Otis Library Museum Meeting – Minutes
Thursday, April 9, 2020 -6:00 PM*
- Meeting was held remotely in accordance with MA Open Meeting Law
Members present -Celeste Watman, Diane Dyer, Donna Rich, Jane Feldman, Kathy Bort, Lois Hall, Sue Brofman, Jim Adams and Susan Ebitz
Guests: Patty Strauch, Patricia Richard
Chair Diane Dyer called the meeting to order at 6:11.
The March Minutes were unanimously approved.
In giving the treasurer’s report, Sue shared that the most recent information was unavailable. Celeste made a motion to table approval until the next meeting. Susan seconded it and it was unanimously approved.
Director’s Report: submitted by Kathleen Bort
- Kathy shared that the library hasn’t received reimbursement from the town from state grant.
Attendance:
- N/A, the Library is closed.
Circulation:
- due to concerns over the coronavirus book returns have been placed on carts.
Technology:
- Kathy shared that the library hasn’t received reimbursement from the town from state grant.
- The library hasn’t been reimbursed for John Charrow’s services.
- Kathy is going to the library at least once a week to conduct library business as well as working from home.
Unfinished Business:
Fair:
- Lois reported that so far four vendors have signed up. Susan reported the group responsible for hosting the fireworks hasn’t canceled yet. Jane suggested that we wait another month before making a final decision. She made a motion to table the discussion and vote that was seconded by Susan. The board unanimously agreed.
FY21 Budget:
- Sue shared that a budget of $68,500 has been approved by the select and finance board for the Otis Library & Museum for fiscal year 2021. She pointed out that the approved budget was $1500 less than the $70,000 requested but a good amount considering the difficult economic times. There was general agreement with this sentiment.
New Business:
- Patty Strauch outlined and offered to check on applying for a loan through the CARES Act that could potentially cover 10 weeks of payroll and utilities. The majority of the board thought this was a good idea. Jim later made a motion to withdraw our application. This motion was seconded by Jane. After extensive discussion a vote was taken with four members urging that the application process continue with two members voting against.
- Patricia Richard, Director of the Rec Department shared that there were many budget cuts in that department. She was disappointed that the library was now going to be responsible for funding some of the family passes that had previously been shared by the Rec Department and Library. These passes included:
Hancock Shaker Village – family style pass $250
Magic Wings – 2 passes, $420
Berkshire Botanical Garden – family style, $180
Amelia Park – $250
The Board was very concerned about this added expense to an already depleted budget. Kathy reported that she hadn’t received notification from the town about this change.
The motion to adjourn the regular meeting was made by Celeste and seconded by Sue at 7:35 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Ebitz, Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: May 14, 2020 – agenda items due: 5/11/20
Future Meetings: June 11, 2020 – agenda items due: 6/8/20