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January 2023 Board Packet

1/10/2023

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December 2022 Board Minutes

12/13/2022

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​Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, December 19, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:00 pm. 

Roll Call
Present (physical): Shane Mitchum, President; Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Alyssa Mitchum, 
Treasurer; Laurie Knaack, Secretary; Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Colin Strainge, Trustee;
Melissa Tacke, Library Director
Absent: none

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment
None. 

New Business
Prospective trustee: Meghan Johnston, who was a board member some years in the past, attended to become familiar with the board meetings. 
Revised 2022 budget: The adoption of the revised 2022 budget was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 
2023 staff pay rates: The adoption of the revised 2022 budget was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 
2023 trustee continuing education options: The administrative committee recommends the “full board, smaller commitment” option for Racial Equity training available at no cost to our library next year, with two 90-minute full-board sessions and one 60-minute session. Consensus was to pursue this option which would fulfill training requirements for all trustees for 2023. Director Tacke will explore scheduling for fall 2023 and will communicate possible times with the board. 
Board self-evaluation and director evaluation: Director Tacke will share a fillable form. Trustees are asked to complete the evaluations by January 10 and return to President Mitchum. 
Slate of officers: The proposed slate of officers for 2023 is the same as the current officers, with all willing to serve again. The board will vote at the January meeting. 

Old Business
2023 Budget: Director Tacke and the Finance committee shared the 2023 proposed budget (limited revisions from last month’s version). The adoption of the revised 2023 budget was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 
Library word-of-mouth advertising: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to share the upcoming Special Visitor Storytime.

Reports
President’s Report
Included with sustainable funding report below. 
Secretary’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the November 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Strainge. Unanimously approved. 
Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the November 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  
Director’s Report
Director Tacke presented statistics for November, with a comparison against 2020 and 2021. 
Friends Report
The Friends of the Library is wrapping up 2022 fundraising and will be planning for 2023, with a membership drive in March likely being their next event.
Committee Reports
Finance: no report.
Administrative: included in New Business above. 
Operations/Capital Projects: did not meet.
Policy: did not meet. 
Sustainable Funding: The committee met and worked through preparation of messaging around the sustainable funding vote (why, benefits, financial context); will share with the board at the next meeting. The committee is planning meetings with local stakeholders including school superintendent and Village board. On track for vote in May 2023 for funding that would go into effect for the 2024 budget. 
Library Space: did not meet.
Community Outreach & Visibility: did not meet; Director Tacke will reach out to committee to revisit mascot contest and future town board attendance by library trustees.

Announcements
Director Tacke shared the 2023 board calendar. 

Public Comment
Meghan Johnston asked to meet the board members and asked questions about the topics and structure of board activities. 

Executive Session
None. 

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 pm. 
dec2022packet.pdf
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November 2022 Minutes

11/8/2022

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​Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, November 14, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 6:06 pm. 

Roll Call
Present (physical): Shane Mitchum, President; Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer; Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director
Present (virtual): Laurie Knaack, Secretary
Absent: Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Colin Strainge, Trustee

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee A. Mitchum and seconded by Trustee Bielawa. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment - None. 

New Business
Shane Mitchum trustee term: Trustee S. Mitchum’s board term will end after 2022. Trustee A. Mitchum motioned to nominate trustee S. Mitchum for the term January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025. Seconded by Trustee Bielawa. Unanimously approved. 
Copy/print/fax fee changes: Trustee A. Mitchum motioned to implement the changes proposed by Director Tacke to copy/print/fax fees. These fees had been waived during the pandemic; small fees will return for print/copy services over a certain number of pages, with fax services remaining free. Seconded by Trustee Bielawa. Unanimously approved. 
2023 proposed meeting schedule: The proposed meeting schedule was discussed and the November date changed to November 13, 2023 to avoid the Thanksgiving week,. Most meetings will be held on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 pm. Approval of the meeting schedule was motioned by Trustee A. Mitchum and seconded by Trustee Bielawa. Unanimously approved. 

