Board of Selectmen - Regular Meeting

Okay, good morning everybody. It is uh t Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 at 9:07 a.m. with the quorum present. I will call to order the free town board select meeting. Uh this meeting is on Zoom. This meeting also is in person at the town hall. Um we will be recording this meeting and it will be available on our town's YouTube page. Today we have just two agenda items. We have a interview with potential library director finalist uh Nicole Keller and then agenda item two is discussion and vote on which selectment will finalize uh the details for this job the library director. So Nicole, thank you very much for joining us.

I know Yep. I know that there's already been a few um interview kind of steps here. So, um, congratulations on, you know, getting to this part. Um, so shall we just jump into it or is there anything else in this? You could.

Okay. Well, Nicole, I'll say I I prepared my questions before I saw your resume and then I read your resume and a lot of my questions were kind of answered. So, um, that is a great thing. Um, so I guess one of just for the for the public record, do you want to just speak a little bit to your background and why you think that you're a good fit for this position?

So I started off in libraries about 10 or 12 years ago as a library assistant. Um, I got that job through community work. So, I was doing the East Bridgewater Arts Council and I was doing a lot of work with the library and other town offices and the library director at the time um offered me a position as a circ and I was like I have no experience in libraries and he's like I can teach you. So, from there um I took that position and I really found my niche and then I wanted to kind of excel a little more and there's a lot not a lot of full-time opportunities in East Bridgewater. So, I moved over to Taton as the assistant circ manager. I was there about six months. That was a little bit of a different community than I was used to. From there, I went to Marshfield where I was the circulation manager for four years. I had a staff of six and 10 substitute um librarians. So, if anyone was on vacation or I was sick, I could call in a sub to cover the desk. Um I also created the homebound delivery program um for community members that couldn't get to the library. And I also isolated a problem that was going on with the Council on Aging bus not bringing residents to the the library. So I started bringing the library to the Council on Aging. So every other week I would go set up a table at the Council on Aging and kind of you know give out books, library cards, just talk to the the patrons that were there. Um then I wanted to try academic library so I moved over to Bridgewwater State University and that was in January of 2020. So I'm sure you know where this story is going to go. So about six weeks later I everything shut down but the library remained open but with my background in circulation I was able to help the dean at the library at the time um keep the library desk open. So I was one of I think five people who worked throughout the whole pandemic 15 months in the building and I really got to see at that time like who needed the services the most and kind of fit into like systemic barriers and all of these things because the students coming in were students that had no electricity or had no access to internet and any of those things. So it really gave me like

a boots on the ground type of um training. Um after that the death settle from a pandemic um we got a new dean and he offered me the position of administrative coordinator for the whole library. The Maxel library is very large. It's four floors. We're open 96 hours. Um so basically a lot of what I did was budget scheduling on boarding um all of those things. And we didn't have a lot of the systems already in place. The woman who had the job prior to me was just a clerk. So due to union constraints, she was only allowed to do certain things. When the position was rewritten, I was able to kind of create a lot of the systems they're using, which was a centralized schedule, um all the budget. Um I took on the whole budget, not just the office supplies. So that was 1.3 million with 800,000 of that just being databases split across two fiscal years. So that was a lot of experience I got from that, you know, and then I kind of transferred over to childhood studies a few months ago and been helping out in kind of both areas. So I'm getting a master's right now in higher ed administration. So working in the academic department kind of helped me kind of understand systems outside of libraries in higher ed. And then I saw this position and I thought, you know, I really do miss the community sense that you get from a public library. I don't get that right now in the college. um you know students are great but they don't want anything to do with you. They don't want to talk to you. They just want what they want and they want to move on with their day. I I could be anybody. So I really missed you know chatting with patrons and chatting with people in the community and understanding what's going on. Um so when I saw this position kind of opened up I realized this would be a good fit for me as far as like getting back into um

we've got some construction going on. Sorry. um to get back into community work but also take the administrative part that I actually found out that I am really good at and that I really enjoy and add together. So that's how I ended up here. Awesome. Thank you very much. Um so a obviously a big part of this job it's it's it is the library itself but then it's also you know attending the uh board of trustees meetings and and sometimes board of select meetings and and town meeting. Uh is that is that going to be any issue for you?

No, I mean I do have I was um chair of the East Victoria arts council for six years on and off. So I had to attend a lot of select meetings. I had to attend town meeting. I had to you know go to different town offices and ask you know what are you looking for? Do you need funding? Um I planned a district-wide art show in that time and I also planned like a celebrating the arts gayla. So, I'm pretty good at maneuvering municipalities in that sense, knowing what what I need to do to get things done.

