The Annual meeting was called to order by President, Laura Walters @ 3:15 P.M. Laura welcomed the group and thanked Joan Collins for hosting the group. Laura informed the group that the heart of the meeting would be devoted to hear what services Metrowest members wanted. Members will be taking part in a brainstorming exercise following the business meeting.
The proposed new officers of the Metrowest Board introduced themselves. Paula Polk, President; Leslie Schoenherr, Vice President/President Elect; Tom Viti, Treasurer; Cathy Lee, Assistant Treasurer/ Treasurer Elect; Jeanne Smyth, Clerk. Members of the Metrowest staff also introduced themselves, Sunny, Barbara, Beth, Judy and Carol. The members introduced themselves, along with Rob Maier, Director of the MBLC and Paul Kissman, from the MBLC.
Rob Maier spoke to the group about the MBLC Legislative Agenda. The MBLC hopes to increase funding in FY2006 by 1.2 million dollars. The MBLC is looking for increased funding in the Fund Account 7000-9505 (Library Technology and Resource Sharing). This year there was a $200,000 increase in that account. The funds mainly go to automated networks, with a small amount to pay for the Perkins ‘Newsline Service,’ which provides a toll free number for patrons to call and have over 100 newspapers read by a voice synthesizer.
The MBLC is continuing to press the Administration and Legislators for increases to the 9506 Account. Rob felt the Legislators know that there is a need to increase this account. Rob explained that the 9506 Account supports automated networks, and regional delivery through the virtual catalog. An increase of $600,000 would go to the Regions to help pay for delivery. License Databases, for example Gale’s InfoTrac will be paid from funds in the 9506 account. This would allow the Regions to use the money they pay for InfoTrac for something else. Increased funding will make more resources available statewide. Rob encouraged the group to continue to contact their legislators. Rob told the group that the MBLC received an offer for ½ million. There is a possibility these funds will be spent to add an administrative position and $430,000 will go into the 9506 Account. Paula Polk asked Rob about construction funding. Rob said he has positive feelings regarding library construction. Rob told the group that Governor Romney has sped up the process of funding projects, and that funding for a new Bond Bill for Public Library Construction looks good.
The minutes of the November 12, 2003 were approved. (Viti/Bremen)
Laura Walters thanked Tom Viti for taking the position of Treasurer. Tom cited Joan Stern and the Budget Committee for working hard. Tom presented the Plan of Service. Tom said there were few changes from the previous year, except that Newton in now the Reference Provider. Wellesley is the Interlibrary Loan Provider. The FY2006 Plan of Service was approved. (Rauch/Magnoni)
Tom Viti presented the FY2006 Budget. Tom reported that this will be the third year of level funding. Level funding has had an impact on the budget. If no new money is approved in FY2006, cuts will occur. Tom added that budget is balanced. Tom highlighted a few changes in the budget, with an increase in the salary and benefit lines. Tom said there is a 15% to 20% increase in healthcare costs. Merit increases in the budget have been tabled. Tom reported that the NY Times Historical database was added this year. Databases will be purchased from the FY 05 Budget in June. Tom highlighted changes, with a minor cost reduction in the contract for reference with Newton. Tom informed the group that the delivery vendor could ask for an increase. Tom informed the members that a stabilization account had been created with interest funds, but the Budget Committee wants to be prudent in its use. The FY2006 Budget was approved. (Amorosi/Schoenherr)
Susan Brennen presented the Executive slate to the members.
Officers are Laura Walters, Past President; Paula Polk, President; Leslie Schoenherr, Vice President/President Elect; Tom Viti, Treasurer; Cathy Lee, Assistant Treasurer/Treasurer Elect; Jeanne Smyth, Clerk. Executive Board Members: Kim Charlson, Cathy Lee, Jeanne Smyth, Leslie Schoenherr, and Tom Viti. The Executive Board Slate was approved. (Jewell/Schoenherr)
Paul referred to some of the issues Rob Maier had spoken about. Paul pointed out that there are two new members of the MBLC, George Comeau and Michelle Mann.
Paul informed the members that in the final budget for FY05 State Aid to public libraries account received a 1.2 million dollar increase.
In 2004, there were 65 public libraries receiving Municipal Appropriation Requirement (MAR) waivers, and the goal for this year is not to exceed 65. Paul felt that there will not be 65 libraries looking for waivers.
Paul addressed the Second Generation Regional Reference Center Standards, noting that Metrowest had changed it Center to Newton. Paul noted that the MBLC is aware that the concept of Regional Reference Centers needs to be reviewed.
Paul stated that the MBLC awarded Provisional General Construction Grants to 21 public libraries. New grants will be made in July 2005.
Paul informed the members that Massachusetts was awarded 3.3 million dollars from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The MBLC is looking for a 240,000 dollar increase from the legislature. The MBLC awarded $1.3 million in grants to libraries, and letters of intent for the next grant round should be received by December 9th.
Paul discussed some the PR efforts of the MBLC, including “This item Traveled Miles to Reach Your Project”, and the summer reading program “Explore other Worlds @ your library”.
Paul told the members that the MBLC received two grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The first grant provided training opportunities and the second grant to purchase hardware to increase bandwith for public libraries to the Internet.
The members divided into groups to share discuss programs they would like Metrowest to offer.
Among the ideas from the groups were:
Meeting adjourned at 4:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne Smyth, Clerk