MINUTES
BOARD GOVERNANCE TASK FORCE
ELISHA D. SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOVEMBER 15, 2016
Called to order at 8:00am by Englebert
Present: Englebert, Golz and Wicihowski
Also Present: Director Lenz, and K. Dreyer (Administrative Assistant)
Public Comment/Communication:
None
Discussion/Action Items
Committee/Task Force Structure
The Task Force would like to recommend to the Board of Trustees adding a Governance Committee to replace the Nominating Committee. The work of this committee will revolve around the following five major areas:
1. Board of Trustee Role and Responsibilities
· Lead the Board of Trustees in regularly reviewing and updating Trustees’ roles and areas of responsibility, and what is expected of individual Trustee.
2. Board of Trustee Composition
· Lead the Board of Trustees in assessing current and anticipated needs related to Board of Trustees composition, determining the knowledge, attributes, skills, abilities, influence, and access to resources the Board of Trustees will need to consider in order to accomplish future work.
· Develop a profile of the Board of Trustees as it should evolve over time.
· In cooperation with the Chairman of the Board of Trustee, contact each Trustee to assess his or her continuing interest in Board of Trustee membership and term of service and work with each Trustee to identify the appropriate role he or she might assume on behalf of the organization.
3. Board of Trustee Knowledge
· Design and oversee a process of Board of Trustee orientation, including gathering information prior to appointment as a Trustee and information needed during the early stage of board service.
· Design and implement an ongoing program of Board of Trustee information and education.
4. Board of Trustee Effectiveness
· Propose, as appropriate, changes in Board of Trustee structure and operations.
· Regularly review the Board of Trustee’s practices regarding member participation, conflict of interest, confidentiality, etc., and suggests improvements as needed.
5. Board of Trustee Leadership
· Take the lead in succession planning, taking steps to recruit and prepare for future Board of Trustee leadership.
· Nominate Trustees for election as Board of Trustee officers.
It is recommended that the Governance Committee consist of the Board of Trustees Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary as well as one additional Trustee.
It is also recommended that The Governance Committee currently focus on:
1. Orientation
· Asking current Trustees what information they need or would have liked to have had when they joined the Board of Trustees.
· Assembling an orientation packet.
2. Recruitment
· Leading the board in identifying the skills of our current Board of Trustees and determining what skills are needed.
· Nominating new trustees to the mayor.
Fundraising
It was suggested that each library supervisor brainstorm within their departments and develop one or two new and innovative ideas/programs for their department as part of their year-end job evaluation. This will help identify needs and specific projects to seek funding. At the next meeting, we will discuss the make-up and goals of the Fundraising Committee.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10 at 8:00am.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:55am was made by Wicihowski and seconded by Golz. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Dreyer, recording secretary
