailed work). Pie sale is Oct. 25 while book sale is held Oct. 23, 24 and 25. There will be no fall newsletter due to the increased cost in postage. New Business: a. Library card pocket sponsor-- Marie will ask Bruce Flax. She
will hand out only to those who really want one which will help them last
longer. Decision not to nominate Flax as Honorary LM because that would set an
undesirable precedent. b. Storage shed for snow blower -- Marie is working on
having the snow removed by a contractor instead of a high school kid. If this
works out then the library will get rid of the snow blower. c. Landscaping
-Merriman recommended that we prune trees and shrubs. Marie will get a quote. We
have $124 left in landscaping budget. d. Walluk, Hasskarl, Winter, and Eberhard
will meet to discuss sponsoring programs this fall and winter. They will bring
ideas to next meeting. e. Memorial plaque will have the names of Maude and
Ernest Hinman added in recognition of Jeanne Hinman Bartman's donation of $300.
f. Walluk will talk to Sarah LoPresti about art for inexpensive book bags. Respectfully submitted,
Board Meeting: Wednesday April 9, 2008 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Call to order: 1:34 PM Meeting led by President, Len Berton. Attendance: Small, Mazeau, Ragaisis, Miller, Merriman, Winter, Mantel, Eberhard, German, Walluk, and Library Director Hasskarl. Correspondence: Berton read a letter of resignation from Board member P. Michael Ragaisis. Mazeau reported that he had received a report from The Main Street Foundation with our yearly interest of $857.51. The total year end balance (12/31/07) was $19,488.97. Minutes: Motion to accept was made by Small seconded by Miller. Motion was carried. Treasurer's report: Mazeau and the Board went over the draft 2008 budget line-by-line changing various items after discussion and agreement. This budget will be presented and voted upon at the annual meeting. A designated gift of $2000 will be moved to the memorial line because it is in memory of Frances Wright. Motion to approve was made by Winter, seconded by Eberhard. Motion was carried. Library Director's report: Marie has purchased a new LCD projector from Cole and will keep it locked up in her office. Various microphones were discussed and a motion was made by Eberhard, seconded by Winter, to purchase one wired mic @ $160 and one cordless mic @ $359. Motion was carried. Children's librarian Laurie Meheran presented a proposal to support the summer reading program, Catch the Reading Bug. Mazeau moved that we appropriate $1000 in support of these programs. German seconded and motion was carried. Misc: 1. Marie has ordered a laptop. 2. A presentation on book sales is being offered at the CLA convention in April and Pat Small would like to know if someone would like to go with her. 3. Mantel will call facilities manager at Region 10 to see if they want the risers back that they loaned the library in 1996 for its centennial program. 4. The Farmington Valley libraries are sponsoring a "One Book" program this summer and fall. They have selected Carlos Erie's Waiting for Snow in Havana. Webmaster report: Len has added the minutes from the Jan. meeting, news about the book sale and cookie sale, and a new picture of the Resource Center (text will be updated also) Long Range Planning: Miller reported that the committee has a mission statement. At the last meeting they went over the statistics that will help guide the Library Director and Board in establishing the need for a library expansion. Statistics were made available by the State Long Range Planning workshop that she and Marie H. went to. Mazeau added that his discussions with the Burlington Chamber president led to the idea of surveying the chamber members about their support for a library expansion. Old Business: New Business: Adjourned: 3:46 PM . Respectfully submitted, Anne Walluk, Secretary (February meeting was cancelled twice due to storms.) Correspondence: CLA workshop on book sales. Details on CLA web site. Minutes: Motion was made by Small and seconded by Winter to accept the January minutes as corrected. Motion passed. Treasurer: Sandy filed the tax non-return form to the IRS. Next year our
income will be over the non-filing limit and we will probably have to file a
return. Library Director: 1. Library budget was presented to the Board of Selectman with positive responses. Total was not approved but some cuts were reinstated. Painting for ceiling was eliminated. 2. Love your Library magazine campaign is still going on. 3. Long Range Planning Committee has been meeting. It is made up of Pat Miller, Sandy Mazeau, Chris Scheidel, Carol Troiani and Marie. Ultimate results will be to propose an expansion for the library. Pat Miller was asked to report monthly on the progress of this committee in order to keep the "Friends" up to date. 4. Marie will purchase a wireless microphone from Cole Equipment. 5. A motion was made by Walluk and seconded by Ragaisis to spend up to $800 on new business tables for the community room, and it was approved. 6. Marie will have deadbolts added to the closet door in the Community room to thwart any additional robberies of equipment. Website: Berton reported that he cleaned up the three year old pages, added a picture of new employee Diana Rudzinski, along with pictures of 2007 annual meeting. Also added Dec. minutes. Old Business: Discussion on Jerram's Winery tabled. New Business: The Bicentennial quilt hanging in the library needs to be encased but a proposal to use Association funds was not unanimously popular. It was felt that this is a special project that should be done on behalf of the Town with "art, cultural, reservation-type grants". Miller mentioned the new sign at the high school. We can change our sign but only if it uses the same configuration (P&Z regulations). We are grandfathered from any regulations if sign stays the same. Adjourned: 3:56 PM Respectfully Submitted, Anne Walluk, Secretary Board Meeting: Wednesday Jan.9, 2008 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Call to order: 1:35 PM Meeting chaired by President Len Berton. Attendance: Small, Mazeau, Ragaisis, Miller, Winter, German, Eberhard, and Library Director Hasskarl. Absent: Walluk, Mantel, Merriman. Correspondence: Berton read a letter from Children's Services Librarian, Laurie Meheran, and a Thank You received from Burlington Children to the Burlington Library Association for support of the Summer Reading Program. The children were "enchanted" by the rain forest theme. Over 15 acres of Rift Valley Rainforest in Kenya were saved by the sale of the t-shirts. Minutes: Motion to accept December 07 minutes with changes was made by Small and seconded by Miller. Motion was approved. Treasurer's report: Mazeau handed out the report. He reported that earnings
for the year from FSB, TSB, Main Street and Vanguard are $2937 not $4100 as
previously reported. $2875 was received from the year end letters. Donations for
the year were $11.3K. Accumulated income from previous years was not used and
will be added to this year. Mazeau reported that every category is over budget.
$6900 is in checking. Mike reported the Town Library Board has heard that new town management wants everyone to hold their budgets at 5% growth. Mike thinks that this will be difficult for the Library. Some board members believe that items like computers and copiers are customary town expenses in other towns. Marie would like to use Friends' money for Materials- books, music, dvds and good programs and the town should cover capital expenses. Library Director's report: Marie found folding tables that met the desired requirements are $238 each to replace the three broken tables. Len and Nancy suggested that the tables should be considered capital. Marie will investigate. Marie again thanked Elaine for the used coffee maker and thanked Kecia for the new coffee maker. Marie reported that other libraries borrow microphones from the school when they are needed but because our schools are regional that is not allowed. Marie will investigate purchasing one for the library. Marie discussed January and February Programs including Iris Paper Folding, Financial Strategies for Women and Interior Redesign. Marie requested a volunteer to coordinate the art display case. Webmaster Report: Len added the November minutes and made the staff changes. Old Business: Anne has put up the new life member plaque. Jenny and Anne will visit the winery when the weather improves. Jenny will also call the electrician regarding lighting for the basement area when she returns. Bob Merriman suffered the sad death of his son so the willow and geranium sale question was of course postponed. New Business: Nancy and Anne visited the E Granby "cookie by the pound" sale. It was agreed that we would plan a specialty cookie sale for the day of the April book sale. A request for bakers will be placed on the website. Len reported that Ann has started a draft of the early April newsletter, which needs to include the program for the annual meeting. We discussed the possibility of a music program for this, but agreed that a speaker was preferable for our usual audience, especially on local history. Pat Small suggested Burlington resident Carl Salsedo from UConn who does a very interesting lecture on sustainable gardening. The newsletter also needs book sale dates, a treasurer's, library director's and president's reports. Sandy suggested the purchase of a painting of an early Burlington library for $175. Sandy made the motion, Nancy seconded, and it was carried with one nay. Adjourned 3:40 Respectfully submitted, Elaine Eberhard Call to order: 1:40 PM Meeting led by Vice President, Nancy Winter. Attendance: Small, Mazeau, Ragaisis, Miller, Merriman, Walluk, and Library Director Hasskarl. Absent: Berton, Mantel, Eberhard, & German . Correspondence: Hasskarl heard from Main Street Community Foundation that the library will receive $2400 grant from the Parker Trust for an LCD projector and a Comcast line. Minutes: Motion to accept with changes was made by Mazeau seconded by Ragaisis. Motion was approved. Treasurer's report: Mazeau handed out the attached report. We have $4300 in checking. Marie is ordering three new PCs for $3228. Ragaisis is reviewing the order. The staff and board memorial donations for Ann Mazeau's brother were added to the local history room account. Earnings for the year from FSB, TSB, Main Street and Vanguard are over $4100 compared with $2400 in 2006. Motion to approve was made by Walluk, seconded by Small. Report was approved. Library Director's report: Marie is going to continue to look for folding tables that meet desired requirements. Elaine has donated a used coffee maker and Kecia is giving the staff a new coffee pot as her annual donation to the Association. Marie might consider using the Maccalous memorial donations for a new camera or for a paperback spinning rack. Webmaster report: Nancy reported that Len had nothing outside the usual monthly additions to report, except that he added German to the board page. Old Business: a) The new Life Member Plaque was put up. b) A motion was made by Walluk and seconded by Winter to add Charles Maccalous to the Memorial plaque. Motion was approved. c) Although we were expecting the book buyer from Springfield, MA to arrive in Dec., his men showed up in Nov. and the volunteers directed them to take the leftover book sale books for which we received $100. d) Berton, Eberhard and Walluk worked on the end-of-year letters Sat. Dec. 8. 180 letters (to 2005 and 2006 members) were sent. e) Hasskarl, Mantel, and Walluk will be visiting winery within the next week. New Business: Hasskarl will notify Mantel about electrician for the basement lighting as soon as Mantel returns from trip. The group discussed the possibility of having a "geranium" & "willow" sale and cookie walk around Mother's Day. Nancy will get more information for next meeting. Adjourned: 3:00 PM Motion made by Small and seconded by Miller. Respectfully submitted, Anne Walluk Board
Meeting: Wednesday Nov.
14, 2007 in the Anne Walluk Community Room Old Business:
The Life Member Plaque has arrived and the Walluks will put it up before
the next meeting. Book Pie Miscellaneous Old business:
The Friends’ Logo idea has been dropped.
Mantel, Walluk and Hasskarl plan to visit the Jerram Winery in New New Business:
Walluk suggested that the downstairs needs additional lighting for the
book sale and would like to put it in next year’s budget.
