Village of Red Hook Red Hook Public Library Monthly Report April 2024
The Red Hook Public Library (RHPL) held their regular board meeting on Thursday, April 18th at the Library in the third-floor conference room at 6:30pm.
Library Board members in attendance: President Anna Greig, Vice President Martha Tepepa, Treasurer Amy Husten, Secretary Sarah DeVeer, Leigh Bahnatka, Gareth Davies, Don O’Shea.
Others present: RHPL Director Alex Geller, Village Mayor Karen Smythe
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee reviewed several policy updates including Lending Rules, Programming, Internet Access, Open Meetings, Petty Cash & Privacy. All were accepted.
Strategic Plan Committee
The Strategic Plan Committee has developed a survey around library usage. The survey was reviewed and approved. RHPL will include it in their May newsletter, have it at the Circulation Desk and have it available at Apple Blossom Day.
Finance/Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that Cash Flow is “very good”. The Balance Sheet was reviewed. The Treasurer reported that the accountant prefers a reserve of 1 year of expenses. Current expenses are at 20% of budget through 25% of the year.
Retirement Plans for staff were discussed. Option 1 was a simple IRA – must work for 2 years, 2% contribution. Option 2 was a Deferred Compensation Plan. This is flexible with no admin cost. Not thought to add any real benefit to staff. Per Alex, very few libraries participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan.
Director’s Report
Alex reported on foot traffic, program attendance, circulation, and upcoming programs. The Friends of the Library will start as a Board Committee. Friends will table at Apple Blossom Day and be included in the Rotary directory.
Request for bids for the construction work will be announced May 1 – closing at the end of May.
The Library will table at the RHCSD Budget Expo to share budget information.
A combined meeting of the boards of RHPL & Tivoli Library was discussed with the idea of a joint retreat. No date set.
Respectfully submitted, Karen Smythe
Board documents can be accessed on the Library Website: www.redhooklibrary.org/board-of-trustees/. The link to the board packet is imbedded in the text toward the bottom of the page.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
Next Board Meeting Thursday, May , 2024 at 6:30pm
Committee meeting schedule is on the library calendar on the website.