Present: Tom Cesarz, Patrick Cloherty, Camilla Glynn, Marjorie Hill-Devine, Dennis Kelley, Doug Rendell, Bonnie Strong and Executive Director Ron Gagnon.

1. CALL TO ORDER—President Doug Rendell called the meeting to order at 2:10 pm and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

2. MINUTES—Approval of the minutes was postponed to the next meeting.

3. TREASURER’S REPORT—Tom Cesarz gave the Treasurer’s Report. Our accountant recommended that we keep three months operating costs beyond our capital money. This becomes important in July and August before assessments are received. Our practice had been to keep only two month. Camilla Glynn moved that we keep three months expenses on hand. Bonnie Strong seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT—Ron reported that we will have a full subsidy for our telecommunications. What the E-rate does not provide will be provided by the MBLC. We also received $107,000 from the MBLC for the virtual catalog.

There has been a change in personnel with Lisa Masella resigning and Michele Morgan then expressing interest in the position. Michele will assume the position once an Interlibrary Loan person is hired.

5. REVISION OF ILL POSITION REQUIREMENTS—Ron recommended changing the Interlibrary Loan position to one requiring an MLS. This may help with some perception issues as well as the ability to understand various people’s points of view. Presently we are using Elizabeth’s professional skills to look at how we’re doing things. All of the other head of ILL in the state have an MLS. Ron recommended changing the title to Interlibrary Loan Librarian with an increase in the salary range to $31,300 - $42,000. Pat Cloherty moved acceptance of the position description and the salary schedule as presented. Marjorie Hill-Devine seconded and it passed unanimously.

6. APPROVAL OF REVISED SYSTEM SELECTION PROCESS—Camilla moved approval of the changes. Dennis Kelley seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

7. SITE SELECTION COMMITTEE—Pat Cloherty served a second time as chair, with Marjorie Hill-Devine and Sue Koronowski also on the committee. The committee’s charge was to look at our current space and determine whether to stay here or move. We were given an offer to renew at $8.50 per square foot versus our present rate of $6.50 per square foot. Patrick thought we would need a good reason to move because where we are works. We need to spend only about $15,000 to remodel and enlarge our meeting room. It’s hard to find space which combines the best for space, rate and parking spaces. Pat pointed out that originally we spent $170,000 to remodel the space, which comes to $34,000 per year when spread over five years. When spread over ten years, that figure drops to only $17,000 per year.

The committee compared rates at several sites, particularly at Cummings Park (United Shoe). They recommend renewing the present lease.

Tom Cesarz moved to accept Patrick’s report and recommend that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate for a five year lease in the present space, or a seven year lease if feasible. Dennis Kelley seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

8. REVISION OF PART-TIME SALARY SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS—Ron ran both documents past our attorney, who recommended minor changes. Bonnie Strong moved that the Conditions of Employment statement be approved. Camilla Glynn seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

9. NEW MEMBER UPDATE—Ron has been in contact with five colleges and has provided proposals to both Bradford College and Northern Essex. There was discussion about developing a second tier membership option.

10. CELL PHONE UPDATE—Ron said that this coverage is working very well. Martha is keeping a log and things have been under control thus far.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:15.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie J. Strong

Secretary