I}ER.

BY
PUBI,IC
LTBR.ARY
Harcourt Wood Memorial Established 1902

203-736-1482
203-736-1 41 9 Fax

313 Elizabeth Street Derby, Connecticut 06+t g www.derbypubliclibrarY.org

Ron Sill, Chairman

Derby Board of Alderman Derby City Hall 1 Elizabeth St. Derby, CT 06418

Dear Chairman

Sill and Board of Aldermaru

autonomous, The Derby Public Library has long been, as stated in the City Charter, years, there h_ave been gou.rn.d by aLibrary Board of Directors. Over the past few the hiring iimes whenthe Mayor's office has stepped in on Library matters, specifically, this has caused some of our present custbdian and union contract negotiations. While concern on the part of the Library Board, we dia not take any action. This_ recent incident (as described below), however, has prompted us to come before you tonight to resolve the matter of the govemance of the Library once and for all to ensure the smooth running of the Library and continued excellent service to its patrons'

After much discussion and consideration, the Derby Public Library presented a budget to the Tax Board including the addition of another part time custodian' It was determined that this would be the best option for the Library as well as to the City and its tax payers. Rather than making the current part time position full time, which would include a higher salary and the addition of health care costs and other paid benefits,'the L]9tuw would get the coverage needed while also keeping the expense to the City down. We were most appreciative of the Tax Board's understanding and approval.
The Library is very concerned with the Mayor's suggestion as outlined in the e-mail from Phil Robertson sent on July 2,2012. It lends itself to many possible problems, while not addressing the LibrarY's needs'

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As stated before, a full tirne position would mean a considerably greater cost to the City, including health benefits and paid sick, vacation, and personal days, in addition to increased salarY' A full time position would mean greater overtime costs for coverage hours and possible n..drd extra hours (snow removal, etc.). The Library did not budget for this increase. With a fulltime position, there would be no in-house coverage for sick days, personal days, and vacation days. This has been a problem in the past and would in.r.*. with the addition of paid sick, personal, and vacation days. Two part time positions would alleviate this problem

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The position was posted as a part time position.

If it had been posted as a full

'

time position, there is a high probability that other union members would have applied. This lends itself to union scrutiny and grievance. There have been past instances where union members have wanted to apply for an additional union position and they were told they could not (it was not allowed to hold two union positions), and yet it was accepted this time. Again, this lends itself to union scrutiny and grievance. As with the Library's requested part time custodian position, the requested part time library assistant was made with the same cost savings measures in mind. There presently are a couple of part time library assistants who would be interesied in a fulltime position. If the custodian's position is made to full time, there are sure to be Library union conqerns as to why the same thing cannot happen to the new library assistant position.

The Library stands by its initial request of an additional part time custodian. As stated before, it addresses the needs of the Library at the lowest cost to the City and its tax
payers.

In addition, the Library Board believes, in accordance with both the City Charter and past practice, it is at the Library's discretion to hire and fire. We would be happy to address. any' questions and/or concerns'

Library Board of Directors