Marie will e-mail Jenny the name and contact information of the
electrician she has been using for work upstairs. It was suggested that the new Board of Selectmen be invited to schedule
a meeting at the library during 2008. Marie passed out fliers and discussed an exciting array of upcoming
programs. Adjourned: 3:14 PM Respectfully submitted, Meeting:
Wednesday October 10, 2007 Winter and Walluk spoke to Sara Lo Presti about making the Association logo something to put on book bags, hats, etc. Lo Presti will work on simplifying the design and our organization will decide whether to pursue a book bag project. If our sole reason for getting the design is to make something to give volunteers, it was agreed that the volunteers do appreciate being recognized but do not expect a gift for their services.
September 12, 2007 Time: 1:35 PM Meeting was called to order at 1:35 pm. In attendance were Berton, Mazeau, Winter, Ragaisis, Mantel, Miller, Merriman, Walluk and Library Director Hasskarl. Eberhard and Small notified Berton they would be out-of-town. Invited guest, Kecia German, was unable to attend but will be at Oct. meeting. Correspondence: There has been a $100 donation from Howard Porter, an out-of-town relative of Jenny Mantel. The CT Friends of the Library annual membership form and newsletter has arrived. Berton will fill out forms and renew our membership. Winter reported that she sent a letter of sympathy to the family of Walt Landgraf. She also passed around a lovely thank you note from staff member Sheila McCallum who received a gift from us all after her summer surgery. Sandy and Anne reported that we have filed the papers and money for our incorporation with the Secretary of State. Minutes: A motion to approve the April and June, 2007 minutes as corrected was made by Walluk and seconded by Winter. Both were approved and Berton will post. May annual meeting minutes will be approved at the next annual meeting. Treasurer: The treasurer's report shows that we are close to meeting our budget. Donations are short $1,735 but we still have the end-of-the-year letter that usually brings in over $2000. Donations for the history room are up. Membership stands at 168 families/individuals for 2007 with 177 donations. (some are matching corporate donations) Some museum passes are being discontinued due to lack of use. New ones are being made available and cost is up slightly. It was agreed that individual Board members can donate to Walt Landgraf's memorial fund, but as an organization a donation would be in violation of our bylaws. Director: Marie reported that the LCD overhead projector has been missing since May or July. The Town has a $3000 deductible on insurance so we cannot file a claim. Marie will file a theft report with local police. And Mazeau will seek out the cost of replacement with Bob Cole. Marie also reported programs being sponsored with the Women's and Girls'
Fund, i.e., "Dames and Dangers" Oct. 17 and Jen Rizzotti on Sept. 6,
and basketball tickets. NEW BUSINESS: It was decided that no criteria will be set for determining whose name will go on the Memorial plaque. Each name will be discussed on a case by case basis. It was agreed that Earl Carini, a past member of the Association and Elizabeth Lowrey, a past Library Board member, will be added to the plaque. Walluk will see this through. A logo that could be put on book bags or other PR items was discussed. Nancy and Anne will talk to Sarah LoPresti about making our letterhead into a more attractive symbol that could be used. Marie passed out a letter proposing that we hold a wine tasting fund raiser with the Jerram family in New Hartford. All agreed it would be a fun event. Walluk will call Harwinton library to see if they had much success and Miller will call Land Trust to see if they had much success with theirs. Respectfully submitted, Meeting: June 13, 2007 Approx. time 3:15 PM Between 2 and 3 PM a reception was held for 25 individuals who volunteered for the library in some aspect during 2006. 20 of the honorees were able to attend. The reception was organized by Nancy Winter and Anne Walluk. Nancy Winter presented the group with a song adaptation of "You Are My Sunshine" followed by the presentation of gifts. Almost 40 people attended, including members of the Library Association, the Town Library Board, Library Staff and First Selectman Ted Scheidel. Following the reception, the Association Board held an impromptu meeting. Present were Pat Miller, Pat Small, Mike Ragaisis, Len Berton, Anne Walluk, Nancy Winter, Elaine Eberhard, Bob Merriman, Jenny Mantel, Sandy Mazeau and Marie Spratlin Hasskarl. It was agreed that the Association would pay for 20 rainforest tee-shirts to be distributed as prizes for the Summer Reading Program, Wild About Reading. It was agreed that we should consider a second, smaller newsletter to be distributed before the end of the year. We will start planning for this at the Sept. meeting. The next meeting will be September 12. Respectfully submitted, Meeting of Wednesday April 11, 2007 CALL TO ORDER: President Berton called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. in the Anne Walluk Community Room . ATTENDENCE: Berton, Mazeau, Ragaisis, Walluk, Hasskarl, Winter, Miller, Merriman, Small. By invitation Elaine Eberhard and absent Jenny Mantel. BOARD MEMBERS: Board member Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu has had to resign due to personal conflicts. A very nice letter was read from Gjyl and she has left on a positive note. Len noted that it is difficult for board members who have young children to find the time to serve. Elaine Eberhard who had volunteered at book sales and loves being involved with books has attended the last two meeting of the Board. She has recently retired from Pratt and Whitney and has lived in Burlington for 17 years. Pat Small moved that Elaine be nominated to join the Board. Mike seconded the motion and it was so voted. With the need for a new secretary, Anne Walluk volunteered to fill the position. Nancy Winters nominated Anne as secretary, Sandy Mazeau seconded and it was so voted. CORRESPONDENCE: Len Berton, as President, was served notices of easements on Library Lane along with all who have ever owned property there. Berton advised that the Town will settle the easement problem. There was much discussion of the laws that must be settled making communication a necessity with the property owners. A letter and donation to the History Room was received from the Burlington SECRETARY'S REPORT: Nancy Winter stated that the motion regarding the CD at Torrington Savings should have shown that the 2nd was to leave the CD to the best interest and continue the relationship with Torrington Savings. Pat Miller moved to accept the minutes as amended. Seconded by Mazeau and voted to accept. TREASURER'S REPORT: A motion to accept the budget as presented by Mazeau was made by Winter and seconded by Walluk. It passed. Mike has reservations because he felt that the amount is too aggressive. He pointed out that the donor base is less and the demographic is getting older. The CD was transferred from Torrington Savings to Vanguard. The CD is due to mature on Friday at Farmington Savings. A motion was made by Mazeau and seconded by Miller to go into a 7-month at 5 percent. Majority approved with Mike opposed. LIBRARIAN'S REPORT: There was an email vote approval for Marie to purchase the computer for the children's room. The self checkout is working well and the quilt has been hung on the wall. She requested approval for $1,202 for Martin Landscaping for work needing to be done. The stone will be picked up by the town crew. Sandy Mazeau made the motion to approve the landscaping bill and it was seconded by Elaine. It was approved. Marie also has $742 in bills for books and audio materials. There was discussion on the procedure for accepting Marie's expenses. The Board agreed that for routine and within budget a vote is not necessary. Routine - report only. Within budget but not routine or over budget by $1,500 would need a motion to accept. The Board will attempt not to micro-manage and will have Marie report on her
expenses. The Board voted to spend $1180 for 2 children and adult programs in
the summer reading. It was agreed that we would contribute to It was agreed that we would contribute $150 to Walter Landgraf for his presentation at the annual meeting. It will be presented in the larger room and refreshments will be served in the community room. We will have the annual meeting first and then the lecture. We will set up at 6:00 for the program. WEBMASTER'S REPORT: Len reported that the minutes have been posted, Gjyl has been removed from the Board page, the book sale has been posted, and Sarah Lawson, the new employee, will be posted, and Marie will supply her photo. Elaine will also supply her photo for the Board page. The signs are ready for the book sale and members will track them. Nancy Winter brought up an idea of making the back entrance more attractive. "Honor the Volunteers" will be June 13th, Wednesday, at 2 p.m. We will have an afternoon tea to recognize and honor the library volunteers. Anne Walluk and Nancy Winters will manage the arrangements. Mr. Merriman made us all a gift of a bunch of Tantail Willow branches, Salix Sakhslinensis, a native plant of Japan. The meeting adjourned at 4 p.m. Pat Small Wednesday, March 14, 2007 There was a discussion of the possibility of changing the meeting time to during the day in order for Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu to be able to attend the meetings. Len will discuss this with members who were not present to see if 1:30 on the second Wednesday of the month would work. Those in attendance were in agreement with this time. Correspondence: A $200 donation from the Burlington Historical Society was received from Jackie Shadford. Information of the Friends of the CT Libraries CLA Pre-Conference on April 16th was shared. Pat Miller and Pat Small plan to attend. The Burlington Bicentennial Committee has returned the balance of $431.95 to the library to be used in the History Room. Minutes: Sandy made a motion to accept the February minutes. Motion was seconded by Mike. Motion carried. Treasurer's Report: Sandy passed out a worksheet for the 2007 budget and members worked on putting in amounts for the budget to be presented at the May meeting. A CD had matured at Torrington Savings Bank. A motion was made by Pat Small and seconded by Nancy Winter to put the money in the Vanguard Money Market Fund for now. Motion carried. Len will check on possibilities for the CD that is maturing on April 13 at the Farmington Savings Bank and will be discussed at the April 11th meeting. Librarian's Report: Marie reported that Ted Scheidel is anxious to get the Bicentennial quilt hung in the library. There is still a concern about hanging it without a covering. The Historical Society will be contacted to see if they could apply for a grant to cover the expense. In the meantime the quilt will be hung. Marie reported that Love Your Library is still going on, and there are still magazine subscriptions available for patrons to donate. Jenny Mantel will contact BookSaleFinders.com to advertise the book sale on April 26th ,27th , and 28th.. A locksmith was called to fix the door in the basement so it can be used for the book sale. A statue was purchased with the memorial donation for Kim Alvarez. It is called Imagine and will be on the checkout desk. Marie had continued to investigate desks for the new computer in the staff room. She found one at Staples for $630 which is a workstation with two working areas and a file cabinet. It was suggested that Marie contact David Fortin with Region 10 to see if there were any desks that would work if they were discarding any. A motion was made by Pat Small and seconded by Nancy Winters to approve the $630 after Marie had talked to David Fortin if the Staples desk seemed the better choice. Motion carried. Marie asked for support from the board for the Summer Reading Programs for children and adults. Details will follow later. There was a discussion about buying a new Dell computer for the children's room. Mike will help Marie configure what is needed. A vote on amount to be approved will be sent by email to board members. There was a reception and check for $5000 presented from the Main Street Fund. This grant is for Women's and Girls' Fund. Many exciting things are planned. On April 19th Gina Barrecca will speak at the firehouse and a presentation by Jen Rizzotti is also planned at a future date. The Self Check Out will soon be available for patrons. Webmaster Report: Len has posted the February minutes. Old Business: Anne has posted a schedule and is looking for volunteers to help with the mailing. The following members volunteered: Nancy, Pat Miller, Pat Small, Sandy, Len and (Jenny, 27th-30th.) Pat Small has contacted bookprospector.com about old books and set up an account with them. Pat and Jenny will be meeting with the person in charge of the Farmington Book Sales to get ideas of what to do with some old books. Len is going to contact the speaker for the Annual May meeting to check on his fee. New Business: The board would like to host a party for volunteers of the library. Nancy Winters has agreed to work with Ann Walluk on plans. Meeting adjourned: 9:55 pm Respectfully submitted, CALL TO ORDER: President Berton called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM ATTENDANCE: Berton, Mazeau, Miller, Ragaisis, Small, Walluk, Hasskarl. The problem of mothers of young children participating, and the challenge of attracting new board members were discussed. Walluk will send some names and numbers of LIFE members that might be prospective Board members. CORRESPONDENCE: Membership letters from Clock Museum and Carousel Museum. It was decided that we would not subscribe to them at this time. Letter from Main Street Foundation announcing that the Children's staff had been awarded a $5000 grant from the Women's and Girl's Fund. Also offered and accepted was a $250 area literacy grant. Marie is working out details for both funds. MINUTES: A motion was made by Pat Miller to accept the minutes of the January meeting. Mike Ragaisis seconded. The minutes were accepted. TREASURER'S REPORT: Mazeau handed out an accounting for 2006. $4,000 - Capital reserve, $3,410 - Walluk's retirement, mailings - $2,837 and approximately $15,200 given to the Library for audio and print materials, equipment, landscaping, history room items, special events and museum passes. Total expenses for the year were $25,174.60. Donors responded well to the end-of-the year letter with $2,817 coming in compared to $1,970 last year. The Association funds total $83,148.67. The general fund has $33,515.25. The balance is made up of $18,152.30 in the Main Street Foundation, $17,153.24 in the Capital Reserve fund, $7,492.50 in the Arthur Main Fund, $5,020.38 in the Schwarzmann Mill Fund. $1,815 in designated memorial funds for Mader and Petersen will be spent by Hasskarl. Mazeau will report to First Selectman Scheidel the status on the Arthur Main and Schwarzmann funds. (The Library and the Association are invited to participate in a Long Range Town Plan in March.) Walluk made a motion to accept the report. Miller seconded. The report was accepted. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Marie discussed the grant from the Main Street Women's
& Girls' Fund. The BLA is receiving the grant because it was submitted in
the Assoc. name because of the 501(C)3 status. Materials are being purchased and
programs are being planned, such as Jen Rizotti and/or Gina Barecca. The Board
is invited to the check presentation on March 1, 2007, 6:30PM. -- The new
computer has arrived but not yet installed. A desk and chair are on back-order.
