Commission elects chair and vice chair; mayor outlines code changes to "re-energize" commissions

The Library and Literacy Commission unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda by voice vote on March 11; the clerk called each member and the chair announced unanimous approval.

Nominations for chair and vice chair followed. A commissioner nominated John Perot for chair; with no other nominations the chair said the sole nominee was elected by default. Nominations for vice chair resulted in Mister Nutter as the only nominee; the chair declared him vice chair by default.

Mayor Grier Hopkins addressed the commission about a borough-wide effort to "re-energize" commissions by asking each body to complete an online survey about goals, meeting frequency and agenda topics. Hopkins said staff is collecting input with the intention of proposing ordinances to change code where necessary — for example to allow commissions to put standing items on agendas or to change how often commissions meet. "What do the commissions want? What is your guys' goal?" Hopkins asked, describing proposed outreach and a timeline that will go to the assembly once staff compiles responses. Commissioners raised concerns about agenda-setting, access to prior patron feedback forms (noting redacted responses in public records), the switch from monthly to quarterly meetings and the choice of meeting venues; Hopkins and staff described a process to receive comments, promised to investigate the redaction question and indicated the code changes likely would be brought to the assembly this summer after the budget work subsides.

Why it matters: changes to borough code and commission procedures could alter how the commission sets agendas, meets and advises the library; the election establishes the members who will lead that process in the coming year.

The meeting concluded with short closing remarks and adjournment.