MARTHA CANFIELD MEMORIAL LIBRARY
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

April 14, 2020

**Minutes are considered to be in DRAFT form until approved at the next scheduled meeting**

The recording of the video and audio of the meeting is available at this link: https://tinyurl.com/MCMFL-04-14-2020
If you have any problems with the shortened link, the full link is: https://transcripts.gotomeeting.com/#/s/514b4325ded43f151ba6caa1476167e8a771c70321017f49ed4b23a3bc5c78a8

The Board meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM
Board Members In attendance: Brian Allen, Sheila Kearns, Judy Steron, John Spencer (Joins meeting at 7:15 pm), Laura Crosslin, Carol Farley, Betsy Habberfield, Denise Koller, and Dave
Van DeWater.
Staff: Phyllis Skidmore (Librarian), Bill Budde (Russell Collection)
Guests: None
Board Members Absent: Bill Henry, Don Trachte

Additions or changes to the agenda
  -The topic of Fire Alarm quotes was added to the agenda under the heading of Old Business
Public Comment
  -Sheila requested that any members of the public joining the meeting identify themselves and offer any requests for additions to the agenda. No public participantswere present at this time.

March Minutes
  -Minutes were distributed to board members via email and are available on the library website (https://www.marthacanfieldlibrary.org/about/board-of-trustees/minutes/259-minutes-march-2020-board-meeting) Denise moved that the March minutes be approved as presented. Judy seconded. The motion was unanimously approved by those present (Brian Allen, Sheila Kearns, Judy Steron, Laura Crosslin, Carol Farley, Betsy Habberfield, Denise Koller, and Dave Van DeWater)

Treasurer’s Report (summary):
  -The Treasurer’s written report was distributed to the board via email and is available to members of the public by request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 802-375-6153
  - Denise noted the recovery of the Endowment funds since losses incurred in the initial period of COVID-19 market losses and noted that the dividends and interest that the Library relies upon are still accruing
  - Denise reported that on behalf of the library, she has applied for the SBA Payroll Protection loan program under the CARES Act. The loan has been submitted to and accepted by the Berkshire Bank.
  - Alyson noted cautionary information that was given in another context saying that the anticipated forgiveness of the loans may not be forthcoming. Denise and Sheila both stated that before any funds are accepted under the loan program, there will be careful scrutiny of terms for loan forgiveness.

Librarian’s Report (summary):
 The Librarian’s written report was distributed to the board via email and is available to
members of the public by request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 802-375-
6153
 Phyllis reported that the Library has remained closed since March 17, though she and
Holly Dix are working remotely and alternating visits to the library to fulfill requests for
materials provided by contactless curbside pick-up.
 Sheila asked that Phyllis arrange outreach to any regular patrons who may not know
that we continue to provide materials and information access assistance. She also
requested that Phyllis share contact information be shared with board members if
assistance with this outreach would be helpful.
Russell Collection Report (summary)
 The Bill Budde’s written report was distributed to the board via email and is available to
members of the public by request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 802-375-
6153
 Bill reported that he continues with various research projects and has identified a freely
available source for creating archival records for the Russell Collection that will allow
entering of records into OCLC Worldcat. He requested that Betsy and Laura be available
to do some testing of the record system and Sheila volunteered assistance in testing the
upload of records to OCLC.
Gallery
 Dave previously reported by email on his plans to pack up and return the Aperture
display.
 Dave reported that plans for two upcoming artists shows were on hold until COVID-19
restrictions allow for public gatherings.

 Dave suggested that we consider inviting local artists to participate in a show focused on
their production during this time of isolation. Laura noted that such public
“conversation” about experiences during this time would be of value to the community.
Programming (Adult, Youth, Children’s)
 We noted he suspension of programs until COVID-19 restrictions allow for them.
 There was general agreement that the library adhere strictly to all State of Vermont
orders and guidance for the opening of public spaces.
Old Business
 Fire Alarm Replacement
o Phyllis distributed quotes to the board via email for system replacement from
Monument Electric and Hathaway Electric. And these are available to members
of the public by request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 802-375-6153
o Phyllis noted that the replacement is not critical at this time and she is gathering
further information from Monument Electric regarding costs possible
replacement of wiring, detectors, horns, etc. that were not included in their
quote.

 Spring Fling Postponement
o As announced by email to the Board the Spring Fling has been postponed until
Sunday, Sept. 13 th . When it is safe for the Advocates group to meet, they will
gather together and begin planning again for a fall event.

Call for public comment
 Sheila requested comments or questions from any members of the public that might be
present and there were none.
Adjournment:
 Denise made a motion to adjourn and Judy seconded that motion. By unanimous vote of
all present (Brian Allen, Sheila Kearns, Judy Steron, John Spencer (Joins meeting at 7:15
pm), Laura Crosslin, Carol Farley, Betsy Habberfield, Denise Koller, and Dave Van
DeWater) the meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM)
Next meeting – Monday, May 6th at 7PM. The meeting will occur online and the access details
(via Internet or telephone) will be posted with the agenda on the Library website
(https://www.marthacanfieldlibrary.org/about/board-of-trustees/minutes) and in public
locations accessible to all.
Meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.