Flemington Free Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2023
The Flemington Free Public Library (FFPL) Board of Trustees Zoom meeting was called to order at 9:36 am by Steve Rogow (acting for Board President Jane DeHaven). Jane joined around 9:38am and continued to lead the meeting after joining. This was a remote meeting via Zoom. Library Director Shawn Armington, Warren Buckleitner, Liz Fisher, Grace Fuoti, and James Rossetti were present. Warren had to leave early but was present for the vote on the FFPL Security Camera Policy draft and the basement renovations bid selection.
MEETING NOTICE STATEMENT
This meeting was called in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act. Notice was sent to the newspapers of record, The Courier News and The Hunterdon Democrat, and posted on the library’s website and bulletin board.
There were two priority items on the agenda that needed to be discussed and voted on while all the board members were present:
Security Camera Installation and FFPL Security Camera Policy Draft
Shawn mentioned that there have been increasing difficulties and security concerns at the library because of an influx of people not familiar with the library. The staff members feel unsafe with this situation. Shawn requested to have a few security cameras installed. The board discussed the options of purchasing home security cameras or going through Vector Security, as the library already uses their services for fire and burglar alarms. Since the installation by Vector Security could take a couple months, installing a few video cameras in the meantime was discussed. Shawn will contact Vector Security for more information regarding a security camera system. Jane proposed talking to the police department about the security cameras. Shawn will contact them. Jim advised about being aware of proprietary hardware when considering a security system, as it could be an issue in the future; make sure it’s an open source. Warren moved to accept security camera installation and Liz seconded.
Basement Renovations Bid
The board reviewed the bids for the basement remediation project. A question was posed if the contractors have access to the overall architect’s estimate. The board was concerned about the big discrepancies in the different alternate bid sections. When reviewing the different options on improving the condition of the basement, the board kept in mind that water enters the basement. Also, Jim wanted to ask SSP Architects about work that will be done to create the foundation drain, if they were aware that the front section walls are fieldstone. After some discussion, the board selected Charles Mann General Contracting for work on Base Bid A-1, Alternate Bid A-2 (Replace basement lighting) and Alternate Bid A-4 (Foundation drain). Jane moved to accept, and Liz seconded.
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed, and under “Continuing Business” the line, There is no objection to the chairs was removed because it was unclear. Grace moved to accept, and Jane seconded.
TREASURERS REPORT
The treasurer’s report was reviewed by Liz. Shawn noted in the October finances that a downpayment was made to Moorland LLC for the torchères conservation project. He also noted in the November finances that EBSCO Subscription Services is a yearly payment for periodicals. Shawn brought up that a Bodine CD matured and that he will need a signature.
Jim moved to accept, and Steve seconded.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
–Torchères
Fletcher Electric repaired the wiring necessary for the torchères. There is no time frame from Moorland LLC. Shawn will keep the board posted.
–Regarding the lighting in the parking lot behind the library–Shawn hasn’t heard anything. It was suggested to contact Mike Campion DPW Director, who might know a JCP&L contact.
–Jane gave a summary of the conference she attended last week via Zoom. This fulfills the Trustee continuing education requirements. Shawn mentioned that there was a webinar on cybersecurity available on January 10th, if anyone is interested.
–Shawn communicated that due to new regulations, the financial auditors, Suplee, Clooney & Company sent a notice to the board, known as a Letter to Governance.
–Liz, on behalf of the board, wanted to express a special thanks to Debbie Moore, the children’s librarian, for her dedication.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:36am.
The next meeting will be on Friday, January19th, at 9:30am.
–Grace Chang-Fuoti