Trustees set timeline for policy review, meeting format and next steps

Trustees debated how to structure future meeting agendas and advanced a timeline for completing a comprehensive review of library policies.

The chair asked trustees whether to keep separate "new business" and "old business" headers; trustees preferred streamlining so related topics and working-group reports appear together. They agreed to add "review action items" as a standing agenda item near the end of meetings so any unaddressed items are collected and not repeated throughout the meeting.

Trustees agreed on a virtual working-group meeting to finalize comprehensive policies prior to the March meeting. The group decided to proceed with trustee drafting and guidance from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and other public resources rather than immediately retaining outside counsel; trustees left open the option of legal review if needed. The working group set Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. for a virtual meeting to be convened by staff and asked trustees to come prepared to discuss edits and possible final votes at the March meeting.

No formal changes to bylaws or policies were adopted at this meeting; trustees directed staff to circulate drafts and schedule the policy session.