Thursday, October 15, 2015

City of Boulder 2Q - Amending Charter Provisions Regarding Library Commission

The City Charter language prescribing the powers and duties of the Library Commission in Article IX was written in 1917 and has never been updated. The Library Commission doesn’t currently buy the books or other library materials, write the job descriptions of the employees, or pay the bills as the Charter indicates. In addition, the Library Department has evolved into the Library and Arts Department.

Unlike other commissions, the Library Commission is “under the direction of the city manager.” Ballot issue 2Q removes that language and states that the “commission shall provide recommendations to the city council.”

The Library Commission does review and make recommendations to the library director on the budget, facilities, services provided, and the annual report. In particular, under 2Q decisions on how to spend proceeds from library property sales and monetary gifts would require a “favorable recommendation” from the Library Commission. This ballot issue also puts property sales proceeds and monetary gifts along with the revenue from the library’s small mill levy into a Library Fund and protects the Fund from being appropriated for other General Fund purposes.

Recommendation: FOR

This is a clean-up measure. The city’s charter should be updated to reflect reality.

Boulder Public Library Ballot Measure Webpage
https://boulderlibrary.org/news/draft-potential-2015-ballot-item/
No known campaign website for the Yes side.

Website for the No side
No known website – Info on an opposition website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language

City of Boulder Ballot Question 2Q
Amending Charter Provisions Regarding Library Commission

Shall the Charter be amended to make changes so that the powers and governance of the Library Commission and the uses of the Library Fund are updated to be consistent with other advisory commissions as specified in Ordinance No. 8055?

For the Measure ____
Against the Measure ____

Ordinance 8055 to refer 2Q to the voters
https://documents.bouldercolorado.gov/weblink8/0/doc/130116/Page1.aspx

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