Norwalk library board debates seeking charter change after city attorney backs mayoral appointment

The Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors discussed whether to pursue a charter revision that would give the board a defined role in selecting the library director, after city corporation counsel indicated the city does not support changing the current appointment process.

At the Feb. 13 meeting, board members reviewed an email from Tom Livingston, the city's corporation counsel, who wrote that the city does not see a compelling reason to change the appointment process. Livingston noted the library has a sizable budget in excess of $4,000,000 and is managed by city employees, and said the mayor should continue to appoint the person who manages the library. The board member who read Livingston's message said the note made clear the city would not support a change but that the board remained free to present its case to the Charter Revision Commission.

Board members debated whether to pursue a formal change to the charter. Several members said the board historically participated in interviews and provided recommendations to the mayor, but that the practice had been a custom rather than a chartered process. One board member said her concern is not about the current mayor but about preserving a defined role for the board in future administrations. Another board member said the previous informal collaboration with the mayor worked well and that the board's participation was not common for a city department because the director is a city employee.

During the discussion a board member located language in the city charter, identified as Section 8.2, that lists mayoral appointees and says the library director is appointed by the mayor with approval of the common council. Board members recognized that language as the current charter text that governs appointment.

The board did not take a formal vote at the meeting. Members asked the chair to find when the Charter Revision Commission will consider that section so the board can gather precise information and, if appropriate, prepare a submission or letter to the commission. The chair said she would find out the commission's schedule and bring the item back for further discussion or a special meeting so the board could decide whether to pursue the change.

The discussion included references to outside parties: Steve Mednick (identified as counsel for the Charter Revision Committee) and Tyler Claiborne (identified in the meeting as the person running the commission). A board member also recommended consulting the Charter Revision Commission's agenda before preparing materials.

Board members emphasized that if the board wants a defined, consistent role in the process, the board should document the collaborative procedure that had been used historically or propose specific charter language (for example, a clause noting that the mayor appoints the director "in consultation with" or "with participation from" the library board).

The item will return to the board once members confirm the Charter Revision Commission's schedule and the board prepares any recommended language for the commission.