Katonah Village Improvement Society
Annual Combined KVIS and Katonah Village Library Meeting
Minutes
January 26, 2009
IN ATTENDANCE
Dorothy Coletta, Deb Shanley, Bill Tisherman, Gina Reid, Van Kozelka, Gail Ames, Pam Veith, Lisa Salzano, Al Widmer Jack Whalen, Ed Kozelka, Mary Tschorn, Susan Scofield, Peter Willman, Deirdre Courtney-Batson, Lynn Lovett, Lois Haibt, Peter Chryssos, Frank Veith, Boo Fumagalli, Charity Brotmann, Rima Marschke, Floyd Rappy, Susan Black, Nisa Geller, Betsy Fisher, John Mucciolo, Gerard Voege, Ken Roberts, Betsey Weir, Mike Berardino, Robin Jones-Tropiano, Nisa Gellar
KVIS President, Lydia Landesberg, started the meeting by welcoming all those in attendance. She then asked for a motion to approve the 2008 Annual Meeting minutes. Lisa Salzano motioned, Mike Berardino seconded and motion carried.
KVIS TREASURER’S REPORT
Lisa Salzano circulated the annual treasurer report and noted that she was pleased to announce that KVIS spent more than was raised over the past year. A total of $72,000 had been raised over the past 7 years and only $47,000 had been spent in the past. Surplus funds were given in increased funding to the library, the Community Center of Northern Westchester, Halloween safety, Town Forum, increased community service and John Jay Homestead History Camp scholarships and Katonah Historical Walking Tour project. As of December 31, 2008 balance in all accounts was $38,638.97. Lisa then presented Van Kozelka, Katonah Village Library Director, with a $2,000 check for the annual KVIS donation.
KVIS NOMINATIONS
Nisa Gellar then read the nominations for the KVIS 2009, 2010 and 2011 classes and KVIS officers. Robin Jones-Tropiano motioned to accept the nominations; Lisa Salzano seconded and motion passed.
KVIS 2008 RECAP
Lydia Landesberg recapped the KVIS 2008 accomplishments, which included:
• Completion of the Katonah Historical Walking Tour/brochure
• Wine tasting
• Spring and Fall clean up days
• Plant sales
• Town Forum
• Increased Community Service and John Jay History Camp scholarship awards
• Emergency Preparedness Presentation in conjunction with the Bedford Police
KVL BUSINESS
Gina Reid reported on KVL 2008 accomplishments. Libraries across the country are thriving; our library is flourishing and circulation is up every year. Infrastructure repairs include replacing the roof and HVAC system. Surveys have shown that the community would like a more comfortable, usable and updated library environment. Renovations currently under way will reflect the last five years of planning, fundraising and community input.
KVL NOMINATIONS
Gina Reid read the nominations for KVL officers and trustees. Motion was made to approve nominations, seconded and motion carried.
KVL TREASURER’S REPORT
Gail Ames presented an update on the KVL finances. Did very well considering the economy. Leftover money being applied to renovations. Can tell by membership renewals that the economy is going to impact library in 2009. Town of Bedford will provide the same amount of funding to the library as last year. A $310,000 bequest was made to the library and over $100,000 was raised at the gala fundraiser. Very close to having renovations paid for completely. Applied for NYS grant to cover shortfall.
KVL 2008 RECAP
Van Kozelka reported on the library’s busy and innovative 2008:
• Baby Lap Time (Mother Goose, rhymes and songs) now offered 4 times per week.
• Collaborated with Family University on three parenting workshops.
• Family Fun Days.
• Summer reading games.
• Children photo contest.
• Adult book discussions.
• Grant from National Endowment for Humanities.
• Teen offerings included comic drawing workshop, animated film series, college interview workshop and teenage volunteer programs.
• As a result of community survey, library will be open on Sunday’s from 1-5 starting 3/1.
• Library will continue to offer popular adult programs such as Great Decisions Group, book discussion groups and local author appearances.
• An Open Mic poetry event was held.
• Working on 2009 Concert Series.
• Technology changes have allowed library visitors better access.
• Two laptops from Vincent Liebell’s office as a result of NYS funded library grant
• Working to improve communication with the community.
• Library going ‘green’ in March and will no longer mail out newsletter.
GUEST SPEAKER
Van introduced the guest speaker for the evening, KVL trustee and author Jude Blundell, who recently won the 2008 National Book Award for What I Saw and How I Lied.
Respectfully submitted by Dorothy Coletta.