1978-07-06 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 07/06/1978
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Neil B. Olson, Mary K. Connors, John R. Coogan, Katherine L.
Fanning, Dr. Edna M. MeGlynn, Oleg M. Pohotsky, and Beatrice R. Vitale
Board members absent: Lester C. Ayers, and Emily P. Morency
Others present:
Recorder:
Special Meeting
Board of Trustees Beverly Public Library
Thursday, July 6, 1978 7:45 P.M.
Present: Mr. Olson, Chairman, presiding; Mary K. Connors, Mrs. Fanning, Dr. MeGlynn, Mr.
Coogan, Mr. Pohotsky, Mrs. Vitale.
Reading of minutes of last meeting was dispensed with.
Communications:
Mr. Olson read letter from library staff (signed by 14 staff members) expressing their
dissatisfaction with union negotiations. No action can be taken at this time except a reply thanking
them and acknowledging their letter.
This special meeting called to: (1) discuss 1978/79 budget cuts and request for carry-overs
from expended 1977/78 FY budget to 78/79 FY; (2) feasibility study; and (3) new federal grant
application.
Mrs. Calish discussed 78/79 FY budget cuts from Pages' salaries ($7,580), custodians
overtime ($3,500) and capital outlay ($2,590) total of $13,670. Because of these cuts, it was
recommended that we close Farms Branch all day Thursday and Sunday afternoons. Mrs. Calish
presented proposed request for carry-overs from unexpended 77/78 budget to 78/79 budget, to be
submitted to Mayor as soon as June bill schedules have been submitted, showing total of $7,963.19.
She proposed that $5,000 of this be restored to Pages' salaries so that we could open Main Library
on Sundays for about 35 weeks and balance be used for materials for Bookmobile. Proposed that
Farms custodian could be brought to Main Library to cover some of the hours so that Saturday and
Sunday overtime would not be necessary for Main Library custodians. Mrs. Calish is to confer with
the three custodians to work out new schedules.
Mr. Olson stated that Mrs. Christine Sherrill of Farms had called him about recommendation
for Sunday and one day a week closing. Many Faxms' residents fearful that this may lead to dosing
Farms Branch completely. Mrs. Calish stated that she would not recommend closing it completely
and it is not part of our plan to do so. She stated that 78/79 budget cutbacks are reason for
recommended Sunday and one day a week closing.
Mrs. Calish will meet and talk with Beverly Farms Improvement Society in August.
Mr. Olson instructed Mr. Coogan to support hearing or any communication on request for
carry-overs. He is to keep Finance Committee posted on any action and notify them if any assistance
is needed. Mr. Pohotsky felt we should get something back for our good performance in staying
within our budget.
Upon motion made and seconded, it was unanimously VOTED: to accept proposed request
to be made to Mayor for carry-over of expended mounts from 1977/78 FY to 1978/79 FY.
Mr. Olson appointed Mary K. Connors (Mrs. Isenberg's replacement) to become fourth
member of Committee on Administration.
Feasibility Study:
Mrs. Calish explained need for a good analysis by professional architects so that we know
where we're at and what can or cannot be done with the main library building. Proposal from Interact,
Inc. was for study to be done on a contingency basis. They will be helpful in getting funding; but if
we do not get funding then we are not obligated to pay for study. She has checked with City Solicitor
and City Planner regarding legality of study on contingency basis and it is legal and done by the City
of Beverly.
Motion made by Mr. Coogan and seconded that we accept the Interact, Inc. proposal for
feasibility study on contingency basis.
Amendment made to this motion by Mr. Pohotsky and seconded by Dr. MeGlynn that there
be a time limitation of thirty-six months from the completion of the feasibility study to the
commitment of funding to the library.
Motion made and seconded, it was unanimously VOTED to accept Mr. Pohotsky's
amendment relating to time limitation.
Motion made and seconded, it was unanimously VOTED: in favor of the original motion to
accept the proposal of Interact, Inc. subject to the time limitation amendment.
New Grant Application:
Mrs. Calish informed the Board that we are planning to make an application, in conjunction
with North Shore Community College and Beverly Public Schools, for a $15,000 L.S.C.A. Grant for
a videomaker in residence and for equipment to work with the elderly in Beverly on Beverly History.
It will be video-oral type so it can be both archival and used for video programs to be presented to
the community.
Committee on Personnel:
Mr. Olson instructed Mr. Pohotsky that if anything arises in union contract negotiations that
requires a special meeting between now and September, contact the committee. September meeting
may be held at Farms Branch.
Adjourned 9:15 P.M.
Esther Calish
Clerk
7/6/78
PROPOSED REQUEST FOR CARRY-OVERS
FROM UNEXPENDED 77/78FY TO 78/79 FY
ACCOUNT AMOUNT REQUEST
Binding & Microfilm $164.39 Carry over to same account
for binding old books
Repairs 168.32 Carry over to same account to
be used to repair rug problem
in Main foyer
Fuel $1,408.35 *To re~instate $5,000 to
Lighting 718.35 Pages account so that we may
Telephone 290.90 be open on Sundays for 35
Equipment - Storm Windows 549.60 weeks, and balance of
Library - Purchase and $2,963.19 for materials for
Installation of Boiler 4,996.09 Bookmobile
$7,963.19
* In any event, Faxms Branch
must be closed one day a
week and Sundays.
July 12, 1978
Hon. Peter F. Fortunato, Mayor
City Hall
Beve~y, MA 01915
Dear Peter,
As you and I discussed a few months ago, the trustees and I are requesting that the amounts
left in the following accounts be carried over into the accounts designated below for 1978/79 FY.
ACCOUNT AMOUNT REQUEST
Binding & Microfilm $164.39 Carry over to same account
for binding old books
Repairs 168.32 Carry over to same account to
be used to repair rug in Main
foyer
Fuel $1,408.35 $5,000 to Pages account so
Lighting 718.25 that we may be open on
Telephone 294.80 Sundays at Main Library for
Equipment - storm windows 549.60 35 weeks; $2,871.70 for
Library - Purchase and 4.900.70 materials for Bookmobile.
Installation of Boiler
Carry-over $7,871.70 Total - $7,871.70
Since there has been so much public Interest in Sunday openings and in Bookmobile service,
it is fortunate that we have a surplus to carry over to these accounts. By authorizing these transfers,
you will enable us to meet these demands for the coming year.
Sincerely,
Esther Calish, Librarian
EC:es
cc to City Auditor
August 24, 1978
Hon. Peter F. Fortunato, Mayor
City Hall
Beve~y, MA 01915
Dear Peter,
The Trustees and I request the transfer of $4,900.70 from "Library - Purchase & Installation
of Boiler" account to "Salaries - Pages" account in order that we may use this money to pay Pages
for Sunday openings.
Sincerely,
Esther Calish
Head Librarian
cc to City Auditor
EC/jw