FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Public Library Board of Library Trustees this week reviewed the parking situation at the main branch, as issues have arisen in the tight lot.
During a meeting Monday, officials said that parking enforcement remains an issue at the Old Post Road facility.
According to Town Librarian Scott Jarzombek, the Department of Public Works recently installed signs in the parking lot after problems that included a vehicle remaining there for three weeks during the summer.
Jarzombek said that police do not have jurisdiction over the library lot, and the Traffic Authority must approve the signs before the three-hour parking limit can be enforced. He said the signs already appeared to be reducing parking problems.
Separately, trustees also reviewed changes to the library's Service to Minors Policy following minor language revisions by the town attorney. Jarzombek said the word "adult" was removed from the caregiver section, allowing an older child in sixth grade or above to supervise a younger family member. The caregiver must remain in the same room as the younger person.
Jarzombek said another board vote on those changes was not required.
In other matters, the board backed Kenneth R.P. Osborn to fill a vacant trustee seat.
The board voted to appoint Osborn to a term ending June 30, 2029, subject to approval by the Board of Selectpersons and Representative Town Meeting.
Board Chair Stefanie Borsari said she and trustee John Capasso interviewed two potential candidates. According to the meeting minutes, both were eager to serve and brought different backgrounds to the board.
Borsari said Osborn would bring expertise not currently represented on the board. His background is described as including work with the Defense Department and commercial real estate, as well as involvement with parent-teacher organizations at his children's schools.
Under a new appointment process resulting from changes to the Town Charter, the candidate is scheduled to go before the Board of First Selectperson Oct. 7, and the RTM Oct. 19, with an RTM vote scheduled for Oct. 26, Borsari said.
The vacancy resulted from the expiration of former trustee Andrew Minea's term on June 30. Borsari said the board was behind schedule in filling the seat following a 65-day grace period.
The board also discussed a renewed focus on governance and compliance. Borsari said trustees would concentrate on the fourth goal of the library's Strategic Plan, including compliance with state standards and collaboration with the Friends of the Library. She said board governance, Town Charter requirements, Freedom of Information Act rules and procedural practices would be priorities.
Borsari encouraged trustees to review meeting packets before meetings and arrive prepared with questions and comments.
Jarzombek reported record participation in the summer reading program, including increased participation among teens. He said the adult reading challenge was also popular and that summer reading programming now serves multiple generations.
Jarzombek also reported challenges involving the Main Library's HVAC system and parking lot, along with water issues in the mechanical room near the elevator at the Fairfield Woods Branch Library.
On finances, Jarzombek reported that the library budget was 2 percent underspent. Deputy Town Librarian Jan Fisher said salary expenses had been tracked incorrectly, making Main Library salaries appear overreported and Fairfield Woods salaries underreported. The Finance Department is expected to correct the reporting problem.
The board also reviewed its Display and Program policies. Jarzombek said the Display Policy covers library signage and noted that signs promoting for-profit businesses cannot be displayed on town property. He recommended no changes to the Program Policy.
Trustees are expected to vote on both policies at their next meeting.
The board also discussed whether to establish a Board Governance Committee. Borsari proposed considering such a committee, while the future of the Fundraising Committee will be discussed again after its purpose is clarified.
In the treasurer's report, trustee Erin Harrigan said library endowment funds totaled just under $13.5 million as of Aug. 31, an 8 percent increase from a year earlier.
Harrigan said Mercer had not yet established the process for automatically withdrawing its fees, resulting in outstanding invoices. She said a new platform is now in place and Mercer's $7,500 quarterly fees will be withdrawn directly from the funds going forward.
The board unanimously approved the July and August reconciliations and pending September checks after Fisher confirmed that two outstanding checks had been cashed.
The board discussed its 2027 meeting calendar, which must be submitted to the state by November. Meetings generally will be held on the second Monday of each month, with exceptions around holidays. The April 2027 meeting is planned for the Fairfield Woods Branch Library, while the July 2027 annual meeting will be held at the Main Library. The October 2027 meeting is also planned for Fairfield Woods because of holidays.
Borsari also plans to visit the bank with Jarzombek and/or Harrigan to become a signatory on library accounts and remove Minea as a signatory.
Trustees will discuss their assessment of Jarzombek in executive session at the October meeting. Board members completed assessment forms, and Jarzombek submitted a self-evaluation.
The board also approved amended minutes from its July 13 special and annual meetings.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Fairfield Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.