The Florida Public Library vote will be April 4

FLORIDA — Residents of the Florida Public Library will go to the polls on Thursday, April 4, for the library’s annual budget vote and trustee election.
All registered voters in the Florida School District are eligible to vote.
The vote will take place at the library from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications are available online at www.floridapubliclibrary.org and at the library.
The library's operating budgetTwo propositions will be on the ballot: one for the library’s operating budget for 2019-2020 and one for the election of three trustees.
The proposed tax levy is $472,458 which represents a total increase of $13,318 more than the current year.
Estimated tax rates are $1.31 for the Town of Goshen, an increase of 6 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation and $5.80 for the Town of Warwick, an increase of 15 cents per $1,000.
“This budget is as lean as it can be” said Library Director Madelyn Folino. “Our board wisely decided to think ahead and tackle the issue of the coming $15 minimum wage through incremental increases now rather than waiting for it to hit all at once in a few years.
"We continue to be ‘green’ and save dollars through an upgrade to LED lighting last year., Folino added. "We are especially fortunate to have skilled volunteers who donate their services to maintain the building, as well as the Friends of the FPL who support our programs through funds raised at their used book sales and the Annual Spring Tea.”
Three trustee seatsThree trustee seats are up for election to new terms commencing July 1. Two seats are for full three-year terms and one for one year, the balance of Bill Kelemen’s term. Three incumbents, President Cecelia Lillard, Vice President Diane Arcieri and Kevin Lundell, appointed to replace Kelemen, are all running.
The two highest vote getters will secure the three-year terms.
Diane ArcieriDiane Arcieri has lived in Florida for more than 30 years and is retired from a long career in human resources management and organizational development. She has a B.A. in Spanish from Hunter College and a master’s degree in Human Resources Education from Fordham University.
In addition to her service on FPL’s board as a past secretary, vice president and president and as the current vice president, she also led the development of Florida’s long-range plan and is a trustee on the Ramapo Catskill Library System board of trustees.
“I am seeking another three-year term to be an active partner in providing new and innovative ways to stimulate and meet the needs of Florida’s growing population," Arcieri said. "The library is a community jewel known for the friendliness you feel when you enter its doors, as well as its programs and events that allow children and adults to find their voice and creativity.
"I want to support its future growth and help maintain it as the ‘go to’ place for the community," she added.
Cecelia LillardCecelia Lillard has lived in Florida for 27 years and is the owner of two local businesses: an architectural design and drafting business and one as a licensed massage therapist.
She holds an A.S. in Biology, an A.A.S. in Architectural Technologies, a B.A. in Psychology and a Professional Diploma from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing.
She is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension and serves on their Advisory Committee. She enjoys presenting programs as well as working in community gardens and teaching people the value of gardening.
For FPL, in addition to serving as vice president, and president since December, she has presented many gardening and cooking programs and supervised the Tween Club in building the Little Free Library installed on Roe Brothers’ front porch.
“My favorite thing about the library is how welcoming and friendly it is," Lillard said. "Staff are always ready to help with any questions I have. Thanks to my career in architecture, I bring expertise in planning and navigating the process of looking at a building expansion.”
Kevin LundellKevin Lundell was appointed to the library board in December. He’s a lifelong Orange County resident and a graduate of Goshen High School.
He has a background in internet technology and currently works for The Valley Hospital as a System Analyst in their Information System Department.
He lives in Florida with his wife, Nicolle, and has three daughters, two of whom attend Golden Hill Elementary School.
He is completing a second year as PTA president and also serves on a N.Y.S. PTA Governance Team focusing on male involvement.
For the Florida School District, he serves on the District Advisory Team and recently joined the Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition to work with youth.
“I feel that we are at a very important time in the library’s history," Lundell said. "As we grow, so can our programs, technology and services. I am an advocate for kids and want to continue to provide a positive experience at the library for all. We have such a special facility and I am proud to see it grow and be successful.”
Election Day programsIn addition to the vote, FPL will also feature three programs on Election Day:
• At 10:30 a.m., the weekly Understanding Technology session will feature “Wi-Fi and Data Networks.”
• At 2 p.m., Matthew Cantello will present “Sound Explorers,” a program on the scientific principles of sound that is geared for ages 2-5, but open to all. Bring a percussion instrument or something out of the home recycling bin to make noise and have fun.
• The library welcomes back guitarist Marc Mathelier who will play a variety of songs from classical jazz to New Age from 6-8 p.m. Adults are invited to drop into the music café to sit, listen and enjoy the relaxing music with coffee, tea and homemade desserts.
The library is located at 4 Cohen Circle behind Village Hall. For more information on the election or programs,call 845 651-7659 or visit the library’s website.