The Prospect Public Library Board of Directors meeting was called to order by Chairperson Susan H. McKernan, at 7:00 p.m. at the Prospect Public Libarary.

Members Present: Susan H. McKernan, Lorraine Dixon, Kathy Graveline, Ira Kamm, Judy Kennelly, Suzanne Loud, Carole Moschella, Nancy Via

Members Absent: Kathleen Greene,

Others Present: Barbara Smith

Public Present: Tom Galvin

Public Participation:
Tom Galvin told the Board members he was representing Mayor Bob Chatfield tonight in respectfully requesting the Board hire one or two part time people instead of a full time person to fill the Assistant Director’s position. This request is based on the cost of health insurance to the town for a full time employee. Right now the town has twenty full time employees who receive health insurance through the town. For a single person the cost to the town is $11,320 per year. For a couple, the cost to the town is $24.278 per year. For a family, the cost to the town is $31,250 per year. Town employees pay 10% – 11% for health insurance costs. If the town was able to join with the school district for health insurance the cost of the premium to the town would be one half to two thirds of what they are currently paying. Employees covered under the school district policies pay 16% - 18%. Mr. Galvin also said there is talk that the State will open their insurance policies up to municipalities for the 2012-2013 budget. Mr. Galvin stated because previous Assistant Director Loren Webber did not use the town’s health insurance benefits, there is no money in the current budget for a new employee to be covered on the town’s health insurance. He stated that Mayor Chatfield informed Director Barbara Smith of this situation in their meeting that took place four to six weeks before. Chairperson Susan McKernan told Mr. Galvin she was not aware of this situation until February 7, 2011 when she spoke with Mayor Chatfield regarding interviews for the new Assistant Director. She suggested using the funds that will be remaining from this year’s budget in the Assistant Director’s salary line item be used to cover the insurance premium for the new Assistant Director for the remainder of this fiscal year. She stressed it is imperative in this economy to provide the resources needed by our community and in order to do that a full time Library Director and a full time Library Assistant Director are needed. Chairperson McKernan stated the Library Board members went to great lengths in analyzing where cuts in the Library budget could be made and where cuts could not be made and presented a budget to the Mayor which was under last year’s budget.

Correspondence: None

Next Meeting Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prospect Public Library.

Approval of Previous Minutes January 13, 2011 and January 29, 2011:
A general discussion was held. Nancy Via moved that the January 13, 2011 minutes be approved as presented, seconded by Ira Kamm. Motion Unanimous. Carole Moschella moved that the January 29, 2011 minutes be approved as presented, seconded by Lorraine Dixon. Motion Unanimous.

Treasurer’s Report:
A general discussion was held. A motion was made by Judy Kennelly to accept the February, 2011 Treasurer’s report as presented, seconded by Carole Moschella. Motion Unanimous.

Librarian’s Report:
A general discussion was held. A motion was made by Suzanne Loud to accept the February, 2011 Librarian’s report, seconded by Ira Kamm. Motion Unanimous.

Approval of Bills:
A general discussion was held. Motion by Lorraine Dixon to accept the bills for payment as presented, seconded by Kathy Graveline. Motion Unanimous.

Chairman’s Report: None

A motion was made at 7:45 p.m. by Lorraine Dixon to go into Executive Session, seconded by Nancy Via. Motion Unanimous.

No motions were made while in Executive Session.

The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:50 p.m.

A motion was made by Carole Moschella that Director Barbara Smith will repost the position for Assistant Library Director after approval from the Library Board, seconded by Ira Kamm. Motion Unanimous.

A motion was made by Carole Moschella at 10:05 p.m. to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ira Kamm. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan H. McKernan, Chair

Anne Marie Burr, Clerk