CONNECTICUT LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Executive Board Meeting

June 5, 2008

Wilton Library Association

 

I.                    President Carl Antonucci called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

 

II.                 Board Introduction:  Members of the Board introduced themselves.

 

III.               Public Comments/Notes from CLA Office:  Carl read a letter from ALA requesting a pledge of support for the National Endowment for the Humanities. See Votes Taken.

Pam Najarian informed the Board that she will be on vacation the week of June 30 returning July 7. Board members should contact CLC if necessary, during that time.

 

Jay Johnston presented Mike Moran a plaque commemorating his service to CLA upon his retirement and thanked Jan Fisher for her years of service to CLA as treasurer.

 

IV.              Additions to the Agenda:  Alison Wang presented information from the Library Society of China seeking financial support to purchase new books for the victims of the earthquake in May. She noted that $100 US Dollars translates to 700 yen which could buy about 70 books. See Votes Taken.

 

Kathy Leeds suggested the formation of a subcommittee to develop a mission statement for the purpose of setting goals for charitable contributions.  See Votes Taken.

 

V.                 Votes Taken: Peter Ciparelli moved to accept the minutes of March 6, 2008.  Debbie Herman noted a change in her report of March 6th (in which “the President will dissolve the ad hoc committee”).  With changes made, Tom Schadlich seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Jan Fisher moved that a $100 donation be made to ALA for the Cultural Communities Fund. After discussion, The Board voted No.

 

Chris Bradley moved that CLA donate $100 to the Library Society of China to help with the purchase of books for earthquake victims.  Janet Woycik seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Kathy Leeds moved that CLA establish a committee to research and propose a donation policy and procedural guidelines, possibly including a grant application form, for the organization.  Janet Woycik seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

Chris Bradley moved that CLA accept the treasurer’s recommendations for reimbursement procedures including increasing the mileage reimbursement to $.50.5 mile and meals capped at $50 per day.  Barbara Bailey seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

VI.              President’s Report: Carl Antonucci highlighted his year in office and described it as a learning experience.  He thanked CLA Board members for their support throughout the year.

 

VII.            Treasurer’s Report:  Jan Fisher distributed her final report.  Included is the $8,000 transfer from investments to cover scholarships.  She reported a modest gain in investments over the past few months.  She also distributed a revised and updated Reimbursement Procedures document that includes a change in mileage reimbursement to $50.5 per mile (current IRS rate). She also stated that reimbursement for meals will be no more than $50 per day. See Votes Taken.

 

 

VIII.         Past President: no report

 

IX.              VP/President Elect:  Kathy Leeds reported that she is working with Randi Ashton-Pritting (2008-09 VP/President Elect) on finding central location for monthly CLA meetings.  She announced that the August 7th meeting will be at the Russell Library, Middletown.

 

X.                 Committee/Sections/Roundtables:

 

 

ADA: Mary Engels reported that there is a link to ADA resources on the CLA website.  She encouraged the board to check the site prior to scheduling events.

 

ALA: Jay Johnston discussed the legislative trip to Washington where they met several congressional leaders.  He did inform the Board that libraries on a national level are not getting the financial support they had.

 

BCALA: Vivian Bordeaux reported on the success of their conference programs with over 75 attendees.

 

CLASS: John Cayer informed the Board that his Section will be reviewing the salary survey data over the summer months and will present the information at the CLASS conference November 7th @ Middlesex Community College.

 

CLC: Randi Ashton-Pritting reminded those in attendance that CLC’s Annual Meeting is scheduled June 19th at Leon’s in New Haven.  She also stated that the CapConn Eastern training sessions schedule for 2009 is completed. Chris Bradley added that effective July 1, 2008 a new supplies list is available to CLC members and a 20% catalog discount for major vendors including Brodart, Demco, Gaylord, Highsmith, and Vernon Library Supplies is available to members as well. She said the Museum Pass List brochure has been produced and distributed, as well as the “view book” about CLC. 

 

Connecticut State Library:  Ken Wiggin distributed his report which highlighted the following:  The FY 2008-2009 biennium budget passed by the legislature so all accounts remain intact, including $350,000 for CLC.  However, they are getting word that the Governor may impose a 3-5% budget reduction across the board. Ken also stated that there is presently a hiring freeze and that the State is working to reduce mileage by 25% next year. He announced that Joanne Turschman is retiring and a celebration in her honor will take place June 24th. 