-- Love Your Library Magazine campaign is under way with a new attractive
display. WEB SITE REPORT: Berton expressed his frustration with the switchover of the Library website to a new host. The "Friends" pages were not moved as expected, and he had to upload everything to the new site after discovering it was out of service. There was a discussion about the cost of the new site and of the charge for the domain name. Updates to the site this month included adding Mantel to the Board page with her photo, the December minutes, and the Pie Sale results (including a photo and a list of all the volunteers). ANNUAL MEETING: Walt Landgraf has accepted our invitation to speak at our May 9 annual meeting. His topic will be Parks and Forests of northwestern CT. The board will pay him an honorarium, and Berton will find out what the Burlington Land Trust donated for his recent presentation for them. NEWSLETTER: Walluk passed out the first draft of the May newsletter. She is waiting for two additional articles. We agreed that the news of the Women's and Girl's Fund grant should be mentioned. The Calendar for the newsletter is as follows. MARCH 15 - deadline for news articles. MARCH 19 to 23 - newsletter goes to Sir Speedy; MARCH 26 to 30 - volunteers stuff envelopes and sort mailings; APRIL 2 to 4 - Mailings go back to Sir Speedy for wafer closing; APRIL 9 to 13 Mailings go to POST OFFICE and should be in boxes by third week of April. Walluk will send this schedule to all members. NEW BUSINESS: A volunteer appreciation party was discussed. It was thought that we need a plan in order to proceed. A date later in the year was discussed but nothing decided at this time. It was also suggested that we combine it with a membership drive. MEETING Adjourned: 9:55 PM Respectfully submitted, Anne Walluk, Acting Secretary Date: Jan 10, 2007 President Len Berton called the regular meeting to order. Correspondence: Mazeau reported the Vanguard checkbook arrived and is in the possession of Berton. Minutes of Dec. 2006 were reviewed with one 'typo' change; Ragaisis moved to accept and Small seconded, motion approved. Treasurer's Report: Farmington Savings Bank: C.D. @ 4.75% / 9 mos. Approx. $3954 and approx. $200 in savings account. Berton will renew this C.D. for highest rate within 1 (one) year term. Mazeau added an Earnings column to the financial report. Revenue results increased from $1700 to $2300 due to excellent Book Sale income. Currently the income increase is $2300. Expenses are currently $5900 under budget. Mazeau reported a total of 186 donors to date (Berton/Mazeau 1/12/2007 email updated this total to 206) in comparison to 242 donors in 2005. A discussion developed on strategies and tactics to help reverse the donor decline: day and evening program attendee solicitation, BLA promotion during 'town events', a BLA kiosk, matching library program attendees with known donors lists to mine for potential new donors, promotion of BLA during National Library Month, posters /banners promoting the BLA on display inside (and outside? ) the library building. Hasskarl and Ragaisis will investigate the posters/banners tactic. The Board will track the performance of the Vanguard S&P 500 index fund in consideration of the maturity (50 mos.) of the broad market advance. Library Director: Hasskarl reported new Dell computer for staff office area will cost approx. $1200. Computer will have Win XP OS,2 GB RAM, 160 GB hard drive and will be enabled for the Vista OS update. Small moved to approve the computer purchase, Miller seconded, the motion was approved. Hasskarl provided the Board with her new Burlington address and her cell phone number. The Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency requested a copy of the 2006 BLA Library Patron Survey and copy of the Burlington Community Center Proposal-this is in reference to the newly organized Town planning committee. (Berton will send.) A renewal of the passes for The Connecticut Children's Museum was approved-Mazeau moved to accept and Small seconded. Webmaster: Berton reported most recent minutes were corrected and posted to BLA site. Old Business: Berton reminded everyone of the need for articles/coordination for the spring newsletter. Newsletter action items are: Berton-President's Report, Winter-Bake Sale, Hasskarl-First year leadership experiences, Mazeau-Financial Report, Mantel- Book Sale, Miller-Books for Babies, Walluk- overall coordination and assembly, Ragaisis-Donor dilemma, Small-History Room. Newsletter contributions probably due in mid March - Berton will ask Walluk to prepare a Timeline. Annual Meeting set for May 9, 2007. Discussion of Annual Meeting program / presenter / subject ensued. Mr. Walt Landgraf, the curator of the Stone Museum, was mentioned as a potential meeting speaker-Berton will contact him. Discussion of Acrobat software and its current monthly fees vs new fee-free Acrobat Composer now on the Web. Library associate S. McCusker could use this software for library and BLA PDF documents. New Business: Heartfelt Thanks to Pat Miller for sharing her home with the BLA board for this meeting! A motion was made by Small to elect Jenny Mantel to fill one of the vacancies on the BLA board, Mazeau seconded; the motion was approved. Welcome Jenny! There was a discussion of the potential of Marie Spratlin Hasskarl becoming a BLA board member; deferred until after the annual meeting to try to attract another interested citizen. Mazeau indicated a new IRS filing requirement change only impacted the BLA notice procedure with the IRS and NOT our filing status. Meeting adjourned @ 9:52 p.m. Submitted by P. Michael Ragaisis The meeting of December 13, 2006 was called to order at 7:35 by President Len Berton in the Anne Walluk Community Room. Len Berton, Mike Ragaisis, Sandy Mazeau, Nancy Winter, Pat Miller, Bob Merriman and Marie Spratlin Hasskarl were in attendance. Correspondence: The obituary for Dorothy Mader was noted, Donations could be made to the Burlington Library Association or Region 10. Secretary's Report: There was an additional $30 donation in the total pie sale. Sandy however added it as a membership for Barbara Pinto. In reference to the success of the pie sale, Nancy requested the wording abetted be changed to "because of" in the minutes. Pies should be sold for $9-12. Mike made a motion to accept the minutes as adjusted; seconded by Sandy. Motion approved. Treasurer's Report: Book sales, bake sale, dvd's, designated contributions, history room and bank income over budget. Membership dues are under budget - $2486- Sandy noted we brought in $2200 in the end of last year. The number of donors is down, amount is up. We have money available for books and equipment - spent only $23,654 of the $27680 approved in the budget. Len left $3,000 in the TSB checking and transferred $1000 from the passbook to a statement checking with overdraft protection. He sent $10,000 to a Vanguard Money Market account at about 5.05%. The TSB checking and Vanguard accounts are linked. Transfers are done by phone. Len, Nancy and Sandy are authorized to sign for the Vanguard account, but Sandy will not have access to the checkbook. Len will verify if he is receiving a checkbook for the Vanguard account. Farmington Savings CD will mature on January 10, 2007. Available interest rates will be checked for next meeting. Bob Merriman informed Sandy that the rules regarding Federal reports for non profits have changed and everyone will be required to file regardless of income. Librarian's Report: The community room has been booked for January 10 - next meeting will be at Pat Miller's house. Marie has requested money for a new Dell computer. Quote was presented. It was suggested that the purchase be postponed until January when the new Vista operating system is released, with a larger hard drive to accommodate Vista and speakers capable of being mounted on the bottom of the monitor. The amended quote and purchase will be discussed next meeting. A motion was made by Sandy and seconded by Nancy to purchase a printer w/toner for $207; sponsor Keith Johnson's bubbles program on 12/27 for approximately $400; and purchase a desk and chair for approx. $600. Motion approved. Self checkout proposal - Marie is still working on pricing. A board member objected - on basis it was a town expense. But family agreed to the purchase and specifically did not want to purchase books. Motion was made by Sandy to spend $1715 on the self checkout; seconded by Mike. Motion approved. Program for pizza and politicians for high school students proposed for the spring in honor of Doug McCallum. Marie will try to schedule it after Carolyn McCallum returns from Florida, probably April. Webmaster's Report: October minutes were posted. Life members were updated as well as staff photos and titles. Old Business: Net amount from retirement party was $788 - Len will write a check in that amount to Anne Walluk. Doug McCallum memorial plaque - he already appears on the existing plaque. No further action. Len expressed thanks to Pat Small and Jenny Mantel for helping him in mailing the 150 letters sent to those who had donated in 2005 but not in 2006. The quilt will be accepted by the town during a ceremony Dec 16 in the community room and eventually hung by the fireplace. Framing/protection if needed should be provided by the town or the historical society. Anne Walluk would like members to start thinking about the spring newsletter and submitting articles by e-mail to her. We need a speaker for the annual meeting in May. Len mentioned 50% of the survey respondents requested notices by e-mail. The library already has started to develop an e-mail list. Marie will ask Sarah M. to send Len the list. During discussion the need for Adobe Acrobat was noted. There was a brief discussion of Ct Main Street Center's workshop for non profits. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15. The meeting of November 8, 2006 was called to order by President Len Berton at 7:34 in the Anne Walluk Community Room. Attending were L. Berton, M. Spratlin Hasskarl, M. Ragaisis, P. Miller, S. Mazeau, P. Small and G. Mustafa-Kozlu. J. Mantel and R. Radikas attended as visitors. Correspondence: No correspondence. Secretary's Report: Change spelling of M. Spratlin Hasskarl in October 11, 2006 meeting minutes. There is no hyphen in the last name. P. Small moved to accept last month's meeting minutes, M. Ragaisis seconded, motion approved. Pie Sale Results: It was a Blue Ribbon pie sale as reported by N. Winter (via
a note read by L. Berton). Total in sales, $566.00. There were 48 pies and two
donations. N. Winter felt the success of the pie sale because of the following: Wish list for next year's Pie Sale: N. Winter thanks all the volunteers for their generous help in making the Pie
Sale a success, particularly Anne W, Pat S., Mike, Katy & Michaela R. She
wrote thank you notes to almost all of the bakers. Treasurer's Report: We are behind in donations by $2,716.00. It is felt that we should be meeting our contribution goal. Museum passes now have their own budget line. Marie will report usage for each pass as they come up for renewal. The used book sale is 1/3 of the income for the total year. Please refer to the budget report for more details. L. Berton expressed a concern that the checking account balance has not been less than $7,000 for the past two years, earning less than 1%. He proposed that we leave $3,700.00 in the checking account and put $10,000.00 into a Vanguard money market account which is paying over 5% interest. A few members expressed concern that money might not be readily available for expenses if so much went into a Vanguard account. L Berton said we could get a Vanguard checkbook, and also could transfer money back in a few days via a phone call. S. Mazeau suggested that we convert the passbook savings account at TSB to a statement savings account which is paying about 3% and request overdraft protection. A motion was made by P. Miller to leave $7,500.00 in TSB ($3000 in the checking account and $4500 in a statement Money Market savings account). $10,000 would then be available to deposit in the Vanguard account. M. Ragaisis seconded, and the motion was approved. L. Berton will execute these transfers. Librarian's Report: M. Spratlin Hasskarl spoke with Mrs. Peterson about how she would like us to spend the $1,715.00 her husband Paul left to the library. She stated that she would not want just books. M. Spratlin Hasskarl talked about purchasing a self-checkout for books (automated). She is currently looking into it and is hoping to purchase one under $1,700.00. Barnes and Noble is holding a love-your-library fundraiser. 