Russell Library Strategic Planning Committee

Russell Library Strategic Planning Meeting January 25, 2024, 5:00pm Draft minutes and other supporting items can be requested in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Present: Kellin Atherton (Chair), Ramona Burkey (Director), Sarah Schulenburg (Recorder), Eamonn Wisneski Absent: Jennifer Hadley 1. Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 5:02 PM by Trustee Atherton 2. Public Comment - No public comment 3. Approval of Minutes of the October 26, 2023 meeting - President Wisneski moved and Trustee Atheron seconded to approve the October 26, 2023 minutes. The motion passed all in favor with one abstention 4. Unfinished Business a. Finalize and distribute “Talking Points” doc to board - Item covered in previous meeting b. Q and A document - The committee took time to review the document. There was discussion about resources that can be linked in the document, such as newspaper articles and information from the library’s website. The Phase II area will have additional links that can be added as Phase II rolls out. The document is succinct and answers potential questions. c. Advocacy and messaging - President Wisneski shared that the Feasibility Committee is moving onto Phase II. The Feasibility Committee has selected a firm - Silver, Petrucelli, and Assoc. in conjunction with Margaret Sullivan Studio. It is a full service firm and will complete many of the tasks to drive the message of the library’s future. The contract with the firms is in progress toward being signed. The library board will hold a retreat in the near future in order to plan for collaboration and moving towards a successful referendum. Trustee Atherton shared that we will continue to need to drive library advocacy with the public to capitalize on the work that the firms will be supporting. President Wisneski said one of the first things the board will need to do is confirm their timelines and fill in accordingly. i. The committee returned to item 4c following discussion of item 4e. PAC efforts - Trustee Atherton shared that the primary purpose is to manage funds that would be used for the purpose of advocacy, such as mailers, digital advertising. PAC paperwork has not been filed at this point. President Wisneski shared that it would be valuable to hear from the newly chosen firms prior to taking action on a PAC, in terms of what the proper vehicle may  be for managing advocacy funds. This will be added as a standing Unfinished Business item to this agenda. Director Burkey shared that the firms will be responsible for educational materials for build/rebuild, etc. but advertisements such as lawn signs encouraging people to “Vote Yes” would need to come through a PAC. President Wisneski referenced the book Before the Ballot as a good read on this topic, which can be found at Russell Library. ii. Trustee Atherton has spoken with several state representatives in support of Strategic Planning and is encouraged by discussions thus far. Director Burkey shared that Senator Murphy’s aide Mr. Jameson will be coming to the library next week to discuss how public libraries work to combat loneliness and isolation in our world of social media, misinformation, and artificial intelligence. d. Timelines - Trustee Atherton shared that this committee will not meet in February in order to bring clarity to some of these items with the full board. e. Russell Library 150th birthday (2026) - Item was covered in previous meeting and is alluded to in the FAQ document - a 21st Century Library would be a great 150th birthday gift. 5. New Business - no new business 6. Adjournment - It was moved (President Wisneski) and seconded (Trustee Atherton) to adjourn at 5:44 p.m. The motion passed all in favor. Next scheduled regular meeting: Thursday, March 28, 2024; 5:00pm Respectfully Submitted, Sarah Schulenburg Sarah Schulenburg, Secretary