MINUTES

BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETINGT – MINOT-SLEEPER LIBRARY

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2007

PRESENT:  George Corrette, Shirley Yorks, Roger Nicholls, Co-Chairman, Barbara Greenwood, Glenn Dorr, Deborah Gilbert, Secretary/Librarian, Scott Johnson, Rural Development

ABSENT:  Deborah Doe, Co-Chairman, Bill Barrett

The meeting was called to order and the floor was yielded to Scott Johnson from Rural Development so that he could make his presentation and not have to sit through the whole meeting.  The library had applied for Rural Development grant funding at the beginning of the year.  Mr. Johnson wanted to share with the board the nature of the Rural Development grant program and how it related to the library’s application. Unfortunately, what the library was requesting was far beyond anything they were capable of funding.

The following are some of the points that Mr. Johnson made:

• It is a community facility grant program for municipalities and not for profits.
• It is primarily a loan program with a small grant program to augment the loan.
• It can be used either for bricks and mortar or equipment and furnishings.
• All federal procurement, construction, architectural, and environmental regulations apply to the funded project.
• Applications are encouraged to be under $25,000.00.
• It is meant to bridge unmet need, not a major foundation.
• In 2006, the allocation was between $120,000.00 and $130,000.00.
• Between 5 and 8 awards annually.
• They would need to approve the AI agreement before it was signed.
• The building would need to be ADA compliant upon completion of the project.
• Priority is given to projects ready to go.
• There would need to be a clearly defined source and use of funds.
• The time table for application would be late fall with a review in January/February.

Mr. Johnson shared that the order would be, create a plan, fundraise, seek grants, pass a bond vote and then approach Rural Development to fill any in gaps in funding.  At this time, to apply for 1/3 of the project, or $500,000.00, is just not feasible. 

Mr. Johnson asked what the library would like to do in terms of their current application.  Roger Nicholls made a motion to withdraw the application as it currently stands with the intention of possible re-applying at a later time, Glenn Dorr seconded and the motion carried as all were in favor.  Mr. Johnson requested that an e-mail be sent to him with the results of the board’s decision.  Deborah Gilbert said that she would take care of that.  Roger Nicholls thanked Mr. Johnson for his time.

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  The minutes were read by all those present.  Barbara Greenwood made a motion to accept the minutes as read, Roger Nicholls seconded and the motion carried as all were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  George Corrette reported about $9,700.00 in the checkbook.  The UBS portfolio is changing as Mark Rabbe continues to make investments.  Currently it stands at about $120,000.00.  The NHPDIP is about $81,500.00.

CORRESPONDENCE:  Deborah Gilbert reported that she had received a letter from LCHIP stating that the grant application had been turned down.

The board received a thank you note from our NH Reads AmeriCorps member, Jessie Wright.

OLD BUSINESS:  Deborah Gilbert has almost finished gathering the information for the pay classification study. She chose libraries that were similar in size and collection as well as circulation in towns with populations that were comparable to Bristol. Roger Nicholls and George Corrette said that they would like copies when it is finished.  Deborah said that she would e-mail them when they were done.

Deborah Gilbert reported that Capitol Alarm Systems was still the only estimate that she has received for the fire alarm.  1-2-3 Lock Key and Security came by but has not submitted a formal estimate yet.  She also reported that she had heard that it may be possible to combine with other buildings in town that needed alarms as well for a possible discount.  She will check with the town manager about that.

NEW BUSINESS: None at this time.

PUBLICITY:  Ongoing.

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:  Deborah Gilbert reported that the summer reading program is ready to go with all performers confirmed.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Gilbert, Secretary/Librarian