Key Messages, November 2024

Key Messages Update
Type
Key Messages

Organizational Excellence

  • New Chair/Vice Chair Appointed: During its annual election, the Board elected Julia Scott as Chair and Joanne de Visser as Vice Chair for the upcoming year. Former Chair Laurey Gillies was praised for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to the Board, and she will continue to serve for the 2022-2026 term. 
  • Ontario Library Service Board Assembly Representative Appointed: The Board reappointed Marie Swift as their representative for the Ontario Library Service Board Assembly. Meetings for the Assembly are held twice a year, providing library board members across the province with an opportunity to share information and discuss how other boards handle governance issues in public libraries.
  • Library CEO & Board Evaluations Completed:  The Library Board completed its annual evaluation of the CEO and passed a motion to commend CEO Murley for her impressive achievements, ability to hit the ground running, and significant relationship-building skills. The Board also completed its annual self-evaluation, achieving 100% participation from its members. The Board expressed confidence in its ability to establish strategic directions, monitor the CEO's performance, develop effective governance policies, and prioritize the organization over individual interests. They presented a positive image of the BMPL and identified risk management and financial literacy as key areas for development.
  • Several Policies Amended: The Board updated the Vacation with Pay policy to align with the Town’s new allotments. Additionally, a series of public usage policies were amended to eliminate unnecessary financial barriers to core services, clarify acceptable behaviours, and remove gendered language following the principles of IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). 
  • New Museum Collection Policy & Deaccessioning Procedure Adopted: The Board adopted a new Museum Collections policy and procedure for deaccessioning items, following the Canadian Museum Association's Guidelines for Deaccessioning.

Community Hubs

  • Final Presentation for the MURFA To Be Determined: The Joint Multi-Use Recreation Feasibility Assessment (MURFA) is on track. Staff are working to secure a date for both Councils to receive the final report in December. The public is encouraged to monitor the project page for updates.

Empowering Services

  • Craigleith Heritage Depot Featured in Canadian Rail Magazine: The Board celebrated the Museum’s feature in Canadian Rail Magazine, titled "The Reimagination of Craigleith Station," authored by Marco and Robert Marrone. This article follows up on a piece written 25 years ago, highlighting the restored space, its historical significance, and its status as the last surviving station on the shores of Georgian Bay.