SCARBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Meeting
February 16, 2023 (hybrid meeting)
Attendees: Bill Donovan (President and Chair), Kim Corthell, Ellen Detlefson, J. David Dittmer, Anne Janak, Judy Johnson, Barbara Kapp, Nicholas McGee, Allen Paul, Susan Powell, Nancy Crowell (Director, non-voting)
Absent: Peter Freilinger, Jim Kupel, Lenore Rapkin
The meeting was called to order at 4:31 PM by Bill Donovan.
Bill asked for a motion to elect Barbara Kapp as Secretary to serve through the balance of the year. Motion was made by Susan Powell, seconded by Ellen Detlefson, and carried unanimously.
Minutes of January 19, 2023 Meeting: Motion to adopt was made by Allen Paul, seconded by Susan Powell, and carried unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Dave Dittmer had nothing to add to the written report he circulated to the board. Motion to file for audit was made by Ellen Detlefson, seconded by Allen Paul, and carried unanimously.
Library Director’s Report: Nancy Crowell commented that the position of Cataloger/Adult Services Assistant has recently been posted. This is a reworking of Denise Menard’s position which more accurately reflects what she has been doing. Information will be posted on the Maine State Library job site, as well as the library’s website.
Town Councilor’s Remarks: Nick McGee reported that the recommendations for revisions to the current GMO plan were received favorably at the previous night’s Town Council meeting. This reflects on the library to the extent that future development in Scarborough will impact usage of the library’s facility and services. He recommended the library give serious consideration to utilizing space in the proposed community center. This led to a discussion about
potential improvements to the building that could be realized in the more immediate future.
President’s Remarks: Bill Donovan said that he and Nancy met with town manager Tom Hall to ask his perspective on the voters’ rejection of the library expansion. He cited the economy, pandemic, uncertainty about other large capital projects, and an anti-growth attitude in the community as factors.
Consent Calendar: Motion to accept was made by Barbara Kapp, seconded by Susan Powell,
and carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business:
Board assessments. Since all board members have not yet returned their assessments, the results were not available. This item was therefore tabled to the next meeting.
Preliminary FY2024 budget. Nancy reported that the budget is not yet ready but needs to be submitted to the town by the end of this month. She suggested that the Finance Committee get together to review the budget first and that she will then distribute it to the full board by email for final approval, since we will not meet again before it must be submitted.
New Business:
Security camera policy. Motion to accept the policy as written was made by Barbara Kapp, seconded by Ellen Detlefson, and carried unanimously.
Suggestions for new board members. Nancy encouraged everyone to offer recommendations for prospective members to her, as there will be four openings on the board at the end of this year.
Staff appreciation event. Monday, May 8, 5:00 PM. This will be a potluck dinner in the meeting room for staff and board, attended by about 30 people. The CRD Committee will coordinate but needs others to volunteer with help and food. Traditionally, the staff have been given gifts at this event. Nancy suggested gift cards for Hannaford or LL Bean.
Items for Next Agenda:
Building project — Discussion of next steps
EveryLibrary “Post-election Loss Listening Tour”
Board assessments — PNG Committee review
Presentation on blocking parameters (internet filtering criteria)
Trustee Comments:
Nancy announced her intention to retire and asked that a succession committee be developed.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Ellen Detlefson, seconded by Allen Paul, and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:37 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Barbara Kapp, Secretary