12%-20% of Fred Reedy, a represenative of puppet sales, has a fundraiser where the library could sell puppets and receive 15% of the proceeds. The puppets have a range of prices, and they could be bought on-site. Webmaster's Report: L. Berton updated the staff changes. Changed Sarah's picture and added Marie's. M. Spratlin Hasskarl is working on other, more recent, staff pictures to add to the website. He also added a new picture of A. Walluk and pictures of the book carts in the Bicentennial parade. Old Business: J. Mantel reported that the book sale raised $1289. She was disappointed that many dealers who usually come didn't show up this time. A. Walluk's gift from the funds remaining from her party is $1088: She would like to use the money for a membership at a swim club. It was agreed that we would give her the money to pay for her membership, and she can use the balance as she wishes. New Business: The recent passing of Doug McCallum was discussed. He was very active in the early stages of the library. The Friends would like to remember him and honor him with some sort of memorial. There was a suggestion that an American History book be purchased and a memorial plaque hung. G. Mustafa-Kozlu suggested that a contemporary print of an American Flag with a plaque be hung in the library in his honor. More discussion at the next meeting to follow on this subject. December 16th: Reception for Bicentennial quilt at Library. The Library will be home to the recently completed Burlington Bicentenial quilt. There was discussion on how the quilt needs to be protected from the sun as well as dust. It was agreed that a cover or encasing of some sort was needed. Hopefully, money could be obtained from the Town Hall. More discussion to follow on this subject. L. Berton will send out a year end appeal to 2005 contributors who have not yet given in 2006. He will also generate letters to send out to life members. He will add personal notes to donors who have given over $25.00. A. Walluk will begin to prepare the May newsletter; she is looking for ideas. The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, The meeting of October 11, 2006 was called to order by President Len Berton at 7:45 p.m. in the Anne Walluk Community Room. Attending were L. Berton, R. Merriman, A. Walluk, S. Mazeau, M. Ragaisis, M. Spratlin Hasskarl, P. Small, N. Winter and G. Mustafa-Kozlu. No visitors. Seeking to obtain new members. A. Walluk considering calling some life members. Correspondence: Thank you card from A. Walluk received on August 27th. Secretary's Report: Report was reviewed, there were no changes. P. Small moved to accept, N. Winter seconded, motion approved. Pie Sale: Several volunteers signed up to bake pies. After Columbus Day N. Winter will call the pie bakers to confirm. The cost for Nancy's pie materials are $30. She will volunteer her time, but due to the amount of pies she bakes, she will be reimbursed for supplies. There is a need for volunteers for Friday evening to tally the pies. M. Ragaisis, A. Walluk and P. Small will be available to help. Library staff can place orders and purchase at 10:00 a.m. when the doors to the pie sale are opened. Treasurer's Report: All signatures for the TSB check-signing authority are complete. The Vanguard backup does not need an in house resolution. It allows for three people to sign and move money around. There will be no checks, it is not a money market. The three people authorized to sign are N. Winter, L. Berton and S. Mazeau. The Capital Reserve has about $12,000.00. Another $4,000.00 will be put in at year's end. Vanguard has $19,000.00 and the Main Street Foundation has about $18,000.00. There is about $76,000.00 in the investment and checking account. R. Merriman expressed concern about whether the assets are appropriate. Board agreed that they are. In the last 12 years the friends have donated around $310,000.00 to the library. If the Friends did not receive generous amounts from donors, this would not have been possible. For the annual newsletter, S. Mazeau will put in a clear paragraph explaining our investments. To date, we have made our goals for the year. We are over our income budget, so it has been a very good year. The Book Sale exceeded the budget. There is money left over from the retirement party for A. Walluk. There is $2,200.00 left for books and magazines. If the money is not spent it can be reallocated to other categories or carried over to future years. To date, there have been 148 donors to the library. Please refer to the budget report for more details. Librarian's Report: The Library purchased a cart for the LCD projector at $315.00. M. Hasskarl asked the Friends if they could pay for it. The Library also purchased three new receipt printers and scanners at a cost of $225.75. M. Hasskarl also asked if the Friends could fund these as well as the cart. P. Small stated that the Library budget should pay for the printers/scanners, but that the cart could be funded by the Friends. Other members of the Board agreed. P. Small moved that we purchase the cart and N. Winter seconded. Approved. Burlington Resident Paul Petersen who recently passed away had left $1715.00 for the Library in his will. His wife Esther was on the Library Board. M. Hasskarl will talk with his wife on how she would like that money to be spent and/or allocated. Any designated gifts or money does not have to be spent this year. Webmaster: L. Berton did a clean up of the website. Pictures of the Book Cart Brigade from the Bicentenial Parad are posted. Updated of staff and Board Members pages. Old Business: *Donation envelopes: The bill came to $455.66 for 5,000 redesigned envelopes. New Business: Membership Database: L. Berton and A. Walluk took the data from Access and put it onto an Excel database. Word will reach into Excel and get addresses for printing mailing labels. There is a need for a list to track who donated last year, this year and so on to maintain information. Once they're confident that the list is accurate they can generate mailing information for the year-end appeal. Email addresses would also be added to announce events and presentations so that donors are aware of Library happenings. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, President Len Berton called the September 13, 2006 meeting of the Burlington Library Association to order at 7:40PM in the Anne L Walluk Community Room of the Burlington Public Library. In attendance were Berton, Pat Small, Nancy Winter, Mike Ragaisis, Bob Merriman, Sandy Mazeau, Anne Walluk, and new Director Marie Spratlin Hasskarl. Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu and Pat Miller were absent. CORRESPONDENCE: Berton reported that he had received the FOCL (Friends of CT Libraries) renewal. Small moved that we renew our membership and Walluk seconded. All approved and Berton said he would take care of the renewal. Hasskarl talked about a possible fundraiser (puppets by Fred Reidy) for the Association to think about. She will follow up with more details at a later meeting. Winter reported that she had contacted a member of the Book Cart Drill Team to invite her to attend a "Friends" meeting. The individual is unable to commit because she and her husband travel south for half the year. Winter also asked Denise Murphy to attend a meeting to see if she would be interested in joining. Berton reported he has left messages at home of Nicole Simmons but has not heard from her. Anne Walluk will try to call. Mazeau received papers from the Secretary of State offering to sell us a paper copy of our Inc. documents. He said it was not necessary to have a paper copy and that he would check on-line to confirm that our status is up-to-date. MINUTES: The minutes of the April 12, 2006 meeting were amended to change the amount of $500 to $500,000 under the paragraph on correspondence. Mike R. moved that we accept and Sandy M. seconded. Minutes were approved as amended. BAKE SALE: Nancy reported that she attended Tavern Day on Sun. Sept 11 and has already obtained some names of pie bakers. She requested a volunteer to help price and tally pies as people bring them in the evening before and the morning of the sale. Walluk has prepared a flyer to advertise the pie sale and book sale. Pat Small volunteered. TREASURER'S REPORT: Mazeau distributed the latest financial report showing the income and balance in each line item. We have 144 members with $5,637.54 received in membership dues. Another $1,380 was accepted in memory of Paul Petersen. Since we do not need to spend as much money on events as budgeted, the group discussed letting Director Hasskarl purchase a new computer for the staff. Winter moved we accept the Treasurer's report and Ragaisis seconded. Approved. LIBRARIAN'S REPORT: Marie introduced two new services that the library now subscribes to. 1) infoAnytime, a 24/7 Reference service that can be accessed by going to the library website and logging on. 2) NoveList, a digital resource that assists patrons and staff in literature recommendations. Both of these have recently been made available at attractively affordable prices. Marie presented Nancy Winter with a gift in recognition of her dedication and time organizing the Bicentennial Parade Book Cart Drill Team. WEBSITE REPORT: Berton reported that he has been cleaning up the site with by-law changes, museum pass information, board and staff changes/photos, pie sale and used book sale information. The members agreed that we should keep the survey results hidden, but Walluk suggested we write a summary and respond to some of the comments made on the surveys. She also suggested that we send the summary into the Tri-town Post which, from the survey, seems to be the best source of communication with the public. OLD BUSINESS: Nancy brought forth a plaque that the Bicentennial Committee presented to all parade participants. We will hang it near the other "Association" items near the new books. The response was very positive to seeing the Library represented in the parade. Berton distributed and went over the survey results. Only 5% were returned which he said was disappointing but the survey is a first step in preparing a new five year long-range plan for the library. He suggested that the results be used in setting priorities for use of the library's limited resources, and that board members read and consider the comments submitted by many respondents. Bob Merriman suggested renewing our connection with the John Martin Foundation and the Hartford Courant Foundation to strengthen our relationship with these funding sources. BY-LAWS: Berton reviewed the problem with the old by-laws and a motion was made to change Section 3 describing check signing privileges. (See attached copy of wording) Mazeau moved to accept and Winter seconded. Members approved motion. Changes will be posted on web site, to be dated effective Sept. 13, 2006. NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS: Berton will contact Sir Speedy in Bristol to get a quote on printing new envelopes that will have new membership levels listed and some other minor changes. All old envelopes will be discarded. NEW BUSINESS: Walluk and Small will see that the book sale publicity and schedule of volunteers are taken care of. Mazeau reported that funds remain for an additional gift for Anne, and the possibility of a statue was discussed. Small suggested that something more personal might be more appropriate, and Anne agreed to think about it and let us know what she would like. Meeting was adjourned at 9:45PM. Respectfully submitted, April 12, 2006 Correspondence: Anne read a letter from Kathy Cockcroft of the Canton library, thanking us for our support of our bi-library Frank Howard Moser book program, "A Stranger in the Kingdom". Sandy announced the arrival of a letter from the state of CT, raising the library construction grant to $500K per year. The Burlington Bicentennial committee has sent us a form listing all specifications for the parade in Sept. We will put in our application for our Book Cart Brigade before the June 15th deadline. We hope to use about 12 carts. (Now to find that many "drivers".) Volunteers are being solicited in our newsletter, and there is a sign-up sheet in the library. Nancy offered to work on decorations; perhaps flowers, flags & balloons. Help and ideas welcomed. Secretary's Report: In paragraph 8, line 3, Librarian's Report of March 8 Minutes, change "service is free to CT library card holders" to "service is free to BURLINGTON card holders." Motion to accept the minutes by Nancy; seconded by Pat M.; all approved. Treasurer's Report: Accumulated income has grown from $22,000 to $26,300; this number will be presented at Annual Meeting. Revenue has increased in several areas; see report. There are 4 different restricted funds available for spending in areas where funding is less than adequate for our needs. Total funds at present = $77,868.80, a healthy figure after this year's expenditures. Sandy will designate a slot for incoming donations honoring resident Paul Peterson. Sandy will present our budget briefly at the Annual Meeting, since the Leatherman presentation will be lengthy. Anne moved that copies of our budget be made available to interested parties at the Meeting. Pat S. seconded. Approved. Following discussion, it was agreed to move our Main Street Foundation fund from "Restricted Funds", to an "Endowment" category. Librarian's Report: Myriad projects: working on a summer brochure before school is out; in the process of hooking up CEN to increase our internet speed. Book Voyagers is a 4-week program. Our summer theme is "Our Town is Your Town" (a la Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land"). Musician Josh Black is writing lyrics to fit, and we plan to begin each Tuesday night's family program learning them. The summer reading list will undergo a re-do this year. There was standing room only for UConn's Dr. Robert Thorsen's excellent, engaging presentation on New England stone walls. Using beautiful photos he covered the areas of geology, history, culture, art and geography. Webmaster's Report: Len has removed Kim's picture and posted the amended Old Business: Newsletters are ready to fold and stuff. Our goal is to complete this task by 8pm Thursday. We hope to get "wafered" at Sir Speedy and then mailed in time to be received by all residents before our Book Sale, which begins Thursday, April 20th. The amount of writing seems to be at limit; future newsletters will require more pages or fewer words. Ideally, Anne would like to send 2 newsletters per year, if affordable. Board Vacancies: Nomination of Nancy Winter for Vice-president by Mike; Search Committee Progress Update for Anne's replacement: Anne worked on the
