Baker Free Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
November 14, 2007
Approved Minutes

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm. Present at the meeting were Elizabeth Foy, Colleen Haggerty, Susan Hatem, Tom Ives, Regan Mack and Library Director Linda Kling.
2. Presentation: The trustees and Linda presented Donna Downs with a New Hampshire clock in recognition of ten years of service to the Baker Free Library.
3. Minutes of 10-10-07: Tom made a motion to correct Section 3.b. of the draft minutes to reflect that the closing balance in the RSA Account was $7,991.43 for a total in both accounts of $26,739.10, as initially reported in September. Colleen seconded the motion. The motion was passed. Tom made a motion to accept the minutes of 10-10-07 as corrected, Colleen seconded the motion, and it was passed.
4. Treasurer’s Reports:
   1. Tom presented the Monthly Budget Report for the month of October. Upon completion of 33% of the budget period, the library had spent 32% of its budget. Linda noted that the expenditure of $1,614.88 reported last month under New Equipment was for a pressure washer as well as a replacement computer. In October, $399.98 was spent to replace chairs at the circulation desk. Tom noted that electricity is running high due to the need for air conditioning in the summer and early fall. Tom suggests Linda watch the budget very closely because oil is also expected to be high. Linda noted that she will be calling on an outside contractor to help with some issues with the computer server. Susan made a motion to accept the report, Regan seconded the motion and the motion passed 5-0.
   2. Tom presented the report on the Special Expenditures Account for the month of October 2007. The closing balance in the Nonprofit NOW account was $18,750.85. The closing balance in the RSA Account was $8,269.43 for a total in both accounts of $27,020.38. There was discussion about temporary confusion as to the RSA sub-total and total on last month’s report caused by the format of the report. Tom will review the format and suggest a better way present the information. Colleen moved to accept the report, Regan seconded it, and the motion passed 5-0.
   3. Investment: Tom reported that he check CD rates at several banks and found that Merrimack County Savings was the best at 4.5%. Pursuant to last month’s vote authorizing him to put $15,000 of the Special Expenditures Account into CDs with better rates, he will do so.
   4. Acceptance of Donation: Regan made a motion to accept a $50 donation toward the DVD collection. Colleen seconded it and the motion passed 5-0.
5. Director’s Report:
   1. New Hire: Custodian Bob Foote retired at the beginning of October. Colleen will get a thank-you card from the trustees to send to Bob. Linda recommended that the trustees approve hiring Robert Garland, a Bow resident formerly in construction business for the 20-hour position. Tom made a motion to accept Linda’s recommendation, Liz seconded it and it passed 5-0.
   2. Grounds: Linda reported that the Verizon utility pole that had been leaning across the front lawn has been removed.
   3. Policy Manual: Linda reported receiving an email back from Attorney Melissa Martin stating that she will do a preliminary review of the manual and give the trustees a time/cost estimate prior to proceeding
   4. Budget Process: Linda, Tom and Liz met to review the draft budget Linda prepared. This year the BFL budget will appear in the same format as the Town’s budget. Linda explained that an increase in the group insurance – medical line has to do with one position moving up to twenty hours a week thereby qualifying one new employee for pro-rated insurance. The already 20 hour custodian position is now filled by someone who would want the benefit that has always been offered. After discussion, the trustees decided to review the library’s health insurance benefit further at the next meeting. In relation to non-salary items, Tom noted that the budget should include an increase for oil. The trustees also discussed the importance of restoring the book budget after that line had to be drastically decreased in order to meet the across-the-board cut to the Town’s FY ‘08 budget passed at Town meeting last year.
6. Old Business: none
7. New Business: Regan told the board that he has accepted a new job and will be moving out of state in mid-winter. He is willing to continue serving for a few more months. The board will discuss how to fill his position at the next meeting.
8. Correspondence: none
9. Next Trustee Meetings: CHANGE in DATE AND TIME: Monday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Following meeting Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 6:30 pm.
10. Adjournment: Tom made a motion to adjourn, Regan seconded it and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.