Trustees of the Great Neck Library system have a heavy schedule for executive sessions ahead as they interview applicants for the position of director and move into the final stages of determining which architectural firm to hire for the renovation of the Main library. In April of this year, the board engaged the firm of Gossage Sager Associates to conduct a nationwide search for a new director. After intensive outreach utilizing various methods and after winnowing through applications, the board will be conducting in-person interviews this week. From the tone of the announcement, it was apparent that the trustees are encouraged by the qualifications of the applicants and are hopeful that the right match is in the offing. The board has reviewed proposals from architectural firms, listened to presentations and will be making yet another site visit this week to a library designed by one of the finalists. From all indications, they will be making a final determination soon and will make an announcement of their decision to the community. Building committee chairman Andrew Greene stated that the timing of the building renovation may work to the library's advantage in this "deflationary building environment."

Business manager Neil Sitofsky is projecting a surplus due to the fact that expenses were lower and revenues are on track. A question was raised regarding the library's contribution to the state retirement system and whether that cost would go up due to the financial crisis and the market's volatility.

The Record spoke with Deputy Press Secretary Robert Whalen in the Office of the State Comptroller who noted that first, the retirement fund is in good shape. He added that the policy of the comptroller's office is to "smooth" any fluctuations over fiscal years to avoid the situation that occurred several years ago when local municipalities enjoyed a few years of low, low contributions and then suffered when the contribution spiked due to the burst technology bubble. Under current policy, the contribution rate would not go below 4.5 percent. The contribution will be 8.5 percent in 2009 and will be 7.4 percent in 2010. These two-year projections allow local governments to plan and budget more efficiently.

Library director Laura Weir announced that two staff members at Levels, Zack Morris and Kris Bauman, have received prestigious awards for their work.

More than one resident urged the board to adopt a Code of Ethics prior to hiring an architectural firm.

One resident asked the board to consider keeping the library open for the entire day before Yom Kippur as many families take children to the library to make sure that they have plenty of reading material available for the day of fasting. As a new contract will be negotiated with staff in the coming months, the personnel committee will take the suggestion under advisement.