preparation, but did not interview candidates. Len reported that a prepared New Business: Need to change our bylaws & contribution envelopes to include new category "Couples" membership. Pat M. moved to add this category to our bylaws. Sandy seconded. All approved. Len will update bylaws page on website. Lengthy discussion re: increasing membership fees due to inflation. Proposed changes of Individual from $10 to $15; Couples from $15 to $20; Family from $25 to $30; new category Patron $100; Benefactor $200; Life Member from $200 to $300; new wording of Sustaining Life Member: blank space ___; and Other: blank space ___. Motion to accept by Pat S. Seconded by Mike. Close vote passed (2/3 needed). Agreed to announce this decision at annual meeting and implement after that. Life Members: The board previously voted unanimously via e-mail to make Bob Merriman an Honorary Life Member. His name will appear on our plaque. Bob accepted with pleasure! Nominating Committee: Bylaw Article V Section 2 states that the President plus another board member act as a committee to contact officers 6 weeks prior to the Annual Meeting ("AM") to find out interest in renewing terms, and then present the slate of officers to the board. Nancy volunteered and will assist Len. Also, board member terms expiring at this year's AM are those of Mazeau, Small, Walluk & Winter. They all agreed to stand for renewal at the AM. Consensus was that there is no need for our regularly scheduled May 10th meeting, since our AM is May 17th. We agreed to keep in contact via e-mail re: Book Sale results, Survey responses, and Anne will notify us with the date of the Town Budget Meeting, where a show of Friends supporters should be in attendance. A reminder for those interested: the FOCL Spring Workshop is on April 26th from 7-9 pm at the Farmington library. Next Meeting: May 17, 2006 Annual Meeting Adjournment: 9:45 pm Respectfully submitted, The meeting was called to order by President Berton at 7:40 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Attending were Merriman, Walluk, Miller, Mazeau, Berton, and Mustafa-Kozlu. Correspondence: April is Friends of the Library month. Anne will put up the
poster. Secretary's Report: Made a few changes where needed. Mazeau moved to accept, Miller seconded, motion approved. Treasurer's Report: Budget is balanced in 2005 results. Did not use accumulated income. Currently, in the Torrington Bank there is $852.00 with an interest rate of 4.26%, and in the Farmington Savings Bank there is $3,958.23 with an interest rate of 4%. Walluk proposed that we accept a sales quote for a Power Point Projector by Coleprojectors.com. She did some research and found the quote of $2,084.00 to be the most reasonable. Walluk asked that there be a vote to change the equipment budget line to $6,000. Mazeau abstained from the vote since he is a friend of the vendor. Proposal was accepted. Landscape contract for 2006: $1,200.00 includes mulching, crab grass control, pesticides, etc. Please refer to the budget report for more details. Librarian's Report: Audio Books - Free audio book downloads are available at libraryconnection.lib.overdrive.com . To become members, the library has to pay $900.00. The service is free to Burlington library card holders. Miller moved to spend this $900.00, Mazeau seconded, motion approved. Mazeau will add this item to the Books Line. Looking ahead to Tavern Day - Six Burlington Girl Scout Troops would like to do research on the one-room school classroom and do a presentation on what they have learned. Since the group felt it was a good idea, Ann Mazeau will be asked to contact the troop leaders, and have them prepare a presentation for Tavern Day 2006. Webmaster's Report: There has been trouble using the website on Tripod. Berton asked library staff if we (Friends) could have a folder on their website and coexist. Thanks to Sarah McCusker's assistance, the Friends site was successfully moved and is operational. Also added item for May meeting, the Leatherman talk and the Stone Walls talk. Did not make any changes to the Board Members as yet except for deleting Kim Robinson. Old Business: Strategic Planning - A committee was formed to create a survey (jointly with Town Library Board Members). Berton, Ragaisis, Miller, Small, and Mazeau developed the draft, and Walluk and her staff made improvements. Walluk will look into return postage paid envelopes, there is a sense that more people will respond. Need to identify who is sponsoring the survey by adding a heading at the top. Board Vacancies - Vice President Kim Robinson resigned from the board. A thank-you letter from Berton & Walluk has been sent. May Newsletter - Waiting on Terry's article about Anne. Once completed, the newsletter will be ready to go to print, and by the end of March for folding & envelope stuffing. Walluk will notify the Board members via e-mail when they are ready to pick up letters and envelopes so the work can be done at home. New Business: Library Director Search Committee update - Berton was invited
to be the representative for the Friends. There is a March 30th deadline for
applications. Walluk stated that to date, there are three quality candidates.
The candidates must have at a minimum MLS degrees and supervisory experience.
Interviews are to begin early April The meeting was called to order by President Len Berton at 7:40 p.m. in the Library Community Room. Attending were Berton, Mazeau, Miller, Ragaisis, Small, Walluk and Winter. The minutes of the December meeting were accepted as presented. Correspondence: Renewal notice for the American Clock & Watch Museum was received and it was decided that we would not renew for this year. Treasurer’s report as of January 11, 2006 was accepted as presented and explained. It was decided after discussion of expenses for this bicentennial year that we increase special events from the projected $2,500 to $3,000 for 2006. Results of the December solicitation campaign: of the 131 letters sent, 47 (36%) contributed $2035. Of the 15 Life Members, 9 gave a total of $925 (45% of total). So it was worth the effort and the postage cost. A motion was made and seconded to move $20,000 from the savings account at the Torrington Savings Bank into a 13 month CD. It was voted to accept this and Pres. Berton will take care of the banking details. A motion to move all except the minimum amount required from the money market account in the Farmington Savings into a 1yr to 24 month CD at the Farmington Savings Bank. The motion was seconded and after discussion of the importance of reallocating these funds the vote was to accept. Librarian report: Ann Walluk explained that the network printer can not be repaired. She has the monies available to purchase a new printer. She also described the new book discussion club corner. Webmaster report: Berton reported that he inserted Bob Merriman’s photo on the Board page, and made all the portraits smaller per request of several board members. The approved November minutes were posted. New staff member Sara LoPresti’s photo was added the the Staff page, but then removed at her request. Life members’ Cozzolongo spelling was corrected. Old business: Strategic Plan minutes of the meeting of January 11, 206 were presented. The survey committee has met and has a draft in the works. It will be sent to the Board when the committee completes it. Anne Walluk told that the United Way is promoting activities to catch children in interest transition. At the town library board meeting of 2-6-06, Berton and Small represented the BLA. Ted Scheidel announced that he agrees with the joint boards’ recommendation that a town community center is a priority and adjacent/connected to the Library would be the best plan. A vacancy on the Board still exists and needs to be filled. Trish Hart responded that her work schedule precludes her ability to serve. Newsletter: topics for coverage suggested: the book cart drill for parade, book sale, Leatherman, survey, strategic plan, library usage, honorary member (Bob Merriman), books for babies, museum passes, Ann Walluk’s retirement. Volunteers: Berton -- accomplishments, strategic plan progress, Merriman, and Life Members. Sandy -- what the Assoc has done for the Burlington Room; Anne -- book sale dates and times, museum passes, annual meeting date and Leatherman; Nancy -- book cart drill team for Bicentennial parade, bake sale; Pat -- babies. Nepaug Dam lecture scheduled for this Sunday may have to be postponed because of the weather forecast. Next meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2006. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Burlington Library Board and Library Association Call to Order: 6:45 pm Place: BPL Community Room Attendance: Len Berton, Beryl Chard, Jenny Mantel, Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu, Marie Purcell, Mike Ragaisis, Kim Robinson, Pat Small, Carol Troiani, Anne Walluk Library Association President Len Berton opened the meeting by reviewing the agenda and a discussion of strategic goals. A brainstorming session followed with the following discussed. Members discussed whether a Needs Assessment would be helpful. Walluk
mentioned the following things that would probably be needed by the library: All the above would require more staffing. The discussion also revolved around the possibility of having a Community Center attached to the library and some of the above spaces mentioned could be shared. * Having a Community Center with the library was one of the goals from the first planning session. Mazeau mentioned that the capital fund and Main Fund from the Library Association had balance of approximately $19,000. This could possibly help fund a study and a strategic plan. A discussion followed about long-range planning so that the town would know the boards are very interested in the community center concept. This would save the town money if the expansion of the library could be financially combined with the community center. Having a CC adjacent to or next to the library was one of the goals from the first planning session. Either an integrated building, or at least a heated/cooled connection between the structures would be desirable. A long term goal was discussed about helping the Town management understand that the CC next to or adjacent to ( NOT PART OF ) the library would be beneficial. Walluk said that the state runs workshops on planning and she would check into this. Miller is willing to attend a workshop at a later date. The members felt the next step was to develop an Action Plan for long- range planning. 1) A subcommittee was set up with: Mazeau, Berton, Miller, Small, Ragaisis. Another goal from the first planning sessions was discussed. How do the boards get more support from the town? A short-term goal was discussed. Should board members ask to be on the agenda at a Selectmen's meeting? What would be brought to this meeting? Should a letter be written and signed by board members concerning issues? Should we ask the Board of Finance to hold a meeting at the library? Much discussion followed. Berton asked if anyone would like to serve on a second committee. At this time no one wanted to do this until the first committee finished the survey. Association Board members were invited to attend the Tuesday, January 17th meeting if Ted Scheidel is coming to discuss the State of the Town. Walluk will notify members if Scheidel is planning to attend. Meeting Adjourned: 9:30 pm Respectfully submitted, Jenny Mantel Meeting called to order by President Len Berton at 7:47 pm . Members in attendance were Berton, Mazeau, Merriman, Miller, Ragaisis, Small, Walluk, Winter. Correspondence: Reviewed thank you note from Friends of Sessions Woods for contribution from this Board in consideration of the use of Sessions Woods meeting hall for the November Library Seminar. Secretary Report: Miller moved to accept the minutes of the November 5 board meeting. Motion second by Winter. Motion approved Treasurer Report; Mazeau stated income for current year is $ 600 over projection. Board has received 3 additional contributions in past month which are not yet reflected in the income. A landscaping bill is still outstanding. Walluk moved the report be accepted. Miller provided the second. Motion approved Librarian Report: Walluk stated the the Leatherman Program has been confirmed
for the annual meeting. The presenter will offer the program at no charge.