Awesome. Yeah. Perfect. Um, so one of my concerns or or not concerns, but just, you know, uh was preparing a budget, but you seem to cover that. So, that's great. Um, that's also important part of the role. Um and then you know one concern I always have but I I I think right off the bat I kind of don't have it but is the public speaking part of this. You know one of the important roles is that you know during town meeting where we have an auditori people you have to go and and advocate for yourself and why you need funding to to you know um from from the voters. And so, you know, does that concern you at all? Or do you have any uh issues with kind of getting up and speaking for why why the town should fund your initiatives?

Entirely. I mean, I think public speaking always gives everyone a little bit of nerves, but um I think I always do my research before I speak on anything. So, usually if I'm very if I'm prepared, I have no problem making my arguments. Um I always I'm one of those people who uses context to kind of make all of my decisions. So when I come to something and I'm asking for to make a decision or asking for something I will have like past, present and all of that with me like why I need this like what is what have what have we learned from what didn't work and what did work and why we need this now. So I'm very research based.

Perfect. And so and just to be you know fully transparent which I'm sure this has come up in your other conversations but you know the situation at our libraries is not ideal right now right? Um so you know I just want to make sure that you know there's no shock you know if we if we move forward with this that you you understand the current situation you also understand that we are doing our best right now to try to build a library uh in the future potentially library/coa building which will have its own kind of complexities right of a of a dual a dualpurpose building um just want to make sure you know being 100% transparent and you're prepared for that those kind of uh that situation that is is coming.

Yes. Okay, great. Um, so the other did I mention grants yet? Because that that also, you know, as you know, working municipalities, you're uh the grant side of it is is important. Um, we have right now a situation where since we're out of compliance with the um the MBTA um I forget the name of it right now, but you so we're actually having issues getting grants in general, but we still want to try and and get grants where we can, whether at the state or federal level. So, um, you mentioned you do have experience writing grants and maintaining grants. Yes, through the arts council.

Okay, awesome. Um, one thing that I, so I I Googled you obviously and I did see that um, that the Holmes Public Library in Halifax, they they they offered you a a position. Um, so you obviously did well there and it appears you didn't take that position. I mean um, just just just so we know, you know, I think this is good for the board to know like why didn't why did not why did you decide to not go forward with that position?

Yep. So, um, I went, so I accepted the position initially and then I was invited to a board of trustees meeting where it was made clear to me that they were not completely upfront about the state of their budget, about the state of their staffing. Um, I was told when I was hired that the staff was unionized. Um, come to find out that was not the case. The staff had withdrawn from the union after their hours had been um, cut. So I I kind of put some pieces together about maybe what had happened and why they had withdrawn from the union. Um without getting into too much detail, I just did not think that I think what they wanted me to do was to flip the staff and I did not feel comfortable doing that. Um, I think there was a lot of personnel issues and a lot of mistrust between the trustees and the staff. And as someone coming into a situation like that, you know, you come in and you don't want to start just changing things overnight. You want to you want to watch and get a kind of little lay of the land and understanding things. And I felt that if I didn't move quick enough on the initiatives of the trustees, then they were going to be very unhappy with me. or I would have to do the opposite and I'd have to move quickly on the initiatives of the trustees and then the staff was not going to like me. And I know maybe it's sitting here saying, well, they're not going to like me sounds a bit childish, but I think that you want to have a positive work environment. I don't want I worked in a very toxic environment and I did not want to um I did not want to work in that type of environment or did I want to help create that type of environment. So, I did the hardest thing I've ever done in my whole life because I felt like I worked very hard for that position and that was to withdraw. Um,

yep. You know, and there was a couple other things that I will not get into that happened after that. Um, but that was that was why the decision had been made.

All right, perfect. That's totally fair and that makes sense to me. Um, so let me think what else I have my notes here. Um, yeah. I mean, I think you've covered all of my questions. I think your resume speaks for itself. Um, actually, one follow-up question. So, do you, uh, like long-term plan, do like do do you plan on sticking in a position like this for a, you know, extended period of time or is this, you know, do you see this as something, you know, as a as a growth potential to move on and that ju just so, you know, we know where we stand, right? and and where your long-term vision is and and you can be honest because I think that I think it's a totally fair answer to say that yeah, I want to do this for five years and I want to move on and that's I think that in my opinion that's totally fine. Um but I think it's it's just good for us for to think about the future in the long term.

