Note there was no December meeting as it was cancelled due to weather.

The proposed sequence for updating the bylaws was as follows:

• Present an updated version of the bylaws to the Governance Committee.
• Bylaws Task force is to update the policies as advocated by the DESE - with special attention to Open Meeting Laws (OML)
• Karl Smith to gather comments from Governance Committee members and distribute in advance of the February meeting.
• After commentary review and related updates, present the proposal to the Board of Trustees for their review, commentary and approval (goal is to present at March Board meeting).

Ms. Canavan cautioned the group to ensure the bylaws properly reference OML, and that there was absolute clarity when updates to the laws are passed.  She urged proper referencing and making sure that key elements are not 'lost in the policies'.
Other areas noted involved updates and availability of the Board member handbook, ensuring the completeness and accuracy of the bylaws is maintained.

All of the members present acknowledged the importance of maintaining compliance.

The group reviewed the composition report and noted the members with terms scheduled to expire during 2020.   Specifically Fred Ferris will be rolling off in May and is not likely to return.  Additionally in the Fall, Ian Hunt and Ellen Lodgen will also be concluding their terms.  It is believed that Ian will not be continuing and Ellen has fully served 2 terms and cannot return.
General discussion ensued regarding neighboring community participation and that a concerted effort is needed to recruit from those contingents.

It was determined that as part of the committee composition requests to the chairs, Karl Smith as Clerk will request more specifics regarding the demographics of all committee members.

Applicant for Governance Committee membership, Elizabeth Burns was further considered by the team before the vote.

All of the exit interview responses from board members resigning in the past year have been received.  Action item - Karl Smith to summarize create an executive summary to present to the Board at the next scheduled meeting.

Some general discussion ensued covering topics including:

• Board meeting length
• Training and workshops - (potentially brunch or lunch)
• Better public relations efforts for recruiting
• Overview - general expectations, individual, etc.

Feb 4th being the first Tuesday of the month, the group determined the best approach is to keep the standing meeting on the same first Tuesday of the month.

Chris Riegle suggested that the Governance calendar be re-activated and distributed during all future Governance meetings.

Additionally it was determined that the Chairman, Artie Sullivan should request Board on Track training during the next Board Committee.