PowerPoint program projection equipment will be required. Program is scheduled
for May 17 -the 3rd Weds. In May. Annual meeting is usually the 2nd Weds. In
May. A discussion ensued, final plan TBD. Webmaster: Berton reported; New member P. Small added to site. November minutes on site. Need of R. Merriman photo. Need photo of new library staff associate Sara Lopresti. Old Business; Berton, Small, Walluk provided great effort working on contributor mailing for end of year donors. Mail to 104 regular members, 15 Life Members. Discussion of joint meeting with Library Board of Directors scheduled for January 11, 2006. Meeting plan: fast food at 6:00 pm and meeting start at 6:30pm . Mazeau suggested a meeting topic of a funding campaign for a survey of library expansion needs . Miller provided in-depth web-based information on the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving funding of a needs survey for the Richmond Memorial Library in Marlborough, CT. Ragaisis reminded the board of its previous interest in the goal of Diverse Funding-Revenue for the library ( action item 4A from the joint library seminar ) for a topic at upcoming January 11 meeting. There was further discussion of library expansion and of a potential Community Center. New Business: Members should make every effort to attend Town Economic Development Meeting Monday December 19, 2005 at 7 pm Meeting adjourned at 8:57pm Respectfully submitted, P. Michael Ragaisis The meeting was called to order by President Berton at 7:35 pm. In attendance were L. Berton, S. Mazeau, P. Miller, M. Ragaisis, A. Walluk, G. Mustafa-Kozlu, N. Winter. Visitors this evening were Bob Merriman, Pat Small and Trish Hart. Correspondence: Received solicitation from a Jazz Band & sent email declining their offer. Secretary's Report: Miller moved to accept the minutes from the last meeting, Ragaisis seconded. Motion approved. Treasurer's Report: As of November 8th, everything is up to date. For the end of year income there will be $28,000. We are over in everything except for dues. If we are to receive an additional $4,500.00 in donations we will be doing very well. A letter will go out to past members who have not yet sent in a donation this year. Berton wrote a letter last year, and has offered to do so again this year. It was suggested that a separate letter go out to the 15 Life Members who contributed last year to ask for a donation. Berton was not comfortable with sending a letter out to Life Members since they are not expected to continue contributing. Mazeau suggested sending them a letter with a sample budget for review, as well as telling them about all the good things we have done for the library. Mazeau will draft this letter for the next meeting so that we can all vote on sending it or not. The bake sales this year brought in $854.00, and the Book Sales brought in almost $5,000.00. The Sonny and Perley concert did not do so well, bringing in $429.00. Please refer to the treasurer's report for further detail. Winter moved to accept the treasurer's report, Ragaisis seconded. Motion approved. Librarian's Report: Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme has passes available for $100.00. People who like art find this museum a gem. We have passes to the Wadsworth and New Britain and they get little activitiy. The Science Center pass has always been $200.00 for four people. That has now changed to $100.00 for one person. Imagination in Bristol has passes available. The discounts are not as attractive as they once were. Passes are restricted to Burlington residents because the Friends pay for them out of their budget. A survey is conducted yearly to determine which passes circulate and which do not. Anne will have a staff member do an analysis and report. Web Master: Added minutes approved at the last meeting. Sonny and Perley concert photos are on the web site. Old Business: 1) Sonny and Perley Concert: The concert had 28 patrons. There were tickets sold, but we had some no shows. It was felt that the weather played a role in keeping some people away. This was the first time it was not held in the library. It was a disappointment because in the past we had to turn people away because there wasn't enough room in the library although it was very well publicized. It took Winter five months to organize the event. She suggested that for next year we keep the event at the library, since it's not worth all the trouble to have it off site. Discussed the demographics of the local community. Thank you notes to be sent out to Ron Provost and to the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. Mustafa-Kozlu will compose a draft for Berton's review before sending them out. 2) Examples of some events for the Burlington Bicentenial: * February: Dr. Carlson, Nepaug Dam 3) We need the name of the person who will do a presentation on the Leatherman at the annual meeting in May. We also need to know the cost. If he is $300.00 or less, the group voted to have him present. Ragaisis moved to agree to spend $300.00 or less, Winter seconded. Motion approved. 4) Pie Sale: This year the Pie Sale brought in $450.00. The pies were sold out by noon. Participation was at its lowest this year. Some people who had offered to make pies did not. To keep a track of sign up sheets, Winter would like a tally sheet to prove who brought in something that was promised. Walluk gave WInter a small box of Godiva chocolates to show her appreciation. 5) In response to a proposal received by the Library Board, the Friends are not interested in purchasing solar panels for the library at this time. It would take 18 to 20 years to get money back on initial investment. The group felt that if the investment paid itself back in less than 5 years, then it could make sense. There is an interest in looking at the current heating and cooling system to see how it can be made more efficient. 6) The Book Sale had one bounced check by an out of state patron. It was recommended that for future sales, a driver's license be requested for out of state checks (to get phone number and address). 7) Pat Small to join the Friends Board. She has been a Burlington resident for the past 18 years. After retiring, she joined the library as a volunteer upstairs; now she is downstairs at the book sale. She currently holds a position as Treasurer for the Historical Society. Miller moved to nominate Pat Small to the Board, Winter seconded. Motion approved. 8) Bob Merriman, a Life Member and frequent visitor at our meetings, was proposed as an Honorary Board Member by Mazeau. Winter moved to nominate Bob, Miller seconded. Motion approved. 9) Strategic Planning Meeting: Mazeau moved that we donate $100.00 to Sessions Woods for the use of their facility. Walluk seconded. Motion approved. There was a feeling of dissatisfaction. Facilitator spent more time talking about herself. The meeting however did bring the two library boards together. By meeting together, there was a feeling that there is a bigger picture out there. Small suggested that we invite groups from town to visit the library and make presentations. Ragaisis suggested that we as a group need to brainstorm to figure out how to hook people in to see us from the other groups within the community. A document was produced after the meeting; Ragaisis asked where do we go from here using this document? It does reflect three to four themes we are thinking about. The Community Center was of mutual interest for both groups. It was suggested that we combine the two groups' strengths to work together. Berton proposed that we have a joint meeting of the groups to discuss the issues. Walluk suggested the second Wednesday in January. It will be a combination Pot Luck Dinner and Strategic Planning. It was suggested that we begin at 7:00 p.m. Ragaisis, Miller, and Mazeau will carry this invitation to their next Library Board meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 9:55. October 12, 2005: Correspondence: Received thank you note from Eileen Rubino. Secretary's Report: Walluk moved to accept the minutes from the last meeting , Mazeau seconded. Motion approved. Treasurer's Report: To date, income is over budget for Vanguard and the History Room. Income may be over budget for the year and our expenses may be under budget for the year. The used book sales in the main library have brought in $1,000.00 to date. There is still $2,000.00 available for equipment. To date, there are 184 donors. Please refer to the treasurer's report for further detail. Miller moved to accept the treasurer's report, Mustafa-Kozlu seconded. Motion approved. Librarian's Report: New person on staff. Sara Lopresti began in October filling the vacant clerk position. Her background is in graphic design. She is interested in pursuing a degree in library studies. Berton requested picture for website. Web Master: Berton to put a Sonny and Perley announcement on the website. Old Business: Several topics covered: 1) Sonny and Perley Concert: Mailing went out Friday October 7th. To date, 25 tickets were sold. Walluk stated that there may be lighting need, she had researched some options, but thinks we may have to rent them. Robinson left a message to let us know that her father-in-law played a demo on his radio show. 2) Fall Pie Sale: 25 pies signed up for donations. Some may bring two pies. In the past, there were usually 40 pies to sell. Mazeau to receive pies on Saturday morning and help sell them. There are five people available to help sell the pies. 3) Book Sale: All is set into motion for the sale. 4) Retreat: Questionnaire for the facilitator distributed; they need to be returned to Walluk by October 22. The retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2nd at 6:00. The facilitator is Susan Dantino, Associate Dean of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness. Ms. Dantino requested a mission statement, as well as learning all of our current or past professions. The technique she uses is Appreciative Inquiry (IA). Rather than be paid directly, she would accept a donation. She will be paid with an honorarium. The group proposed $250.00, Mazeau moved to accept, Walluk seconded. Motion approved. New Business: There are two board vacancies available, we are looking for qualified people to fill them. Meeting was adjourned at 8:55. September 14, 2005: Correspondence: Received form to renew membership in Friends of CT Libraries. Berton gave updated form to Walluk who will complete the form, and send it in with a dues check. The rest was solicitations to sell materials. Secretary's Report: Mazeau moved to accept the minutes from the August 24 meeting, Ragaisis seconded. Motion approved. Treasurer's Report: Little activity since last meeting. To date, donors are up by 250 compared to last year. If donor activity continues the way it has been in prior years, we should expect to see $27,000.00. Please refer to the treasurer's report for further detail. Winter moved to accept the report, Robinson seconded. Motion approved. Librarian's Report: Little activity since last meeting. Web Master: Little activity since last meeting. List of 2005 Life Members added to the website. Walluk requested some changes to be made on the home page. She would like to have information on activities listed at top rather than having to scroll down. Berton will make the changes. Old Business: Big topic of the evening, the Sonny and Perley concert. The theme for the evening is "I'll Take Romance". The concert is to focus on the many facets of love. They are charging $450. Main concern was the advertising. Walluk had looked into taking out an ad in the Foothills Trader and the Yankee Flyer. She found the cost would be too expensive, the group agreed. A press release needs to go out to area radio and television stations. Small posters will be posted around town as well as neighboring towns. Don Provost, who is the sponsor from the firehouse, will help set up the sign. We need to contact him to set up a day and time. Robinson stressed that we should make a point that this event is not a library function, but rather a fundraiser. Point well received. She also said that she has contacted her father-in-law, Dick Robinson, to mention the concert on his weekly radio show. The group agreed that the price for tickets would be $12.00 for advance tickets, and $15.00 at the door. Checks for the advance tickets should be dropped off or sent to the library. Winter expressed her discomfort in charging for refreshments. The group agreed. She volunteered to organize the refreshments. She will present a fall theme, and will request various bakers from the group to follow her lead. Berton will take on the responsibility for publicity. Walluk will take on the responsibility of tickets plus the posters. Requests for more help will be conveyed through e-mail contact. Other Old Business: Eileen Rubino was very active before she left the Friends Board. Winter passed around a card for all to sign. She will present Eileen with a gift of two gardening books and sing her a song she wrote for the occasion. Pie Sale: Winter will be organizing the Pie Sale. Rebecca Calvo will assist her in selling the pies. The pie sale will be October 23, 10:00 a.m. 