Yep. So I think that the the library director is my long-term plan. That is where I want that is the career I want to retire from. Whether it be in Freetown or um you know I'm currently getting my masters in higher administration. I've kind of toyed back and forth a little bit, you know, if finances allowed to get the masters in library science. So, you know, if I had that, maybe I would go to a different a bigger a bigger library if you would, but I don't really see that happening in the next five years or so. I have two kids about to go into college, so probably me paying for another masters is probably like I think my husband would like, are you crazy? Need a break, right?

Yeah. So, um, you know, I've been fortunate at Bridgewwater State that my education has been free. And even with leaving BSU, it's still very affordable. Um, whereas a masters in library science is not as affordable. So, I don't foresee that being anything that I'm going to be doing in the next couple of years. Um, so this is kind of the I told the trustees this is kind of this steel like we've kind of hit the end game of like where I wanted to land. Um, I've kind of taken the long way around, but um, this is kind of where I want to land. So,

that's great. and and and I think that uh this you know if I was in your shoes I think this does present a great opportunity just with with us building a new library uh in the future and and you be able to kind of shape and and be very involved in that process. You know I think that kind of uh there's just a great opportunity there that really you know um I think you could have a really big impact on our town. So I think that's exciting. Um and then just f you know the the next step after this is is would be negotiating contracts and and going forward uh just you know is there anything any kind of non-starters from on that side of it that that we should be aware of.

So I have kind of two I wouldn't say issues because I don't like that word but I have there's two areas where I would want to discuss. One is the vacation time. Um, I've been, you know, I was fortunate enough that when I went to Bridgewwater State University, they took all of my years of service from East Bridgewater through. So, I started there already six years in. Um, I'm now vested. I have, you know, 10 over 10 years in the Massachusetts retirement system, which has afforded me four weeks vacation. Um, I would not feel comfortable taking less than three. Um, okay.

Just because that's, you know, I worked all these years to get to that point. Um so that is one one area is the vacation time. Um the sick time was fine. I I don't know if it was personal days. I didn't say anything about that but um you know Bridgewwater I had four weeks vacation plus five personal days. So I'm willing to go down to to three weeks vacation time. Um, and then the other issue I had was um, which I talked to the trustees about a little bit and Paul kind of eased any anxiety I had about this was I don't I don't really like the idea of anyone being alone in a in a building like that, especially after hours. Um, I don't feel comfortable. I think we're living in a new world, especially in this political climate. Um, where, you know, I know this is a safe town. I looked that up, too. I know it's the crime rate is very low, but you know, libraries in my experience um kind of breed. It's a public space, so anyone can commit. You can't you can't tell anyone to leave and it's kind of open to the public. So, I wouldn't want to put any myself or any staff in a position where they're alone and they're uncomfortable. I know there's panic buttons and cameras, but that only goes so far. So, this is something that I did advocate for at Bridgewwater State University because believe it or not, in a building that size on Saturdays, it was only one person in some evenings and I advocated very strongly to get that bylaw changed. There has to be two staff members otherwise we close. So, that is kind of how I feel um about that.

Okay, that those are both of them seem reasonable to me. Um I'm not sure if anyone from the library board of trustees has any kind of input on that on that second uh point there. Is that is that a problem we can solve?

Yeah, we talked about this with Nicole that scheduling would be within her purview and working with the trustees. So that there may be times where that might not be ideal or people will be on vacation cuz we only have a threeperson staff, but for the most part there'll be a lot of flexibility for her to work with her team for everybody's comfort. Um, and the team may have different feelings, but I think we'll be able to really be successful at navigating that and finding everyone's comfort zone. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, that that is a it makes sense to me. Um, you know, and I'm sure we can work something work something out, right? It's uh within our budget. So, okay. Thank you very much.

And we are already um I can also say too that we're already open more than we're required by our um state mandates and regulations. So, we can always make shifts to make sure the public needs are met, but the staff comfort level is there and that everybody's really just doing the best they can. I think we'll we'll figure it out together. And also, you know, hopefully someday there'll be a larger structure with, you know, COA and library, so we'll be able to have different kinds of collaborations. Absolutely. All right. Thank you. We appreciate it. All right. Um, does anyone else on the board here have any additional questions?

Uh, just a couple. Uh, Nicole, thanks for being here. I know it's a different model interview, Zoom in person. So, thank you for being here. I just want to clarify just make you aware that the position that you're you're here for is a by position, non-union. So, I wasn't sure if you're aware of that. Non. I understood that. Yes. Um, as far as the start time, I know you're probably going to want few weeks if not longer to for your current position. Is that something that you need more or? Um, so I would like to give two weeks, but I'm also in a very demanding finance class that ends the 23rd of October, but I can have all my work done by the 17th. Um, I'm working ahead of schedule. So, anytime.

