Openness New Theme for Library Board Meetings

In an effort to increase transparency between the Morton Grove Library Board of Trustees and the public, some noticeable changes were put into place at last night’s board meeting.

Three video cameras were on hand filming the meeting in its entirety from local media outlets including MGTV. President Mark Albers said the library’s partnership with MGTV would “help instruct [the board] how to tape these meetings and post them on YouTube.” He added this would “give more accessibility to our patrons and our public.”

Earlier: .

Albers also mentioned the possibility of airing the meeting on MGTV in the future.

This new addition comes in the wake of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office stating that the during 11 of 19 executive sessions. The letter from the state’s attorney’s office says the board failed to keep detailed written minutes of the sessions.

The location of the meeting was also changed from its usual spot to the larger Baxter Room in order to “allow for greater attendance,” Albers said.

One resident was able to utilize the new forum to express his disappointment with the board over .

“It is more than unfortunate that some of the actions have - either through ignorance, incompetence or whatever - brought a bad taste to, what is in my opinion, a bastion of this community that has a number of wonderful employees,” said resident Patrick Kansoer. “[Employees] who don’t deserve to be tarred with that brush.”

Residents such as Kansoer now have two separate opportunities to speak during meetings, by commenting either on agenda or non-agenda items.

Board members didn’t spend much time discussing the state’s attorney’s letter or the search for a new director . However, Assistant Director Kevin Justie, who is serving as interim co-director said the library has made it easier for residents to make FOIA requests.

“After addressing all of the FOIA requests that have come in since we’ve been put in this position," he said. "We’ve found that the library is actually required to have FOIA request information posted on the bulletin board and on the FOIA page on our website, so we’ve taken care of that.”

Check back with Patch later today for more on last night’s library board meeting.

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