'til gone. Used book sale is scheduled: October 20, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. October 21 and 22, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Early bird sale will be on the 20th, a $4.00 fee will be collected at the door on that day only. On October 22, it is $5.00 for a bag all day. Jenny Mantel will be organizing the sale. Retreat: There is no date for the retreat at this time. Ragaisis, who also sits on the appointed Library Board of Directors as well as the Friends of the Library, presented an outline on what he feels the two boards should focus on at the retreat. He feels that we should be armed and ready with an agenda. [See addendum below for his notes.] Retirement: A. Walluk will be retiring in June. Ragaisis said that there is a selection committee of the Town Board which will be involved in the interviewing and evaluating the candidates for the position. He asked if anyone wanted to be considered to join this panel. Robinson expressed interest. New Business: Ann Mazeau suggested the Leatherman as a topic for the next annual meeting in May, which would tie in to the Historical Society's preparation for the Bicentennial. It was necessary to put this on the 2006 calendar of events now, so after emailing the Board, Walluk did so. The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. ADDENDUM: Notes from Ragaisis on "Retreat" TopicsLibrary Board of Directors -- Coaching Seminar Agenda ideas Increase the Board of Directors power, passion, enthusiasm Power = town survey, program / material selection, patron contact Passion = meet changing patron behavior / needs and media Enthusiasm = IS the town cultural center, 21 st century programs and funding Budget " locked - in " by Town Boards ( do municipal boards really have time to read our handout materials) and a few distorted perceptions of a information age facility and its staffing requirements funding roadblocks; Town Library gets < 1.5 % of Region 10 funding, town's small industrial /commercial base, adjacent "big' libraries Town Growth / Expansion o library role o Town-Wide Support: Town Survey / Planning Committee o Community Center?? o 2005 Summer programs received commercial support! o Library 10 yr. Plan ?? o Largest customer focused endeavor in Burlington (excluding the town government-residents) o more patrons/ "customers" than all the schools o Library Expansion or future regional libraries ?? o 21st Century Funding Ideas August 24, 2005: Len Berton called the meeting to order at 7:35. Board members Sandy Mazeau, Anne Walluk, Kim Robinson, Nancy Winter, Mike Ragaisis and Pat Miller were present. Priscilla Bown, Sia Bauer and Bob Merriman also attended. Correspondence: Minutes: A motion was made by Anne Walluk; seconded by Nancy Winter to accept the minutes from the April meeting. Accepted. Treasurer's Report: Librarian's Report: Webmaster Report: Old Business: New Business: Bicentennial: The Saturday before Tavern Day in 2006 there will be a parade. It was suggested that we enter 10 book trucks -that could be decorated. Motion was made by Pat Miller, seconded by Mike Ragaisis to spend $75 on a book as a thank you gift for Eileen Rubino. She has contributed a lot of time and effort to the used book sales over the years. Nancy volunteered to purchase and present it. Pie Sale - Oct 22. Nancy will organize it. Landscaping - Bob Merriman has suggested that the trees/ junipers be pruned. He has offered the services of his grandchildren. There is money in the budget to pay them. Retreat - Bob Merriman has suggested that the board is at a point where the members would benefit from a "retreat" whose goals would be long-term strategic planning for the Boards' future directions. We could extend an invitation to the appointed Library Board of Directors and perhaps past board officers/members. It could be a week night from 5-8 with a certified moderator - Susan Dantino has agreed to moderate in return for a donation to a scholarship fund at Tunxis Community College. There would also be a small charge for the informational packets and food. Preferably it would be held in October or November. Sessions Woods and Main Street Foundation were suggested as possible locations. This would be an opportunity to explore the direction of library services in the future. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm April 13, 2005: The meeting was called to order by President Berton at 7:40 pm. In attendance were Berton, Mazeau, Miller, Ragaisis, Winter, Walluk, and Mustafa-Kozlu. Nancy Winter was kind enough to share homemade hermits and strawberries with the group this evening. There was no correspondence to report this evening. Made change to minutes from last month's meeting, changed "wonder" to "wonderful". Miller moved, Winter seconded. Motion approved. Treasurer: At the annual meeting we will show 2004 actual income. Draft of 2005 to be approved at annual meeting. $500 will be moved from equipment to the history room, making the budget for the history room $1,500.00. In 2004, the group spent $16,000.00 rather than $22,000. due to the increase in donations. Please refer to the treasurer's report for further detail. Walluk moved to accept the treasurer's report, Winter seconded. Motion approved. Librarian's Report: Library has passes to the Eric Carle museum. Currently working on obtaining passes to the Peabody museum. A brochure is being worked on to list all the museum passes available at the library. Ann Mazeau needs all the surveys regarding the Bicentenial to be returned to her as soon as possible. An 18-month Burlington calendar with all relevant activities on it is currently being put together. This needs to be completed in the next three weeks to get it to the printer. One of the issues regarding scheduling activities is when to hold all the events. Some ideas being worked on: Thorsen to talk about stone walls. Carlson to talk about the Historical Society. History of the Tavern and History of the Women of Burlington. Web Master: March meeting minutes posted on the web site. Future meeting minutes will be posted as well. Nancy gave Len pictures from the Black Forest Bake Sale to post. New link with college scholarships is now posted. Currently, there are two hits a day. Old Business: Sonny and Perley have been booked for Friday, October 14, 2005. A decision needs to made if they are to perform at the library or elsewhere. A decision also needs to be made if there is to be a charge to patrons, or will it be an open event. Winter will talk with Marianne Schwarzman to see if the event could be held at the firehouse. Coffee and light refreshments will be served at the performance. Used book sale is scheduled: April 28, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. April 29 and 30, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Several members of the group offered their time. Walluk took names and will pass on names and phone numbers to Alice Taricani who is coordinating volunteers for the book sale. Annual newsletter has been sent to the printer, once they are ready Walluk will contact Board members to stuff envelopes to get them out before the annual meeting. New Business: Walluk is currently planning a retirement lunch for Kathleen Smith. The luncheon buffet is scheduled for Sunday, May 22, 2005, 12:00 - 3:00 at the library. The guest list will include the following: Town Hall staff, Town Selectmen, Friends of the Library, past and present staff members of the library, and some of her friends and family. There will be a RSVP for the luncheon, and a charge of $15.00 for lunch per person and a donation of $10.00 for a retirement gift. Walluk asked if the association could pay for the invitations, which are estimated to cost $175.00. Miller moved to approve to pay up to $200.00 for the invitations, Ragaisis seconded. Motion approved. New Business: Three terms are expiring next month, Berton, Ragaisis and Mazeau. All three have expressed an interest to continue in their current positions. These will be voted on at the annual meeting next month. Terms begin and end at annual meetings, that is why a vote is needed at the meeting. Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu was elected to take on the Secretary position; she will complete Anne Walluk's term (one year). Berton moved to approve, Winter seconded. Motion approved. In preparation for next month's annual meeting, the Board feels that a recap of the past year's accomplishments should be presented. Berton will put together a report of the successes and where we're going. He will draft ideas and ask for feedback from the Board. He will also talk about shifting of funds, the History Room, landscaping cost, computer cost, etc. An agenda for the annual meeting will be put together by Anne. Berton found a conflict in the bylaws recently. He asked the Board if changes
could be made as follows: changed to "Each of the Directors shall be elected for a three year term at an
annual V. Section 1. " who shall be elected bi-annually for a term of two (2) changed to " who shall be elected by a simple majority bi-annually for a term of
two Walluk moved to approve the changes, Miller seconded. Motion approved. Section 2. "At the annual meeting, the nomination committee will present
a changed to "At the annual meeting, the nominating committee will present a slate of Mazeau moved to approve the change, Ragaisis seconded. Motion approved. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BURLINGTON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Annual Meeting 2007 Minutes The Annual Meeting of the Burlington Library Association was held on May 9, 2007, in the Anne L. Walluk Community Room. President Len Berton called the "Friends" meeting to order at 7:06pm. and introduced board members Elaine Eberhard, Jenny Mantel, treasurer Sandy Mazeau, Pat Miller, Mike Ragaisis, Pat Small and vice-president Nancy Winter, and Library Director Marie Spratlin Hasskarl, . He commented that newly elected Secretary Anne Walluk had to miss her first annual meeting in over 20 years because she was in Denver visiting her new baby granddaughter, and that Honorary Board member Bob Merriman was unable to attend. Fourteen members of the general public were also present. Approval of 2006 Minutes - The motion was made by Pat Small to accept last year's minutes; Pat Miller seconded. Unanimous. (First time these were not read aloud; posted on our web-site instead.) Re-election of Board Members to 3-yr. Terms - Nancy Winter moved to re-elect both Elaine Eberhard and Pat Miller. Jenny Mantel seconded. All in favor. Accomplishments - Nancy Winter gave brief highlights of the past year: our first ever experience marching as the BPL Book Cart Brigade in the Bicentennial parade last Sept.; our support of children's programs (Bubbles Demo noted); our major fund raisers, the fall & spring book sales & our traditional fall pie sale raised $6411. She thanked all the dedicated, hard-working volunteers who make this possible, and noted that names of all pie bakers appear on our web-site. Treasurer's Report - Sandy Mazeau handed out detailed budget reports for 2006
& 2007. In 2006 our expenses totalled $27,680. Business from the Floor - none Solicit Memberships/Donations - Len Berton encouraged the audience to pick up donation envelopes and consider adding their names to our email and mailing address list. President Len Berton adjourned the meeting at 7:20pm to introduce our speaker for the evening, Walt Landgraf, who presented an interesting, entertaining slide show, "Parks & Forests of NW CT." Respectfully submitted, Nancy Winter Meeting was called to order by President Berton at 7:00 p.m. Please see enclosed sign up sheet for attendees. Association Board of Directors: Berton and Ragaisis were re-elected for 3-year terms. Secretary's Report: Anne Walluk read the minutes from the 2004 annual meeting. Dale Sheehan made a motion to approve. Treasurer's Report: Sanford Mazeau gave an overview of the 2004 final income and spending, and the 2005 proposed Budget. He explained that for the 2004 budget year, the Association met its financial targets. There was an increase in private contributions There was no deficit spending and all goals were reached. A town-wide notice was sent out to solicit contributions, and a second notice sent out later to those who had donated before. Contributions to designated areas are doing well. In the town survey completed a while back, the library was the most popular destination for Burlington residents. Terry Foley moved that the the 2004 final results be accepted, Kim Robinson seconded, and the motion was approved. A motion was made by Dale Sheehan for the acceptance of the 2005 Budget; Mike Ragaisis seconded, and the motion was approved. See Treasurer's Report for more details. Librarian's Report: Anne Walluk spoke about Kathy Smith and her tenure at Burlington Library. Anne said Kathy was a great asset to the libray and "Thanks for general support and contributions". Congratulations to Kathy Smith for her retirement to the Berkshires. Introduction of Officers and overview of activities and accomplishments since the last Annual Meeting: President Len Berton introduced the board members: Kim Robinson, Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu, Nancy Winter, Sandy Mazeau, Anne Walluk and Mike Ragaisis. President Berton gave an overview of activities and accomplishments: * Nine generous donors joined the Life Member plaque. A move to adjourn was made by Nancy Winter, Kim Robinson seconded; approved. Minutes Meeting held March 9, 2005 The meeting was called to order by President Berton at 7:35pm. In attendance were Berton, Mazeau, Rubino, Miller, Ragaisis, Walluk, Mustafa-Kozlu, and Robinson. Winter was absent. George Morants attended a guest. Also attending was Ann Mazeau, Local History Specialist at the Library. Ann discussed the Town bicentennial that will be celebrated in 2006. She reviewed a number of activities that could occur as part of the year-long celebration and asked for the "Friends" support. She also asked that members check and return an activity poll. Correspondence: Mazeau reported that we received a letter from the IRS. It
was the standard letter asking us if the organization is still in existence. We
do not file income tax since we do not have an annual income of $25,000 or over.
