Minutes of the Amherst Library Trustees Board Meeting

December 6, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Chairman, Don Holden.  Also present were Tom Head, Robin Julian, Bob Lown, Richard Martini and Helen Rowe.  David Hallenbeck joined in by phone conference.

There was no Library Director’s report.

A discussion was held on the Town Personnel Policy.  A major point of discussion was the issue of pay equity relative to hours worked on Sundays.  The Board favors full pay for a full eight hours of work. 

Since the Library is a separate entity it was decided to ask Natasha to write a front page detailing the Library’s exceptions from the Town’s policy.

Don reported that he had talked with Michael Sullivan.  Carl Weber, Town Administrator, will meet with Amy Lapoint after her meeting with the Library Department Heads.

Bob had no treasurer’s report but did have some information as to the change in the 2005-6 budget numbers.  3% was dropped from the server account as there is enough money in our current budget to cover this.  Bob expressed concern over the $19,000 drop in the salary line and will check with Natasha concerning this.

A gift from the Friends of the Library of $4,335 was unanimously accepted.

Dick will check with Mr. Berry as to the time frame for painting the trim on the building.  

NEW BUSINESS:  Patrons are being asked to turn off cell phones and pagers while in the Library.  There was a discussion about issuing new library cards that would have a small card which could be attached to a key chain.  This discussion came about due to a complaint from an elderly patron who did not have the card with them.  We will bring this up again when the new Library Director is hired.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:45

Respectfully submitted,

Helen D. Rowe, Secretary

The next meeting was scheduled for January 10, 2005.