Present: Robert Cartolano (President), Library Director Tracy Wright, Leslye Davidson, Astra Tudisco, Patrick Pilla and Darlene Reda. The meeting was also attended by Councilman Anthony Giacobbe. The meeting convened at 6:33 pm.
The minutes from the May 24, 2024 and July 10, 2024 meetings were reviewed and unanimously approved.
There was no WLS meeting held in July. NYC provides funding to keep libraries open on Sundays.
Building update: Railing still has not arrived and there is no delivery date yet for coping. Next Tuesday should be a big day—drilling will start, toilet will be installed, and plumber is to install pipe. Suburban suggested that the library close on Tuesday. Heavy duty drilling is not needed on the elevator; only minor drilling is required. This will save $20,000 and a week’s worth of noise that would incur closures. EPL has a credit of $62,000 on the elevator. Otis is pushed back to the last week in August.
Budget is due on August 23, 2024. Salaries at EPL are low compared to other libraries. Raises have not been given since around 2020. WLS costs will be increasing this year and will probably be closer to $77,000. A three-year commitment is required.
The Friends are doing a fundraiser in October with Tina Zaccardi—“Pastries and Prosecco.” EPL is doing a lot of programming. Summer programs for teens and adults have been very busy; children’s programs have not been as busy. Director Wright thanked Allyson DeMarco for her delicious cupcakes at Family Fun Day.
ACTION ITEM: Motion to retroactively approve the hiring of three part-time employees at a rate of $15/hour: Joanne Basile, Valentina Castaldi, and John Risi. After discussion, the motion was unanimously approved.
Building Committee: See above regarding ongoing projects.
None
Trustee Davidson would like to hear more about books and programs at board meetings. The 3rd Annual Book Art competition will be held soon; this year, the focus is wall art. Check out “Creative Bug” online to see classes on arts and crafts; EPL will come up.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.
Next meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene E. Reda