HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-18 Board of Library Trustees MinutesMiiiut.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.
d
Who should be pre.seiit? Town Meeting is represented by Finconi.
Should Departinent Heads be present? Only as resources. 'Vvliy is the
Library present`?
Participants discussed this issue at length. Points raised were the
separation of the Library in the Town Charter, as evidenced by the direct
election of the Board by the voters. The Library represents a large
constituency. Is the Board of Library Trustees a-n equal member with the
other three Boards, or is it only there in an advisory capacity? Opinions
varied widely. Since the group does not vote as a whole, it is not really
an issue of membership in the group.
The next discussion revolved around the beliefs needed in a working
relationship. Participants discussed the need to avoid us/them thinking,
to think as we: attack the problem. not people: disagreements should be
brought to the group before being brought to Town Meeting, the need for
mutual respect and open and honest communication.
The budget process for the coming year was discussed. Ms. Grimm
suggested that Firicom hear the departmental requested budgets for all
departments including schools. Is the Town Manager required by charter
to present a balanced budget? Is lie required to present the budget
recomniended by the School Corllmittee to the Fincom? Town Counsel
«-ill be consulted on these issues. It was agreed that Finconi will hear
presentations on all budget needs.
Next steps: a meeting will be held soon to go over revenues, despite the
difficulty of projections ,vitlaout a state budget. A subcommittee will look
at ways to communicate with the public. All boards will look at their
liaison roles and how to better use diem in the budget process. Town
counsel will review issues related to the charter.
Meeting adjourned at Noon.
Respectfully siibiiiitted.
Deirdre M. Brennan
Library Director