Epsom Public Library Trustees' Meeting
March 29, 2008
This special meeting was posted 48 hours in advance and posted in public locations in town.
Attendees: Valerie Long, Roberta Mongeon, Cherylann Arvanitis, Nancy Claris, Harvey Harkness
Meeting Commenced: 9:05 a.m.
Bob Blodgett, Selectman’s Representative was invited to the meeting.
Valerie Long gave the Trustees a background of the Selectman’s recent decision to question the Old Library occupation with the Historical Association. The past Selectman’s minutes were reviewed and discussed.
The Library Trustee past minutes were discussed. On January 8, 2007, the Old Library building was discussed. The minutes on February 12, 2007, contained detailed information about the use of the old building was discussed as a Library Annex.
Ms. Long distributed an "Epsom Library Annex Discussion" sheet (see attached) for discussion. The State RSA’s relating to Libraries and Library Trustees responsibilities were discussed. The "Kathryn Taylor" decision was discussed and referred to. RSA 202-A:6 (1989) pursuant to Trustees governing powers was discussed. Nancy Claris will contact the Local Government Center to determine the definition of "property" in relation to the library and the relating statutes.
It was stated that the Selectman need to be educated as to the Trustees responsibilities and duties in relation to the Library management.
RSA 202-A-18 regarding Discontinuation of a Library was discussed. It was stated that we did NOT discontinue the use library, however the law states that "the library property of the town may be loaned or disposed of by the library trustees, subject to the approval of the commissioner and shall not apply in cases where a public library has been acquired by the town in whole or in part by donation or bequest."
The property insurance for the old facility was discussed.
Ms. Long stated that it might be a good idea to have a joint meeting at a "neutral" location at the Old Library with the Selectman, the Historical Society, and the Library Trustees to discuss this situation. The Trustees will submit a package to the Selectman to review with copies of all minutes and RSA’s for them to review prior to meeting.
It was decided that the Trustees will contact the Local Government Center to have them review our prior agreement with the Historical Society and to give their legal opinion on the document and determine if the LGC deems it necessary and/or appropriate to draw up a new agreement.
The next Trustee meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Cherylann Arvanitis will post this change.
Meeting Adjourned: 10:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cherylann J. Arvanitis,
Secretary of Library Trustees