Old Business
2023 Draft Budget: Director Tacke and the Finance committee shared the 2023 proposed budget for further feedback (no changes) and plan to have the board vote on it at the December board meeting. 
Long-Range Planning: The board met in a board retreat in early November to identify areas most desired for community feedback and opportunities for long-range improvements. Director Tacke shared the draft community survey for board review, and outlined a possible timeline with finalizing the survey in December and sending a mailing linking to the online survey in January. A first draft of the new Long Range Plan with goals/objectives would then be created in March; one or two additional board retreat sessions to focus on the plan held around March-April, add action steps to the plan in the second draft, and aim to have the board approve the new LRP in April or May. 
Trustee Recruiting: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to continue recruitment efforts for one more trustee. 
Library word-of-mouth advertising: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to share that there will be a Thursday, December 1, 6:00 pm book signing with local author Jon Sorensen. 

Reports
President’s Report
Included with draft budget report above. 

Secretary’s Report
Trustee A. Mitchum motioned to approve the October 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Bielawa. Unanimously approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Bielawa motioned to approve the October 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

Director’s Report
Director Tacke presented statistics for October, with a comparison against 2020 and 2021. The Halloween Parade returned to an in-person event at the Castleton Fire House, with lower attendance than the vehicle parade driving throughout the village that was held in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the in-person attendance at other events increased from previous years. Pumpkin painting was popular. Kits remain popular and circulation increased. 

Friends Report
The Friends of the Library will be again participating in the Barnes & Noble Bookfair on Saturday, November 19 at the Colonie Center location from 9 am to 9 pm.
Committee Reports

Finance: no report

Administrative: No report. Director Tacke will reach out to the committee to plan for 2023 continuing education for trustees.

Operations/Capital Projects: did not meet.

Policy: Personnel and circulation policies reviewed. 

Sustainable Funding: did not meet.

Library Space: did not meet.

Community Outreach & Visibility: did not meet. 

Announcements - None. 

Public Comment - None. 

Executive Session - None. 

Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 pm. 
nov2022packet.pdf
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October 2022 Minutes

10/11/2022

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​Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, October 17, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:06 pm. 
Roll Call

Present (physical): Shane Mitchum, President; Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Laurie Knaack,         
Secretary; Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer; Colin Strainge, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director
Absent: Kate Bielawa, Trustee

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment
None. 

New Business
2023 Draft Budget: Director Tacke and the Finance committee shared the 2023 proposed budget with the board for review and comment (to be formally approved at the December board meeting). Director Tacke also presented this to the Town of Schodack board at their last meeting. 


Old Business
Long-Range Planning: The board will review the existing Long Range Plan and reconvene in a board retreat in early November to plan an approach for community surveys and updating of the Plan. 

Trustee Recruiting: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to spread the word that one more trustee is needed. 
Library word-of-mouth advertising: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to share that there will be a Thursday, December 1 book signing with author Jon Sorensen. 


Reports

President’s Report
Included with Finance committee report. 

Secretary’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the September 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Strainge. Unanimously approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the September 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

Director’s Report
Director Tacke presented statistics for September, with a comparison against 2020 and 2021. Circulation and program attendance has continued to shift slightly back toward more physical materials and in-person program attendance compared with 2020. 

Friends Report
The Friends of the Library held a successful Pasta Dinner takeout event in early October and will be again participating in the Barnes & Noble Bookfair on Saturday, November 19 at the Colonie Center location. 


Committee Reports

Finance: met to draft the 2023 budget, shared with the board at the start of this meeting. 

Administrative: will plan to meet before the next board meeting to plan for 2023 continuing education for trustees.

Operations/Capital Projects: did not meet.

Policy: did not meet. Director Tacke will share current policies for review with the committee. 

Sustainable Funding: The committee met and created some proposed variants of a 2024 budget to discuss with the board, considering additional hours/services that could be offered if various proportions of sustained funding were achieved through a budget vote. 

