Flemington Free Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2025
The Flemington Free Public Library (FFPL) Board of Trustees Zoom meeting was called to order at 9:32 am by Board President Jane DeHaven. Also in attendance were Warren
Buckleitner, Liz Fisher, GraceFuoti, Adrienne Fusaro, Kari McGann, Steve Rogow, James Rossetti, along with Library Director Errol Logan, Mayor Marcia Karrow, Sergeant Brian McNally, and Library Attorney Douglas Zucker.
Roll call was taken. Dr. Kari McGann and James Rosetti joined after the roll call. 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.
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed. Liz moved to accept, and Jane seconded.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed by Liz. It was noted that the different format was difficult
to follow. Also, an observation was made that the number of checks listed under the monthly bills list for January seemed lesst h a n in past months. Errol responded that he combined checks for January, and they’ll be recorded in the February Treasurer’s report. It was suggested to double-check the bills and make sure nothing was missed to be paid. There were questions
about wrong dates in the treasurer’s report. After some discussion, the approval of February’s Treasurer’s report was tabled for next month’s meeting, pending additional information provided by the director.
Public comment
The meeting was opened for public comment and there were no comments.
Address approval of auditor
The appointment of the library’s auditor was tabled last month due to concerns of libraries usually having a separate auditor than that of their municipality. Jane mentioned that she had received insight from the library attorney and there isn’t any issue with this situation. Jane made a motion to appoint Suplee Cooney &Company as auditor, Liz seconded.
A roll call vote was taken. The motion was accepted with unanimous approval.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
-Basement Remediation
Errol reported on the proaress of the basement remediation: The old fuel lines need to be
removed, there was a steam pipe leak (which DPW handled), and the French drains are completed. In the original scope of work, a ceiling was to be installed throughout the basement. The ceiling installation is to be cancelled because access is needed to mechanicals. A change order was sent by the contractor (Charles Mann Construction of Pittstown NJ).
Mike Campion (DPW) and Errol signed off on it. The library will receive credit from this cancellation. The construction workers couldn’t move an old cabinet, and Errol had them cut it up and remove it. The library board needs to decide on the next steps regarding the cracks found on some iron pipes. Also, an unknown doorway was found. The pipes from the furnace go under the floor and if it’s determined there’s accessible crawl space, it shouldn’t be barred. Meanwhile, Errol also found a 1909 dedication plaque in the wall and would like to get it restored and displayed prominently.
NEW BUSINESS –Fuel Line Break
The fuel line break incident report from police sergeant Brian McNally was attached for review. Errol also wanted to present his own timeline regarding the fuel line break incident. He mentioned that he wants to set up a public Google calendar that would allow the board and staff to better ascertain his whereabouts.
A question was brought up about who is responsible for resolving the presence of the legacy fuel tank, which was a decision made decades ago. There was additional discussion around whether the fuel tank needs to be removed and if so, if soil remediation will be required. More information will be needed.
Going forward, Errol wanted to have a library emergency procedure check list. Jane said a draft would need to be prepared and approved by the board.
-Staffing
Errol reported that library employee Skye Rainey resigned this month, citing health issues.
Errol advertised the open iob position through LibraryLinkNJ and NJLA (New Jersey Library Association). He is interested in 3 candidates and will schedule interviews in 2 weeks. He said he held a brief exit interview with Skye. Kari offered to distribute the iob opening to the FRSD community.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15am. The next meeting will be on March 21st.
–Grace Fuoti