Rockingham Free Public Library
Board of Trustees
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022
Present: Carol Blackwood, Don Tretler, Martha Rowley, Brady Weinstock, Duane Whitehead, Margo Ghia; Ian Graham, Director; Mary Van Hartesveldt, Library Staff
Members of the public: n/a
Absent: Mary Shepard, Ryan Coyne, Claudia Sofield
Location: In the Library’s Youth Program Room, and also online via Zoom.
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Agenda
1. Call to Order: 6:33 pm
2. Additions to Agenda for routine administrative matters and/or pressing matters that will require ratification at a future meeting: Letter from the union
3. Public Comment (3 minutes per person): n/a
4. Approve Minutes of September 6, 2022 Meeting: Margo moved, Don seconded. Motion was approved unanimously.
5. Director’s Report: Elevator work is being done after a long wait. Ian attended the first of four sessions run by the state library system regarding strategic planning, with a focus on how the library is a resource for the community. A new teen program called Outburst Arts has started, with the library providing space and support, in partnership with Main Street Arts, Greater Falls Connections, Friends for Change, and the GSAs (Gay/Straight Alliances) of BFUHS, The Compass School, Putney School, and Vermont Academy. The first meeting was very popular, and students from Brattleboro and Springfield are planning to attend in the future as well. Tai Chi started in September and will be held each Friday from 11-12 indoors. On Tuesdays it will meet from 11-12 outdoors when the weather is good, and inside if the weather is poor.
6. Finance Committee: discussion of FY24 budget: Since the Finance Committee met, there has been introduced a potential rise in the health insurance cost. The final answer will be known at the
end of November, and at that time the board would need to make a decision regarding how to adjust the budget.
7. Personnel Committee: discussion of Director’s Review process: The committee met and voted that electronic evaluation will be the primary method of collection, with written evaluation forms available if requested.
8. Historical Collections Committee: discussion of donation of three paintings: The committee met and heard a presentation about the Divoll (alt spelling possible Duval) paintings for potential donation and thinks it’s a good idea to proceed. Martha moved that the Board of Trustees enter negotiations regarding the donation of three portrait paintings of members of the Divoll family painted by Aaron Dean Fletcher, likely painted in 1835 in the Town of Rockingham, and allow the library director to complete the necessary paperwork. Don seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Schedule committee meetings: Personnel Committee meeting will be held on Dec. 6 following the full board meeting at 6:30 pm.
10. Other Business: n/a
11. Executive Session (if necessary): n/a
12. Review Action Items, and Proposed Agenda Items for Next Meeting: Meeting with union regarding contract will be on the agenda in a future meeting, as well as the programming portfolio for the library. Next full board meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 pm.
13. Review and Approve Warrants
14. Adjourn: Martha moved, Margo seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:41 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Brady Weinstock, Secretary