Library Space: did not meet.

Community Outreach & Visibility: did not meet. 


Announcements
November meeting date change: The November Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Monday, November 14 at 6:00 pm.

Public Comment
None. 

Executive Session
None. 

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.
oct2022packet.pdf
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September 2022 Minutes

9/12/2022

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​Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, September 19, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:00 pm. 

Roll Call
Present (physical): Shane Mitchum, President; Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Laurie Knaack, Secretary; Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer; Colin Strainge, Trustee; Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment
Village of Castleton Trustee Lissa D’Aquanni attended virtually. 

New Business

Long-Range Planning: The existing Long Range Plan for the library covered through 2021 and had been retained into 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The board as a whole will resume focus on this and revise the plan. Director Tacke will share previous planning information with trustees, as well as information on prior focus groups with library users and non-library users, and community surveys performed in the past. 

Trustee Recruiting: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to spread the word that one more trustee is needed. 

Old Business
Halloween Costume giveaway: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to share that gently used costumes and accessories can be donated in advance and that a costume giveaway will be held on October 15. 

Reports

President’s Report
Included with Finance committee report. 

Secretary’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the July 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Strainge. Unanimously approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the July 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the August 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

Director’s Report
Director Tacke presented statistics for July and August, highlighting the successful 2022 Summer Reading Program statistics with comparisons back to 2018. 

Friends Report
The Friends of the Library held Music on the Lawn events July and August, as well as a successful raffle for donated gift certificates from local businesses. Their next fundraiser will be a takeout-only pasta dinner at the Village Firehouse on October 15. Preorders are encouraged. 

Committee Reports
Finance: will meet in the next month. Budget is being drafted with approximately a 10% increase. A rough idea of the budget will be presented to the Town of Schodack board at their next meeting. 

Administrative: will reconvene in the fall to plan for continuing education for trustees.

Operations/Capital Projects: did not meet.

Policy: did not meet. Director Tacke will share current policies for review soon. 

Sustainable Funding: President Mitchum will talk to the Friends of the Library soon to keep them informed. The committee is planning 259 budget vote discussions with local leaders including town and school district and the Village board. Committee and Director are working on a mock 2024 budget to illustrate what services the library could offer if sustained funding were achieved through a budget vote. 
Library Space: Director met with Village of Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan and a landscape architect regarding the first design for the Village Hall lawn. 

Community Outreach & Visibility: did not meet. 

Announcements
None. 

Public Comment
Village of Castleton Trustee Lissa D’Aquanni shared that the Community Visioning Workshop held in August went well and she will share the report with trustees. In addition, Village Trustee Lissa D’Aquanni shared that Castleton is applying for a NY Forward grant, which is a grant program for cities throughout the state, focusing on smaller communities. If awarded, the grant could fund transformative economic development projects such as parks, community centers, or public space improvements for the Village Hall. The Village Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan committee has also applied for a grant to update the decades-old plan and focus on revitalization including Schermerhorn Park. 

Executive Session
None. 

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 pm. 
sep2022packet.pdf
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July 2022 Minutes

7/11/2022

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​Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, July 18, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:07 pm.
 
Roll Call
Present: Shane Mitchum, President; Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Laurie Knaack, Secretary; Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer; Colin Strainge, Trustee; Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment
None. 

New Business

Draft Administrative Calendar: The board reviewed the calendar developed by the Administrative Committee. The adoption of the Administrative Calendar was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Draft Trustee Onboarding Checklist: The board reviewed the checklist developed by the Administrative Committee. The adoption of the Onboarding Checklist was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Strainge. Unanimously approved.

Old Business

Summer Reading: Director Tacke encouraged trustees to share Summer Reading Club information and events for all ages; anyone can sign up for summer reading all summer long.

Reports

President’s Report
The board discussed holding committee meetings in August in lieu of the August meeting. The cancellation of the August meeting was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.