 

Career Recruitment: Debbie Herman discussed the committee’s merger process with Mentoring.  Kim Farrington will co-chair with Debbie and a ˝ day retreat is being planned.

 

Children’s: Liz McKay stated that her committee was pleased with their conference programs.  She also announced that she is expecting a baby and will be leaving the board.  Caitlyn August from Darien Public Library will be replacing her and working with Gail Zeiba.

 

College & University:  John Leonetti reported that his committee was also pleased with the conference programs and that they are presently planning a Fall program.

 

Conference 2008:  Randi Ashton-Pritting thanked the Board and everyone involved in the 2008 Conference which has been hailed as “the best in years!”  She said she was overwhelmed with the success and said it was a pleasure working with the committee on this event.  She stated that she hopes that the 2009 conference will be presented by even more academic libraries.

 

Friends: Anita Wilson announced that Wendell Minor is the speaker at the Friends annual meeting to be held Saturday, June 14th in Plainville. New Board members will be elected.

 

Intellectual Freedom: Jan Vaill Day reported that the conference program on meeting rooms in public libraries was extremely interested.  She also discussed the launch of the Big Read at the Shubert in New Haven and her role in that event.

 

Legislative: Mike Moran distributed his report which reiterated no changes in the state budget, but a possible 5% cut next year.  He reported on the possible choices for CLA legislator of the year, although no clear candidates have emerged. The committee reported on the National Library Legislative Days trip to Washington, DC.

 

Membership: Janet Woycik reported membership at 909.  Prior to conference, it was 867.  The conference drew 16 new CLA members.

NELA: Betsy Bray reported for Mary Etter.  She said that the Fall conference will be in Manchester, NH October 19-21.  Four (4) students from Connecticut (Beth Crowley, Groton; Julian Aiken, Wallingford; Gail Zeiba, Willimantic; Patricia Valsecchi, Woodbridge) will participate in NELLS, taking advantage of PEG funding.  Mike Moran will serve as a mentor for this symposium.

 

Publicity: Chris Bradley reported that she and Betty Anne Reiter will again co-chair the Publicity committee.  She informed the Board that they are reviewing the program and discussing ideas for “One Book for Children.”  They will have a report for the Board within the next few months.

 

Technical Services: Tom Schadlich reported that Jacqueline Toce will be the new chair for 2008-09.  The committee is planning an Open Source Systems program scheduled for Thursday, November 6 at the Windsor Public Library.  He also stated that Stan Siegel is the Executive Director of the East Norwalk Library.

 

YA: Ann Marie Naples announced that Christine Tkaczyk from Durham Public Library will replace Katie Bunn as co-chair.  She said a roundtable is scheduled November 17th at the West Hartford Public Library featuring Alexander Flynn.

 

Region 2: Betsy Bray reported that the Rocky Hill Library was featured on Channel 3 news for going green.  She showed the board their new book bags.  She announced that she is retiring June 27th after 34 years of service. (Mary Engels reminded the Board that a reception for Betsy is June 16th at the Rocky Hill Library.)

 

Old Business: none.

 

New Business: Hail Keeler announced 6 LTA graduates from Three Rivers Community College.

 

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 11:15.

 

Attendees: Jan Fisher, Alison Wang, Chris Bradley, John Cayer, Kirsten Kilbourn, Debbie Herman, Jaime Hammond, Rob Walsh, Mona Scully-Smith, Randi Ashton-Pritting, Vivian Bordeaux, John Leonetti, Jay Johnston, Janet Woycik, Elizabeth McKay, Ann Marie Naples, Katie Bunn, Gerald Seagrave, Tom Schadlich, Mike Moran, Anita Wilson, Mary Engels, Ken Wiggin, Jan Day, Ted Wilmot, Peter Ciparelli, Theresa Conley, Hali Keeler, Siobhan Grogan, Betsy Bray, Barbara Bailey, Kathy Leeds, Carl Antonucci.

 

                                                                              Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                              Pamela Najarian

                                                                              Recording Secretary