1999-09-18 Board of Library Trustees Minutes

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Miiiut.es of the Board of Library Trustees Meeting Saturday. September 18. 1999 Reading Municipal Light Department Present: Mrs. Silvaggi, Chair: Mr. Conner. Vice Chair; Mrs. RedfoixL x27sP : 48 Indelicato; Director Brennan. Mrs. Silvaggi called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Facilitator Lyle Kirtman asked each representative to introduce themselves. He then called upon participants to voice opinions on the purpose of the planning retreat. The difficulty of the budget process during the past year, the inherent tensions between collaboration and advocacy, the need for understanding of other board's areas of responsibility, and attempts to collaborate on functions were all cited. Mr. KUrtman then led a discussion of current conditions. Discussion centered around the following points: A perception that Fincom has lost its independence (not shared by Fincom): Concerns that decisions were being made about areas of government without their involvement. as in the Library's case and building maintenance: Diminishing revenues increase pressure and tension: Open hostility between the BOS and the School Committee; Perception among townspeople that Budget Council is telling Town Meeting what to do: The override issue. 'What should be the future purpose of the group? The following points were made: Clearinghorise of information and communication: Planning role: Understanding of each other's needs: Boards should present unified leadership recommendations to Town Meeting: Agreement on the ground rules for the budget process: Continued linkages between boards: It should have a financial focus: Group needs to process ne,,v issues: It could be a Fincom process. with the other Boards participating in it: Increase understanding of_tlre role of staff: It is important to communicate the work of this group to the town at large: Budget Council is not illegal. it is a meeting of Boards to discuss issues.