Secretary’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the June 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee A. Mitchum. Unanimously approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the June 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

Director’s Report
Director Tacke presented statistics with a comparison against June 2021 and 2020, all months affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. June marked a return to Castleton Elementary School class field trips to the library, serving most K-4 elementary students and issuing 118 new library cards!

Friends Report
The Friends of the Library held bake sales at Schodack Town Park Music in the Park events, and are preparing for two Music on the Lawn events July and August with food sales to be held at the Village Hall. A raffle for donated gift certificates from local businesses is ongoing, with the drawing to be held later in the summer.

Committee Reports
Finance: will meet in the next month.
Administrative: will reconvene in the fall to plan for continuing education for trustees.
Operations/Capital Projects: grant from Community Room construction has been received and will be reflected in July finances. 
Policy: will resume policy review in the next month.
Sustainable Funding: committee is planning 259 budget vote discussions with local leaders including town and school district and the Village board. 
Library Space: no report; Director will update if any news from the Village on potential front lawn renovations. 
Community Outreach & Visibility: no report.

Announcements
None. 

Public Comment
Village of Castleton Trustee Lissa D’Aquanni shared that a Community Visioning Workshop will be held Saturday, August 20, 9:30-noon at the Castleton Elementary School gym. All ages are welcome, and village residents as well as anyone who uses the library are encouraged to attend. In addition, regarding improvement of the front lawn space of the Village Hall which had been of interest to the Library Board, the Village is awaiting proposed redesigns from a professional architect for the front yard and walk.

Executive Session
None. 

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 pm. 
july2022agenda.pdf
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June 2022 Minutes

6/13/2022

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​Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, June 20, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:02 pm. 

Roll Call
Present: Shane Mitchum, President; Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Laurie Knaack,
Secretary; Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer; Colin Strainge, Trustee; Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment
Village of Castleton Trustee Lissa D’Aquanni attended in person. 

New Business

Sustainable Funding: The board discussed the option of pursuing a 259 budget vote and recapped some of the May presentation from Tim Burke of UHLS. Trustee Cartwright put forward a motion to begin investigating the option in earnest and empower the board and director to pursue conversations with representatives of the town, village, school board, and members of the public. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.
 
Mask policy: Director Tacke requested the board consider making masks optional for the foreseeable future, rather than required in the library as they had been at some CDC COVID-19 Community Levels. The Director will continue to monitor the local public health situation. Trustee Cartwright motioned to adopt a policy of optional face masks for staff and patrons. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

COVID-19 leave policy: Trustee Cartwright motioned to extend the Library’s COVID-19 leave for staff through 12/31/2022. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

Old Business
Director Tacke shared the Summer Reading Club packet, and encouraged board members to share the word about the kickoff on June 25 and the option to sign up at any time thereafter during the summer. 

Reports

President’s Report
None.

Secretary’s Report
Trustee A. Mitchum motioned to approve the May 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Strainge. Unanimously approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the May 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

Director’s Report
Director Tacke presented statistics with a comparison against May 2021 and 2020, all months affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Friends Report
The Friends of the Library are preparing for bake sales at Schodack Town Park Music in the Park events as well as two Music on the Lawn events with food sales to be held at the Village Hall.

Committee Reports

Finance: no report

Administrative: will share at next board meeting the administrative calendar and onboarding checklist developed by the committee; will reconvene committee in the fall to plan for continuing education for trustees

Operations/Capital Projects: no report

Policy: no report; will resume policy review in the next month

Sustainable Funding: continuing to discuss funding options and 259 budget vote as brought to the board’s attention earlier in the meeting

Library Space: no report

Community Outreach & Visibility: met with Director to brainstorm outreach opportunities and identify priorities for community connections to start or resume; will reconvene later in the year 

Announcements
None. 