Walluk reported that the Association had received a thank you note from Kristine
David, wife of the late Peter David who was honored by the Association by
placing his name on our Memorial Plaque. Minutes: Walluk noted that a correction should be made in the name Neil Beup. Treasurer: The $3000 grant from the Parker Trust was deposited. The budget for 2005 was discussed and approved for the annual meeting in May. (Motion Rubino, 2nd by Miller) Librarian's report: Walluk said that Neil Beup of the Town Economic Development Commission has agreed to be the guest speaker at the Annual Meeting. She also asked for approval to expand the museum pass program to include the Eric Carle Museum. The Board agreed and also approved the Peabody Museum after additional discussion. Webmaster's report: Berton reported that he made a number of changes in the site. The CCIC college resource link was added to the Resource Center page. Notice of the Annual Meeting was posted. Betsy Francischelli was removed from the Board page and a footnote inserted. Anne's photos of the Keith Johnson performance and the Morrissey painting were added. The museum page was updated to reflect the latest changes, and all the links to their own web sties were checked and corrected as needed. Old news items were deleted. The hit counter reached 2546, which continues to average 2 per day. OLD BUSINESS: 1) The Black Forest Bake Sale raised $413. Volunteers like Nancy Winter, George Morants and all the volunteer bakers did a wonderful job. 2) Used book sale will be publicized as April 28-30. 3) Sonny Daye called to inquire if we would like to book the group for a return performance. We decided to try for October, and will discuss the details concerning venue and tickets later. NEW BUSINESS: The annual newsletter is almost complete. Len has prepared a President's Message and Sandy has submitted a piece about the different funds and how an individual can donate. Len will attempt to get the logo art work from Sir Speedy in Avon. The meeting was adjourned at 9:12PM. Respectfully submitted Anne Walluk The meeting was called to order by President Berton at 7:39 p.m. In attendance were Berton, Ragaisis, Mazeau, Miller, Mustafa-Kozlu, Robinson and Winter. Correspondence: Len spoke with Betsy regarding her staying on the board. Due to her schedule she is unable to continue on. Len asked if a letter could be sent thanking her for her services. Mazeau moved to accept, Winter seconded, and the motion was approved. Ragaisis reported that Jim McKusker met with the Library Board of Directors in December 2004. He is proposing to create a Burlington Community Center. He asked for library support. The Library Board agreed to support the Community. This point in time it is just information, we do not have to take any action now. Secretary's Report: Mazeau moved to accept minutes of last meeting. Winter seconded. Motion was approved. Treasurer's Report: Overall the budget is doing well. Will not know final figures 'til May when the Vanguard and Main Street report comes in. Mazeau suggested that the newsletter should state that donators could designate money, otherwise it would go into a general fund for non-specified donations. The books budget was reduced due to the need for computers, shelving, and other necessary equipment for the library. We hope that the Town budget can address the Association's shortfall. Mazeau reported that the number of members for 2004 was 250 vs. 268 in 2003. These figures include corporate-matching dues received. Robinson moved to accept the Treasurer's report; Winter seconded. Motion was approved. Librarian's Report: Drymounts went to the State and are being displayed. The grant from the Parker Trust needs two signatures; then we will be receiving it, hopefully next week. Web Report: Deleted old stuff, especially Spring 2004 (not to confuse things). Took out best seller request list. With input from Anne and figures from Sandy's report, brought the "What Have You Done for Me Lately?" up to date. Hit counter reached 2428, which is averaging 2.3 hits per day since the last meeting. Old Business: Winter discussed plans for the Black Forest Bake Sale. She was very enthusiastic with responses from volunteer bakers. She asked for volunteers from the group to help with the event. George Morants is assisting her by baking and will work at the sale. New Business: Discussed if we should meet on Sunday instead of Wednesday, nobody was interested in changing the day. The annual meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2005. Neil Beup will be the guest speaker. Meeting was adjourned at 8:32. MINUTES OF 2006 ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Burlington Library Association was held on the 17th day of May, 2006. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by President Len Berton. In attendance were Sanford Mazeau, Pat Miller, Craig & Nancy Winter. Pat Small, Anne Walluk, Jenny Mantel, Carol Troiani, Terry Foley, Carmen and Bob Merriman, Mike Ragaisis, Lauretta Schulz, Carl and Mary Rose Fiore, and Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu. Berton read the minutes of the 2005 annual meeting. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Walluk and seconded by Miller. The motion was passed. Miller made a motion to re-elect board members Pat Small, Nancy Winter, Sandy Mazeau and Anne Walluk to new 3-year terms. Craig Winter seconded and the motion was passed. Berton presented a slate of officers and the following were elected by the Board to new 2-year terms. President- Len Berton, Vice President – Nancy Winter, Secretary – Gjyl Mustafa-Kozlu, and Treasurer- Sandy Mazeau. The motion was made by Pat Small and seconded by Mike Ragaisis. The officers were approved. Library Director Anne Walluk recognized the hard work of dedicated volunteers: Jenny Mantel, Alice Taricani, Trudy Coleman, Delores Ravenscroft, Pat and Tom Small, and Steve Romanzi. She also thanked the Association for the annual donation of computers, museum passes, audio books, downloadable technology, landscaping, local history room support and the new LCD projector. Mazeau reported on the successful 2005 year. The Association had 242 members last year. Winter made a motion to approve the 2005 Treasurer’s report, Berton seconded. The motion was passed. Mazeau presented the 2006 budget at $27,680, including $1380 (to date) designated funds donated in memory of Association member and Burlington resident Paul Peterson. Kozlu made a motion to approve the budget. It was seconded by Winter and the budget was passed. Berton added to the list of accomplishments the work recently completed by the joint sessions of the Library Board and the Association Board. A survey on "library services and community needs" is currently being completed by this committee. Nancy Winter addressed the group with an invitation to join the Association in the Burlington Bicentennial Parade by participating in the Book Cart Drill Team. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32pm and the group joined an audience of 85 plus waiting to hear speaker Dan Deluca, talk about the historic Leatherman. Respectfully submitted: Acting Secretary, Anne Walluk Minutes of 2004 Annual Meeting The 39th Annual Meeting of the Burlington Library Association was held on May 12, 2004 in the Burlington Library Community Room. The meeting was called to order at 8:54 PM. Previous to the meeting the group was entertained by a slide presentation by Dr. Larry Carlton, historian from the Collinsville Historical Museum. A motion was made by Pat Miller to accept the minutes from the Annual Meeting of 2003 with corrections. Kim Robinson seconded. Approved. Treasurer Sandy Mazeau distributed handouts illustrating the income/expense report for 2003 and the proposed budget for 2004. He also distributed a "fund accounting" sheet to illustrate the financial stability of the Association's investments and accounts. The income for 2003 was $24,868 and the expenses were $14,278.08. The budget proposal for 2004 was $20,600 that included a 100% increase in the amount spent on books and materials. There is also a small increase in the landscaping budget and the addition of a line for the Local History Room. Robinson moved that we approve the 2003 Actual Budget as presented. Miller seconded. Approved. Rubino moved that we accept the 2004 Budget at presented. Schulz seconded. Approved. Schulz moved that we give the Board the authority to spend any so-called " designated contributions" when the expenditure meets the conditions of the designated contribution and also meets the goals and objectives of the Library Association. Rubino seconded. Approved. Kathleen Smith moved that the terms of Dawn Markelon and Pat Miller be renewed until 2007. Rubino seconded. Approved. Miller moved that the following slate of officers be approved. Schulz
seconded. Approved. Len thanked Betsy and Eileen for serving as officers this past year. New Business: Walluk asked that the organization start thinking of ideas for the Library's 10th anniversary that comes up in October 2004. A June meeting will be held at 7:30 in the Library Community Room to discuss ideas for an October celebration. Attendance (at the business meeting) |