Okay. So, the 17th of October or or beyond, right? Okay. Um, our current director, she's she's moving uh down south and training's big here in Freetown, especially in this apartment. Is there any way we can squeeze you in from time to time, maybe before she leaves to cross train? I do have um a lot of vacation time recruited, so I can certainly I'm sorry if you take vacation time. It's okay. I can certainly take a couple days off to come in and and shadow her. Perfect. Yeah. Everything else you answered uh you asked like Matthew, so thank you for that and you did a great job answering. Thank you.

It's all I have my time back to you. Hi, Nicole. I just got a couple of quick brief easy ones for you at Thomas. Um, thank you first of all for being here. Thank you for your honesty with those questions. I feel like a great job of answering them and, you know, getting straight to the point. So, I do appreciate that. Um, one of the things that you brought up was working in the past and dealing with uh COA, right? And kind of combining the two together. And I love that idea because as you just heard and I'm sure you've already heard before this that, you know, we're really working towards building a joint building where Cal library come together and I love doing anything we can to work on that collaboration. Now they they do work well together, but um is that something that you would also be flexible towards as you know going to the live going to the COA on certain days and you know speaking with the senior citizens who are there who might not have as easy of a time getting getting around and you know maybe delivering them books or talking to them about different things and programs because I feel like um with the we have in place now. We are getting better and better at um really bringing a lot of programs to light that this town is finally offering and um I think as a board we're all very proud of what they've done and I want to see it only grow. So um that I'm assuming that really won't be too much of an issue for you based on your experience what you've done. Yeah, I mean I think that that's I think that's really important and I and like I said, I was able to very quickly see the problem that existed in Marshfield just from listening to the patrons who were coming in or calling and just saying like I'm not homebound. I can I go to the COA and

then me understanding, oh, okay, they can get they're getting to the COA, but they're that one of the stops was not to the library, you know? So, they didn't want to go on that homebound list because I maybe there was they felt like it was negative or something. There was some reason why they felt like they were more able to move around. So, I think it's really important to kind of listen and understand what the needs are. Um, you know, that didn't happen overnight. It took a little bit for me to understand what exactly was going on. But yes, I completely agree and I would love to, you know, kind of start the same thing here where I'm bringing the library to the COA until the library is with the CO. So,

yeah. No, absolutely. Thank you. I I um you know like I said that the sky's is the limit and I feel like bringing your experience from other places will only help. Um so I look forward to you know moving forward and hopefully making this all work out and uh seeing what you do. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. So um I think that concludes the interview part of the agenda. Um so if we move on now and thank you very much to you please stick around. Um the next is agenda item here is discuss and vote on which selectment to finalize the details with the library director. U and Lan do on this meeting do we have to formally uh vote on extending an offer or shall that come after? I think it would come after the negotiation of it expeditiously because we do have a meeting on the 29th, but it sounds like we have the 29th and the 6th to take care of those things based on your availability.

Okay, sounds good. So, I guess uh Jared, Carlos, any any input here on on who would like to uh move forward with these negotiations? Uh, I think at this point I think I've had the most contact with both the trustees and and Debbie. Um, I I I'll be okay with taking it over if that's okay with the board. Absolutely. Your personnel, so it really is, you know, makes the most sense.

That makes sense to me as well. Um, and then just I mean you guys are both there in person now. Um, I think we'd like to move on this as quickly as possible to, you know, just first of all to obviously, you know, if if Nicole accepts the offer to move move her in as fast and if she doesn't, so we can move on and and and try to find another candidate. So, um, I think so. So, do we think that a reasonable timeline is to have something ready for Monday's meeting? That's the goal. That's after this meeting. I'll I'll sit down with Nicole and Lanne and we'll discuss next steps u from there.

Okay, great. Um and then I guess before Oh, so I'm just going to um I'll entertain a motion to have uh selectman Lopes um finalize the details with the library director. Motion A. Do I have a second? You can second it. It's about Carlos. So, you want to second it. Sorry. So, I'll second it. My bad. All in favor? I I Zagger. Yes. Suffman Matthews. Yes. Uh and then before we before we close, um is there anything that the the board library board of trustees wants to add?

Nope. I'll set it with me. All right. Great. Thank you. speak now or forever. All right. All right. Once again, Nicole, thank you very much. Appreciate your time. Um, thank you for having anything I need to do before we close. Nope. Just adjourn. Okay. All right. So, with that, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. Motion made. Second. All in favor? I. Loops. Yes. Selear. Yes. Matthews. Yes. Have a great day. Have a great day. Have a good day everyone. Everybody enjoy the rejo.