Public Comment
Village of Castleton Trustee Lissa D’Aquanni brought to the Library Board’s attention that the Village Comprehensive Plan committee met recently and that a Community Visioning Workshop will be held Saturday, August 20, 9:30-noon at the Castleton Elementary School gym. All ages are welcome, and village residents as well as anyone who uses the library are encouraged to attend. In addition, regarding improvement of the front lawn space of the Village Hall which had been of interest to the Library Board, the Village is awaiting proposed redesigns from a professional architect for the front yard and walk.

Executive Session
None. 

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm. 
jun2022packet.pdf
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May 2022 Minutes

5/11/2022

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Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, May 16, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:03 pm.
 
Roll Call
Present: Shane Mitchum, President; Laurie Knaack, Secretary; Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer; Colin 
Strainge, Trustee; Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director
Excused: Patrick Cartwright, Vice President

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee A. Mitchum and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. This meeting followed an abbreviated agenda, omitting several topics to make time for a presentation from Tim Burke of the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS). 

Public Comment
Village of Castleton Trustee Lissa D’Aquanni attended virtually. 

Reports
Secretary’s Report
Trustee A. Mitchum motioned to approve the April 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Strainge. Unanimously approved. 
Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Bielawa motioned to approve the April 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved.  

Announcements
None. 

Public Funding Options for Libraries – Discussion with Tim Burke, UHLS
Tim Burke gave a presentation regarding public library funding options. 

Public Comment
None.

Executive Session
None. 
​
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55pm. 
may2022packet.pdf
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April 2022 Minutes

4/11/2022

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Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting 
Monday, April 18, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:05 pm. 

Roll Call
Present: Shane Mitchum, President; Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Laurie Knaack, 
Secretary; Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer; Colin Strainge, Trustee; 
Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment
None.

New Business
  • New Hire - Library Assistant: Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the hiring of Kate Shannon at the Library Assistant rate. Trustee Knaack seconded. Unanimously approved. 
  • Trustee education requirements beginning 2023: two hours of training, specifically related to Trustee role and from providers approved by the NYS Division of Library Development, will be required annually for each trustee beginning in 2023. The board will need to keep records of such training. This topic will be revisited as more information becomes available. 

Old Business
  • Word of mouth advertising: Director Tacke presented the May event calendar and highlighted for the board that two weekly in-person children’s storytimes have returned. 
  • Reopening process: More in-person programming returns in May with fewer drop-in activities and more synchronous activities. Mask requirements remain aligned to COVID-19 community levels with masks required only when community level is High. Community room reservations are now permitted. 

Reports

President’s Report
No report. 

Secretary’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the March 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Strainge. Unanimously approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the March 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Director’s Report
The director reviewed with the board statistics for visitation and circulation in March, and comparison between 2022, 2021, 2020. Note that all comparisons now represent months affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Friends Report
The Friends of the Library held a breakfast fundraiser and has begun a membership drive.

Committee Reports
  • Finance: met; discussed planning for budget submission to town of Schodack in August 2022.
  • Administrative: met; planning to set up administrative calendar to aid the board in annual activities. 
  • Operations/Capital Projects: planning next meeting.
  • Policy: no report; will resume in May to align with reviewing policies annually.
  • Sustainable Funding: met; discussed funding options and considering whether school board vote method may be an option in 2023. Director Tacke is working to schedule Tim Burke of UHLS to present at an upcoming board meeting, focused on the school board vote option and planning out what preparation would be needed.
  • Library Space: Director Tacke plans to meet again with Village mayor and Village board member(s) to discuss potential permanent outdoor space for Library and Village use in front of the building. 
  • Community Outreach & Visibility: will meet again for brainstorming and welcomes further ideas.  

Announcements
None. 

Public Comment
None.

Executive Session
None. 

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:34pm. 
april2022packet.pdf
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March 2022 Minutes

3/14/2022

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Castleton Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting \
Monday, March 21, 2022 Minutes 

Welcome/Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order by President Mitchum at 7:09 pm. 

