There was a small group of 9 or so public attendees at the monthly meeting of the Middletown Library Board on Wednesday, July 17. The public meeting lasted about 1 hour 10 minutes and was followed by an executive session of about the same length. Another very brief public session followed during which the board passed a resolution appointing the law firm of Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs, LLC as special labor counsel through the end of 2013. The Board then adjourned the meeting without further comment.
A number of attendees spoke during the public comments periods. Middletown resident Elizabeth Mitchell spoke in support of Library Director Susan O'Neal's advocacy for the library. Linda Baum spoke to address confusion on several issues. Library supporter Melanie Elmiger spoke about the need for trustees to be educated about library services and to take a more active role in library advocacy.
Some other items discussed at the public meeting are:
• A request came from the Township CFO, Nick Trasente, now that the township budget
is approved, for the library to submit specific line items for input to Edmunds (township
accounting software) to facilitate the payment of library vouchers.
• There is an agreement between the library board and the Township to reduce the 2013
chargeback for healthcare to reflect library employee contributions. It is estimated that
the $810K chargeback may be reduced to about $769K. The Township CFO will
provide the adjusted figure.
• The remaining books at the former Lincroft branch are being donated to Sea Bright.
About one half of the books are now packed up. The Sea Bright Volunteer Corp has
secured the services of their local DPW to assist with book storage, shelf
disassembly, and transport. It is anticipated that the building will be used to house the
Crossroads program, that must relocate from the Croydon Hall facility, per agreement
between the Township and Board of Education, but there has been no formal action yet
(no vote) by the Township.
• A vote on the employee contract was postponed to the August library board meeting to
allow time for review.
• There was discussion of the internet and computer use policy. Users must be in good
standing with regard to account balances. Free computer use for 2 hours a day for
residents. Guest passes for non-residents are free but limited to 1 guest pass (2-hour
use) per day.
• Test proctoring fees now in effect: $10 residents, $25 non-residents
• There was discussion of the meeting format, specifically the number and format of
public comment periods. Public comments at the start of the meeting are limited to
comments on agenda items and the board does not respond to questions at that time.
A member of the public commented that the limited detail on the agenda, along with an
inability to ask questions of the board, makes it necessary for members of the public
to do their own research in advance of meetings in order to participate in a meaningful
way.
Негізгі бет 7 17 13 Middletown Township Public Library Board Meeting
Пікірлер