RPL Board denied the opportunity for FRPL and other citizens to make presentations to the RPL Board at a critical meeting about the future of Central Library.
The RPL’s draft agenda, posted on Friday July 14, for which citizens had only until Tuesday July 18 at noon to write a presentation and request to make a presentation, included:
8. Discussion and decision items
(a) Board Committees
iv) Strategic Planning Committee
(1) Project Charter
(2) Project Governance Terms of Reference
(3) Colliers Statement of Work for Central Library Renewal Project
(4) Colliers Statement of Work for Central Library Temporary Relocation Project
(5) Branch renewal update
FRPL and other citizens sent in letters requesting to make presentations at the RPL Board meeting on July 25, 2023. In its letter FRPL restated our position that it would be better to expand on the new building, rather than tear it down and rebuild. We went on to ask questions about the criteria for future development and public participation processes. FRPL presentation FRPL to RPL Board July 18, 2023 – fina
On July 21 RPL sent the following email:
.. The topics represented in your submission do not align with topics on the agenda. The Library Board decision made in September 2022 is not under review and the Board’s work to move forward supports its decision to build a new Central Library, with a preference for the current location. The Library’s engagement of Colliers Project Leaders as its owner’s representative was undertaken over three years ago and is not under review. The Library Board does not have purview over how City Council allocates project funding. The many other topics you have included are not in question at this meeting.
As outlined in the Submissions and Delegations Policy, your submission will be included in the Board’s package for their information and later posted to the RPL website. …”
Similar emails were sent in response to Jeannie Mah RPL Board. July 2023 and Florence Stratton LIBRARY BOARD, CENTRAL LIBRARY, JULY 25 2023
The RPL Board continues its efforts to restrict public discussion of its decisions or future plans. Unlike City Council, the RPL Board does not release any details in advance about its agenda items. Reports given at the “public meetings” are not published along with the minutes. The minutes only appear publicly over 2 months after the meetings, after they are approved by the RPL Board at its subsequent meeting, then eventually posted on their website.
NEVERTHELESS, CITIZENS ARE URGED TO ATTEND THE NEXT RPL BOARD MEETING ON JLUY 25 AT 4:30 PM. Check details on the day of the meeting to confirm. https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership/board-meetings-2023
- In person, at the RPL Boardroom on the second floor of Central Library..
- Via Microsoft Teams – you must email the RPL in advance to be included on the list.
- Or by teleconference: check the RPL agenda for the conference call-in number and password.
Friends of the Regina Public Library 