Roll Call
Present:  Shane Mitchum, President; Patrick Cartwright, Vice President; Laurie Knaack,
Secretary; Kendra Rubin, Trustee; Colin Strainge, Trustee; Kate Bielawa, Trustee; Melissa Tacke, Library Director

Excused: Alyssa Mitchum, Treasurer

Adoption of Agenda
The adoption of the agenda was motioned by Trustee Cartwright and seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Public Comment
None.

New Business
NYS Annual Report for 2021: Trustee Cartwright motioned to adopt the Annual Report. Trustee Knaack seconded. Unanimously approved. 
Financial Annual Update: Trustee Cartwright motioned to adopt the Annual Financial Report Update Document for 2021. Trustee Knaack seconded. Unanimously approved. 
Annual Financial Review: The board reviewed the documentation by consultant William C. Adams and discussed retention of the same consultant to review finances annually for next year. 

Old Business
Board self-evaluation results were presented by President Mitchum. The two areas where there was not a consensus that the status was satisfactory were training and concerns about sustainable funding. 
Trustee onboarding and continuing training of current trustees: Areas for improvement include an onboarding checklist for what to review (review long range plan, board packets, schedule UHLS training, etc.) and continuing training for trustees. In future meetings Director Tacke will bring information about the upcoming requirement for annual continuing education for trustees. 
Sustainable library funding: largest portion of the library budget currently comes from town of Schodack budget directly. The Sustainable Funding committee will explore school district vote as an option (beginning 2023 at earliest). Benefits would include guaranteeing a portion of the library budget annually if approved, but increases would then need to be approved by voters. The board will review sustainable funding presentations from UHLS discussing options (votes by towns, votes by school districts, rechartering).

The board discussed upcoming programming. Director Tacke brought to the board’s attention the programs aligned with April school breaks and highlighted in-person activities targeted at various age groups.

Reopening process: Mask requirement continues to be tied to COVID-19 Community Levels published by CDC since March 7, 2022 (required only when level is High). Starting in May, more traditional indoor in-person programs will continue to resume slowly. Walking Storytime will continue through April and then children’s in-person morning and evening storytime will be reintroduced. Take-home kit activities will be scaled down but continue while there is sufficient interest/demand from the community. 

Reports
President’s Report
Board and director evaluations were discussed earlier in the meeting. 

Secretary’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the February 2022 meeting minutes. Seconded by Trustee Bielawa. Unanimously approved. 
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the February 2022 meeting transcript. Seconded by Trustee Bielawa. Unanimously approved. 

Treasurer’s Report
Trustee Cartwright motioned to approve the February 2022 Check Detail Reports. Seconded by Trustee Knaack. Unanimously approved. 

Director’s Report
The director reviewed statistics for visitation and circulation in February, and comparison between 2022, 2021, 2020. Note that this is the last time statistics are shown compared to a 2020 month that occurred before shutdowns at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Friends Report
The Friends of the Library fundraising calendar of events and mailer was distributed to trustees. 

Committee Reports
Finance: annual financial review was discussed earlier in the meeting.  
Administrative: met; planning to set up administrative calendar to aid the board in annual activities. 
Policy: no report; will resume later in spring to align with reviewing policies annually.
Sustainable Funding: met; will update board on recommendations next meeting. 
Library Space: met and discussed outdoor ideas. Had previously considered possibility of extra parking spaces, but determined this not feasible in the near term. Committee will explore possibility of more permanent outdoor space in the front of the building after the usefulness of a temporary tent structure that was used in summer 2021 - exploring structures like a pavilion with a roof that could be in line with historical style of the area, to maintain and improve the appearance of the usable outdoor space. Committee welcomes ideas. 
Community Outreach & Visibility: met, revisited the plan delayed from 2020 to offer a library mascot competition  to area students. Will meet again in April for brainstorming and welcomes further ideas.  

Announcements
None. 

Public Comment
None.

Executive Session
None. 

Adjournment
​
The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 pm.
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