Russell Library Board of Trustees

Russell Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 6:30pm Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown CT Draft minutes and other supporting items can be requested in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. AGENDA 1. Call to Order a. Review Community Dialogue Framework b. Mission Moments (Mission: “We empower people to grow, connect, strive and thrive.”) c. Introduction of new Trustees 2. Public Comment 3. Approval of Minutes a. April 25, 2023 Board Meeting b. June 20, 2023 Board Meeting 4. Administration Report – Ramona Burkey, Library Director 5. Committee Reports a. Executive Committee – E. Wisneski b. Finance Committee – A. Becker c. Governance Committee - J. Hadley d. Strategic Planning Committee - K. Atherton 6. Unfinished Business a. Committee meeting schedules 7. New Business a. MOTION: Approve new closure date for fall 2023 staff professional development morning: change from September 22 to November 3 8. Announcements 9. Open Forum/General Good and Welfare 10. Executive Session to discuss strategy and real estate 11. Adjournment Next regular board meeting: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 6:30 p.m.  Russell Library Board Community Dialogue Framework Parliamentary procedure and public meeting requirements set a method for deciding the business of the Russell Library in view of the public. A Community Dialogue Framework provides guidance on improving the decision-making process by encouraging productive discussion. ● Practice open and honest communication. ● Listen carefully, actively, and respectfully. ● Be courteous; do not interrupt another speaker and do not multi-task. ● Speak from personal experience. Use “I” statements to share your thoughts and feelings. ● Support your statements with evidence and provide rationales. ● Respect others’ rights to hold opinions and beliefs that are different from yours. All perspectives are welcome and valid. ● Be open to new and different perspectives. ● If you are offended, speak up. ● Challenge and debate the merits of ideas, not the person supporting it. ● Step up and participate in the conversation. ● Step back and recognize others deserve an opportunity to speak. ● When discussion takes place in Executive Session, respect and maintain confidentiality. ● Share the message, not the personal. ● Trust that dialogue and disagreement will take us to deeper levels of understanding and acceptance.